Kōka, Shiga

Kōka
甲賀市
City

Koka City Hall

Flag
Symbol

Location of Kōka in Shiga Prefecture
Kōka

Location in Japan

Coordinates: 34°58′N 136°10′E / 34.967°N 136.167°E / 34.967; 136.167Coordinates: 34°58′N 136°10′E / 34.967°N 136.167°E / 34.967; 136.167
Country Japan
Region Kansai
Prefecture Shiga Prefecture
Government
 • Mayor Takeshi Nakajima
Area
 • Total 481.69 km2 (185.98 sq mi)
Population (October 1, 2016)
 • Total 89,881
 • Density 190/km2 (480/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Cryptomeria
 • Flower Sasayuri (Lilium japonicum)
 • Bird Common kingfisher
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City hall address 6053, Minakuchichō Minakuchi, Kōka-shi, Shiga-ken
528-8502
Website www.city.koka.shiga.jp

Kōka (甲賀市, Kōka-shi) is a city located in southern Shiga Prefecture, Japan. (The word 'Kōka' is often rendered as 'Koga' in English, especially when referring to the Koga Ninja.)

As of October 2016, the city has an estimated population of 89,881 and a population density of 190 persons per km2. The total area is 481.69 km2.

The modern city of Kōka was established on October 1, 2004, from the merger of the former town of Kōka, absorbing the towns of Kōnan, Minakuchi, Shigaraki and Tsuchiyama (all from Kōka District).

Kōka is quite well known for its ninja history[1], fine quality ceramics and for containing two shukuba post stations (Tsuchiyama-juku and Minakuchi-juku) from the historic Tōkaidō. The city launched a new English version of their homepage in April 2007, and they have begun to actively promote themselves as a little-known, yet highly authentic, sightseeing destination.

Transport

Shuriken theme at one of the train stations in Kōka, 2011

Koka is served by local buses as well as two train lines.

Rail

Koka sits on the Kusatsu Line of the JR. The line runs from Kusatsu to Tsuge Station in Iga, Mie Prefecture. There are five stops in Koka - Kibukawa, Kōnan, Terashō, Kōka, and Aburahi.

Kibukawa Station also has lines for the Shigaraki Kōgen Railway: Shigaraki Line and the Ohmi Railway: Main Line.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Ancient Warfare : Shinobi Ninjas and Kung Fu Shaolin Monks FULL DOCUMENTARIES. 20 April 2015 – via YouTube.


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