Just 30 minutes by train from Nagoya, the city of Ogaki, which retains the atmosphere of a castle town, offers a special experience where you can enjoy the flow of pure water. This is the popular event unique to this city rich in spring water: the Ogaki Tub Boat Tour.
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Located in the center of Nishi Mino in the western part of Gifu Prefecture, Ogaki is blessed with an abundance of groundwater, so much so that it has long been known as the "City of Water." Known as the birthplace of haiku poet Matsuo Basho's travelogue "The Narrow Road to the Deep North," the town is also home to Ogaki Castle, which served as the base of Ishida Mitsunari's Western Army during the Battle of Sekigahara, and Sunomata Ichiya Castle, said to have been built in one night by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From late March to May, the town is home to boat rides, tub boats, and the Ogaki Festival, which was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site in 2016.
What is a tub boat? — A historical experience inspired by the "Oamu story"
Ogaki Castle served as the base of Ishida Mitsunari's forces during the Battle of Sekigahara. Legend has it that after the battle, when the castle was on the verge of falling, Oamu, the daughter of Ishida Mitsunari's retainer Yamada Kyoreki, escaped in a washbasin.
[Schedule for 2026] Viewing from the river—the one and only tub boat
The "Water City Ogaki Tub Boat" was created in homage to this "Oamu story." It remains popular with many people today, allowing them to experience the history of the castle town of Ogaki.
The tub boats depart from the boarding area right next to the municipal Higashisotomachi parking lot and travel approximately 1.1 km in about 30 minutes to the disembarking point at the Ogaki Funamachi River Port Ruins, which is designated as a national scenic spot.
Dates: April 25th (Sat), 26th (Sun), 29th (Wed/Holiday), 2026 / May 2nd (Sat) - 6th (Wed/Holiday)
Operating hours: Morning: 9:20 / 10:40 / 12:00 Afternoon: 13:40 / 15:00 / 16:20
Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes (one way)
Boarding fee: 3,000 yen per boat
Number of tub boats: 24 per trip
Access to the boarding area:
・ 10-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Ogaki Station
・ 2-minute walk from the municipal East Outer Parking Lot
Recommended points
While Sado Island is famous for its tub boats, Ogaki is the only place in Japan where you can experience them on a river! Enjoy a special time leisurely gliding along the pristine waters of the Suimon River in a tub boat.
Bathed in the warmth of spring, the scenery of Ogaki, the "City of Water," viewed from the water is truly exceptional. Why not experience the breathtaking views unique to this "City of Water," a perspective quite different from what you'd see on foot?
For reservations and details, please click here.
This popular spring event is perfect for sightseeing, dates, and family trips. Why not enjoy the charm of Ogaki, the "City of Water," while gently swaying in a traditional tub boat?
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