SIGHTSEEING &
THINGS TO DO IN SEINO REGION
大垣市 Ogaki City
Ogaki Castle and Park
Ogaki Castle (Ogaki-jo) 大垣城 is situated in the center of the city. It is located in a pleasant park and during the spring, the cherry blossoms around the park and the castle are particularly beautiful. The park is a good spot for meeting friends and picnicking (BBQs are not allowed).
Sumiyoshi Lighthouse
Heading south of the park past City Hall is the Sumiyoshi Lighthouse and canal area. This is a nice walk, especially during the blossoming spring months. This is the site where the poet Matsuo Bashō finished his famous journey (Oku no Hosomichi or, The Narrow Road to the Interior). It’s marked by a statue of Bashō with his traveling companion, Sora. You’ll also find a red bridge, which looks perfect in photos against the springtime blossom. The wooden boat in the river is a reminder of Ogaki’s importance as a trading post in times gone by. There’s a small museum close by, but there’s little English information.
Sunomata “Ichiya (One Night)” Castle
There’s another castle in Ogaki – and, as legend would have it, the Sunomata Castle was built in just one night. The castle, in the east of the city, was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a general of Oda Nobunaya, while performing a siege on Inabayama Castle. Sunomata Castle is also a popular spot for spring hanami (cherry blossom viewing)
Fresh Water Springs
There are many of them, and several within walking distance of the station. Bring empty bottles, and drink to your heart’s content. The water really is good here, and is used to make local products such as mizu manju (‘water cake’, but more like a jelly), which can be found in the traditional sweet shops along the high street. Look for the carts outside of the stores. Some shops serve the sweet together with muicha (refreshing tea), so you can enjoy a nice sit-down if the sauntering gets too much.
Rest Posts on the Nakasendō
In the Edo Period, the Nakasendō (or the Kisokaido) was one of the five major routes across Japan, used for trade and traveling. Along the route – which ran from Nihonbashi in Edo (Tokyo) to Sanjō Ōhashi in Kyoto – were 69 rest stations. Locally, rest stations were Meiji-juku (Mizuho), Akasaka-juku (Ogaki), Tarui-juku, Sekigahara-juku and Imasu-juku (Sekigahara). Akasaka-juku was the 56th of the 69 stations, which flourished during the Edo Period as it was located in a fertile valley, next to a river.
Ogaki Castle (Ogaki-jo) 大垣城 is situated in the center of the city. It is located in a pleasant park and during the spring, the cherry blossoms around the park and the castle are particularly beautiful. The park is a good spot for meeting friends and picnicking (BBQs are not allowed).
Sumiyoshi Lighthouse
Heading south of the park past City Hall is the Sumiyoshi Lighthouse and canal area. This is a nice walk, especially during the blossoming spring months. This is the site where the poet Matsuo Bashō finished his famous journey (Oku no Hosomichi or, The Narrow Road to the Interior). It’s marked by a statue of Bashō with his traveling companion, Sora. You’ll also find a red bridge, which looks perfect in photos against the springtime blossom. The wooden boat in the river is a reminder of Ogaki’s importance as a trading post in times gone by. There’s a small museum close by, but there’s little English information.
Sunomata “Ichiya (One Night)” Castle
There’s another castle in Ogaki – and, as legend would have it, the Sunomata Castle was built in just one night. The castle, in the east of the city, was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a general of Oda Nobunaya, while performing a siege on Inabayama Castle. Sunomata Castle is also a popular spot for spring hanami (cherry blossom viewing)
Fresh Water Springs
There are many of them, and several within walking distance of the station. Bring empty bottles, and drink to your heart’s content. The water really is good here, and is used to make local products such as mizu manju (‘water cake’, but more like a jelly), which can be found in the traditional sweet shops along the high street. Look for the carts outside of the stores. Some shops serve the sweet together with muicha (refreshing tea), so you can enjoy a nice sit-down if the sauntering gets too much.
Rest Posts on the Nakasendō
In the Edo Period, the Nakasendō (or the Kisokaido) was one of the five major routes across Japan, used for trade and traveling. Along the route – which ran from Nihonbashi in Edo (Tokyo) to Sanjō Ōhashi in Kyoto – were 69 rest stations. Locally, rest stations were Meiji-juku (Mizuho), Akasaka-juku (Ogaki), Tarui-juku, Sekigahara-juku and Imasu-juku (Sekigahara). Akasaka-juku was the 56th of the 69 stations, which flourished during the Edo Period as it was located in a fertile valley, next to a river.
揖斐川町 Ibigawa-cho
Fujihashi Castle
The Fujihashi Castle houses the Nishimino Planetarium, as well as a small historical exhibit.
Tanigumi Main Temple
The temple has a ‘key’ kept in the darkness under the temple. It is said that if you ventures down through the dark path underneath and touch the ‘key’ you will have good luck. Also, Tanigumi-san Temple complex features Japan’s only mummy!
Yashaga-ike
A legendary pond, located at the top of a nice hike in Sakauchi-mura.
The Fujihashi Castle houses the Nishimino Planetarium, as well as a small historical exhibit.
Tanigumi Main Temple
The temple has a ‘key’ kept in the darkness under the temple. It is said that if you ventures down through the dark path underneath and touch the ‘key’ you will have good luck. Also, Tanigumi-san Temple complex features Japan’s only mummy!
Yashaga-ike
A legendary pond, located at the top of a nice hike in Sakauchi-mura.
大野町 Ono-cho
Ono Rose Park
The highest yielding rose nursery in Japn, accounting for 60% of national production. Ono rose breeders created the ‘Blue Heaven’ rose
The highest yielding rose nursery in Japn, accounting for 60% of national production. Ono rose breeders created the ‘Blue Heaven’ rose
池田町 Ikeda-cho
Ikeda Disc Golf
A new discovery in Ikeda is the presence of a Disc Golf course. It is easily accessed on foot or by bicycle. From Ikeno Station of the Yoro Tetsudo-Ibi Line head west. By bike it will take about 10 minutes, and on foot about 20 minutes. Just head west toward the mountain from the train station, and look for a huge domed gym structure located near the base of the mountain.
Ikeda Onsen
One of the best onsens in the area. It is famous enough to bring people to visit from outside of the area, so it gets crowded. To get to the Onsen, go by car or bus. Buses run about once an hour from bus stop 1 at the south side of Ogaki Station. By train, it is about an hour walk from Kita-Godo Station.
Ikeda-san and Ikeda-koen
Great place for Cherry Blossoms; Famous for hang-gliding / para-gliding. There is a hike to the top of the mountain, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours to hike up. It is a “brutal non-stop climb up, and a brutal non-stop climb down.” If you have a car, you can bypass the hike and drive to the top, starting just past Ikeda Onsen. If your drive to the top of Ikeda-san is not enough to quench your thirst for forest driving, there is another road that heads off into the trees in a southerly direction from Ikeda Onsen. It will take you on a long winding trek through dark woods, ending just north of Tarui. Ikeda park is not easily accessible by train. From Ikeda Station, there is about a 40 minute walk west.
Kamagatani Gorge
One of Japan’s national treasures. The sakura (cherry blossoms) that bloom here are ranked amongst Japan’s 100 selected famous places for sakura.
A new discovery in Ikeda is the presence of a Disc Golf course. It is easily accessed on foot or by bicycle. From Ikeno Station of the Yoro Tetsudo-Ibi Line head west. By bike it will take about 10 minutes, and on foot about 20 minutes. Just head west toward the mountain from the train station, and look for a huge domed gym structure located near the base of the mountain.
Ikeda Onsen
One of the best onsens in the area. It is famous enough to bring people to visit from outside of the area, so it gets crowded. To get to the Onsen, go by car or bus. Buses run about once an hour from bus stop 1 at the south side of Ogaki Station. By train, it is about an hour walk from Kita-Godo Station.
Ikeda-san and Ikeda-koen
Great place for Cherry Blossoms; Famous for hang-gliding / para-gliding. There is a hike to the top of the mountain, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours to hike up. It is a “brutal non-stop climb up, and a brutal non-stop climb down.” If you have a car, you can bypass the hike and drive to the top, starting just past Ikeda Onsen. If your drive to the top of Ikeda-san is not enough to quench your thirst for forest driving, there is another road that heads off into the trees in a southerly direction from Ikeda Onsen. It will take you on a long winding trek through dark woods, ending just north of Tarui. Ikeda park is not easily accessible by train. From Ikeda Station, there is about a 40 minute walk west.
Kamagatani Gorge
One of Japan’s national treasures. The sakura (cherry blossoms) that bloom here are ranked amongst Japan’s 100 selected famous places for sakura.
垂井町 Tarui-cho
Ai Kawa
River, great to see cherry blossom trees in April and Fireflies in June
Less convenient locations are Tarui’s northern outskirts include: Takenaka Shijinya—the encampment built by Shigekado Takenaka, son of Shigeharu Takenaka, a military strategist for the great Toyotomi Hideyoshi; Fuwa Waterfalls—just as nice as the Yoro ones, but not nearly as popular.
Asakura Pagoda and Temple
A tall and pink pagoda. Turn left and explore a small forest road that joins the road you’re currently walking on just before you reach the small bridge. If you follow the road, you will not only see a delightful stream, but eventually you will crest a dam and find yourself before one of the most peaceful, serene, and least visited spots in Japan. It’s a small, pristine reservoir with a great sandbar perfect for having a picnic on or for a dip in the summer heat.
Fuwa Reservoir
Big and striking, but nearly empty. There is also great hiking in the area.
Nakasendo
Part of the great East-West trade route that once connected Kyoto with Edo. It runs through Tarui and remains of the town’s main street. Along it are a variety of stores and a couple more temples and shrines.
Nangu Taisha Shrine
A beautiful shrine at the base of a 70 minute hike up Nangu Mountain and a beautiful look out perfect for a picnic. Near Nangu Taisha are several small shops. The most famous is Owariya, which carries very large, bright pink, fish-shaped manju (Japanese desert filled with sweet bean paste).
River, great to see cherry blossom trees in April and Fireflies in June
Less convenient locations are Tarui’s northern outskirts include: Takenaka Shijinya—the encampment built by Shigekado Takenaka, son of Shigeharu Takenaka, a military strategist for the great Toyotomi Hideyoshi; Fuwa Waterfalls—just as nice as the Yoro ones, but not nearly as popular.
Asakura Pagoda and Temple
A tall and pink pagoda. Turn left and explore a small forest road that joins the road you’re currently walking on just before you reach the small bridge. If you follow the road, you will not only see a delightful stream, but eventually you will crest a dam and find yourself before one of the most peaceful, serene, and least visited spots in Japan. It’s a small, pristine reservoir with a great sandbar perfect for having a picnic on or for a dip in the summer heat.
Fuwa Reservoir
Big and striking, but nearly empty. There is also great hiking in the area.
Nakasendo
Part of the great East-West trade route that once connected Kyoto with Edo. It runs through Tarui and remains of the town’s main street. Along it are a variety of stores and a couple more temples and shrines.
Nangu Taisha Shrine
A beautiful shrine at the base of a 70 minute hike up Nangu Mountain and a beautiful look out perfect for a picnic. Near Nangu Taisha are several small shops. The most famous is Owariya, which carries very large, bright pink, fish-shaped manju (Japanese desert filled with sweet bean paste).
関ヶ原町 Sekigahara-cho
Sekigahara Battle Site
5 min walk from Sekigahara station. The Sekigahara Battle Site is where, in the year 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu and 70,000 of his men defeated an army of 79,000, “paving the way for the creation of the shogunate and the beginning of the Tokugawa Era.” Every October there is a Battle Festival, with people dressed up like Samurais.
Sekigahara History and Artifact Center
5 min walk from Sekigahara station. The History and Artifact Center holds seasonal/yearly exhibits about the Battle of Sekigahara, as well as information about major world battles at sister cities (e.g. The Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA; The Battle of Waterloo, Belgium). Previous exhibits have displayed armor soldiers wore during the Battle, real swords used in battle, as well as a storyboards and maps to better understand the war.
Sekigahara Station Center for Tourism and Exchange
A step outside of Sekigahara station. Newly opened in 2015, the Center for Tourism and Exchange is the town’s primary gift shop for purchasing all of your Battle souvenirs and snacks. Selling everything from T-shirts, to East vs. West Army-flavored ramen, to replica swords from the battle, The Center for Tourism and Exchange is your number one stop when you first arrive in Sekigahara.
Sekigahara War Land: Theme park with samurai-robots.
Mt. Ibuki
Although actually in Shiga-ken, given its proximity, and the fact that its driveway is in Sekigahara, we’ve included it. There is a paragliding school based at the bottom of the mountain. The ski resort is basic but it does the trick if you’re craving powder but don’t have the time or money to travel far. The hike is a fun if somewhat taxing two to three hour round trip from the gondola that takes you halfway up. You can also drive to the top if you’re willing to pay the toll (about 3000. The top boasts good views of Lake Biwa on a sunny day, wide fields of wildflowers, and a small village of food and souvenir vendors.
5 min walk from Sekigahara station. The Sekigahara Battle Site is where, in the year 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu and 70,000 of his men defeated an army of 79,000, “paving the way for the creation of the shogunate and the beginning of the Tokugawa Era.” Every October there is a Battle Festival, with people dressed up like Samurais.
Sekigahara History and Artifact Center
5 min walk from Sekigahara station. The History and Artifact Center holds seasonal/yearly exhibits about the Battle of Sekigahara, as well as information about major world battles at sister cities (e.g. The Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA; The Battle of Waterloo, Belgium). Previous exhibits have displayed armor soldiers wore during the Battle, real swords used in battle, as well as a storyboards and maps to better understand the war.
Sekigahara Station Center for Tourism and Exchange
A step outside of Sekigahara station. Newly opened in 2015, the Center for Tourism and Exchange is the town’s primary gift shop for purchasing all of your Battle souvenirs and snacks. Selling everything from T-shirts, to East vs. West Army-flavored ramen, to replica swords from the battle, The Center for Tourism and Exchange is your number one stop when you first arrive in Sekigahara.
Sekigahara War Land: Theme park with samurai-robots.
Mt. Ibuki
Although actually in Shiga-ken, given its proximity, and the fact that its driveway is in Sekigahara, we’ve included it. There is a paragliding school based at the bottom of the mountain. The ski resort is basic but it does the trick if you’re craving powder but don’t have the time or money to travel far. The hike is a fun if somewhat taxing two to three hour round trip from the gondola that takes you halfway up. You can also drive to the top if you’re willing to pay the toll (about 3000. The top boasts good views of Lake Biwa on a sunny day, wide fields of wildflowers, and a small village of food and souvenir vendors.
安八町 Anpachi-cho
The SANYO Solar Ark
This colossal structure is a solar photovoltaic power generation facility. The building includes a Solar Lab, a museum of solar energy and other unique exhibitions.
Anpachi Hyakubaien Park
Between March and April, check out the 139 varieties of Plum trees. From Ogaki Station, get on a bus from stop #2 or #3 on the south side of the station that is bound for Gifu-hashima Station, get off at 青刈 and walk about 15 minutes.
Heartopia Center
An Observatory, an insect museum, a small historical museum and the best place to eat a set lunch in town (700 yen).
Anpachi Onsen
Only 300¥. Small, but a nice place to relax.
This colossal structure is a solar photovoltaic power generation facility. The building includes a Solar Lab, a museum of solar energy and other unique exhibitions.
Anpachi Hyakubaien Park
Between March and April, check out the 139 varieties of Plum trees. From Ogaki Station, get on a bus from stop #2 or #3 on the south side of the station that is bound for Gifu-hashima Station, get off at 青刈 and walk about 15 minutes.
Heartopia Center
An Observatory, an insect museum, a small historical museum and the best place to eat a set lunch in town (700 yen).
Anpachi Onsen
Only 300¥. Small, but a nice place to relax.
養老町 Yoro-cho
Yoro Koen
The most popular reason for going to Yoro. It is a pleasant mountainside park that is great for viewing fall foliage and cherry blossoms (more than 3,000 cherry blossom trees in the park). Filled with omiyage shops and often food vendors.
Yoro Falls
The site of Japanese legend, and named one of Japans top 100 Waterfalls.
The Site of Reversible Destiny
A large-scale experiential art installation designed to make visitors question their state of reality.
The most popular reason for going to Yoro. It is a pleasant mountainside park that is great for viewing fall foliage and cherry blossoms (more than 3,000 cherry blossom trees in the park). Filled with omiyage shops and often food vendors.
Yoro Falls
The site of Japanese legend, and named one of Japans top 100 Waterfalls.
The Site of Reversible Destiny
A large-scale experiential art installation designed to make visitors question their state of reality.
輪之内町 Wanouchi-cho
Satsuma Samurai Tombstone
Memorial site for all of the Satsuma samurai who died trying to reconstruct Wanouchi after a large flood in the past.
Memorial site for all of the Satsuma samurai who died trying to reconstruct Wanouchi after a large flood in the past.
海津市 Kaizu-shi
Ochobo Inari Jinja
Ochobo Inari Jinjya has a festival the last day of every month. From dusk to the wee hours of the morning, regardless of season or weather, you can enjoy the usually festival trappings of food, drinks, games, produce, and cheap oddities.
Suishonoyu (水晶の湯) Onsen
This onsen is big and new, and right on the side of a mountain. It’s has indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, and massage. If you do not have a car, you will have to taxi from Komano Station, or walk for just under a half hour. From the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain, there’s a free shuttle bus that will take you up to the onsen.
Kisosansen Koen
The majority of it lies in Mie and Aichi kens. The park is where 3 major rivers meet: Ibigawa, Nagaragawa, and Kisogawa. The park has grassy patches, a tulip festival in the spring, and “illumination” in December. To get to the park, take the Yoro Tetsudo-Yoro Line to Ishizu station or Tado station, and then a bus to the park.
Ochobo Inari Jinjya has a festival the last day of every month. From dusk to the wee hours of the morning, regardless of season or weather, you can enjoy the usually festival trappings of food, drinks, games, produce, and cheap oddities.
Suishonoyu (水晶の湯) Onsen
This onsen is big and new, and right on the side of a mountain. It’s has indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, and massage. If you do not have a car, you will have to taxi from Komano Station, or walk for just under a half hour. From the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain, there’s a free shuttle bus that will take you up to the onsen.
Kisosansen Koen
The majority of it lies in Mie and Aichi kens. The park is where 3 major rivers meet: Ibigawa, Nagaragawa, and Kisogawa. The park has grassy patches, a tulip festival in the spring, and “illumination” in December. To get to the park, take the Yoro Tetsudo-Yoro Line to Ishizu station or Tado station, and then a bus to the park.