Poetry in Motion: Mizu-manju making, masu making, sake brewery and tasting tour in Ogaki
Take the road less traveled - dotted with fresh, gushing springs and paved in epic history blending seamlessly into the present here in Ogaki. Stroll around this city of deep, understated beauty, which flourished as both a post town and a castle town on the Tokaido Highway during the Edo period, and you‘ll be quick to find vestiges of a bygone era sketched into its visage - from the boats ambling down in its river canals, to the sturdy remains of an old lighthouse and port, and the large storehouses that house elaborate festival floats. One can also easily find numerous, famous sites of natural spring water around the area, living up to its name, the “City of Water” from days of old. Delight in the fresh verdure of the cherry trees lining the banks of the Suimon River, the sight of the iconic red Sumiyoshi Bridge, the soughing of the lone weeping willow gently swaying in the wind as ducks and black carp swim idly by while you follow the footsteps of unparalleled haiku poet, Matsuo Basho at the final stop of his major journey on foot, and a setting from his masterpiece - Oku no Hosomichi, (often translated as The Narrow Road to the Deep North).
Try your hand at traditional crafts like mizu-manju (sweet water mochi) making and masu (wooden box) making, with steps inspired by techniques used in tasks like water transportation and sake brewing from the past, cultivated by the region’s abundance in water. Experience it all for yourself here, where folk tales are born of, that speak of the intimate connection between the lives of the local people and the sustenance afforded by water. Let your worries drift away as you soak in the goodness of life here at the Water Capital, rivers undulating like poetry in motion.
Recommended points
● Dotted with fresh, gushing springs throughout its region, Ogaki lives up to its name, the “City of Water”, from days of old. It also features an epic history that blends seamlessly into the present, having flourished as both a post town and a castle town on the Tokaido Highway during the Edo period, with vestiges of a bygone era sketched into its visage, remaining to this day.
● Make your very own mizu-manju, a classic staple of summer in Japan, using fresh spring water. Learn about how the locals keep cool in the sweltering summer heat as you relish your handmade Ogaki dessert.
Choose between the following as part of this course, A or B
A: Traditional sake brewery tour and sake tasting
With traditional Japanese sake brewing designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024, the popularity of sake has continued to grow from strength to strength. Get to know all about the magic that goes into brewing bottles of delicious sake as well as its illustrious history and important place in Japan through this sake brewery tour at the renowned Miwa Shuzo Sake Brewery, which includes sake tasting. Only available for those 20 years or older.
B: Traditional masu making craft
Make your own masu through this very special workshop at Masu Workshop Masuya! Masu are wooden boxes that were used to measure an old and treasured Japanese art, and of course, a masu of your very own creation. rice in Japan during the feudal period, but are now largely used for drinking sake. Ogaki is Japan's largest masu producer, with 80% of the country's masu produced here. Hammer, glue, and shave fragrant pieces of Japanese cypress under the careful guidance of an experienced craftsman and walk away with new knowledge of an old and treasured Japanese craft, and of course, a masu of your very own creation.
● Enjoy a delicious, light meal of onigiri (Japanese rice balls) made of Gifu Prefecture-produced Hatsushimo rice cooked in the pure waters of Ogaki. You will also be having your very own handmade Ogaki specialty, the refreshing mizu-manjuu as dessert!
Overview
- Season
- 2025/4/1～2025/10/31 (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri)
- Activity Time
- 6 hours
- Place
-
Funamachi Base (example)
2-1 Funamachi, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture. 503-0923
- Number of Participants
- 2 to 8 people
- Reference Price
- From 34,300 yen per person
- Starting Point
- JR Ogaki Station, South Exit
- Ending Point
- JR Ogaki Station, South Exit
- Meeting Time
- 9:15
- Schedule
-
・9:15 - Depart Ogaki Station
・9:30～10:15 - Mizu-manju making at Funamachi Base (introductions, preparations, kneading, steaming)
(A: Traditional sake brewery tour and sake tasting)
10:30～11:10 Walk to Miwa Shuzo Sake Brewery, tour interior of brewery, sake tasting
(B: Traditional masu making craft)
10:30～11:30 Walk to Masu Workshop Masuya, make a traditional masu with guidance and explanation from a craftsman
・11:40～13:00 - Light refreshments and dessert at Funamachi Base, including deliciously chilled mizu-manju.
*After lunch, you have free time to explore the Funamachi area (Oku no Hosomichi Musubi no Chi Memorial Hall, nearby natural spring water sites (jifunsui), Funamachi Port, Sumiyoshi Lighthouse and more). Then, depart for Ogaki Station by taxi.
・13:30 - Arrival at Ogaki Station, dispersal
*This itinerary is an example
- Important Information
-
・ Please choose between the two activities available within this course.
A: Traditional sake brewery tour and sake tasting
B: Traditional masu making craft.
・ The chosen activity is done as an entire group (ie everyone).
・ Option A (brewery tour and sake tasting) is only available to participants who are at least 20 years old.
- Contact Information
-
Discover GIFU
Phone number: +81-(0)58-265-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp
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