Ogano: An Inspiring Rural Retreat
Ogano, Japan, is a medium-sized town located in Saitama Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and verdant forests With parts of the town occupying the borders of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Par. The countryside charm and natural beauty of Ogano lure visitors to its fold for a much-needed breather away from the strains of city life.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ogano and its neighboring towns is from April to June when the weather is perfect. Since Ogano has not been on the radar of many tourists yet, Ogano JP hotels always offer good deals to guests. The town welcomes more visitors than usual, though when it holds the Gun Festival of Ogano, a Shinto ritual of gunfire dedication that takes place in December at the Yahata, Iida Shrine.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The Torii Kannon Temple is open to the public for hiking and viewing the three Guze Dai Kannon statues. A must-go is the Yamazaki Art Museum for its impeccable art collection from the Old Masters of the European art belonging to the French Rococo period, Romanticism, and others. Breeze through the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum, located in the city of Tokorozaw to learn about the history of aviation in Japan through its extensive displays. After this, you can then relax at your room in Ojikaso, a ryokan with a 140-year-old historical fireplace and hot spring bath. Or you may opt to stay at Hotel Mets Komagome, which provides unrivaled services and amenities. A bit farther from Ogano but worth staying at is the iconic Echigoya Ryokan, one of the oldest in Narai and offers unrivaled hospitality.