Hello from the THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA team!
If you are visiting Takayama this autumn and looking for an activity to enjoy at night, be sure to check out the Enakogawa Autumn Light-Up event!
The Enakogawa Autumn Light-Up runs from October 1 to November 30, 2026, illuminating the trees along the Enakogawa River (or Enako River) each evening from 17:30 to 21:00.
The Enakogawa area sits just north of Takayama Betsuin temple, and it has a quietly different character from the famous Sanmachi district in Takayama Old Town. The river itself once served as part of the moat surrounding Takayama Castle, which adds a subtle historical layer to what is already a beautiful neighborhood.
As the autumn foliage comes into colour, the illuminated trees reflected against the white-walled storehouses create a scene that is both striking and serene. The light-up covers 7 out of 19 bridges spanning the river. One of the small pleasures of the walk is noticing that each bridge has its own design and character, none quite like the next.
If you visit in spring, the same stretch of river comes alive again with cherry blossom illuminations — so there is something to look forward to whatever season you come.
The river is approximately 20 minutes from JR Takayama Station, or about 10 minutes from Takayama Old Town. For more information or other recommendations, be sure to ask our guest services team!
