Spots List

Takahagi City

Takahagi boasts a natural beauty woven from the sea, mountains, and stunning gorges. In autumn, the "tunnel of autumn leaves" viewed from a suspension bridge offers a dreamlike experience of vibrant reds and yellows. The town still retains traces of samurai residences and historic school buildings, evoking a sense of stillness as if time had stopped. From coastal camping to forest hiking, Takahagi is an area where you can experience the balance of "serenity" and "activity."

Ibaraki
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Spring
Summer
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Tokai Village

Tokai Village is a unique place where cutting-edge science meets ancient faith. While known as the birthplace of Japan’s nuclear research, it also houses a grand shrine with over a thousand years of history that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. The coastline features beautiful sandy beaches perfect for quiet walks. Don't forget to try the local "Hoshi-imo" (dried sweet potatoes), a healthy and sweet traditional Japanese snack produced here in abundance.

Ibaraki
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Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Naka City

Naka City charms visitors with its vast botanical gardens and historic architecture. In summer, the landscape is painted gold by hundreds of thousands of blooming sunflowers. The city is also known as the production base for world-famous Kiuchi Brewery’s Hitachino Nest Beer and traditional sake, making it a must-visit for craft beer lovers. It offers a sophisticated, relaxing trip where you can combine a nature walk with a glass of expertly crafted local brew.

Ibaraki
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Spring
Summer
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Hitachinaka City

Hitachinaka City

This city is home to the world-renowned Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for its hills of blue nemophila in spring and fiery red kochia in autumn. The breathtaking scenery, which changes colors with the seasons, is a "once-in-a-lifetime" sight. Along the coast, you’ll find a massive fish market serving world-class sushi and seafood bowls. Whether it’s a scenic coastal drive or a nostalgic local train ride, Hitachinaka is a top destination for photographers and foodies alike.

Ibaraki
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Spring
Summer
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Shirosato Town

Surrounded by lush mountains and the clear waters of the Naka River, Shirosato is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy camping and canoeing by the river, and at night, the sky transforms into a canvas of stars rarely seen in the city. The town also features ancient temples and serene hot springs hidden in the forest. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in Japan's traditional "Satoyama" (mountain-village) landscape.

Ibaraki
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Spring
Summer
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Omitama City

Home to Ibaraki Airport, Omitama serves as the gateway to the prefecture. This peaceful city is characterized by its idyllic rural landscapes and thriving dairy industry. Local yogurt and ice cream made from fresh milk are must-try delicacies. Dotted with historic shrines and remnants of the clan that once ruled the area, Omitama offers a chance to experience the simple, authentic beauty of the Japanese countryside just steps away from the airport.

Ibaraki
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Spring
Summer
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Oarai Town

Facing the Pacific Ocean, Oarai is world-famous for the Kamiiso-no-Torii, a sacred Shinto gate standing atop a rocky outcrop in the sea. The sight of the gate amidst crashing waves at sunrise is breathtakingly divine. The town is a treasure trove of fresh seafood—especially its winter monkfish (Ankou) specialty. With a massive aquarium, refreshing beaches, and its fame as an anime setting, Oarai offers a dynamic blend of coastal nature and modern pop culture.

Ibaraki
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Spring
Summer
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Kasama City

Known as the home of the traditional "Kasama-yaki" pottery, Kasama is a creative hub where tradition meets modern art. The streets are lined with galleries and workshops where visitors can try their hand at making original ceramic pieces. The city is also home to one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, which hosts a vibrant Chrysanthemum Festival in autumn. A stroll through this quiet town offers a profound look into the fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and spiritual heritage.

Ibaraki
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Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tsukimachi Falls

Tsukimachi Falls

A unique "behind-the-waterfall" experience where you can actually walk into a cave behind the falling curtain of water. Watching the sunlight filter through the greenery and the water is a mystical experience. Next to the falls is a charming restaurant where you can enjoy fresh buckwheat noodles and natural shaved ice, making it a perfect spot for cooling off and healing in nature.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hananuki Gorge

A stunning valley filled with waterfalls and clear streams. The main attraction is a 60-meter-long suspension bridge that becomes a "tunnel of maples" in autumn as the branches reach out from both sides. The sound of the rushing water below and the vibrant reds and oranges above create a meditative and beautiful hiking experience, making it one of the most popular autumn spots in the region.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nishishioko Mawari-butai

Nishishioko Mawari-butai

One of Japan’s largest traditional outdoor revolving stages, used for rural kabuki performances since the Edo period. Every three years, a massive wooden stage is hand-assembled by the community. Watching the ingenious manual mechanisms rotate the stage during a performance is a rare and moving experience that showcases the deep roots of traditional performing arts in the Japanese countryside.

Ibaraki
Festivals & Events
Summer
Autumn

Hitachi Aki Soba

Hitachi Aki Soba

Considered the "gold standard" of buckwheat noodles in Japan, this local specialty is famed for its rich aroma and deep sweetness. The buckwheat is grown in the clean air and pure water of the northern hills. Eating these freshly made noodles "new" in the autumn is a gourmet experience that foodies from across the country travel for—a true taste of the region's agricultural pride.

Ibaraki
Food
Autumn

Miyayama Furusato Fureai Park

Miyayama Furusato Fureai Park

An outdoor park offering camping and sports with a magnificent view of Mount Tsukuba. It is particularly famous for its late-summer sunflower festival, where a golden field of "double-petal" sunflowers blooms with the mountain in the background. With a local museum and pottery workshops nearby, it is a great spot to experience both the nature and the cultural heritage of the area.

Ibaraki
Nature
Summer

Suigo Itako Ayame Garden

Suigo Itako Ayame Garden

This riverside garden is home to a million irises of 500 varieties, which bloom beautifully in early summer. The highlight is the traditional "Bridal Boat" ceremony, where a bride in a white kimono is rowed across the canal in a wooden boat. The sight of the purple flowers and the slow-moving boats captures the timeless, romantic atmosphere of Japan’s traditional water districts.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
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Nature
Summer

Koga Peach Blossom Festival

Koga Peach Blossom Festival

Known as the "Home of Peaches," this park hosts a festival featuring 1,500 ornamental peach trees. Unlike cherry blossoms, these flowers bloom in deep, vivid shades of pink, red, and white, creating a scene like a traditional Asian paradise. The festival is a lively event with local food and performances, celebrating the colorful and fragrant arrival of spring.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
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Nature
Spring

Sakura of Manabe Elementary School

Sakura of Manabe Elementary School

Standing in the center of an elementary school playground are five massive cherry trees over 100 years old. These trees are a symbol of the community, having watched over generations of children. During peak bloom, the school opens its gates so visitors can witness these giants. It represents a classic Japanese scene: the deep connection between schools, history, and the beauty of the cherry blossom.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
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Nature
Spring

Fukuoka Weir

One of the most scenic cherry blossom spots in the region, featuring a 1.8km tunnel of 450 cherry trees along a historic dam. The branches lean over the water, creating a stunning reflection, and as the petals fall, they form a "flower raft" on the river's surface. It is a peaceful place to experience the quintessential beauty of a quiet Japanese spring away from the crowds.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring

Kamine Park

A hilltop complex combining a zoo, two amusement parks, and an observation deck with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The night view from this park is officially recognized as one of Japan's best, showcasing the twinkling lights of the industrial coast. In spring, 1,000 cherry trees bloom, making it a favorite local spot for family fun and romantic evening strolls.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring

Sakai Nanohana Festival

Sakai Nanohana Festival

A spring celebration where the banks of the Tone River are covered in a brilliant yellow carpet of rapeseed blossoms. The sight of the yellow flowers stretching toward the horizon under a vast sky is a quintessential image of a Japanese spring. The festival atmosphere with local stalls and events makes it a joyful place to enjoy the fresh river breeze and the arrival of the new season.

Ibaraki
Nature
Festivals & Events
Spring

Shizumine Furusato Park

Shizumine Furusato Park

Recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots, this park is famous for its "Yae-zakura" (double-layered cherry blossoms). These bloom later than the common varieties, appearing as fluffy pink pom-poms that cover the trees in late April. With its spacious lawns and nighttime illuminations, it is a perfect place to enjoy the Japanese spring at a more relaxed pace.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring

Kasama Azalea Park

Kasama Azalea Park

Located on a hill overlooking a town famous for its pottery, this park is home to 8,500 azalea bushes. In spring, the entire hill is dyed in vibrant shades of red, pink, and purple. A path through the flowers leads to the summit, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town. It is a beautiful blend of floral scenery and the local "Kasama-yaki" ceramic culture.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring

Lake Hinuma

A rare brackish lake where fresh and salt water mix, recognized internationally as a significant wetland for migratory birds and diverse fish. It is a haven for nature lovers, offering birdwatching, camping, and fishing. The lake is also famous for its large, flavorful clams. At dusk, the golden reflection of the sun on the water creates a serene and magical atmosphere.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kokaigawa Fureai Park

Kokaigawa Fureai Park

Against the backdrop of Mount Tsukuba, this park features a massive field of poppies along the riverbed. In late May, millions of red poppies bloom, creating a stunning contrast with the blue sky and the mountain silhouette. It is a popular spot for picnics and photography, offering a peaceful landscape that exemplifies the pastoral beauty of the Japanese countryside.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Howa-en Garden

A historic Japanese garden originally named by a legendary Tokugawa lord. It is best known for its spectacular "Hydrangea Festival" in early summer, when 6,000 bushes of 100 different varieties bloom across the rolling terrain. The contrast between the lush greenery and the colorful flowers creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a quiet walk through traditional landscape beauty.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter