Oka Castle Ruins: A National Historic Site 6
Oka Castle, also known as "Gagyū-jō" (Sleeping Cow Castle) due to its layout resembling a reclining cow, holds significant historical value. Originally constructed in 1185 by local samurai Ogata Saburo Koreyoshi to welcome Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the castle later became part of the Okahan domain in 1594, under the governance of Lord Nakagawa. The existing castle ruins date back to the work of the first lord of the domain, Nakagawa Hideshige. The site consists of several key compounds, including the Honmaru (central keep), Ninomaru (second compound), Sannomaru (third compound), and Nishinomaru (western compound). From the Honmaru, visitors can admire the breathtaking Kuju Mountain Range, while the Kikudo-mon gate offers views of Mount Aso and the castle town. Notably, the Ninomaru features a statue of composer Rentarō Taki, sculpted by famed artist Fumio Asakura. The castle remains a prominent site for exploring Japan’s feudal past and appreciating scenic landscapes.