Discover Kosai: History, Culture and Nature

When looking for a hotel in Kosai, your travel interests can help you decide where to stay. The history of the Arai Barrier, the scenery around Lake Hamana and recurring events are all part of the context of Kosai City. This can help you tailor your plans to historical themes, nature or a specific seasonal event.

History and Technology

Historical topics associated with Kosai City include the Arai Barrier, also known as the Imagiri Barrier, which was established in 1600 next to the Imagiri ferry landing. After being relocated following a storm in 1699, it was moved to its present location the following year as a result of the 1707 earthquake and tsunami. The surviving building is the only barrier building in Japan to have been preserved unchanged. It was designated a historic site in 1921 and a special historic site in 1955. The adjoining Sekisho Museum permanently displays materials about the Arai Barrier and the history of roads and transportation. It holds six to seven special exhibitions each year.

The Toyota Sakichi Memorial Museum is another cultural point of interest in the context of Kosai City. It displays many of the looms invented by Sakichi Toyota, along with memorabilia from his life; the exhibits are arranged around his birthplace. The cultural focus thus extends from the history of barriers, roads and transportation to weaving technology. If you are looking for a specific historical or technological topic for your trip, the two museums offer different points of interest.

Lake Hamana and the Landscape

In the context of Kosai City, Lake Hamana at Imagiriguchi is connected to the Pacific Ocean. The Imagiriguchi Taiken no Sato Kaikokan offers water-related educational activities, barbecue facilities and bicycle rentals. This combines educational opportunities with other activities at the site. It offers a different focus for your trip than the historical exhibitions: here, the lake and water-related activities take center stage.

The ruins of Utsuyama Castle are also among the landscape-related sites in the context of Kosai City. They lie on a 51-meter-high ridge that extends into Lake Hamana and are now a viewpoint overlooking the lake. In the regional context of Kosai City, the Kosai Mountains run along the border between Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. There are numerous trekking and trail-running routes there. While Utsuyama is described as a viewpoint overlooking Lake Hamana, the mountains are known for routes for these two activities.

Seasonal Events and Experiences

Seasonal events associated with Kosai City include the plant market at Tōunji, held every year on the fourth Sunday in February. Another seasonal event associated with Kosai City is the Hanamatsuri at the park near Honkoji. The festival is held annually to celebrate Buddha’s birthday, usually in early April; dates may vary. The main hall of Honkoji is also designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in the context of Kosai City. The two events differ in their timing: the plant market is held on the fourth Sunday in February, while Hanamatsuri usually takes place in early April.

A seasonal highlight in the context of Kosai City is the range of activities at Kirakuichi Shokudo in Kaikokan: in summer, visitors can catch eels and then grill them, catch fish, and take part in an experience featuring Kamataki shirasu. In winter, an oyster hut opens. The restaurant is open on event days. The seasonal offerings therefore differ considerably: in summer, the program centers on catching and grilling, while in winter, the oyster hut is the main attraction.

Washizu Fishing Port is also part of the context of Kosai City. A description updated in 2019 notes that visitors can buy seafood caught off Washizu and Irideshi and watch an auction there. Check the latest details before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Gotemba, Ito, Omaezaki, Midaka, Atami, Higashiizu, Shimada, Izunokuni.

For the broader travel overview: Shizuoka Prefecture.