Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area - Gifu

Located in Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area is one of the places to view Shirakawago's famed gassho-styled houses.

Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area

Ogimachi Castle Observation Area History

The Ogimachi Castle was once a mountain fortress erected to protect the village from bandits and invaders. It also serves as a lookout point where the defenders have a perfect view of the village and the land that leads to it. Today, all that remains of the Ogimachi Castle are some of its stones and its name. However, one thing remains the same... the beautiful view of Shirakawago and its gassho-style houses (many of which are the same houses built centuries ago).
The trail up the observation area.

The view from halfway up the trail. 

Tourists can now head up to Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area by following the cemented pathway found east of the Wada house. However, keep in mind that this place is closed during winter as the pathway tends to get slippery and at times covered with deep snow. 
One of the signages at the observation area.

Here's the view from Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area

How many gassho-style houses can you see?

Some information about the town.
Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area - Shirakawago, Gifu Prefecture

On the other hand, what's nice about the Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area is that it's free. You don't need to pay an admission fee or environmental fee (like those in the Philippines) to visit it. The only worry you'd have is if you have enough energy and strength to walk up to the observation area.

One of the rest areas at the top

Check out this shrine

The camping grounds at the observation area.

Walking back down the town...

The observation area as seen from the town below.

 My wife and I got to visit the Ogi-machi Castle Ruin Observation Area during our 15th day in Japan. This was also our last stop during our visit to Shirakawago. It was truly a perfect way to end our exploration of the historic village as we had no more energy to walk more afterward. It's also safe to say that my best photos of the village were mostly taken from the observation area. 
Team Nicerio visits Ogimachi Castle Observation Area

Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area Admission Fee:

Good news. There are no admission fees to enter the Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area.

Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area Opening Hours:

Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area is open 24 hours a day.

Why visit Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area?

Looking for that perfect photo of Shirakawago? Then head up to Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area to see the picturesque view of the heritage town. Don't forget to check out the shrine and camp area in the vicinity as well. 

Getting to Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area:


From Tokyo Station, ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama Station. From there transfer to a bus to Shirakawa-go. 
Travel cost = ¥12730. 

From the parking lot, you have to cross the Deia Bridge and walk several meters towards the Wada House. Look for a fork and follow the path leading uphill to reach the Ogi-machi Castle Ruin Observation Area.

 Ratings:
Crowd
Cleanliness
Overall rating
Location: Japan, 〒501-5627 Gifu Prefecture, 大野郡白川村 荻町

Comments

  1. themassagelifestyleMarch 8, 2019 at 10:42 PM

    The observation areas are simply stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tracy AlbieroMarch 8, 2019 at 10:48 PM

    This looks like a quaint place to visit. So authentic looking. Very lush in greenery. The kind of place you can spend hours in exploring. Looks like you had fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 11, 2019 at 2:57 PM

      I agree Tracy. Shirakawa-go is on such place. It was truly a blessing that we got to see this with our own eyes. Gotta love to revisit this place again someday.

      Delete
  3. Laura LatelyMarch 8, 2019 at 11:24 PM

    Looks like a really cool place to visit. I love the little historic village houses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 13, 2019 at 4:36 PM

      Given the chance, you should visit Shirakawa-go. You will surely love this historic town.

      Delete
  4. Ivan JoseMarch 8, 2019 at 11:36 PM

    Such an idyllic destination. All those greens are so relaxing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownMarch 9, 2019 at 12:05 AM

    Looks like something out of a fairytale! Now I want to go there! Thanks for the beautiful pictures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 13, 2019 at 4:37 PM

      You're welcome. I do hope you get to visit this place too in the near future.

      Delete
  6. CenduMarch 9, 2019 at 12:06 AM

    Your trips always make me wan to travel. These pictures are lovely, such a great view from the top. I love that you also include fun historical facts about the places you visit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 13, 2019 at 4:39 PM

      Thanks Cendu. I'm happy you appreciate that. I love history and traveling so I try to integrate both in my blog. =)

      Delete
  7. Hoang Vi FessendenMarch 9, 2019 at 4:22 AM

    Okay, wow! The images are beautiful and there's just something about this architecture and village that seems so historical!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 13, 2019 at 4:40 PM

      It is actually very historical. =) This small town has been there for hundreds of years already and some of the houses are century-old houses already.

      Delete
  8. MatijaMarch 9, 2019 at 5:29 PM

    This village looks so adorable, and it's great that it's free, so you can explore and enjoy your time there, I just hope that the tourists don't litter because most of the time without having and admission fee that tends to happen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 15, 2019 at 8:43 AM

      The good thing with Japanese culture is that they are very particular with litter. I'm happy to note that tourists tend to be quite disciplined when they are in Japan.

      Delete
  9. SamarMarch 10, 2019 at 1:21 AM

    The most helpful part was the map and the detailed directions.

    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. aisasamiMarch 10, 2019 at 3:08 AM

    I haven't been to this part of Japan but I can visit this during Golden Week. Gifu is nearby me!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sanjota PurohitMarch 10, 2019 at 5:20 AM

    amazing! Last picture is very cute :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 15, 2019 at 8:46 AM

      Thanks you. My wife would surely love your comment.

      Delete
  12. Blair villanuevaMarch 10, 2019 at 1:25 PM

    This is gorgeous place and i could imagine the fresh air. I like how you captured these images

    ReplyDelete
  13. Blair villanuevaMarch 10, 2019 at 1:25 PM

    This is gorgeous place and i could imagine the fresh air. I like how you captured these images

    ReplyDelete
  14. Carmen | Wellington World TravelsMarch 10, 2019 at 3:33 PM

    The village looks so serene. The simplicity of the gassho-styled houses adds charm to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 15, 2019 at 8:48 AM

      I agree. That's why Shirakawa-go is a must visit for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

      Delete
  15. AnonymousMarch 10, 2019 at 11:09 PM

    Perfect place to roam and the view is awesome. Thanks for shring your experience and the review for this place. Seems you had a fantastic time.
    Elizabethe O

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 15, 2019 at 8:49 AM

      I really did have a fantastic time. I wish you could come and visit Shirakawa-go as well to experience its raw beauty.

      Delete
  16. Nina NicholsMarch 11, 2019 at 6:44 AM

    The castle ruin is so beautiful it definitely is worth the visit. I can't believe it's free! How do they maintain the area?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 15, 2019 at 8:51 AM

      Well the Japanese are known for their culture of cleanliness. It's automatic for them to pick up litter. Aside from that visitors tend to copy what the locals do. Hence there is very little -to no litter at all.

      Delete
  17. Yonnah MMarch 11, 2019 at 7:37 AM

    It looks amazing. I can see why you’d recommend it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 15, 2019 at 8:53 AM

      I do hope you get to visit Ogi-machi Castle Ruin Observation as well. =)

      Delete
  18. siennylovesdrawingMarch 11, 2019 at 8:38 PM

    very nice scenery of this place, absolutely love the photo that you have captured from half the trail. Wishing I will be travel & visit this place soon. cheers, siennylovesdrawing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 15, 2019 at 8:54 AM

      Hi Sienny. I must admit, my photos did was not able to capture the full beauty of the place. I do hope you guys could visit Shirakawa-go someday so that you could see what we have seen on our travels.

      Delete
  19. thequeenmommaMarch 12, 2019 at 3:22 AM

    Spectacular place. The destination is picturesque. I just wonder if it's not a hassle to go there, I would want to visit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 15, 2019 at 8:58 AM

      It's quite a challenge to visit since it's very far from the major airports but there are buses going here. You may want to check out the Getting there section of my article.

      Delete
  20. Jasmeet SinghMarch 12, 2019 at 6:17 PM

    This looks like some place from a story book.Very close to nature. Beautiful images

    ReplyDelete
  21. chadden2001March 13, 2019 at 10:21 PM

    This seems like a perfect opportunity for photography, if you ask me. Such a beautiful place, thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 15, 2019 at 9:00 AM

      Thank you Chadden. I hope you get to visit this place someday.

      Delete

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