Spots List

Hitachi City

A science and industrial city facing the Pacific, famous as the birthplace of a global tech giant. Its train station is world-renowned for its stunning glass architecture that appears to float over the sea. In spring, the city is transformed by a tunnel of cherry blossoms along its main roads. With its blend of ocean views, science museums, and hilltop parks, it is a modern city with a scenic heart.

Ibaraki
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ryugasaki Tsukumai

Ryugasaki Tsukumai

A thrilling traditional performance where an acrobat climbs a 14-meter pole to perform daring stunts at the very top. With over 400 years of history, this ritual is a prayer for rain and a successful harvest. Watching the performer balance and perform without safety lines is a heart-stopping experience that showcases the courage and ancient traditions preserved by the local community.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Summer

Itako Gion Festival

Itako Gion Festival

A vibrant festival with over 800 years of history, held in a charming riverside town. Fourteen massive floats topped with giant historical figures are paraded through the streets to the rhythm of traditional music. The energy is infectious, especially at night when lanterns light up the floats. It is a powerful way to experience the living traditions and communal spirit of rural Japan.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Summer

Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu Shrine

Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu Shrine

A shrine with over a thousand years of history, serving as the spiritual heart of the region. It is central to one of the largest festivals in the Kanto area, featuring massive lion masks and ornate floats. The grounds hold deep historical significance and offer a quiet, dignified atmosphere, blending ancient traditions with a sense of local pride that spans generations.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Osugi-jinja Shrine

Osugi-jinja Shrine

Nicknamed "Anba-sama," this shrine is famous for its incredibly ornate, multicolored architecture, often compared to the famous shrines of Nikko. It is uniquely known as a "shrine of dreams," where people come to pray for their wishes to come true, particularly in luck and prosperity. The vibrant, festive atmosphere of the grounds provides a visual feast of Japanese religious artistry.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tsumugi no Yakata

Tsumugi no Yakata

This cultural center is dedicated to Yuki-tsumugi, a high-quality silk fabric registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Set in a cluster of historic storehouses, it allows visitors to learn the painstaking hand-weaving process and even try weaving themselves. It is a refined space where traditional craftsmanship meets modern elegance, complete with a beautiful garden and café.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kodokan

Founded in 1841, this was the largest samurai academy in Japan during the Edo period. It was a center for a wide range of studies, including medicine, astronomy, and martial arts. The historic gates and halls preserve the solemn atmosphere of ancient education. Surrounded by hundreds of plum trees, it is a place where one can deeply feel the intellectual and spiritual roots of the samurai.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mt. Tsukuba

A beloved symbol of the region, this mountain is known for its two distinct peaks. Though relatively easy to climb, it offers a majestic presence overlooking the vast plains. With a cable car and ropeway available, anyone can easily reach the summit to enjoy views that stretch to the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji on clear days. Its night views are officially recognized among Japan’s most beautiful.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ryujin Gorge & Big Suspension Bridge

Ryujin Gorge & Big Suspension Bridge

Stretching 375 meters across a stunning V-shaped valley, this is one of Japan's longest pedestrian bridges. It offers a spectacular panorama of the lake below and the seasonal foliage of the gorge. For thrill-seekers, it is home to one of the country's highest bungee jumps at 100 meters, while the surrounding area offers canoeing and trekking for outdoor enthusiasts.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Aqua World Oarai

Aqua World Oarai

One of Japan’s premier aquariums, famous for having the largest number of shark species in the country. It features massive tanks for sunfish and a breathtaking dolphin and sea lion show set against the backdrop of the actual Pacific Ocean. From jellyfish displays to interactive pools, it is a high-tech window into the wonders of the sea that fascinates visitors of all ages.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ibaraki Flower Park

Ibaraki Flower Park

Recently redesigned with the concept of "sensory experience," this park is a paradise for rose lovers. With 900 varieties and 9,000 bushes, the fragrance and beauty are overwhelming. Beyond the flowers, the park offers local gourmet dining, craft workshops, and even bonfire areas, making it a sophisticated "botanical retreat" where you can relax all day.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hitachi Kamine Zoo

Hitachi Kamine Zoo

Perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this zoo offers an open and breezy atmosphere. Visitors can see over 100 species of animals, with special feeding sessions that reveal the animals' lively personalities. The combination of exotic wildlife and breathtaking ocean views makes it a unique leisure destination that appeals to both children and adults.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Lake Kasumigaura

Lake Kasumigaura

As Japan’s second-largest lake, this vast body of water is famous for its traditional "sail-towing boats" with massive white sails. A lakeside cycling road allows visitors to tour the shore while feeling the gentle breeze. The rich ecosystem, peaceful fishing scenes, and the golden reflection of the sunset on the water provide a deeply calming and scenic experience.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park

A world-renowned destination for spectacular floral landscapes. The hills here turn a dreamlike blue with millions of nemophila in spring, and a fiery red with fluffy kochia bushes in autumn. With cycling paths, an amusement park, and views of the Pacific Ocean, it offers a grand, photogenic experience that changes color with the seasons.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Isobe Sakuragawa Park

Isobe Sakuragawa Park

This historic park is celebrated for its ancient groves of wild cherry trees, distinct from the common cultivated varieties. These mountain cherries have been a subject of Japanese poetry for centuries. When they bloom in delicate white and pale pink, they offer a subtle, deep beauty that captures the true essence of a traditional Japanese spring in a quiet, natural setting.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring

Kairakuen Garden

Kairakuen Garden

Ranked as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens, this site was designed in 1842 to be enjoyed by the public. It is most famous for its 3,000 plum trees, which fill the air with sweet fragrance in early spring. Featuring a traditional villa with ingenious architecture and groves of bamboo and cedar, the garden represents the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetic design.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Junisho-jinja Shrine

Junisho-jinja Shrine

Located in the heart of a charming town, this shrine is famous for its long stone staircase. During traditional spring festivals, the steps are lined with hundreds of intricate dolls, creating a magnificent display of red and gold. The quiet dignity of the shrine buildings and its role in local traditions make it a fascinating place to witness the intersection of community life and history.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Spring

Ushiku Daibutsu

Ushiku Daibutsu

This bronze statue stands 120 meters tall, holding a record as one of the world's largest standing Buddhas. To put its scale in perspective, it is nearly three times the height of the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can enter the statue’s interior and rise to an observation deck 85 meters above ground for views stretching to Tokyo, while the surrounding gardens offer peaceful floral beauty.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Fukuroda Falls

Ranked as one of Japan’s three finest waterfalls, this dynamic 120-meter-tall cascade drops over four distinct stone tiers. Its beauty shifts dramatically through the seasons: vibrant greenery in spring, fiery maples in autumn, and a rare, mystical "ice fall" in mid-winter. The spray and roar of the water felt from the observation deck are a powerful testament to nature’s grandeur.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Plateau Satomi

Located at an altitude of 800 meters, this highland resort offers a 360-degree panorama of rolling hills. With minimal light pollution, it is a premier destination for stargazing under a brilliant night sky. Gigantic wind turbines spin slowly over the idyllic landscape, where visitors can enjoy camping and fresh mountain air, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking total tranquility.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kasumigaura Sogo Park

Kasumigaura Sogo Park

Located on the shores of Japan’s second-largest lake, this green oasis is marked by an iconic Dutch-style windmill. It offers panoramic lake views, vibrant tulip fields in spring, and dazzling illuminations in winter. With walking trails, a nature center, and water play areas, it is a refreshing destination for families and photographers looking for open, breezy landscapes.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring

Kashima Rinkai Industrial Zone

Kashima Rinkai Industrial Zone

This massive industrial hub represents the strength of modern Japan. While its grand scale is impressive by day, it transforms into a futuristic cityscape after dark. Thousands of lights illuminate the intricate pipelines and chimneys, creating a scene like a sci-fi movie. A boat tour allows you to view these glowing mechanical cathedrals from the sea for a truly unique experience.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Amabiki Kannon

Known as the "Temple of Flowers," this mountain temple is beloved for its seasonal beauty. It becomes an ethereal wonderland during the rainy season when hydrangeas are floated upon the temple pond. With peacocks wandering the grounds and vibrant colors shifting from spring cherries to autumn maples, it is a picturesque sanctuary that celebrates the elegance of the Japanese seasons.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oiwa-jinja Shrine

Oiwa-jinja Shrine

Enshrined on a sacred mountain, this site is legendary among space enthusiasts after an astronaut reportedly saw a pillar of light shining from this exact spot on Earth. It is a powerful spiritual center where 188 deities are worshipped. The towering ancient cedars and the profound silence of the mountain forest offer a deep, healing escape from the bustle of modern life.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter