FORUM8 Rally Japan 2023 in Iwamura, Ena, a place of timeless history

This one’s for the history and automobile fans out there! The city of Ena was one of hosts to the “FIA World Rally Championship FORUM8 Rally Japan 2023” from the 16th ~ 19th of November 2023 last month, with crowds thronging the various routes in Ena City and the Nenoue Kogen plateau, which straddles Nakatsugawa City and Ena City.

This event was truly one-of-a-kind – it’s not every day that sports cars are seen around ancient grounds and beautiful mountaintop scenery. Visitors were also treated to many performances as well in the historical townscape of Iwamura by the percussion group ‘Iwamura’ and ‘Iwamura Castle Women’s Drums’ which added to the very lively atmosphere in the area.

While the big event has long ended, you can always plan your own trip to The Iwamura Castle Ruins and Castle Town, which among a number of spots in Gifu perfect for anyone who wants to feel like they’ve travelled back in time to ancient Japan.