Koga travel guide and discussion

Visited Marutaen in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture 🚙💨 I believe their main business is tea 🍵, but since I heard you could pick chestnuts 🌰, I headed straight there‼️ As you enter the grounds, you're greeted by a magnificent gate that feels truly historic‼️ Right in front of that gate lies a vast tea plantation‼️ The shop building was apparently built in 1868 (the first year of the Meiji era), and the atmosphere is steeped in history 😁 They sell tea, of course, but also rice crackers, jams, and teaware 😁 One thing that caught my eye was the "Lotus Root Jam" 💦 I couldn't quite imagine the flavor, so I didn't work up the courage to try it 😅 At the entrance, there were baskets full of chestnuts 🌰‼️ The moment I saw them, "chestnut rice 🌰" popped into my head, and I decided I had to buy some ✨ So... When I called over the staff and asked to buy some, they gave me some friendly advice: "We can sell them to you, but it's actually cheaper if you pick them yourself‼️" 😁 Purchase only: 1kg -> ¥1,800 Chestnut picking: 1kg -> ¥900 Well, given the choice, of course I went for the picking 😁 Just past the side of the shop, there was a whole chestnut orchard‼️ I haven't gone chestnut picking since I was a child‼️ It had been so long that I felt a rush of excitement 😃💕 Feeling like a kid again, I was totally focused on picking as many as I could 🤣 Chestnut picking is available until the end of September‼️ I'm heading home now to make some chestnut rice 🌰 😃✌

Modern life constantly urges us to fill every moment, with schedules meticulously planned down to each hour, as if even a moment of free time is a waste. This time, we visited Changhefan Ancient Village in Xinzhou to experience the countryside without being bound by plans. The ancient village stretches along both banks of the Changhe River, a pristine riverside settlement. The river meanders and flows, with decades-old maple trees growing along its banks. Ming and Qing dynasty rammed-earth houses are scattered throughout, and the ancestors cultivated the land along the riverbanks, continuing the custom of living by the water for centuries. There are no well-planned tourist routes here; the river flows gently, wild grasses grow freely on the banks, and the open view soothes the soul. We agreed to abandon pre-set itineraries and wander freely. Some strolled along the riverbank, letting the breeze caress their faces; others found clean grassy slopes to sit on, quietly gazing at the flowing water; companions chatted casually, without rushing to the next attraction or deliberately seeking out photo opportunities. Wandering through the village lanes, the old brick houses bear the marks of time, without the cacophony of vendors' calls—everything is natural and unpretentious. A constantly packed schedule drains our energy, and we gradually forget how to relax and unwind. Changhefan Ancient Village never rushes travelers forward; its meandering waters remind us that life needs moments of quiet reflection, and we don't always have to be running at full speed. Looking back at the tranquil river before leaving, the tension in our hearts dissipates. May we learn to reserve leisure time for ourselves, embrace a slower pace, find balance between busyness and relaxation, and freely experience the peace and tranquility that nature offers. #travel2026

I visited and paid my respects at Hasedera Temple in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture 🚙💨 Known locally as "Hase Kannon," it apparently gets packed with visitors during the New Year's holidays😁 What are Japan's Three Great Kannon? Hatsuse Hase Kannon in Yamato Province (modern-day Nara Prefecture) (made from the base of the camphor tree) Kamakura Hase Kannon in Sagami Province (modern-day Kanagawa Prefecture) (made from the middle of the camphor tree) Koga Hase Kannon in Shimousa Province (modern-day Ibaraki Prefecture) (made from the top of the camphor tree) This "Hase Kannon" is one of them‼️ It belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect. The history of Hase Kannon dates back to the Meio era (1492–1501) of the Muromachi period, when Ashikaga Shigeuji brought the spirit of Kamakura's Hase Kannon to this location to protect Koga Castle from the "Kimon" (demon gate in the northeast direction). It is said that successive lords of Koga Castle offered their prayers here. The principal deity is a wooden standing statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon (a city-designated cultural property) that stands 6 shaku, 8 sun, 1 bu (about 2 meters) tall. Along with the Hasedera temples in Kamakura and Yamato, it is renowned as one of Japan's Three Great Hase Kannon‼️ (It is also an extra fudasho of the Katsushika Bando Kannon Pilgrimage). Though the temple grounds are compact, the main hall is truly impressive‼️ You can really feel the history in the carvings on the main hall😁 Next time, I'd love to visit for Hatsumode (New Year's shrine visit) and see the wooden standing statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon with my own eyes😁

"Coffee Club" in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture‼️ I stopped by for the first time in over a decade and had lunch☀️🍴😁 Both the exterior and the inside look exactly the same as they used to‼️ Whenever my friends and I wanted to grab some pasta🍝, we'd almost always come here to "Coffee Club"😃✌ It really brought back so many memories❣️ According to the owner's wife... "Most of our customers come in saying how nostalgic it feels❣️," she said✨ And it's true—it’s a classic, old-school cafe with a wonderfully nostalgic vibe that is just the best😍💓💓‼️ For lunch, I went with the "Pasta Set"✌ It comes with pasta, a salad, and a drink😁 For the pasta... You can choose your favorite from the "Pasta of the Month" or "Pasta of the Day"😃✌ I went with the "Black Pepper Cream"‼️ As a huge black pepper fan, it was a no-brainer for me😁 Even though it's a cream-based pasta, it's not heavy at all and goes down really smoothly😃 I do like rich cream sauces, but I usually get tired of the taste halfway through😅 But the cream pasta at this place is completely different✨ After just one bite, I was so moved in the best way possible, thinking, "Ahhh‼️ The flavor hasn't changed a bit either😭"😭 Having a delicious😋🍴💕 lunch at a cafe I haven't visited in ages while reminiscing about the good old days‼️ It was absolutely amazing😍💓💓❣️

I visited Tsurugamine Hachimangu Shrine in Nakada, Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture‼️ It’s a historic shrine⛩️ deeply loved by the locals✨ I hear it bustles with crowds of both locals and visitors alike during the New Year's visit and the "Daidai Kagura" ritual held twice a year😃 Tsurugamine Hachimangu Shrine is... Said to have been established in 1181 when Minamoto no Yoritomo enshrined a divided spirit from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu—one of the three great "crane" shrines in the Kanto region—and named it Tsurugamine Hachimangu. 　It enshrines a total of 34 deities. Among them are Sarutahiko Okami, Kotohira Okami, Yasaka Okami, Asama Okami, and Mizu Okami, who are worshipped as the gods of travel. Since the Edo period, travelers making their way to Toshogu Shrine would traditionally stamp their feet here to pray for a safe journey. 　Even today, many travelers and worshippers visit to stamp their feet to pray for good health, and the Koga Kagura, a designated cultural property, has been preserved since the Edo period✨ Long ago, there was a post town called "Nakada-juku" in this area, so travelers must have stopped by to pray for a safe trip😁 A huge shoutout to the chief priest and the parishioners who protect this historic shrine⛩️‼️ I think it's truly wonderful😃✌ Blessed with beautiful weather, the fresh greenery of the trees on the shrine grounds was absolutely gorgeous❣️ There was also a plum tree on the premises bearing magnificent plums😁

I visited "Oyasumi-dokoro Sakacho" in Koga City 🚙💨 Originally, Koga City was home to Koga Castle and is a historic castle town! It has opened as a restaurant and select shop utilizing a historical storehouse. It is a complex facility including a cafe, shop, and mini-gallery 😁 The imposing building is a storehouse designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property. It is said that a money exchange business was operated here during the Edo period, and later it prospered as a sake wholesaler. The cafe "Sane cafe&gallery" located within the facility aims to be a rich place of relaxation that connects people, offering carefully brewed coffee made with time and effort, as well as lunches and light meals using local agricultural products. Unfortunately, the cafe wasn't open yet 😭 I really wanted to enjoy a cup of coffee while leisurely gazing at the storehouse 😭 You can freely explore the inside of the storehouse and feel like you've traveled back in time to the Edo period 😁 The store, with its historical atmosphere, sells Koga's famous Gokabo and rice crackers 🍘, as well as freshly harvested local vegetables, making it a great place to buy souvenirs❣️ Since I was in Koga, I bought some Gokabo 😃✌ The Gokabo in the cup are bite-sized and easy to eat 😁 Locals were buying fresh vegetables 🍅 A town full of history!! It's a town that makes me want to stroll around again at a leisurely pace 😁 #KogaCityIbarakiPrefecture #SakachoRestingSpot #Gokabo #Storehouse

I finally visited Eikoji Temple, which has been on my mind for a long time‼️ Blessed with fantastic weather, it was the perfect day for a visit😍💓💓 Eikoji Temple is... A temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism‼️ It was founded in 843 (the 10th year of the Jowa era) by the priest Muzen. It is also known as the "Temple of Flowers," and I heard that large peonies bloom in full glory around April and May🌸🪻 Besides peonies, you can enjoy a wide variety of flowers, including plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, azaleas, and hydrangeas😁 Unfortunately, on the day of my visit, I could only catch the very end of the azalea blooms😭 The "Nasaki Certified Childcare Center" is located on the temple grounds, and the cheerful voices of children were echoing all around😁 I was truly overwhelmed by this historic temple‼️ Looking up at the giant "Fudo Myoo" statue, I felt my heart instantly become lighter✌ Not only the trees in general‼️ But the maple leaves🍁 were lush and green, completely refreshing my mind and body😆 I bet the scenery is completely different and just as stunning during the cherry blossom🌸 and autumn foliage🍁 seasons❣️ Next time, I definitely want to visit when the flowers are in full bloom😃✌

Located in the heart of the "Sashima Tea" producing region in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Yoshida Tea Farm is a historic estate established in 1839. With a tea-making legacy spanning over 180 years, the farm is renowned not only for its traditional sencha but also for its dedication to crafting highly aromatic Japanese black tea (wakoucha) and oolong tea.  The farm has garnered significant attention for successfully reviving "Izumi," a rare cultivar often referred to as a "phantom variety." The Japanese black tea crafted from these leaves has earned high praise in both domestic and international competitions. Known for its brilliant floral aroma and delicate, deeply layered flavor, it is highly sought after as a tea that showcases a brand new appeal of Japanese tea.  Beyond simply selling tea, Yoshida Tea Farm shines as an interactive, experiential destination themed around being a "tea farm where you can play"✨️ Alongside guided farm tours that include tea field walks, production insights, and tastings, the estate features "HANARE," an old folk house tea room, and even a sauna facility infused with the soothing scent of tea. It is a space entirely designed for you to experience tea culture through all five senses❣️❣️ Grown in the Sashima region—blessed with the fertile Kanto loam soil and dramatic temperature shifts—these tea leaves boast exceptionally strong aromas and rich umami flavors. The farm's commitment to eco-friendly cultivation and single-cultivar production methods that highlight the unique characteristics of each variety truly reflects their meticulous craftsmanship.  Location: 1181 Otsutsumi, Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays).

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

📍Trip Overview 🚩Route 🏖️Instagrammable Spots 🚇Transportation 📷Recommended Photo Locations 🍜Delicious Food 🏠Recommended Accommodations 💡Notes

#incheon airport

nice house #shibuya

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

That's amazing!

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.

#sakura