Visit

Nishioka Brewery

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Tsukuba, this brewery was founded in 1782. The area has long been known for its high-quality rice and pure natural spring water, which continues to be used in Nishioka's sake brewing. Nishioka Brewery also uses its traditional buildings to host various cultural events.

Koga Park

This 250,000 square meter park is located in the center of Koga City. The park encompasses a large swamp and lotus pond. It is also home to several traditional Japanese farmhouses and the grave of Yoshiuji Ashikaga (1537–1597), the former ruler of the province.
The Koga City Peach Blossom Festival occurs in the park from late March to early April annually. More than 1500 peach trees fill the grounds with delicate pink and white blossoms during the festival. Various special events and performances take place beneath the canopy of flowers.
If you miss the peach blossom festival, the lotus flowers bloom from June to July. The variety of lotus found in Koga Park is the Ogahasu variety, dating back some 2000 years!
Koga Park is a recipient of the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes. It was the first place in Japan to receive this award.

Makabe Hina Doll Festival

In Japan, hina dolls were traditionally displayed to celebrate Girl's Day in early March. Locals started the Makabe Hina Doll Festival to encourage visitors to the historic town during the colder winter months.
During the festival, residents and businesses create elaborate displays of traditional hina dolls in their homes and shops. Visitors are free to enter to see these magnificent displays. Many of the dolls have been passed down through families for generations.
The historic area of Makabe is also home to warehouses known as "kura" and streets lined with traditional townhouses. Visitors can truly feel transported back in time during the festival.