Koga – Culture, History and Nature

Koga brings together historical heritage, several museums and Koga Kubo Park. This offers different ways to plan your trip: you can explore Koga’s history, take a closer look at art and literature, or plan your stay around the blossoms and the Peach Festival. These topics give you concrete points of reference for considering Koga as a destination.

History between Koga-Kubō and a castle town

From the late Muromachi period through the Sengoku period, Koga was the seat of the Koga-Kubō; during the Edo period, it was a castle town. Its historical connections therefore span different eras. The Koga History Museum opened in 1990 on the grounds of a former outer fortification of Koga Castle. Its permanent exhibition includes materials on Rangaku and an overview of Koga’s history from prehistory to the present. It also features paintings and calligraphy by Okuhara Seiko and Kawanabe Kyosai. The themes of individual presentations may change.

Literature and art connected to Koga

The Koga Literature Museum displays works by authors connected to Koga. These include 永井路子, 小林久三, 佐江衆一, 粒来哲蔵, 粕谷栄市, 山本十四尾, 沖ななも, 一色悦子 and 金田卓也. Materials related to the picture magazine コドモノクニ are also on display. The literary theme therefore encompasses both the works of the named writers and the connection to a picture magazine.

The Koga Street Corner Museum provides an opportunity to view important works of art, particularly by artists with connections to Koga. The first floor has a permanent exhibition, while the second floor houses a citizens’ gallery. These two areas give the museum different exhibition focuses. At the Koga Tenkoku Museum, you can also try seal engraving by making a reservation in advance. Check the reservation requirements before your visit.

Blossoms and the Peach Festival at Koga Kubo Park

Koga Kubo Park covers about 25 hectares and has beautiful flowers in every season. The park is also home to about 2,000 flowering peach trees. The Peach Festival is held there every year from March 20 to April 5. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for your intended visit. The park, peach trees and festival offer a seasonal focus alongside Koga’s museums and historical themes.

Historic site and pilgrimage route

At the site of the Koga-Kubō residence, the remains of moats and earthen ramparts are clearly visible. The site is designated as a cultural property of the prefecture. The visible traces in the landscape and its designation as a cultural property complement the museums’ historical themes with a specific place connected to the Koga-Kubō.

The Koga Shichifukujin pilgrimage route can be walked year-round, including outside the event day on January 11. Access to individual shrines may vary; take this into account when planning. Koga’s historical and cultural offerings thus include exhibitions, a pilgrimage route and a site with visible remains.

Discover more destinations: Ryugasaki, Bandō, Yachiyo, Tsukuba, Chuo, Itako, Jōsō, Hokota

For the broader travel overview: Ibaraki Prefecture.