Koga(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Furukawa City, the top choice for traditional Japanese charm is Furukawa Grand Hotel, located near Furukawa Castle Ruins and Furukawa Park. This hotel blends modern comfort with authentic Washitsu-style rooms featuring tatami mats, shoji screens, and wooden beams. Guests can enjoy a private onsen bath and dine on local specialties like Mito Natto and Furukawa Milk Mochi at the hotel’s kaiseki restaurant.

For an even deeper cultural immersion, consider staying at a minshuku (family-run inn) near Furukawa City Museum, where hosts serve homemade meals using seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. Some inns also offer tea ceremony experiences and access to traditional gardens. The city’s proximity to Tokyo Disney Resort makes it ideal for travelers seeking both heritage and entertainment.

These accommodations provide not just lodging but a genuine taste of rural Ibaraki life, perfect for those wanting to slow down and connect with Japan’s quiet countryside traditions.

The Furukawa Central District is the most convenient area for accommodation, located just steps from Furukawa Station and surrounded by shopping streets, convenience stores, and restaurants. It’s perfectly positioned near major attractions like Furukawa Castle Ruins, Furukawa Park, and Furukawa City Museum, making it ideal as a central base for exploring the city.

For a quieter stay, the Higashi Mountain Area offers residential tranquility with easy access to nature trails and scenic viewpoints. Families may prefer the Furukawa Expressway Exit vicinity, where several hotels provide free parking and direct access to Tokyo Disney Resort, just 40 minutes away by car. Public transport options include frequent buses connecting all key sites, while rental electric bikes are available for short urban explorations.

Overall, Furukawa Central District strikes the best balance between accessibility, amenities, and location—perfect for both day-trippers and extended stays.

Visitors to Furukawa City can immerse themselves in rich local culture through events like the Furukawa Festival, held annually in autumn, featuring traditional taiko drumming, elaborate parades, and a spectacular fireworks display. The festival celebrates the city’s historical roots as a former domain of the Tokugawa clan.

At the Furukawa City Museum, guests can explore exhibits on Edo-period artifacts, agricultural tools, and ancient maps, offering insight into the region’s development over centuries. Hands-on workshops are also available: try your hand at crafting Ibaraki pottery or learning origami lantern-making, both deeply rooted in local tradition.

During spring, don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival at Furukawa Park, where thousands of sakura trees create a dreamy pink canopy. In winter, experience the Lantern Festival along the Togawa River, where thousands of handmade paper lanterns illuminate the night. These seasonal celebrations highlight the city’s deep connection to nature, history, and community spirit.

The Furukawa Castle Ruins are the city’s most iconic landmark, remnants of the former residence of the Furukawa Domain lords during the Edo period. The preserved stone walls, moats, and watchtowers offer a glimpse into feudal Japan’s military architecture.

Adjacent to the ruins is Furukawa Park, a spacious green space with walking paths, a lake, and seasonal blooms—especially stunning during cherry blossom season. The park features the Love Bridge, a popular spot for couples and photographers.

Another must-see is the Furukawa City Museum, a modern architectural gem housing collections on regional history, including samurai armor, historical documents, and traditional farming equipment. The museum’s interactive exhibits make it a hit with families.

Don’t overlook Furukawa Station Front Plaza, a vibrant hub with fountains, weekend markets, and street food stalls. For nature lovers, the Togawa Riverbank Trail offers serene views and riverside cafes—ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Together, these landmarks capture Furukawa City’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Tourists visiting Furukawa City must sample Mito Natto, a famous fermented soybean dish known for its bold flavor and sticky texture—often served over rice or in a hearty Natto Donburi. Another local favorite is Furukawa Milk Mochi, a soft, sweet confection made with fresh milk from nearby farms, available at old-fashioned sweet shops near the station.

Try Furukawa Ramen, a rich, pork-based broth with thin, curly noodles, best enjoyed at Ichidome Dining, a family-run eatery praised for its 12-hour simmered soup. For a taste of tradition, visit Furukawa House, a century-old restaurant serving Edo-style sushi and grilled mackerel, prepared with time-honored techniques.

Weekend markets at Furukawa City Hall Plaza feature vendors selling rice crackers, persimmon leaf sushi, and mochi balls—perfect for sampling and taking home as souvenirs. These culinary delights showcase the region’s agricultural richness and long-standing food culture.

Yes, Furukawa City is highly suitable for family travel. Furukawa Park offers ample space for children to play, with playgrounds, a lake for paddle boating, and picnic areas surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring. The park also hosts a children’s science lab, where kids can learn about nature through interactive experiments.

The Furukawa City Museum features a dedicated kids’ zone with hands-on activities, including a simulated castle exploration game and traditional craft stations. Family-friendly hotels like Furukawa Grand Hotel and Furukawa Resort Hotel offer spacious rooms, baby cots, and even family onsens.

A highlight is the short trip to Tokyo Disney Resort, just 40 minutes away by car—ideal for a full-day adventure. Many local eateries serve kid-approved dishes like milk mochi and ramen, and there are numerous craft workshops such as pottery making and paper lantern decorating, where parents and children can create lasting memories together.

Transportation in Furukawa City is efficient and accessible. The main hub is Furukawa Station, served by the Tobu Railway and Jōban Line, providing direct connections to Tokyo Station (50 minutes), Asakusa, and Mito. Local buses link major attractions like Furukawa Castle Ruins, Furukawa Park, and the City Museum.

For self-drivers, Furukawa Interchange connects to the Kosoku Expressway and Tohoku Expressway, making it easy to reach Tokyo Disney Resort in under 40 minutes. Electric bike rentals are available throughout the city, perfect for leisurely exploration of parks and riverside paths.

Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the station or key tourist spots. Additionally, the Ibaraki Prefecture Pass allows unlimited rides on designated trains and buses, offering great value for multi-day visitors. With reliable public transit and road access, traveling around Furukawa City is seamless for all types of travelers.

Absolutely, Furukawa City offers a romantic atmosphere perfect for couples. Stroll across the Love Bridge in Furukawa Park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season when petals drift onto the lake below. The park’s evening lighting creates a dreamy ambiance ideal for quiet moments and photos.

Stay at Furukawa Grand Hotel, which offers couple’s suites with private onsen baths and panoramic views of the city skyline. Each room comes with champagne, chocolates, and a personalized welcome note. For a more intimate experience, book a session at a local tea ceremony or join a pottery workshop to create a shared keepsake.

The Togawa Riverbank at night, lit by thousands of paper lanterns during the Lantern Festival, provides a magical setting for a candlelit dinner or walk. Nearby riverside cafés serve specialty drinks like matcha latte and seasonal fruit cocktails—perfect for sipping side by side. These quiet, meaningful experiences make Furukawa City a hidden gem for lovebirds seeking serenity and connection.

Furukawa City hosts vibrant seasonal events year-round. In spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival at Furukawa Park transforms the city into a sea of pink, with illuminated trees, food stalls, and traditional music performances.

Summer brings the Furukawa Festival, featuring taiko drumming, colorful parades, and a dazzling fireworks display over the Togawa River. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year.

In autumn, the Harvest Festival celebrates local agriculture with rice paddies open for harvest tours, fresh produce markets, and cooking demos using seasonal ingredients.

During winter, the Lantern Festival lights up the riverbanks with thousands of handmade paper lanterns, creating a breathtaking, ethereal glow. The Furukawa City Museum also hosts special exhibitions tied to each season, such as “Edo-era weddings” or “Traditional Craft Revival.” These events reflect the city’s deep-rooted connection to nature, heritage, and community celebration.

The Furukawa Castle Ruins offer dramatic backdrops with ancient stone walls and surrounding trees—especially stunning at golden hour. Capture sweeping shots of the moat reflecting the sky, or frame silhouettes against the sunset.

Furukawa Park’s Love Bridge is a photogenic hotspot, particularly during cherry blossom season when delicate pink petals float above the water. The park’s lakeside benches and flower-lined pathways are ideal for candid and posed portraits.

The Togawa Riverbank Trail features winding paths flanked by willows and illuminated lanterns during the winter Lantern Festival, creating a cinematic effect perfect for long-exposure photography.

Furukawa City Museum’s modern façade, blending traditional motifs with sleek lines, stands out visually and works well for architectural shots. Nearby, Furukawa Station Front Plaza offers dynamic street photography opportunities with bustling markets and colorful signage.

Local cafes with Japanese garden courtyards also make charming settings—ideal for capturing lifestyle and food photography. These spots collectively showcase the city’s harmony of history, nature, and design.