Enjoy a relaxed walk around Ogaki, a historic city of water

Cruising along the Suimon River, which runs through the city, in spring while the Sakura cherry blossoms are in full bloom (late March to early April) is magnificent. After the Sakura flowers have fallen (mid-April to early May), the Tarai Bune boat is available. Please be noted that services are limited to the spring season.
Winding down on the river on a fine spring day would be a perfect relaxing treat.
(Cruising: 1,000 yen per person. Tarai Bune boat: 2,000 yen per boat. Cruising time is 30 min.)

Feel the rich aroma of the Hinoki cypress wood as you walk along the Suimon River from the Musubi no Chi Memorial Hall. Then appears the “Masuya” store, a Masu cup (wooden sake cup) atelier and souvenir shop. Various Masu cups are displayed inside, from the traditional ones succeeded from generation to generation, up to new products including mobile phone straps and magazine racks using the Masu cup material which match the modern lifestyle. Enjoy your time even just by looking around.
“Masuya” also offers a “make your own Masu cup” course. Why not make your original piece?
(Course fee: 1.000 yen. Duration: 45 min. Up to 16 participants at a time).

The Ogaki Castle can be found in the Ogaki Park, which is a 7 minute walk from the JR Ogaki station. The castle was made as the main base of Ishida Mitsunari, commander of the Western Army during the Battle of Sekigahara. After the Edo period, the Toda clan maintained the Ogaki Domain in peace for 235 years. The Suimon River runs through the old outer moat of the castle, which proves how rich in water the city is.
The castle was once designated as a national treasure. Unfortunately it was burnt during the World War II. In 1959, the castle tower was restored and renovated. Today, the castle together with the Ogaki Park has become a relaxing area for citizens.
The castle is four stories. Displays, diorama art, and descriptions of the Battle of Sekigahara both on visual and audio tools can be found. A splendid view of the city and the Sekigahara field can be observed from the tower top, giving you a refreshing feeling. (Admission: 100 yen)

Matsuo Basho’s life work “Oku no Hosomichi” was compiled based on a foot trip which started from Edo, around the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions for five months, and ended here in Ogaki as the final destination. His trip was concluded in 1689 (Genroku 2), when Matsuo was 46 years old.
The “Oku no Hosomichi Musubi no Chi Memorial Hall” is located in a quiet place along the Suimon river, not so far from the Ogaki Castle. Take a round inside the hall to see the displays on Matsuo Basho and 3D movies showing his trip route. There are five different beautiful 3D movies that are shown by turns.
The landscape that spreads before the hall building, Ogaki Funamachi Kawaminato (river lighthouse) is selected as one of the country’s places of scenic beauty of “Oku no Hosomichi Fukeichi”. During the blooming of the Sakura cherry blossoms, there are sightseeing boats that come and go from the Kawaminato, which attract a lot of tourists.
The haiku poem that Matsuo read at this final destination “Sadly, I part from you; Like a clam torn from its shell, I go, and autumn too,” expresses his feelings on how hard it is to say farewell to his trip, just like it is hard to separate a clam from its shell. Standing at the Kawaminato of Ogaki, and soon to depart to Futamiura, when autumn is about to end… How nostalgic it is to feel the end of a long journey. (Admission: 300 yen)

Our recommended souvenir from the city is the Kinchoen’s “Mizu Manjyu”. This traditional store which started its business in 1798 (Kansei 10) is one of Gifu’s leading confectionery store. You can find their finest Japanese sweets using Ogaki’s fresh water.
The refined taste of bean paste and the smooth dough give a perfect taste. Take note that there is a branch just in front of the Ogaki Station. Get your last-minute souvenir here.

Sake brewing which makes the most of the local pure water is popular in Ogaki. A five minute walk from Ogaki station will take you to Takeuchi Shuzo (sake brewery) which started its business in 1744. Tasty sake brewed by local artisans using Ogaki’s water is available.