Koga, Ibaraki
| Koga 古河市 | |
|---|---|
| City | |
 | |
  Koga | |
| Coordinates: 36°11′N 139°42′E / 36.183°N 139.700°ECoordinates: 36°11′N 139°42′E / 36.183°N 139.700°E | |
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Kantō |
| Prefecture | Ibaraki Prefecture |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Nakahisa Hakuto |
| Area | |
| • Total | 123.58 km2 (47.71 sq mi) |
| Population (January 2008) | |
| • Total | 144,392 |
| • Density | 1,200/km2 (3,000/sq mi) |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) |
| Symbols | |
| - Tree | Zelkova serrata |
| - Flower | Prunus persica |
| Address |
2248 Shimoōno, Koga-shi, Ibaraki-ken 306-0291 |
| Phone number | 0280-92-3111 |
| Website | Koga City |
Koga (古河市 Koga-shi) is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.
As of January 1, 2008, the new city has an estimated population of 144,392 and a population density of 1,200 persons per km². The total area is 123.58 km².
On September 12, 2005, Koga absorbed the towns of Sanwa and Sōwa (both from Sashima District) to create the new and expanded city of Koga. The new city hall is now located at the former town of Sōwa.
History
The city has its origins in the Tokugawa period when a castle was built in the 16th century at the ford and a town sprang up around it. The site of the castle is still visible near Koga First Elementary School.
The modern city was founded on August 1, 1950. It has many old shrines like Suzume-jinja. Some are dedicated to O-inari and some old temples like Hase Kannon. Sogo Koen Park near the Watarase River was formally a summer palace for a local daimyo. It has two restored 17th century farmhouses, like Old Nakayama house. Takami Senseki house/museum near the history museum is also an Edo period structure. There is a literary museum also located in the city.
Navel Park in Sowa-machi has outdoor and barbecue facilities for families. Koga west of the station is old and has many old buildings. Many of the streets are cobbled. The Koga Historical Museum and Art Museum are located here. But east of the station is new and has many residential and shopping areas. Koga is famous for its cabbage known as kabutsu. There are many matsuri or festivals. In the last week of March is the Peach Blossom festival. Then in the first week of August there is a Hanabi or fireworks festival held by the river (Koga Dote) and in early December there is a lantern festival known as Cho Chin. This term translates as lantern battle.
External links
Media related to Koga, Ibaraki at Wikimedia Commons
- Koga City official website (Japanese)
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