When I visited Kawagoe, I made a special plan to try the eel rice at Ogakiku, and it definitely did not disappoint!
My favorite was the shirayaki eel. Without any sauce, you can really taste the eel’s natural sweetness and aroma. The skin was lightly crisp, and the meat was tender with no muddy taste at all. It was honestly impressive from the first bite. Paired with steaming hot white rice, every bite was so satisfying. If you have a chance to visit Kawagoe, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s the kind of dish you’ll fall in love with right away.
After arriving in Kawagoe, I’d suggest going to Ogakiku first to get a numbered ticket, then taking your time exploring the old town. Come back for your meal after that, and the whole trip feels much more relaxed and enjoyable.
Ogakiku | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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Kumoba Pond
Located in one of Japan's premier plateau resorts, Karuizawa, this serene pond has become a staple on the tourist route. Once the surrounding area was a villa region for foreigners, it earned the nickname "Swan Lake" because swans would come to visit in the winter.
Stepping into Kumoba Pond in autumn, the sight before me was so beautiful it nearly brought me to tears! The maple leaves around the pond glowed red, layer upon layer of pure romance. The entire pond was dyed crimson, and the scene was so unreal it felt like stepping into an anime!
The most incredible part was the flawless reflection on the water! The moment the sunlight poured down, the deep blue sky and mountains covered in red leaves all fell into the water. It was so beautiful I couldn't stop pressing the shutter, and every photo was good enough to use as wallpaper.
Walking along the red carpet of fallen leaves, listening to them rustle beneath my feet, with a hint of autumn in the air—the soothing feeling was off the charts! -
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Tower of Osaka Castle
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the country during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), began construction of the tower of Osaka Castle in 1583 and completed it in 1585. The castle was later destroyed during the Osaka Natsu no Jin（summer campaign of Osaka） in 1615, but was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1626. However, the castle keep was destroyed by lightning in 1665. In 1931, the castle tower of the Toyotomi period was reconstructed with donations from Osaka citizens.
Osaka Castle is a very iconic historic attraction in Osaka. When you see the majestic castle keep from a distance, you can immediately feel the atmosphere of an old Japanese castle. The white walls paired with the green roof look gorgeous and imposing, making it hard not to stop and take photos.
This time I visited Osaka Castle in person, strolling slowly along the paths inside the grounds while admiring the moat, stone walls, and surrounding natural scenery. After climbing the castle keep, you can also look out over the city of Osaka from above. The view is very expansive, and the exhibits inside let you learn about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the history of Osaka Castle. -
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Goryokaku Tower
Goryokaku Tower, built adjacent to Goryokaku Park, offers a bird's-eye view of the Goryokaku Ruins, a special national historic site, from 90 meters above ground, and is loved by locals and tourists alike as a landmark of Hakodate.
Goryokaku Tower is one of Hakodate's most iconic landmarks. From the observation deck, you can clearly see the distinctive star-shaped fort in Goryokaku Park, and the view from above is truly spectacular.
On this visit to Goryokaku Tower, I looked down from the observation deck and took in the entire five-pointed-star-shaped moat and lush green park. The exhibits on the observation deck also helped me learn more about the history of Goryokaku and the Battle of Hakodate. -
