Koga City is located in the center of Japan’s Kanto Region and lies on the westernmost edge of Ibaraki Prefecture. It is a town surrounded by the Watarase River, blessed with an abundance of greenery, water, and natural landscapes. It is a town steeped in history and tradition. Only 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) separates Koga from Tokyo, and the city can be easily accessed via railway on the JR Utsunomiya Line (Ueno-Tokyo Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line) and on the Tobu Nikko Line. Those traveling by car or bus can reach Koga by National Route 4, the Ken-O Highway, or the Tohoku Highway
Koga City is known for the beauty of its peach flowers. Its origin dates back to the 1970s, when peach flowers were planted in Kubo Park as part of the “Creation of Famous Flowering Spots” initiative. Today, colorful peach blossoms adorn the city in spring and have become a symbol of Koga, attracting local residents and tourists alike.
On the other hand, Koga is also known for its production of Sashima Tea, which has a deep history dating back to the Edo period. The flavorful Sashima tea is a local specialty that visitors of the Peach Blossom Festival should try. The combination of peach flowers and Sashima tea is a local springtime tradition in Koga.
At the Peach Blossom Festival, a special experience awaits you to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and experience the local culture and flavors of spring in Koga.
Most of the peach blossoms in the park are of the Yaguchi variety, among which the Kurokawa Yaguchi are in bloom. A total of six varieties of peach flowers can be enjoyed: Genpei, Kikumomo, Kanpaku, Juseito, and Terute.
The menu, featuring sweets inspired by beautiful peach flowers and paired with local Sashima tea, offers a luxurious experience that lets visitors savor the essence of spring both visually and gastronomically.
Experience the traditional beauty of Japan while wearing a kimono in an outdoor tea ceremony called Nodate under the peach flowers at Kubo Park, and enjoy afternoon tea at Sakacho. Sakacho is a historic location, rich with the charm of Koga’s storehouses and the remnants of the old Koga Castle. A Nodate experience in Kubo Park and afternoon tea in Sakacho will afford special moments that allow you to feel the beauty of Japanese tradition.
A guided walking tour of Koga, steeped in history and culture, is an excellent opportunity to discover local attractions.
Guides who are familiar with local history and places of interest provide easy-to-understand guidance on walks along the Nikko Kaido (one of the centrally administered five routes of the Edo period), and around the Koga City Museum of History.
In addition, visitors can learn more about the charms of Koga through a seal-engraving experience and a lunch of local delicacies. Please enjoy a heartwarming time with the arrival of spring.