Understand
KÅka is well known for its ninja history KÅga ninja clan, unique ceramics and position on the Tokaido Road. The KÅga ninja clan were rivals of the nearby Iga ninjas. Unlike the Iga ninja, whose power was well-known, the KÅga clan are said to have used stealth and deception to mask their size and power, creating fake rivals for themselves. In 1581, the two clans joined forces against Oda Nobunaga, but were defeated by Nobunaga's overwhelming forces, and the surviving members of the KÅga ninja went into retreat.
The ceramics produced in KÅka, known as Shigaraki-yaki, have been prized across Japan for centuries. Today you will see many small pottery shops lining the streets near Shigaraki Station.
The Tokaido Road was for centuries the main route from Kyoto to Edo present day Tokyo. The road passes through the heart of KÅka, and two famous rest stations, Tsuchiyama and Minakuchi, are located here.
In 2004 the towns of Minakuchi, Shigaraki, Tsuchiyama, KÅka and KÅnan merged to form KÅka City.This is a rural area with few English speakers. Some Japanese language capability is needed to find sites.
