7 recommended sightseeing spots in Ogōri City! Packed with Tanabata Legends, Frogs, and Literature

Ogōri City in Fukuoka Prefecture is known as the “Lover’s Sanctuary and Village of Tanabata,” famous for the “Tanabata Shrine” that preserves the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi. With a picture book titled “The New Tanabata Legend” set in Ogōri, and the 7th of every month designated as “Monthly Tanabata,” it’s fair to say Ogōri is the perfect sightseeing spot for couples.

Of course, Ogōri is also a great travel destination for people other than couples. This time, we’d like to highlight some of the top recommended sightseeing spots in Ogōri.

1. Nyoiin Temple

Nyoiin Temple, located in Yokokuma, Ogōri City, was founded in the year 729. It is also affectionately known as the “Frog Temple” and is a popular tourist spot.

It all started when the head priest brought back a jade frog from China, and since then, frog statues have increased all throughout the temple grounds. In the “Frog Room,” there is a collection of around 2,000 frog items, creating a dreamlike world for frog lovers.

Nyoiin Temple is also famous for the annual “Hatsu-Kannon Fire-Walking Ceremony” held on January 17. Anyone can participate in this sacred ritual, so why not visit Ogōri and pray for good health and safety?

By the way, even the charms and fortunes are frog-themed! The “Frog Omikuji,” which also serves as a frog figurine, makes a great souvenir from your trip to Ogōri.

2. Tanabata Shrine

Tanabata Shrine, officially named “Himekoso Shrine,” is a shrine located in Ōzaki, Ogōri City. As the name suggests, it is associated with the Tanabata legend and enshrines the deities Himekoso-no-Kami and Orihime-no-Kami.

Every year on August 7, the Tanabata Shrine hosts a summer festival adorned with Tanabata decorations and colorful strips of paper. In addition to traditional events like mikoshi (portable shrines) and lion dances, visitors can enjoy performances on a special stage in the evening.

Speaking of Orihime, you may be wondering about Hikoboshi. Across the Hōman River, at the facing shrine called Oimatsu-gū, the deity “Hikoboshi = Kengyū” is enshrined. It’s as if the Tanabata legend itself is playing out, with the Milky Way between them!

3. Shiroyama Park

Shiroyama Park is developed at the foot of Hanatateyama, the only mountain in Ogōri City. Inside the park, you can see 400 azalea trees, as well as cherry blossoms, irises, and wisteria, allowing you to enjoy seasonal scenery. It also features a multipurpose plaza, playground equipment, a pond large enough for boating, and a popular barbecue facility used by around 1,000 people annually.

Furthermore, the barbecue pits are available for rent free of charge. Enjoying a barbecue surrounded by Ogōri’s great nature is an exceptional experience! Just keep in mind that a reservation is required to use the barbecue facilities, so don’t forget if you plan to visit Ogōri.

4. Ōnakatomi Shrine

Ōnakatomi Shrine enshrines the deity Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto, known as a god of luck and success. Located in Fukuwara, Ogōri City, the shrine is also known for its academically valuable tower gate and its “Rice Porridge Divination” used to predict crop yields and disasters.

The highlight of the site is none other than the “Shōgun Wisteria.” Estimated to be 650 years old, it is designated as a natural monument by the prefecture. The name comes from the story that General Prince Kaneyoshi offered the wisteria tree in gratitude for his recovery from battle wounds, believing it to be due to the shrine’s protection.

In mid-April, during peak bloom, the popular “Shōgun Wisteria Festival” is held in Ogōri, and the magnificent flowers hanging from a 500-square-meter trellis are illuminated, creating a breathtaking scene well worth seeing.

5. Kyushu Historical Museum

If you want to learn about Kyushu’s history, this is the place! Opened in 1973, the Kyushu Historical Museum in Misawa, Ogōri City uses four exhibition rooms to host permanent and special exhibitions.

The museum showcases artifacts such as stone tools, pottery, and Buddha statues mainly from northern Kyushu, including Fukuoka Prefecture. It also features archaeological materials and research findings. A rare highlight is the chance to observe preservation and restoration work in action.

It’s about a 10-minute walk from the nearest station, Mikunigaoka Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Ōmuta Line. This is a must-see sightseeing spot in Ogōri, especially for those interested in ancient history.

6. Mise Daireiseki Shrine

Mise Daireiseki Shrine, founded in 202 AD by Empress Jingū, is a shrine in Ōbo, Ogōri City, enshrining Emperor Chūai as its principal deity. The shrine gets its name from the “Mise Daireiseki,” a stone dressed in armor in place of the late Emperor Chūai, who died before the conquest of the Kumaso.

It’s said that Empress Jingū had the stone armored to avoid lowering the morale of her troops. After her victorious return, she enshrined the stone as a spiritual substitute for the emperor.

The stone still rests within the precincts, so when visiting Ogōri, why not pay your respects while reflecting on its history?

7. Utarō Noda Literary Museum

The Utarō Noda Literary Museum, located in Ōitae, Ogōri City, introduces the life and literature of poet Utarō Noda, who was born in Ogōri. Through many photos and documents displayed in the museum, you can gain insight into his character.

Utarō Noda is also known for pioneering the genre of “Literary Walks.” The valuable documents and old maps he collected during these walks are a must-see even for those not particularly interested in literature.

Note: A phone reservation is required to view the materials, so make sure to plan ahead. The closest stations are Nishitetsu’s “Ogōri Station” or the Amagi Railway’s “Ōitae Station.”

◎ Summary

So, how did you like our introduction to seven recommended sightseeing spots in Ogōri? Ogōri offers places where you can feel nature and history, as well as unexpected attractions that will delight those with specific interests.

While Saga Prefecture’s Tosu City is well-known for its outlet malls, why not take a trip next door to Ogōri City in Fukuoka Prefecture? After enjoying some sightseeing, treat yourself to Ogōri’s local specialty—duck dishes—and sip on local sake named after “Orihime” or “Kengyū”… now that’s a perfect way to wrap up the day!