Discover the heart of Gifu’s castle town culture and flavours on a guided bar-hopping tour through the city of Ōgaki. Famous for its historic role in the Battle of Sekigahara and the long governance of the Toda clan, Ōgaki is also known for its deep-rooted traditions of food, drink, and community.

Step into the evening life of Ōgaki alongside a knowledgeable local guide, who will not only lead you through the streets but also introduce you to the stories, customs, and hidden gems that make the city’s nightlife a living reflection of its history.

Visit two carefully selected local establishments, each chosen to showcase a different aspect of Ōgaki’s unique culinary identity. To ensure a relaxed and authentic experience, the tour price includes ¥1,500 of food and drinks per person at each stop—a total of ¥3,000 included in the fee—so you can confidently enjoy dishes and drinks without worrying about language barriers or payment.

At the first venue, find yourself in a cosy family-run izakaya where recipes have been passed down for generations. Taste skewers of local meats, freshly prepared seasonal vegetables, or regional specialities paired with sake brewed from the clear waters that flow through the city once called “the water capital of Japan.”

At the second stop, perhaps a lively modern bar or pub, sample creative cocktails made with local fruits, crisp beers brewed in Gifu, or casual favourites like karaage chicken and tempura, while mingling with friendly locals who are always curious to meet new visitors.

Throughout the evening, your guide will share stories of how Ōgaki developed under the rule of the Toda lords during the Edo period, when the city flourished through agriculture, trade, and culture, and how those traditions continue to shape the dining scene today.

Learn how the canals and waterways of Ōgaki influenced both daily life and food culture, how festivals and seasonal celebrations bring the community together around food and drink, and how modern establishments blend the warmth of samurai-town heritage with contemporary tastes.

Unlike the crowds of larger cities, Ōgaki offers a more intimate and authentic glimpse into Japanese nightlife, where you can enjoy not only delicious flavours but also genuine human connections. Some establishments welcome you like an old friend, while others surprise you with innovative dishes and drinks that reflect the city’s spirit of creativity.

By the end of this 2-venue adventure, you will have experienced much more than dining out; you will have stepped into the cultural fabric of Ōgaki, tasted the legacy of a city that stood at the crossroads of history, and created memories of conversation, laughter, and shared discovery that cannot be captured in photographs.