Top 13 Tourist Attractions in Ibaraki

Top 13 Tourist Attractions in Ibaraki

Head to Ibaraki Prefecture for a blast of Japanese culture, history, and natural beauty on a day trip from Tokyo! This northeastern region situated along the Pacific coast offers a cornucopia of delights for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation alike. Here's the lowdown on our top 13 must-visit spots in Ibaraki, whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or foodie.

1. Hitachi Seaside Park - With a vast array of seasonal flowers, a mini amusement park, and cycling trails, it's no wonder this flower park is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. The nemophila bloom during late April to early May transforms the entire park into a mesmerizing blue sea of petals.

To get there, take the JR Joban Line from Mito Station to Katsuta Station, then hop on a bus to Kaihin Koen Nishiguchi bus stop.

1. Mount Tsukuba - This 877-meter-high mountain stands proud with two separate peaks. Take the cable car, ropeway, or embark on a hiking trail for breathtaking views of the Kanto Plain. Three shrines dot the area, with heart-stopping night rides available during autumn when leaves change colors.

Hop on a shuttle bus from Tsukuba Bus Center at Tsukuba Station for a quick ride to Mount Tsukuba.

1. Sudo Honke: Japan's Oldest Sake Brewery - Established in 1141, this historic brewery in the city of Kasama offers a sake pairing course that introduces you to various types of sake and traditional Japanese cuisine.

A short taxi ride or 30-minute walk from JR Tomobe Station is all it takes to reach this sake-lover's heaven.

1. Oarai Isosaki Shrine - This ancient shrine, located on the Pacific coastline, boasts a torii gate known as Kamiiso-no-Torii, that embodies the spirit of the gods. The main hall sits on a hill close to the coastline, offering scenic vistas.

Start at Mito Station, then take the Oarai-Kashima Line to Oarai Station. The shrine is a 2.5 km journey by taxi or public bus.

1. Daigo Town - For lacquerware enthusiasts, this town is a must-visit as the second-largest producer of raw lacquer in Japan. Tour a workshop, learn about the traditional craft, and even try your hand at creating your own piece.

Head to Hitachi Daigo Station for a 75-minute train ride from Mito Station.

1. Fukuroda Falls - Known as one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, Fukuroda Falls measures an impressive 121 meters high and 73 meters wide. Its dynamic beauty is enjoyed year-round, with winter bringing the chance to see the entire cascade frozen over.

Board the JR Suigun Line from Mito Station to Fukuroda Station, followed by a taxi or public bus.

1. Kairakuen - Recognized as one of Japan's finest landscape gardens, Kairakuen features over 3,000 plum trees and is especially popular during the plum blossom season. Explore the bamboo forest, cedar woods, and Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese building.

Catch the Kanto Tetsudo Bus from Mito Station bound for Kairakuen and get off at Kairakuen Bus Stop.

1. Kasama Inari Shrine - One of the largest Inari shrines in Japan, Kasama Inari Shrine offers events such as "yabusame" (equine archery) in autumn and the Chrysanthemum Festival in fall. The shrine gardens were designed for chrysanthemum display, attracting up to 600,000 visitors annually for the festival.

Kasama Inari Shrine is a 20-minute walk from JR Kasama Station.

1. Kyoyuzen Hanamiyako - Tucked away in Hitachinaka, this Kaiseki-style restaurant offers a personalized lesson on using traditional utensils, an explanation of the restaurant's unique interior design, and an engaging tea ceremony with Japanese sweets.

Just a short 8-minute taxi ride or walk from Katsuta Station on the JR Joban Line is all you need to experience this dining gem.

1. Ushiku Chateau - Originally a winery, Ushiku Chateau now offers wine tastings and a museum dedicated to Japanese wine history, with exhibits exploring the wine-making process and showcasing equipment used during the pioneering era.

A 15-minute walk from Ushiku Station on JR Joban Line will bring you to Ushiku Chateau.

1. Ushiku Daibutsu - The tallest Buddha statue in the world, Ushiku Daibutsu stands at an awe-inspiring 120 meters high. Inside, discover five floors, each with unique exhibits and stunning views of Tokyo Skytree or Mount Fuji on a clear day.

From Ushiku Station, it's just a 20-30-minute bus ride or a 15-minute taxi ride to Ushiku Daibutsu.

1. Lake Kasumigaura - The second-largest lake in Japan, Kasumigaura is perfect for sailing boat rides, fishing, and wildlife spotting. During summer, don't miss the picturesque hobikibune sailing boats.

A 10-minute walk from Tsuchiura Station will take you to the lakefront.

1. Ryujin Bridge - A favorite spot for bungee jumping enthusiasts, Ryujin Bridge spans the Ryujin Gorge at a dizzying height of 100 meters. Enjoy seasonal events such as the Children's Day carp streamer display and august lantern festival.

To get to Ryujin Bridge, catch a bus from Hitachi-Ota Station toward Ryujin Bridge.

When it comes to accommodations in Ibaraki, consider charming inns like Tabino Hotel Kashima or luxurious hotels like Mito Plaza Hotel. For a traditional experience, Yasube Ryokan Kadoen offers onsen hot springs, Japanese cuisine, and beautiful views of Fukuroda Falls.

Looking to delve deeper into Ibaraki's attractions? Check out our recommended tours, including the unforgettable Legacy of Mito-Tokugawa Clan Half-Day Tour, pottery experiences in Kasama, and the Tallest Great Buddha Spot Walking Tour.

So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Ibaraki, accessible via public transportation, taxis, and short train and bus rides from Tokyo. Happy exploring!

1. Discover the beauty of Hitachi Seaside Park by taking the JR Joban Line from Mito Station to Katsuta Station, then a bus to Kaihin Koen Nishiguchi bus stop.
2. Embark on a journey to Mount Tsukuba by hopping on a shuttle bus from Tsukuba Bus Center at Tsukuba Station.
3. Sake-lovers should visit Sudo Honke: Japan's Oldest Sake Brewery, a short taxi ride or 30-minute walk from JR Tomobe Station.
4. Historical artifacts abound at Oarai Isosaki Shrine, accessible via Mito Station, then the Oarai-Kashima Line to Oarai Station.
5. Daigo Town is a hub for lacquerware lovers, reachable by train from Mito Station to Hitachi Daigo Station.
6. Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, is best accessed by boarding the JR Suigun Line from Mito Station to Fukuroda Station.
7. Explore gardens and historical shrines at Kairakuen by catching the Kanto Tetsudo Bus from Mito Station bound for Kairakuen and getting off at Kairakuen Bus Stop.
8. Experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand at Kasama Inari Shrine, a 20-minute walk from JR Kasama Station.
9. For a unique dining experience, visit Kyoyuzen Hanamiyako, a short taxi ride or walk from Katsuta Station on the JR Joban Line.
10. Learn about Japanese wine history at Ushiku Chateau, a 15-minute walk from Ushiku Station on JR Joban Line.
11. Marvel at the world's tallest Buddha statue, Ushiku Daibutsu, reachable via a 20-30-minute bus ride or taxi ride from Ushiku Station.
12. Lake Kasumigaura, the second-largest lake in Japan, is a 10-minute walk from Tsuchiura Station.
13. Experience adrenaline-pumping activities at Ryujin Bridge, reachable by bus from Hitachi-Ota Station toward Ryujin Bridge.
14. Consider staying atTabino Hotel Kashima, Mito Plaza Hotel, or Yasube Ryokan Kadoen for authentic accommodations in Ibaraki.
15. Enrich your experience with recommended tours such as the Legacy of Mito-Tokugawa Clan Half-Day Tour, pottery experiences in Kasama, and the Tallest Great Buddha Spot Walking Tour.
16. Whether you travel by public transportation, taxis, or short train and bus rides from Tokyo, Ibaraki awaits, with its beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant culture. Happy Exploring!

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