Kōga City’s Diverse 6 Tourist Spots｜The Ninja Town of Nature and Art

" Ninja " is attracting attention among foreign tourists. Like Iga, Kōga City is an area that many associate with ninjas. Kōga ninjas are from Kōga City in Shiga Prefecture, while Iga ninjas are from Iga City in Mie Prefecture, and geographically they are adjacent. In addition, Kōga City also borders Kyoto, making it an important transportation hub connecting the Kinki and Chubu regions. The rugged nature surrounded by mountains and nature may be one of the factors that nurtured the Kōga ninjas.

Not only ninjas but also hot springs, ranches, and resort areas that make the most of its nature are available, so Kōga City is perfect for those who want to get away from the city and spend time in nature. Here, we introduce 6 tourist spots in Kōga City that include the natural charm of Kōga City, which cannot be described by ninjas alone.

1. Attracting Attention from Overseas! Become a Ninja at the Kōga-ryū Ninja Mansion

A ninja residence built during the Genroku era of the Edo period and preserved in its original form. There are mainly two types of ninja art, the Iga style and the Kōga style, and the Kōga style is known for its exploits and name because, in the early Sengoku period of the Muromachi era, it fought against the weakened Ashikaga shogunate and even made enemies of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshinobu.

As you view various mechanisms such as plot twists and pitfalls, you can experience the resilience and strength of the Kōga ninjas who survived the Sengoku period! This spot, which is also popular with foreign tourists, features all kinds of ingenious ninja arts and mechanisms that are authentic and very fascinating. You can disguise yourself in ninja costume or throw shuriken. It is recommended as a place where you can not only learn about ninja history but also experience the ninja arts and the mechanisms used in the residence.

2. Interact with Animals Through Dairy Farming! Narita Fureai Ranch

A ranch located on a gentle hill in the satoyama. About 300 dairy cows, as well as goats, pigs, dogs, and cats are raised here. The ranch is open free of charge so that many people can learn about dairy farming and interact with the animals. Regional exchange events are held several times a year.

Within the ranch, there is a barbecue house and a gelato workshop. The barbecue house is equipped with ingredients, grills, and charcoal, so you can go even without bringing anything! At the gelato workshop, freshly squeezed milk is used to make gelato, and you can purchase a wide variety of flavors from the standard milk flavor to seasonal flavors such as sweet potato and mandarin orange. The nature-filled Narita Ranch is a perfect spot for families who want to interact with animals.

3. A Park That Is Also an Art Museum! Enjoy Art at the Shiga Prefectural Ceramics Forest

Close to Hotel Lake Villa, which has Shigaraki Onsen and Tarao-no-Yu, is the "Ceramics Forest," which has parks, exhibition halls, and plazas. It was opened in 1990 (Heisei 2) with the purpose of deepening the understanding and interest in ceramics. Not only is there an art museum within the park, but ceramic artists' works are also displayed outdoors throughout the park.

There are various plazas such as "Izumi-no-Hiroba," where medaka fish inhabit, "Taiyō-no-Hiroba," which is full of greenery, and "Hoshi-no-Hiroba" at an altitude of 300 m, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view overlooking Shigaraki-cho. An art market is also held where works made by ceramic artists residing or working in the prefecture are sold. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy art freely both indoors and outdoors.

4. Tamura Shrine with Beautiful Lanterns and Autumn Leaves

A shrine located on the border between Shiga Prefecture and Mie Prefecture, where the military commander Tamura no Masakado, who pacified the Tohoku region as Seii Taishōgun in the early Heian period, is enshrined. It is also known as a shrine for warding off evil. From ancient times, it was a key transportation point for those traveling from Kyoto to Ise, and during the Muromachi and Edo periods, it was revered as the guardian deity of travelers along the Tōkaidō.

Near the shrine, at the Suzuka Pass, there is a legend that Tamura no Masakado defeated a demon, which is said to be the reason his achievements in demon-slaying are enshrined. In summer, the "Mantō Festival" is held to honor Tamura no Masakado's achievements and to console his spirit. The approximately 9,000 lanterns create a very enchanting atmosphere. And in autumn, beautiful autumn leaves decorate the approach and the shrine grounds.

5. The Building Is Also Art! MIHO MUSEUM of the Peach Blossom Land

"MIHO MUSEUM" was designed by I. M. Pei, a Chinese-American architect known for designing the glass pyramid at the Louvre in France. Its concept is based on the peaceful utopia "Peach Blossom Land" from the Chinese legend "Tao Hua Yuan Ji." The building itself is artistic and is finished in a design that is like a beautiful work of art.

It exhibits over 2,000 representative works from around the world, including Japan, the Middle East, and Europe. The building is divided into the North Wing and South Wing, and the exhibits are arranged in an easy-to-view format according to the theme. The museum's restaurant uses organic ingredients grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. There is also a museum shop where you can purchase T-shirts, guidebooks, and museum goods.

MIHO MUSEUM is open during the limited seasons of spring, summer, and autumn.

Even during the opening period, it is closed on Mondays (or the next weekday if Monday is a holiday), so please check the official website's opening calendar before going.

6. Experience Adorable Tanuki and Traditional Crafts! Shigaraki Tōen Tanuki Village

Located in Shigaraki, Kōga City, "Shigaraki Tōen Tanuki Village" is a place where many tanuki (raccoon dogs) statues are gathered. Tanuki have long been known as a good luck charm for thriving business. Inside the facility, from large tanuki statues to cute little tanuki statues, many tanuki figures are arranged to welcome tourists. Taking photos with these impressive and adorable tanuki statues will surely create happy memories!

This facility also holds ceramic art classes using an electric potter's wheel for "Shigaraki ware." There are courses for beginners and courses for painting, where you can create your own original Shigaraki ware. There is also a corner selling "Asamiya tea," one of Japan’s top five famous teas, as well as a café. Enjoy the charm of Shiga while looking at the tanuki.

◎ Summary of Kōga City's Tourist Spots

Kōga City, together with Iga City in Mie Prefecture, is actively promoting inbound tourism with a ninja theme. On the other hand, its natural abundance is also one of its attractions. When traveling in Kōga City, you can experience ninja arts at the unmissable ninja mansion, then stay at a resort hotel or enjoy an open-air bath, or interact with animals at a ranch while eating delicious gelato. Not only is it recommended for those who want to travel with a focus on ninjas, but it is also recommended for those who want to experience the nature of Shiga and Kōga, which is not solely about ninjas. Kōga City is a place where you can feel both history and nature.