Reflect on the Pastoral Landscape of the 99 Islands from an Ancient Temple Visited by Basho
About this spot
An ancient temple said to have been founded by the monk Jikaku Daishi in the Heian period, famous as the site where poet Matsuo Basho visited during his "Narrow Road to the Deep North" journey and composed the verse "Ogata ya ame ni Seishi ga nemu no hana" (象潟や雨に西施がねぶの花). Once, Ogata was a scenic lagoon celebrated alongside Matsushima, with numerous large and small islands dotting the waters before the temple; however, after a major earthquake in the Edo period caused the land to rise, the lagoon transformed into flatland. Today, the landscape surrounding the temple features the mysterious 99 Islands—small islands topped with pine trees scattered throughout the rice paddies—a sight designated as a National Natural Monument "Ogata." The temple grounds offer many points of interest, including an atmospheric mountain gate, Basho's stone monument with his famous verse, and the temple's legendary seven mysteries. Walking slowly through the precincts allows you to spend quiet moments contemplating the scenery beloved by the haiku master.
Tips
About 20 minutes on foot from JR Ogata Station, or about 5 minutes by car from Michi-no-Eki Ogata, with free parking available. Entry beyond the mountain gate requires payment; please register at the reception. The precincts are relatively flat and easy to walk, allowing leisurely worship alongside grandparents.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. The soft light of the afternoon hours bathes the 99 Islands view in serene beauty.
Access & map
〒018-0122 Akita Prefecture, Nikaho City, Ogata Town, Ogata Island 2
Model course featuring this spot
Ogata: A Tour of the 99 Islands and Sacred Springs of Mount Chokai
Akita
Explore features & model courses
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