Step back into the living history of Japan with a guided tour that takes you to two of Ōgaki’s most important landmarks: Ōgaki Castle and the Ōgaki City Local History Museum. Discover the samurai spirit that shaped the city, from the turbulent era of the Warring States to the stability and cultural flourishing of the Edo period.

Begin at Ōgaki Castle, a site of immense strategic importance during the decisive Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. From its strong position in western Mino Province, the castle served as a vital base for movements of the Western Army, and its fall after the battle marked a turning point that solidified Tokugawa Ieyasu’s control over Japan.

In the aftermath of victory, the Tokugawa entrusted the castle to the Toda clan, loyal vassals whose governance stretched for nearly 230 years throughout the Edo period. Under the Toda lords, Ōgaki grew not only as a political and military center but also as a thriving castle town.

Through agricultural development such as new rice paddies and irrigation projects, the domain strengthened its economy, and the town expanded as merchants, artisans, and farmers contributed to its prosperity. At the same time, cultural and artistic traditions blossomed, as samurai patronage encouraged Noh theater, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and local festivals that left a lasting imprint on community life.

Complementing the castle is the Ōgaki City Local History Museum, where carefully curated exhibits provide deeper insight into how the region evolved under Toda rule. View artifacts ranging from weapons, armor, and documents that recall the turmoil of war, to tools, artworks, and cultural treasures that illustrate daily life and artistic refinement during more peaceful times.

With your knowledgeable guide leading the way, you will not simply see buildings and displays, but understand the human stories behind them—the struggles of generals in battle, the policies of lords shaping their domain, and the ways common townspeople found joy and meaning under samurai governance.