Koga Castle, Medieval castle in Koga, Japan
Koga is a fortification in the city of the same name in Ibaraki Prefecture, set on a low rise along the eastern riverbank. The layout consists of earthworks and water-filled ditches that still trace the outline of the old defenses, while a local museum now stands where an outer bailey once protected the main compound.
A local warrior founded the site in the late 12th century as a defense against rival clans. Later, in the 15th century, it became the seat of a branch of the Ashikaga family that ruled over the eastern Kanto region until it was abandoned in the mid-16th century.
The name comes from the town that grew around the fortress over centuries. Today, locals walk through the grounds as a quiet park, pausing under old trees or sitting near the preserved moat edges when the weather is fine.
The site is open to the public and lies about 20 minutes on foot from Koga Station, with footpaths running along the riverbank. The area around the former moats is flat and easy to explore, while the museum offers more context if you want to learn additional details.
A preserved gate from the inner compound was moved to a nearby temple in the 17th century and still serves as its main entrance today. The original tower structure had three levels, which was uncommon for fortifications in this region and gave it a different appearance from most neighboring strongholds.
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