Ogaki Castle in Japan

When I lived in Japan I was very fortunate to live just a few streets away from a very beautiful castle.  Ogaki castle is located in Gifu prefecture in Japan. It is historically significant and famous for its role in the battle of Sekigahara. In 1600 it was used as a base by Lord Ishida Mitsunari. Lord Ishida Mitsunari and Utaki Hideie fought against the Tokugawa forces but Tokugawa managed to draw them out to the field of Sekigahara where they were defeated and Tokugawa Ieyasu’s troops won the battle. The Tokugawa clan ruled over Ogaki until the Toda clan came to power in 1635. The Toda clan then occupied Ogaki Castle until the feudal era ended with Meiji Period. Outside the castle there is a statue of Lord Toda Ujikane who was the castle Lord in 1653. 

My favorite time of year to visit this castle is during sakura cherry blossom season in April in Japan because the castle grounds are filled with beautiful cherry blossom trees.

 Inside the castle there is a museum with a nice display of Samurai armor, castle information, weapons and other historical artifacts. At the top of the castle there is an observatory deck. The admission fee to go inside the castle is 100 Yen.

At the top of the castle there is an observatory deck. You can open the windows to get a better view. On the day I went up to the observatory deck it was raining so the sky looks overcast in the pictures.

When I visited the castle and I saw two Japanese cosplayers outside the castle.

Next to the castle there is a nice park where many people go to relax. There is a jungle gym for children to play on and it is a good park for families to visit. 

This castle is historically significant in Japan and it is a good place to visit in Ogaki!

Information:

The admission fee to go inside the castle is 100 Yen. 
The castle is open from 9 am to 5 pm (enter by 4:30 pm) but it is usually closed on Tuesdays. 
This castle is close to Ogaki JR station. If you walk down main street for a couple of blocks and then turn right you should see signs showing the direction to the castle.
Address: Kuruwamachi 252, Ogaki City, Gifu