By car･ Take the Meishin Highway to the Ritto
interchange. Koka is a 30 minutedrive down Route 1. Additionally,
we are also a 30 minute drive fromthe Kusatsu Tanakami interchange,
and a 15 minute drive from the Ryuointerchange.
･ Take the Higashi Meihan Highway
to the Kameyama interchange. Koka
is a 20 minute drive up Route 1.
Additionally, via the Meihan Highway(Route 25) we are a 10 minute drivefrom the Kami Tsuge interchange anda 30 minute drive from the Mibuno
interchange.

A journey that transcends time

By train･ Take the JR Tokaido Line and transferat Kusatsu Station. Take the JR
Kusatsu Line to Koka City.
･ Take the JR Kansai Line and transfer
at Tsuge Station. Take the JR Kusatsu
Line to Koka City.
･ Kibukawa Station, on the JR Kusatsu
Line, connects to the Shigaraki Kogen
Railway and the Omi Railway.
JR Limited Express“Haruka”(75min.)Kyoto

KansaiInternational
AirportJR(19min.)

Kusatsu > > > > Kibukawa

MaibaraMeitetsu
Rapid Limited
Express(28min.)>>>>>>>>

JR(32min.)Shigaraki

Shinkansen(27min.)NagoyaCentral Japan
International
AirportFURTHER INFORMATION
NAME

Koka Tourism
AssociationShigaraki Tourism
AssociationADDRESS

Koka City, Konan-cho Noda 810
Koka City, Shigaraki-cho nagano 1142
URL：http://www.e-shigaraki.org/

JR Narita Express(59min.)TokyoNaritaInternational
AirportKoka Sightseeing Guide
http://www.city.koka.lg.jp/		http://www.city.koka.lg.jp/en/
Koka City Tourism Association[Mobile Site]

http://www.koka-kanko.org/
http://www.koka-kanko.org/i/

520-3308 Shiga Prefecture Koka City, konan-cho Noda 810
TEL/FAX 0748-60-2690
All prices and fees are as of May , 2012 and are subject to change.

FAX

0748-60-2690

0748-82-2345

0748-82-2551

URL：http://www.koka-kanko.org/

Shinkansen(98min.)Koka City Products and Tourism DivisionTEL

0748-60-2690

甲賀KOKASIGHTSEEINGGUIDEACCESS

Welcome to Koka

Shigaraki Ceramics
Shigaraki ceramics are characterized by their reddish brown hues and rough texture. In order

In ancient times, the Shomu Emperor made plans to create an imperial palace (Shigaraki no Miya) in what is theto improve water resistance and aesthetic qualities, ceramics are usually coated with a glass-likepresent-day Shigaraki district of Koka City. It is said that Shigaraki ceramics first began to thrive during this time,liquid glaze before they are fired. However, an ingredient in the clay used for Shigaraki ceramics

when residents fired ceramic tiles. However, due to several natural disasters, the palace was never constructed and thereacts with very high temperature wood ash and turns into glass, making its own glaze. This is called a natural glaze, or acapital was instead built in Nara Prefecture. Ultimately, Shigaraki never became the imperial capital.

Vidro glaze. Furthermore, the blackish brown, or “burnt,” color in places that were covered in ash during firing is another

Several hundred years later, during the middle ages, it is said that ninjas from Koka City worked with Oda Nobunaga,
Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu to unify Japan. After Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Edo Shogunate,characteristic of this pottery. This is the tradition of Shigaraki ceramics, and today the Shigaraki people create a variety ofworks by protecting conventions while also implementing modern sensibilities.

the Tokaido Road was built, and Koka City prospered from having two rest stations on this road: Minakuchi andFacilities relating to Shigaraki ceramics

Tsuchiyama.
Koka City is filled with historical sights, and a visit here is a journey that transcends time.

Koka City is made up ofShigaraki Imperial Palace Ruins

Pottery Class

Pottery Trail

Excavations are still continuing at the Miyamachi
Ruins and the Koka Temple Ruins.

Use a potter’s wheel and paint a design to create
your very own Shigaraki pottery.

Location: Koka City, Shigaraki-cho Miyamachi, Maki.
Phone: 0748-86-8026 (Koka City Cultural Asset
Preservation Division).How to get here: a 5 minute walkfrom Shigaraki Gushi Station, located on the Shigaraki
Kogen Railway. Map: page 6, B-2

Location: Throughout Shigaraki. Phone: 0748-82-2345(Shigaraki Tourism Association). Fee:varies by location.
How to get here: get off at Shigaraki Station.

Roam this trail where you can see pottery and oldkilns that were powered by firewood and used tofire Shigraraki ceramics.
Location: Koka City, Shigaraki-cho Nagano 1142.
Phone: 0748-82-2345 (Shigaraki Tourism Association).
How to get here: 10 minute walk from Shigaraki
Station. Map: page 6, B-3

the districts of Minakuchi,Tsuchiyama, Koka, Konanand Shigaraki.

Minakuchi
Tsuchiyama

Shiga Prefectural Ceramic
Cultural Park
Showcases Shigaraki ceramics and other pottery
from all over the world. Exhibitions are held
regularly.

Konan

Koka

An old kiln that was powered by firewood and used to fire Shigaraki ceramics.

Location: Koka City, Shigaraki-cho Chokushi 2188-7.
Phone: 0748-83-0909. Hours: 9:30 – 17:00. Fee: Only
entrance to the Ceramic Hall requires a fee. Closed:
Mondays (Open on holidays, but closed the followingday). How to get here: 20 minute walk from Shigaraki
Station. Map: page 6, B-3

Shigaraki

Shigaraki Traditional Industry HallExhibiting Shigraki ceramics by era, from ancienttimes to modern day.
Location: Koka City, Shigaraki-cho Nagano 1142.
Phone: 0748-82-2345. Hours: 9:00 – 17:00. Fee: free.
Closed: Thursdays (Open on holidays, but closed thefollowing day). How to get here: 6 minute walk fromShigaraki Station. Map: page 6, B-3

Contents
Shigaraki Ceramics
Koka Ninja
Tokaido Road Rest Stations
Map
234563

Koka Ninja

Tokaido Road Rest Stations

Ninjas thrived during the middle ages, a time in Japan known as the age of provincial wars. They served throughout

During the Edo Period, the Tokaido Road and its 53 rest

the country under commanders, using special forms of martial arts. Because they acted secretly behind the scenes of thestations * were constructed, providing a vital link between Edocommanders, ninjas are called “shinobi no mono,” or spies. The legendary Sarutobi Sasuke is said to have been a Koka Ninja.

(present day Tokyo), and Kyoto. Present day Koka City is home
to two rest stations, Tsuchiyama Station and Minakuchi Station.
The local scenery from these days long past still remains.

Facilities relating to the Koka Ninja
Koka Ninja Village

Koka Ninja Estate

The Koka Ninja Village is a collection ofreconstructed ninja estates in a spacious mountainforest. While you are here, take a try at throwing
ninja stars.

The Koka Ninja Estate incorporates a number ofgadgets and devices that were used to protect theninja from sudden attacks.

Location: Koka City, Koka-cho Oki 394.
Phone: 0748-88-5000. Fee: 1000 yen. Closed:
Mondays (open on holidays, but closed the followingday), closed around the New Year. How to get here:
30 minute walk from JR Koka Station, located on theJR Kusatsu Line (bus pick-up from the station is alsopossible). Map: page 7, D-2

Location: Koka City, Konan-cho Ryuboshi 2331.
Phone: 0748-86-2179. Hours: 9:00 – 16:30. Fee: 600
yen. Closed: Dec. 27 – Jan. 5. How to get here: 20
minute walk from JR Konan Station, located on theJR Kusatsu Line (bus pick-up from the station is also
possible). Map: page 6, C-2

Tsuchiyama Station was said to be a trouble spot along theTokaido Road, and it was the rest area used before or after passing over the Suzuka
Mountains. On the other hand, Minakuchi Station had its own castle, and it showed
off the excitement and bustle of a castle town.
* Facilities set up for travelers to take a rest or spend the night.

Scenery of the Tsuchiyama Rest Station“The 53 Stations ofthe Tokaido Road”
As drawn
by Ando Hiroshige

Facilities related to the Tokaido Road
Tsuchiyama Daimyo Inn-Tsuchiyama Rest Station-

Tokaido Pines-Tsuchiyama Rest Station-

A public inn for the nobility, the third generation
Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, once stayed here.

The pine tree-lined streets that gave shade to thetravelers of the Tokaido Road will bring you backto the middle ages.

Location: Koka City Tsuchiyama-cho Kitatsuchiyama
1628. Phone: 0748-66-0007. Because this is now a
private residence, reservations are required for visitors.
Fee: 300 yen. How to get here: Take the JR Kusatsu
Line to Kibukawa Station. From Kibukawa Station, theInn is a 30 minute bus ride and 4 minute walk. Map:page 7, E-2

Location: Koka City, Tsuchiyama-cho Ichiba. How toget here: from Kibukawa Station, a 30 minute bus rideand 3 minute walk. Map: page 7, E-2

Minakuchi, “Kampyo: A Local Specialty”

Tsuchiyama, “Spring Rain”

4Tokaido Museum-Tsuchiyama Rest Station-

Scenery of the Minakuchi Rest
Station -Minakuchi Rest Station-

With exhibits that reconstruct the old days ofthe Tokaido Road, this museum gives easy tounderstand information on the history of theTsuchiyama Station.

Here you can see the garages that store thehikiyama wagons that are used in the Minakuchi
Hikiyama Fesitval, a celebration that began
during the Edo Period.

Location: Koka City Tsuchiyama-cho Kitatsuchiyama
1570. Phone: 0748-66-2770. Hours: 9:00 – 17:30.
Fee: free. Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, New Yearholiday. How to get here: from Kibukawa Station, themuseum is a 30 minute bus ride and 4 minute walk.
Map: page 7, E-2

Location: Koka City, Minakuchi-cho. How to get here:
located right next to Minakuchi Ishibashi Station on
the Omi Train Line. Map: Page 7, D-2

Minakuchi Castle Museum(Minakuchi Castle Ruins)-Minakuchi Rest StopA Restoration of Minakuchi Castle, which
was built as a lodging for the third generation
Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, on his journeys toKyoto.
Location: Koka City, Minakuchi-cho Honmaru. Phone:0748-63-5577. Hours: 10:00-16:00. Fee: 100 yen.
Closed: Thursday,Friday, New Year holiday. How toget here: a four minute walk from Minakuchi Jonan
Station on the Omi train line. Map: Page 6, C-1

5

Daichiji Temple
This temple is known for its beautiful azalea garden
that was made by the famous Edo Period commanderand architect, Kobori Enshu.

Koka City Sightseeing Map

Location: Koka City, Minakuchi-cho Nasaka 1688. Phone:
0748-62-0396. Fee: 400 yen. Closed: Obon holiday, NewYear holiday. How to get here: From Kibukawa station itis a 20 minute bus ride and 5 minute walk. Map: Page 6,C-1

To Hikone

Hino Town

1To Yokkaichi CityMinakuchi Matsuo Station

Miho MuseumDaichiji Temple

To Konan Cityayilw

aiR

Miho Museum displays ancient art workfrom the Silk Road area, from Egypt toChina.

To Hino Town

Om
Koka Police Station

Location: Koka City, Shigaraki-cho Tashiro 300.
Phone: 0748-82-3411. Hours: 10:00-17:00. Fee:1000 yen. Closed: Mondays (open on holidays,but closed the following day), winter. How to gethere: 20 minutes by car and 5 minutes by footfrom Shigaraki Station. Map: Page 6, A-2

Minakuchi Castle Museum (Minakuchi Castle Ruins)

Minakuchi Station
Minakuchi Ishibashi Station

Minakuchi Jonan Station
Koka City Hall Minakuchi Branch

Ko n a n Ci t yOldKibukawa Station

verShiono Hot Spring
Phone: 0748-86-2130

ShigarakiInterchange

Otsu City

To Otsu Cityayn Railw

i Kogehigarak

S

Tokaido Pines

oRoadRiver

Koka City Hall Tsuchiyama Branch

Tsuchiyama Daimyo Inn
Tsuchiyama Rest Station
Koka/Tsuchiyama
Interchange

Koka Ninja Village

Terasho StationShigaraki Gushi Station

Diamond Shiga Resort
Phone: 0748-68-0211“Ai no Tsuchiyama” Rest Stop

Phone: 0748-86-2212

Miho Museum

2Tokaido Museum

Konan Station
Koka City Hall
Konan Branch

Mt. Koshin

Miyano Hot Spring

Kougaji Temple Ruins

aida Ri

Shigaraki Imperial Palace Ruins

TokYasuSom

Mt. Hando

Minakuchi Rest Station

Shin Meishin Highway

Konan
Interchange･Parking

Kumoi Station

Koka Ninja House

Koka City Hall Koka Branch
Koka Station

Chokushi Station

Shigaraki Traditional Industry Hall
Shigaraki StationuLats

Ogawatei Inn

M i e P r ef e c t u r eKoka City Hall Shigaraki BranchinePhone: 0748-82-0008

3sKu

Pottery Trail

Gyokkeijimae StationJR

Prefectural Ceramic Cultural ParkTo Nagoya

Aburahi StationI ga C i t y

Tokai Nature Trail

To Tsuge

To Kyoto Prefecture

To Iga City

Special Products

Choju Rice Cakes

Tsuchiyama Tea

Asamiya Tea

These are highly authentic,
glutinous rice cakes that are
made from Shiga Habutae
sticky rice. The five colors
each have their own distinctiveflavor.

Tsuchiyama tea was born about 650 years ago,
when seeds that were brought from Kyoto’s
Daitokuji Temple were planted in the area. This is a
top class tea that prides itself on its fine quality andbeing the largest producing tea in the prefecture.

It is said that the great monk Saicho brought thistea back from China 1200 years ago, planting seedsin Shigaraki’s Asamiya area. With its distinctiveflavor, Asamiya Tea is widely loved in both nameand in reality as the “fragrance of Japan.”

Kyoto Pr efecture

01000

Shiga Prefecture

Phone: 0748-85-0250

2000

4

Lake Biwa

Hotel Lake Villa
1 : 80,000

Tokyo
Osaka

3000m

Koka City6ABCDEF7