Ogaki Castle
A reconstructed castle in a serene park, offering insights into Samurai history and the 'City of Water'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Ogaki Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A reconstructed castle in a serene park, offering insights into Samurai history and the 'City of Water'.
"A charming historical gem with watery delights, perfect for a peaceful half-day trip."
🚶 Easy Walk from Station
Just a 7-10 min walk from JR Ogaki Station, making it super accessible for day trips. :train2:
💧 Drink the Famous Water
Sample the pure, cold groundwater from local fountains. It's a unique Ogaki experience! :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ogaki Castle Keep
Castle grounds
A faithful reconstruction offering insights into Samurai history and the Battle of Sekigahara.
Ogaki Park
Surrounding the castle
A beautiful green space perfect for strolls, especially stunning during cherry blossom season.
Natural Spring Water Fountains
Near the castle and Suimon River
Taste the famous, pure groundwater that gives Ogaki its 'City of Water' nickname.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Embrace the 'City of Water' Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Easy Walk from Station
Just a 7-10 min walk from JR Ogaki Station, making it super accessible for day trips. :train2:
💧 Drink the Famous Water
Sample the pure, cold groundwater from local fountains. It's a unique Ogaki experience! :droplet:
🌸 Springtime Spectacle
Ogaki Park's 200 cherry trees are breathtaking, especially when lit up at night. :cherry_blossom:
💰 Affordable Entry
The low entrance fee includes the castle museum and the more interesting local museum. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Easy Walk from Station
Just a 7-10 min walk from JR Ogaki Station, making it super accessible for day trips. :train2:
💧 Drink the Famous Water
Sample the pure, cold groundwater from local fountains. It's a unique Ogaki experience! :droplet:
🌸 Springtime Spectacle
Ogaki Park's 200 cherry trees are breathtaking, especially when lit up at night. :cherry_blossom:
💰 Affordable Entry
The low entrance fee includes the castle museum and the more interesting local museum. :moneybag:
📅 Check Closing Days
The castle is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ogaki Castle is a charming, albeit reconstructed, historical gem offering a peaceful escape. Visitors appreciate its convenient location, the beautiful park setting, and the unique experience of tasting natural spring water. While the castle keep is modest, the historical exhibits and the overall serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit, especially for those interested in the Battle of Sekigahara.
"A Charming Historical Gem with Watery Delights
Ogaki Castle (大垣城) offers a delightful experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Although it’s a reconstruction (the original was destroyed in 1945 ), the castle has been thoughtfully rebuilt and maintains a strong sense of historical significance. It served as a key base for Ishida Mitsunari during the pivotal 1600 Battle of Sekigahara , and the museum inside does a great job of showcasing this history through armor displays, weapons, and a detailed diorama of the battle .
👍 Highlights:
1. Proximity to Ogaki Station: The castle is incredibly convenient to reach. It’s just a 7-10 minute walk from JR Ogaki Station , making it an easy and accessible stop for travelers. The route from the station is pleasant, with a few souvenir shops and local snack vendors along the way .
2. Ogaki Park & Castle Grounds: The castle is situated within a serene public park . This green space is perfect for a relaxing stroll, featuring well-maintained gardens, open lawns, and a playground area that families will appreciate. The park is also home to approximately 200 cherry trees of 30 varieties, making it a spectacular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot in spring when the castle is beautifully illuminated at night .
3. The City of Water & Fountains: Ogaki is famously known as the "City of Water" . The castle itself was historically nicknamed the "Water Castle" due to its extensive network of moats connected to the Suimon River . A short walk from the castle grounds, you can find natural spring water fountains where you can drink fresh, cold groundwater that gushes up from below. One notable spot is near the Suimon River, and another is at the Kagano Hachiman Shrine, where a natural spring provides delicious water rated among Japan's best . This unique feature makes the city feel refreshing and alive.
👎 Minor Drawbacks:
· The castle keep is modest in size compared to more famous Japanese castles like Osaka or Himeji. Some visitors might find the interior museum a bit small, though it's packed with interesting artifacts .
· The castle is closed on Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday) , so you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly.
💎 Final Thoughts:
Ogaki Castle is a charming and historically significant site that’s well worth a visit, especially when combined with exploring the water-rich culture of its surrounding city. The easy access from the train station, the lovely park setting, and the unique experience of drinking from natural urban fountains create a very enjoyable half-day trip. It’s a solid 4-star destination that offers a rewarding glimpse into Japan's feudal past and a refreshing taste of its natural present.
Tips: For a unique local treat, try mizumanju, a jelly-like sweet chilled in the cold spring water, a tradition dating back over 140 years . Consider visiting on a Wednesday to Friday to also see the nearby Ogaki Folk Museum or other local shrines ."
Royals
"Neat little castle! Ticket includes both the castle museum and the local museum - which was much more interesting. Castle has a really detailed diorama of a battle, which was cool.
I was taking the slow trains from Nagoya to Kyoto, which required a stop in Ogaki; this is a perfect site to see, very near the train station."
Josiah Wadsack
"📍Ogaki Castle 🫶🏻
My 5th castle in Japan. 🫶🏻
Have you guys watched the anime film “A Silent Voice” (聲の形)? It is primarily set in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture! And one of the locations used in the film is just located near the castle ー the playground in Ogaki Park. 💞
Anyway the place was really nice and quiet. It was just us that afternoon and no other people. There’re no personnel and I don’t know if there were, are we allowed to enter the castle.
Anyway it’s a nice place to relax after a 20 minute walk from the station. 😅
It’s pretty breezy in Ogaki City. Love it. 🫶🏻"
Iris Florentino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ogaki Castle is conveniently located just a 7-10 minute walk from JR Ogaki Station. The path is pleasant and often lined with souvenir shops and snack vendors, making for an easy and enjoyable stroll to the castle grounds.
Yes, Ogaki Castle is very accessible by public transport. The nearest station is JR Ogaki Station, which is well-connected. From the station, it's a short walk to the castle.
While specific parking details aren't widely publicized, driving is generally an option for many Japanese attractions. However, given its proximity to the station and the ease of walking, public transport is highly recommended.
For a day trip, taking a train to JR Ogaki Station is the most efficient method. From there, the castle is a short and pleasant walk, allowing you to easily explore the castle and its surroundings.
Yes, Ogaki is known as the 'City of Water,' so exploring the natural spring water fountains near the castle and along the Suimon River is a must. The Ogaki Folk Museum is also nearby and often included with castle admission on certain days.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ogaki Castle is typically open during daylight hours, but it's essential to check the official website for the most current opening times, as these can vary seasonally.
The entrance fee for Ogaki Castle is very affordable, often around 200 yen. This ticket usually includes access to both the castle museum and the Ogaki Folk Museum, offering great value.
Yes, Ogaki Castle is closed on Tuesdays. If a Tuesday falls on a national holiday, it may be closed the following day instead. Always verify before your visit.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the castle. Given the low cost and modest visitor numbers, advance booking is generally not necessary.
The entrance fee is for the castle keep and its museum. The surrounding Ogaki Park is a public space and generally free to enter and explore.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Inside Ogaki Castle, you'll find exhibits detailing Samurai culture, weapons, armor, and a detailed diorama of the Battle of Sekigahara. It offers a glimpse into the castle's historical significance.
Ogaki Castle is a reconstruction. The original castle was destroyed in 1945, and the current structure was rebuilt in 1959. Despite being a replica, it holds significant historical context.
Ogaki Castle is situated within a beautiful public park, Ogaki Park, known for its cherry trees. Historically, it was a 'Water Castle' due to its moats connected to the Suimon River.
Yes, Ogaki is famous for its natural spring water. You can drink from designated fountains near the castle and along the Suimon River; it's considered pure and delicious.
Yes, the surrounding Ogaki Park has a playground area, and the castle grounds offer space for children to explore. The historical exhibits might be more engaging for older children.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle keep itself against the sky is a classic shot. The surrounding park, especially during cherry blossom season with night illuminations, offers stunning photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed inside the castle museum, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for photographing the castle and park. Evening illuminations during cherry blossom season are particularly magical for night photography.
Yes, the castle is surrounded by a moat, which is part of its historical 'Water Castle' designation. You can capture reflections of the castle and park from various angles around the perimeter.
Absolutely! The natural spring water fountains are a unique feature of Ogaki and make for interesting and refreshing photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the chance to let kids taste the famous natural spring water from the local fountains – it's a fun and refreshing experience that ties into Ogaki's 'City of Water' identity. The easy walk from the train station also makes it a stress-free destination for families traveling with little ones.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
As a solo traveler, you can fully immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the park and the historical exhibits without feeling rushed. The opportunity to sample the natural spring water adds a unique local flavor to your solo adventure. It's a perfect stop to break up a longer train journey or to experience a less crowded, authentic slice of Japanese history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Battle of Sekigahara
While the original castle was destroyed during World War II, the reconstruction in 1959 allows visitors to connect with this crucial period. The museum inside features displays of samurai armor, weapons, and a detailed diorama that vividly illustrates the scale and complexity of the Battle of Sekigahara. This makes Ogaki Castle more than just a picturesque structure; it's a portal to understanding a defining moment in Japanese feudal history.
For those interested in the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States period), visiting Ogaki Castle provides a tangible link to the events that shaped modern Japan. It's a chance to walk the grounds where historical figures once strategized and to appreciate the enduring legacy of this significant conflict.
Ogaki: The Enchanting 'City of Water'
A short walk from the castle grounds, you can discover numerous natural spring water fountains scattered throughout the city. These fountains tap into pure, cold groundwater that gushes from beneath the earth. Visitors are encouraged to sample this delicious water, which is renowned for its quality. Notable spots include fountains near the Suimon River and at the Kagano Hachiman Shrine.
This abundance of water not only defines the city's identity but also influences its local culture and cuisine. A unique local treat to try is mizumanju, a jelly-like sweet that is chilled in the cold spring water, a tradition that has persisted for over 140 years. Experiencing Ogaki's water culture adds a delightful sensory dimension to your visit, making it a truly memorable destination.
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