2026 Koga Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in April)

I visited "Suzume Shrine," the main guardian of Koga, located in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture‼️ At the entrance of the shrine stands a massive sacred zelkova tree🪵 It is reportedly worshipped by the locals, who affectionately call it "O-Suzume-sama"🛐 Hearing the name "Suzume" (sparrow), I thought, what an adorable name for a shrine‼️ The origin of the name is actually said to be a corruption of "Shizume Shrine" (Shrine of Tranquility), which became "Suzume Shrine"😁 The main building exudes history; it stands imposingly and looks truly magnificent in person✨ There was also a Kagura hall and a Mikoshi storehouse on the grounds‼️ There were cherry blossom trees🌸 too, but unfortunately, they had already turned to green leaves... The exact founding date of the shrine seems to be unclear and unknown💦 However... Starting with Shigeuji Ashikaga, who became the first Koga Kubo in 1455, it was deeply revered by successive Kubos, as well as the Tokugawa shogun family and the lords of the Koga domain‼️ It seems to be a shrine that has been protecting Koga for a very long time‼️ I found some stairs connecting the shrine grounds to the riverbank👀‼️ Going up the stairs and standing on the Watarase River embankment, there is a golf course right in front⛳ In the distance, there is a bridge called "Mikuni Bridge"🌉... I heard it was named "Mikuni Bridge" (Bridge of Three Provinces) because it spans the three ancient provinces of Shimosa, Shimotsuke, and Musashi😁 On a clear day, you can apparently see as far as Nikko, Mount Haruna, and even Mount Fuji🗻‼️ Also, on the embankment, woven with the ancient name of Koga (許我), a "Manyo Monument" is erected💦 A Manyo Monument... You can really feel the history‼️ With the season of fresh greenery approaching, this is a shrine I'd love to visit again😃✌

From March 14 (Saturday) to March 29 (Sunday), 2026, the 50th Furukawa Peach Blossom Festival is underway! The Furukawa Peach Blossom Festival has a long history, dating back to the Edo period when the lord of Furukawa Domain, Doi Toshikatsu, planted peach trees in his territory for viewing. At the venue, Furukawa Kubō Park, about 1,800 peach blossom trees of six varieties including Yaguchi, Genpei, and Kiku peach are blooming in competition, turning the peach grove into a vibrant pink spectacle that is breathtakingly beautiful. During the event, visitors can enjoy special desserts themed around peach blossoms paired with local Sajima tea for a delightful peach blossom afternoon tea experience. There is also a hot air balloon ride available, offering an aerial view of this dreamy peach forest. On March 21 (Saturday), there will be special events including a peach blossom light show, lanterns, and fireworks. Highlights include the double-flowered Genpei peach that blooms red and white flowers, and the broom-shaped branches of the Terute peach. Visitors strolling through the park can fully appreciate the uniquely featured peach blossoms and soak in the romantic atmosphere. Come to Furukawa Kubō Park and join this romantic rendezvous with the peach blossoms!

The 'Peach Festival' held at Koga City’s Koga Park is in full swing! 🌸 Although the festival started on March 14, the flowering peach trees are only about 30% in bloom 💦 Thanks to the good weather, the park was bustling with visitors! 🌸 This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Koga Peach Festival! 🌸 Around 1,800 peach trees of six different varieties have been planted in the park. Since the blooming period varies depending on the type of peach tree, it would be truly stunning to see all the peach blossoms in full bloom at the same time! ❣️ Although the trees were only 30% in bloom today, the flowers that had bloomed were absolutely beautiful! ❣️ Many visitors were seen taking photos of the peach blossoms 🌸 with their cameras 📷. At the entrance of the venue, you can even take pictures with the 'Peach Maidens' dressed in kimono! ❣️ During the festival, various events are scheduled, and I had the chance to watch a 'Monkey Show' 🐒. The monkey’s tricks were adorable and entertaining! 😆 Local sake brewed at Koga’s sake breweries, as well as specialty simmered dishes and preserved foods, were available for purchase ✨. The sake is even served on JAL flights! 😋 It’s definitely a sake 🍶 I’d love to try! Within the park, there are historical sites such as the 'Old Nakayama Residence' and the 'Old Tobita Residence,' which are designated tangible cultural properties of Ibaraki Prefecture. These traditional thatched-roof houses give off a nostalgic vibe, and inside, old farming tools are displayed, making you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time 💦💦. Additionally, there’s a tea plantation, and tea leaves grown there are used to make 'Sashima Tea,' which is sold at the souvenir shop 🍵. The Peach Festival runs until the end of this month! 🌸 I’d love to visit again when the peach blossoms are in full bloom ❣️

In Koga City, there are two long-established bakeries 🥖‼️ The names of the shops are 'Shogetsudo' and 'Miyoshino'❣️ Each shop has its own recommended bread 🥖😁 Interestingly, when it comes to croquette bread, the familiar taste differs between the east and west sides of Koga Station... East → Shogetsudo, West → Miyoshino 💦 It's surprising how preferences can vary just over croquette bread 😅 ① Shogetsudo Known for its croquette bread since long ago, it’s popular among the elderly who often buy in bulk. They also offer a wide variety of savory breads. The croquette bread is constantly restocked but sells out quickly 😁 By the way, the croquette used in their croquette bread comes from the butcher shop next door, making the croquette itself incredibly delicious 👀‼️ ② Miyoshino They have a rich selection of sandwiches and savory breads ✨ But their standout item is the made-to-order 'koppepan 🥖'. They spread margarine or jam on the bread after you place your order 😁 In any case‼️ It’s absolutely delicious ✌ The size is quite large, so just one is enough to fill you up 🍴🈵️😍😁 During winter, you can also order whipped cream as a special seasonal option 😁 Shogetsudo is close to the station, but Miyoshino is a bit far to walk to 😅💦 However‼️ Both shops' breads are sold inside the station building, so you can buy them without the hassle of walking long distances ✨

A charming bakery named 'Flour and Cream' 🥖🎀 Locally, it's affectionately called 'Flour Cream' 😁 The building has a lovely Western-style design❣️ As soon as you park your car 🚙 and step onto the premises, it feels like you've entered a small European village✨ It truly feels like being in Europe 😁 Inside the shop, the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread 🥖 fills the air, making you feel so happy 🍀😁 Since I visited in the afternoon, some breads 🥖 were already sold out. This time, I was aiming for a bread called 'Maple Tree Stump' 🥖‼️ This bread is sweet, moist, and fluffy❣️ It's absolutely delicious and one of my favorites 💓♥️❤ The 'Tree Stump' series includes seasonal and store-exclusive breads 🥖❗ Currently, the seasonal flavor is 'Strawberry 🍓'. However... Unfortunately, it was already sold out today 😭 I'll definitely come back soon to get it 😁 Apparently, 'Flour Cream' has something called the 'Flour Cream Story' ⤵️ It seems that the breads 🥖 and cakes 🍰 have hidden stories 💦 The 'Maple' in 'Maple Tree Stump'‼️ You might think it's named after maple syrup, but that's not the case 😅 It's actually named after 'Fairy Maple,' a character in the 'Flour Cream Story' 🧚 Reading the story before visiting the shop would surely make the experience even more enjoyable‼️ You can read the story on the shop's website✨ Being able to slip into a fairytale world, enjoy the adorable interior, and purchase delicious bread 🥖 is such a little happiness 🍀❣️ You can eat the bread you buy either inside the shop or on the terrace 😁 Inside the shop, there's free coffee ☕ available. When you make a purchase, the staff will ask if you'd like to use the 'complimentary coffee' service 👂 If you say yes, they'll hand you a paper cup, and you can choose from milk coffee, black coffee, or tea to serve yourself‼️ On sunny days, enjoying freshly baked bread on the terrace will surely lift your spirits‼️ Savoring seasonal tree stumps to experience the essence of the season is also a great idea❣️

I visited the Makuraga no Sato Roadside Station in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture. There were plenty of local vegetables and local specialties on display. While strolling around the store, I noticed a limited-edition bread, and despite my curiosity, I continued shopping. 😁 As expected, it's no good if you start to get curious (lol). It was almost time to bake, so I thought I'd buy some... I joined the line of people waiting for the bread, but there were already about 10 of them. Locals had told me it was delicious, so I was really excited! ️ After waiting in line for 15 minutes, it finally went on sale. 🙌 Everyone was limited to two loaves per person, but everyone bought two! ️ I was tempted, so I bought two too. 😁 When I got home and tried it, it was delicious! 😋 The outside was a little firm, but the inside was soft and fluffy. 🥖 I can see why there was always a line. 😁 The bakery also sold sandwiches made with this bread. 🥪 The roadside station also sells local Koga sake, side dishes, and manju (steamed buns). Apparently, you can even go strawberry picking! 😁 Strawberries 🍓 are also for sale inside the station, giving you a real feel of spring 🌸. 😁 #KogaCity,IbarakiPrefecture #MakuragaRoadsideStation #KoshihikariBrownRiceRoll

#hellochristmas #kawasaki

#incheon airport

nice house #shibuya

📅 Itinerary Day1: Day2: Day3: 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Tips

Come to Koga, a comfortable place to live, surrounded by full amenities.

I made a reservation the day before and used this hotel on short notice to go to the Watarase Reservoir and the Koga area. It included a breakfast buffet, had a large public bath, and there was a cancellation, so I got a non-smoking single room on the top floor, a spacious semi-double bed, the building was very clean, and the front desk staff were all kind and comfortable. The blue jinbei was on a shelf above the closet next to the door. The Yomiuri Shimbun morning paper was free. The cost performance was very attractive, and since I arrived late and left early, and took a bath around 7am, it was great that it didn't feel crowded even during the three-day weekend. I would definitely use this hotel again.

I went to the Tone River Fireworks Festival held on September 14, 2024!!! 30,000 fireworks are launched in two hours, so unlike other fireworks festivals, multiple fireworks are always launched at the same time, making it a very impressive fireworks festival!!! If you have paid seats, you can see everything, including the smaller fireworks, but since larger fireworks are often launched, it is also recommended to watch them for free in the surrounding area🙆♀️ 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 ✔️Points to note 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜⚫︎It is not close to the station and is difficult to access, but you will need to take a special bus or car to get there! ⚫︎All parking lots are paid, so you need to make a reservation in advance! Also, be careful that parking near the venue is expensive, ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 yen per car, and is limited to paid ticket holders⚠️ For parking spaces that cost less than 10,000 yen, you will have to walk for an hour to the venue, so you will have to choose between money and physical strength😂 This fireworks festival is difficult to access, but it is very beautiful, so if you have the opportunity, you should definitely go next year or later🤤🧡 ---- 📍 Access Special bus or car🚗 ※Please check the official website! 🎆Price Paid general seats: 5,000 yen per person ※There are other seats available, so please check the official website! You can also watch it for free in the surrounding area without getting a ticket! 🎇Number of shots 30,000 🕰️Date September 14, 2024 (Saturday) 18:30-20:30 ---- #FireworksFestival2024 #TonegawaGrandFireworksFestival #FireworksFestival #Fireworks #IbarakiTourism

📍Cafe 5438 Ocha-Nova, Ibaraki A stylish cafe in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, with adorable latte art☕️ The cafe was renovated from an old house and has an antique atmosphere♡You order and pay at the counter! I came here to try the latte art, so I ordered a cafe latte without hesitation☕️ They seem to have a variety of latte art depending on the season and events😆 The latte that was brought to me was a cute zodiac latte art🐉💓 They also made it so I could add gold leaf, so I had it added☕️ It was my first time to try such a cute gold leaf cafe latte, and it made me grin😍It was very easy to drink, and the cafe space was very comfortable, so it's a place you can come alone or with a group! *Eat-in only, take-out also available☕️ Add some excitement to your everyday life:🌙 📍 Cafe 5438 Ocha - nova📮 4-2-29 Honmachi, Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture🚃 3-minute walk from the west exit of Koga Station🕚 11:00-18:00 (closed on Mondays) #Sakura2024 #cafe #cafehopping #Ibarakitrip #cafelover

#Gourmet "Ramen Shop Ushiku," located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a beloved ramen restaurant for both locals and tourists. This restaurant offers unique ramen tailored to the region's characteristics and needs, earning it a reputation for its flavor and distinctive features. For example, it uses fresh local ingredients and seasonings, and the flavor of its soup reflects the local climate and culture. Another key to its popularity is its extensive menu, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine. Furthermore, its active participation in local events and celebrations, and its commitment to cherishing its ties with the community, have earned it the support of locals. For this reason, "Ramen Shop Ushiku" is a renowned restaurant in Ibaraki Prefecture, beloved by many.