Ogaki city has plenty to experience. Those with even the slightest interest in haiku poetry, or even history in general, should be sure to check it out. Ogaki boasts a rich history and is the location where the famed haiku poet Matsuo Basho ended his epic Journey on the Narrow Road. With its location near the important battleground of Sekigahara, Ogaki also has an interesting and dramatic history in connection with the Warring States Period.

Over this past Golden Week, a friend of mine visited for a few days and I had the chance to rediscover the charms of the city I've lived in for almost 2 years. We walked from my apartment to Ogaki station, and headed south, stopping at a locally run sushi joint for lunch.

This place has amazing lunch deals, including a nigiri sushi lunch set that only costs 600 yen. I absolutely swear by it. A dozen pieces of sushi (including a few sushi rolls), along with an appetizer, miso soup, and some fruit for dessert round out a massive lunch set that satisfies even foreigner-sized appetites.

A great way to top off this lunch is to stop by one of the numerous Japanese sweets shops along the main road for mizu manjuu, a dessert unique to the city and a favorite of the locals.

We continued heading south until we hit the entrance to the Ogaki Castle grounds. We relaxed outside, taking in the impressive, newly renovated castle. The castle also features a fascinating museum inside (200 yen) that features artifacts and exhibits dealing with local history and culture.

Ogaki Castle Album

From there, we continued along the path through the castle grounds, which leads straight into Ogaki Park. Further south from the park lies the area where Matsuo Basho ended his Journey on the Narrow Road. Boulders engraved with haiku of Basho are strewn throughout the area, and there is also a commemorative statue of Basho and one of his apprentices.

Trees arch over one of Ogaki's many waterways and traditional red bridges really make for a picturesque slice of Japan, and it's easy to imagine myself transported to ancient Japan. I never get sick of overlooking the water from one the bridges.

Ogaki Album

There is plenty more to the city than what I’ve mentioned above, but these are a few things to start you off.

For more on Ogaki, see the Ogaki City Tourist Guide

Access: JR Ogaki station (JR大垣駅) is accessible via the JR Tokaido Line (JR東海道線), Yoro Railway (養老鉄道), and Tarumi Railway (樽見鉄道).

Ogaki Castle Museum (大垣城、資料館)
Operating Hours: 9am-5pm (Last admittance 4:30pm)
Closed on Tuesdays and the day after National Holidays

- Collin S.

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