Eniwa offers a range of options for a trip: natural attractions, regional products, and archaeological remains. The municipality is home to a large forest park, waterfalls, gardens, a farm that operates seasonally, and a museum, among other places. When planning, it is worth considering each destination and how to get there separately—especially the Eniwa Gorge, which is not served by public transportation.
Forest Park and Waterfalls
Midorino Furusato Forest Park covers 37.8 hectares. Its attractions include the “Forest Trim Adventure” obstacle course and walks along a nature observation trail. This means you can choose between an activity on the course and a nature observation walk in the park.
Another natural attraction is the Eniwa Gorge. Hakusen Falls is 15 meters high and 18 meters wide; its shape is compared to an elegant white fan. Sandan Falls cascades through the gorge in three white tiers. The two waterfalls offer different scenery for a visit to the gorge.
Be aware of the parking situation: There is no parking lot near the first Sandan Falls you see. Instead, drive to the parking lot at Rarumanai Falls or the parking lot at Hakusen Falls. Access information may change; check it before you travel.
Gardens and Activities
Hanafuru’s garden area includes seven gardens, each with its own concept. If you would like to explore different garden ideas, you will find more than just one style of landscaping here. Forest Adventure・Eniwa offers something different: an adventure experience in the treetops for children and adults.
Forest Adventure・Eniwa offers two course formats: the Adventure Course has 35 activities across five stations, while the Canopy Course has 23 activities across three stations. The numbers give you an idea of the different sizes of the courses. Check the latest operating details before your visit.
Regional Offerings and Getting Around
Hana Road Eniwa offers soft-serve ice cream, drinks, bread made with local ingredients, and curry made with “Konayuki Tonton” pork. The pork comes from animals raised on pastures in Eniwa-shi. Hana Road is located at the intersection of National Route 36 and the Izari River, where salmon swim upstream.
A digital tourist information display at Hana Road Eniwa can be switched to one of five languages and shows information about sightseeing spots and restaurants. It can be helpful for finding your way to these two types of destinations. The Kanona direct sales stand sells fresh vegetables, wild vegetables, and flowers from around 70 producers, mainly from Eniwa-shi. The stand reopened in April 2020.
At Murakami Farm, you can enjoy a dairy experience that includes milking and butter making. The farm operates seasonally, so check availability before your visit. The drive from the farm to New Chitose Airport takes approximately 30 minutes, though travel time may vary.
Archaeology and Everyday History
The Eniwa City Historical Museum was established in 1990. It preserves numerous archaeological finds from ruins and displays household items donated by residents, as well as agricultural tools from the Meiji period. The museum therefore focuses on both objects from everyday life in the past and archaeological finds.
Among the objects on display is a lacquered comb made about 3,000 years ago, in the late Jōmon period, and excavated at the Karinba Ruins. The comb connects a specific find site with a tangible object from prehistoric times.
Getting to the Eniwa Gorge
From central Eniwa, you can reach the Eniwa Gorge via Prefectural Road 117: the drive is approximately 18 kilometers, or around 25 minutes by car. Buses and other public transportation to the gorge are not available. If you are planning this trip, take the need for a car into account when choosing where to stay. The approximate distance and travel time refer to the drive to the gorge, not to other destinations in the municipality.
Discover more travel destinations: Makkari, Shinhidaka, Akkeshi, Shibetsu, Otaru, Hamatonbetsu, Shiraoi District, Minamifurano
For the main travel overview: Hokkaido.
