Discover History and Local Specialties! 6 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Koga City

Koga City, located in the central part of the Kanto region in Ibaraki Prefecture, proudly declares itself the "Heart of Kanto." The city is deeply connected to water, with the Watarase and Tone Rivers flowing through the area.

With a rich history as a castle town since the Muromachi period, Koga City offers various cultural attractions, including the Koga History Museum, Koga Literature Museum, Machikado Art Museum, and the Seal Engraving Museum. Visitors can also enjoy vast parks filled with nature, making the city an ideal destination for a variety of experiences.

Among the many sightseeing spots in and around Koga City, here are six must-visit attractions!

1. Navel Park

Navel Park is a municipal park located in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and is a popular spot for tourists traveling with children. The name "Navel" means "belly button" or "center" in English, and the park is named so because it is situated near the central part of the Kanto Plain. This perfectly aligns with Koga City’s declaration as the “Heart of Kanto.”

This scenic park is themed around "Flowers, Greenery, and Water", featuring vast grassy fields, numerous trees, and seasonal flower gardens such as the wisteria trellis, iris garden, and daylily garden. During early summer, visitors can also enjoy watching fireflies in certain areas, making it a great destination for nature lovers throughout the year.

For families with kids, Navel Park offers a variety of attractions, including a splash pool, adventure playgrounds, a large ship-shaped play structure, an underground maze, a mini steam locomotive (mini SL), and even adorable ponies. This makes it one of the best child-friendly parks in Koga City for a fun-filled day out.

The park also has several dining options, such as "Neiburu-an," a soba restaurant serving handmade soba noodles made from locally sourced buckwheat, a restaurant, and a bakery selling freshly baked bread. Visitors can also enjoy a barbecue area or bring their own lunch for a picnic in nature. Whether you're exploring Koga City or looking for a relaxing stop, Navel Park is a must-visit destination!

2. Yakult Honsha Ibaraki Factory

The Yakult Honsha Ibaraki Factory is located in Goka Town, Sashima District, Ibaraki Prefecture, just a short distance from Koga City. It is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can take a guided factory tour to see how Yakult products are made. The tour also includes a tasting experience, allowing visitors to enjoy freshly made Yakult drinks.

This factory tour is open to everyone—from babies to seniors, small families to large groups. Wheelchair users can also participate, making it accessible to all. Tours are available from Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM, and last approximately 60 minutes. Reservations must be made by phone at least one week in advance, so be sure to check the Yakult Honsha Ibaraki Factory's official website for details before your visit.

In addition to watching the production process, visitors can learn about Yakult products and how probiotics like Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria benefit the body through easy-to-understand illustrations. If you're visiting Koga City, consider adding this unique factory tour to your itinerary to gain fascinating insights into the science of probiotics and Yakult's history.

3. Koga History Museum

Located about a 15- to 20-minute walk from JR Koga Station, the Koga History Museum stands on the former site of a Koga Castle outpost. Built where the castle's kuruwa (bailey) once stood, the museum beautifully integrates the reconstructed moat and turret-style architecture into its surroundings. Due to its outstanding design, it has received prestigious awards, including the Architectural Institute of Japan Award and the Public Architecture Award. This popular attraction offers visitors a deep dive into the history of Koga City.

The museum's main exhibits focus on the history of Koga, featuring displays about Lord Doi Toshitsura, the Koga domain's ruler who dedicated his life to the study of snow crystals, and Takami Senseki, a senior retainer of the domain and a renowned scholar of Western studies during the late Edo period.

A highlight of the museum is a 1/350 scale model of Koga Castle from the Edo period, giving visitors a glimpse into its original grandeur. Near the entrance hall, you’ll also find a Dutch street organ, a rare instrument symbolizing the strong ties between Koga’s leaders and Western knowledge. The organ produces an enchanting foreign melody, making it a memorable experience for visitors. Be sure to listen to its music as part of your Koga sightseeing adventure!

Additionally, over 3,000 valuable historical records collected, documented, and researched by Takami Senseki have recently been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Right across from the Koga History Museum, you can also visit the Takami Senseki Memorial Hall, which showcases his final residence. If you're visiting Koga, make sure to explore both of these historical landmarks!

4. Milk Museum (Gyūnyū Hakubutsukan)

The Milk Museum (Gyūnyū Hakubutsukan) is Japan’s only museum dedicated to cows and dairy products, founded by Toshio Nakada, the creator of Tomoe Dairy Industry. Located in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, it is a popular tourist attraction for visitors interested in Japan’s dairy history.

Toshio Nakada began his journey in the dairy industry at just 21 years old, starting a milk factory in Koga. However, he faced many unknowns about milk production and wanted to deepen his understanding of dairy farming. This passion led him to study dairy culture worldwide, and over 50 years, he collected more than 5,000 rare dairy-related artifacts and documents from 150 countries. These invaluable materials are now on display at the Milk Museum in Koga City.

The museum is adjacent to the Tomoe Dairy factory, allowing visitors to not only explore the museum but also take a guided factory tour to learn about the milk production process at one of Japan’s leading dairy factories. Visitors can also enjoy a tasting of fresh milk straight from the facility. A visit to the Milk Museum is a perfect way to enhance your Koga sightseeing experience.

Since the museum houses a vast collection of historical dairy artifacts, it has recently gained popularity among both domestic and international tourists.

5. Koga Kubō Park (Koga Sōgō Park)

Koga Sōgō Park, officially named Koga Kubō Park to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Koga City's merger, is a well-maintained nature park that offers stunning seasonal scenery. With its beautiful flowers blooming throughout the year, the park is a must-visit attraction in Koga City for visitors of all ages.

During spring, peach blossoms paint the park in vibrant pink hues, while early summer showcases wisteria, irises, and hydrangeas. In summer, the rare and historic “Ōga Lotus” flowers bloom, adding to the park’s serene beauty. The best time to visit is late March to early April, when around 2,000 peach trees on the park’s northern side create a breathtaking "Peach Blossom Wonderland." This period also marks the Koga Peach Festival, attracting many tourists.

Even outside the peach blossom season, Koga Kubō Park is ideal for leisurely walks and sightseeing. A highlight of the park is Fujimizuka Hill, which offers panoramic views of the Kanto region. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji in the distance! For families, the hill is a fun spot where children can slide down using cardboard for an exciting play experience.

Plan a trip to Koga Kubō Park and enjoy a day of nature, scenic beauty, and family-friendly activities!

6. Satoyama no Mori Poppo - Mori Farm

In Koga City, Mori Farm operates "Satoyama no Mori Poppo," a direct sales market for fresh vegetables and rice. Within this facility, you'll find "Yururi no Mori," a farmhouse restaurant serving farm-to-table dishes. This nature-rich destination is a must-visit for travelers exploring Koga.

Mori Farm takes pride in its Spring Rice, cultivated using the Aigamo (duck) farming method, along with Hitachi Akisoba buckwheat flour, organically grown vegetables, doburoku (unfiltered sake), miso, barley tea, and other processed products. These products require significantly more effort to produce, making them slightly more expensive. However, the farm-to-table approach—where Mori Farm's staff oversees cultivation, processing, and sales—ensures quality and authenticity, attracting many returning customers.

At Yururi no Mori restaurant, Mori Farm and restaurant staff collaborate to select and grow around 50 varieties of vegetables annually. From the restaurant’s windows, guests can enjoy a scenic view of these vegetable fields. The menu highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients, including farm-harvested vegetables and rice.

Diners can also enjoy Milky Queen rice cultivated with the Aigamo method and homemade soba noodles made from Mori Farm’s freshly milled buckwheat flour. Additionally, homemade desserts using farm-grown ingredients are a popular treat.

For travelers seeking an authentic farm experience and locally produced organic food, Satoyama no Mori Poppo - Mori Farm is an ideal eco-tourism destination in Koga City.

◎ Best Tourist Attractions in Koga City

Koga City offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages, from children to adults. There are numerous sightseeing spots to explore, including historical sites and museums. For those who want to learn more about Koga City's rich history and culture, utilizing the "Tourism Volunteer Guide" service is a great option.

If you're living in the Kanto region, Koga City is perfect for a day trip. However, for travelers looking for a more relaxed getaway, there are also camping sites and BBQ-friendly accommodations where you can stay overnight and enjoy nature. Whether you're planning a quick visit or a leisurely stay, Koga City is a must-visit destination!

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Discover History and Local Specialties! 6 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Koga City