Moka Railway

Chikusei City

Western Ibaraki

Other

Japan is famous for its trains, and the Moka Railway is no exception. This historical steam railway is a great way to experience the bygone days of Japan while taking in sweeping views of Ibaraki and Tochigi's countryside.
The railway spans 42 kilometers from Shimodate in Ibaraki Prefecture to Motegi in the neighboring Tochigi Prefecture. Passengers can enjoy a panoramic view aboard the steam locomotive.

Information

Address: From Shimodate Station (Chikusei City, Ibaraki) to Motegi Station (Motegi Town, Tochigi)
Website: https://www.moka-railway.co.jp/
Contact: Moka Railway Company
TEL: 0285-84-2911

Map

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Koga City

Western Ibaraki

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.

Parks/Nature

Sakuragawa City

Western Ibaraki

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.

Festivals/Events

Yuki City

Western Ibaraki

Tsumugi Silk Museum

The museum was opened in 2006 by Okujun Inc., a Tsumugi wholesaler with a history spanning over 100 years. With the aim to educate people about Yuki-tsumugi (a Japanese silk-weaving technique) and its production, the facility also commemorates the company's 100th anniversary.
The museum houses a gallery, Yuki-tsumugi exhibition, and a craft studio where visitors can participate in weaving and dyeing workshops. There are also various seasonal events during the year, including hand-dyeing yukata (light cotton kimono) workshops and unique displays for Hina Matsuri (Girl's Day Festival) in spring.

Traditional Crafts/Sake Breweries

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