Ibaraki

Mito

Facing the Pacific Ocean, Ibaraki offers a mix of nature, culture, and fun. Admire the magnificent Fukuroda Falls, stroll through the seasonal flower fields of Hitachi Seaside Park, and enjoy the traditional charm of Kairakuen Garden. With its fresh produce, beaches, and relaxing hot springs, Ibaraki is full of simple yet rich pleasures.

From Tokyo: Local train 1h 15m

Ibaraki

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Special recommendations handpicked by our team.

Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture, stretching along the majestic Pacific coast, is a captivating region where nature, history, and culture thrive in harmony. The prefecture is home to world-class seasonal wonders, including the ethereal nemophila and kochia fields at Hitachi Seaside Park, the graceful plum blossoms of Kairakuen—one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens—and the thundering Fukuroda Falls. Visitors can wander through the historic streets of Hitachiota or enjoy vibrant summer fireworks and sandy beaches. As a premier agricultural hub, Ibaraki also offers a "gourmet paradise" featuring succulent melons, Hitachi Wagyu beef, and fresh seafood. With hot spring retreats scattered throughout, Ibaraki provides...

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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.

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Kashima Jingu Shrine

Kashima Jingu Shrine

Said to be founded in 660 BC, this is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious shrines. Dedicated to the deity of martial arts, it has long been revered by samurai seeking victory. The sprawling grounds feature a mystical spring, a legendary "keystone" believed to suppress earthquakes, and a forest-shrouded path that purifies the soul with its sacred, ancient air.

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Top Landmarks

Must-visit iconic spots that define Japan.

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.

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Oarai Isosaki-jinja Shrine

Oarai Isosaki-jinja Shrine

Standing on a cape facing the Pacific, this shrine is world-famous for its "Torii of the Divine Shore" perched on a rocky reef in the ocean. The sight of waves crashing against the gate is awe-inspiringly divine, especially at sunrise. Beyond the spiritual atmosphere, the surrounding town offers fresh seafood and modern pop-culture landmarks, blending nature’s energy with Japanese spirituality.

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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.

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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
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Nature
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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
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Local Treasures

Discover hidden gems loved by locals.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Itako City

Itako is a romantic "water city" filled with nostalgic canal-side charm. In early summer, millions of irises bloom, and the traditional "Bridal Boat" ceremony—where a bride in traditional dress is rowed across the river—is a quintessential Japanese sight. You can enjoy a leisurely ride on a hand-prowed "Ro-bune" boat to see the town from the water. With old sake breweries and senbei (rice cracker) shops, Itako offers a peaceful stroll through Japan's watery past.

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Kamisu City

Bordered by the Pacific and the Tone River, Kamisu is defined by the dynamic sight of giant windmills lining the coast. The image of these massive turbines spinning against a sunset sky is like a scene from the future. The city offers extensive sports facilities and parks for active leisure, yet remains rooted in tradition with its historic shrines. Kamisu is a vibrant area where industrial landscapes, coastal nature, and history coexist.

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Namegata City

Sandwiched between two large lakes, Kasumigaura and Kitaura, Namegata is a city of beautiful waterside scenery. Trying fresh lake-fish dishes, such as catfish, is a local specialty. The city also offers seasonal charms like hydrangea-covered temple stairs and beautiful rose gardens. With well-maintained cycling roads, you can feel the lake breeze as you ride. It is a place to slowly enjoy the blessings and scenic beauty brought by the two great lakes.

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Kashima City

Kashima is a city of "Gods and Football," home to the ancient and sacred Kashima Jingu Shrine. The shrine’s forest is filled with a divine atmosphere, and its architecture dedicated to the god of martial arts is a must-see. Meanwhile, the city is home to a world-class professional football team, and the stadium hums with excitement on match days. This city is a unique place where ancient spiritual power and modern sporting passion collide.

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Hokota City

Hokota is an agricultural powerhouse, boasting the highest production of melons in Japan. Tasting a perfectly ripe melon at the source is an unforgettable experience. The city also has a long coastline along the Pacific Ocean, where you can enjoy surfing or beach walks. With direct-from-the-farm markets and hot springs overlooking the sea, Hokota is the ideal place to savor the "bounty of the earth" in a beautiful coastal setting.

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Miho Village

Known as the "Horse Village," Miho is home to one of Japan's largest training centers for thoroughbred racehorses. Seeing horses galloping across the vast grounds is a powerful sight for any animal lover. The village also offers stunning viewpoints of Lake Kasumigaura, particularly at sunset. With ancient Jomon-period ruins and historic shrines, Miho is a unique and peaceful village where horses, the lake, and ancient history intersect.

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Kawachi Town

Kawachi is a town of expansive, beautiful rural landscapes along the Tone River. It is said to grow some of the most delicious rice in Japan, and the sight of golden rice stalks waving in the autumn wind is magnificent. With parks that utilize the river's flow and paths lined with hydrangeas, the town offers many ways to feel the changing seasons. It is a warm, quiet place to touch the heart of traditional Japanese farming and riverside life.

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Inashiki City

Surrounded by Lake Kasumigaura and the Tone River, Inashiki is a "water village" characterized by vast rice paddies. The city is one of Japan's leading lotus root producers; in summer, the fields are covered in a dreamlike sea of lotus flowers. With ancient shrines and traces of Edo-period streetscapes, it is a place for quiet historical exploration. Inashiki offers a deep experience of Japan’s rich agricultural culture and waterside ecology.

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Tone Town

Embraced by the grand flow of the Tone River, Tone is a peaceful and beautiful town. The lush parks and promenades along the river are ideal for walking and cycling, allowing you to feel the slow passage of time. Dotted with historic shrines and spots linked to local folklore, Tone offers a glimpse into Japan’s simple folk beliefs. It is the perfect place for those seeking a quiet moment surrounded by greenery and nostalgic riverside views.

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Ushiku City

Ushiku is home to the "Ushiku Daibutsu," a bronze statue so tall it is listed in the Guinness World Records. The scale is overwhelming, and the spiritual experience inside the statue is unforgettable. The city also features "Chateau Kamiya," Japan’s first authentic winery, where you can enjoy Japanese wine history in a beautiful brick building. The combination of a massive Buddha and a sophisticated Western-style winery makes for a truly unique visit.

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Ryugasaki City

Ryugasaki is known for its vibrant "Tsukumai" festival, a traditional performance where actors perform acrobatics atop a 14-meter pole. The city also features a lake visited by beautiful swans, offering quiet waterside walks. Be sure to try the local "Ryugasaki Korokke," a famous soul food. Through its rich folk arts and friendly atmosphere, visitors can experience the warmth and passion of a regional Japanese city.

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Moriya City

Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in Japan, Moriya strikes a perfect balance between urban sophistication and green spaces. It is home to a world-famous beer brewery that offers popular tours of its production process and fresh tastings. With vast wetlands attracting wild birds and forest parks for nature walks, Moriya provides a comfortable and refreshing environment where modern Japanese life harmonizes with nature.

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Toride City

Located along the Tone River, Toride is a city where post-town history meets contemporary art. Easily accessible from Tokyo, it is known as a city of artists, and you can find artworks scattered throughout the town. You can also visit a historic "Honjin" (an inn for high-ranking samurai) and local sake breweries. The expansive greenery along the river is perfect for cycling and walking, making Toride a place to experience both history and creative inspiration.

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Tsukubamirai City

Tsukubamirai City

This city features a massive film set that replicates the streets of the Edo period, allowing visitors to feel like they have stepped into a samurai movie. Exploring these sets deepens your understanding of samurai and townspeople culture. The city is also dotted with the former residences of historical figures and ancient temples. Surrounded by beautiful rice paddies, Tsukubamirai offers a dramatic world where traditional Japanese scenery meets the magic of cinema.

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Kasumigaura City

Kasumigaura City

Kasumigaura City offers panoramic views of Japan’s second-largest lake and is famous for its abundant orchards. On the lake, you can see traditional "Hobikisen" sail-fishing boats with their iconic white sails, or enjoy cycling and fishing. The city is a fruit lover's paradise, with pears, grapes, and persimmons available for picking throughout the year. It is a place to enjoy the lake breeze and the bountiful harvest of the Japanese countryside.

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Ami Town

Situated on the southern shore of Lake Kasumigaura, Ami offers a blend of aviation history and modern shopping. Visit the memorial hall dedicated to the former naval air corps to feel the history of flight, then head to the massive outlet mall to shop for international brands with a distant view of Mt. Fuji. Waterside parks filled with birds and flowers make Ami a versatile destination where you can touch history, enjoy shopping, and relax in nature.

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Tsukuba City

A world-class "Science City" home to research institutes, Tsukuba is where Japan’s future meets its ancient faith. You can visit facilities dedicated to space exploration and robotics, then head to the sacred Mt. Tsukuba for a cable car ride with stunning views. With its sophisticated parks and cafes, Tsukuba offers a unique experience where intellectual stimulation, rich nature, and historical power spots come together in one city.

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Tsuchiura City

Located on the shores of Lake Kasumigaura, Tsuchiura blends samurai history with a modern cycling culture. You can explore old castle ruins and merchant houses or hit the world-class 180km cycling road that starts here. The city also hosts one of Japan’s top three fireworks competitions, an explosion of pyrotechnic art. Tsuchiura is the perfect destination for those who want to actively enjoy lakes, history, and outdoor activities.

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Ishioka City

Ishioka thrived as the center of ancient Hitachi Province and is rich in deep-rooted traditions. The "Ishioka Festival," one of the three major festivals in Kanto, features giant lion masks and magnificent floats that are truly overwhelming. The city also boasts "Kanban" (signboard) architecture and the Ibaraki Flower Park, where you can enjoy beautiful blooms year-round. With hiking trails on Mt. Tsukuba, Ishioka is an area where you can experience the profound depth of Japanese history, culture, and nature.

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Yachiyo Town

Located on a vast plain, Yachiyo is one of Japan's leading agricultural towns. It is especially famous for its melons and Chinese cabbage; during peak season, you can enjoy the freshest produce imaginable. The town also features historic shrines and cultural facilities housed in old buildings, providing a quiet atmosphere to feel Japanese tradition. It is a place for a luxurious "slow life" experience, eating the fruits of the earth while gazing at the beautiful rural scenery.

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Sakai Town

Once a flourishing river port, Sakai is now a "City of Architecture and Food," featuring modern works by world-famous architects. You can tour sophisticated facilities designed by Kengo Kuma while enjoying the riverside views. The town offers creative culinary experiences, including sweets made from local Sashima tea and specialty craft beers. Sakai allows you to experience the evolution of a Japanese town where traditional river culture meets cutting-edge design.

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Koga City

Once a prosperous post town for Shoguns, Koga is filled with historical charm. Its streets, lined with cobblestones, old storehouses, and Western-style buildings, tell the story of its deep history. It is also known as Japan’s "Peach Town," where the "Peach Festival" paints the parks in brilliant pink every spring. With its museums and galleries, Koga is a place where you can enjoy traditional town walks, beautiful floral landscapes, and sophisticated art all at once.

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Ibaraki Town

Benefiting from the brackish Lake Hinuma, this town is a sanctuary of nature and food. Registered as a wetland of international importance, the lake is home to many migratory birds and rare species. The large "Shijimi" clams harvested here are a local delicacy. Spending time at a lakeside campsite or BBQ while watching the sunset over the water provides a luxurious way to experience the healing power of Japan's rich natural environment.

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Bando City

Bando is steeped in the legend of Taira no Masakado, a samurai hero who once ruled the Kanto region. Visitors can explore shrines dedicated to him or visit the massive "Museum Park" to learn about history and natural science. The city is also covered in beautiful tea plantations, famous for "Sashima Tea." During the autumn festival, locals dressed as samurai march through the streets, allowing you to feel the pulse of medieval Japan firsthand.

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Goka Town

Bordered by the Tone and Edo Rivers, Goka is a place to witness the "behind-the-scenes" of Japanese manufacturing. It is home to famous food and beer factories that offer popular tours showing how everyday products are made. The riverside features expansive parks perfect for picnics and sports in a peaceful setting. Goka offers a unique combination of industrial curiosity and wide-open riverside scenery, making it ideal for both learning and relaxation.

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Joso City

A historic city defined by its relationship with water and heritage. Historic sites like Gokyo-ji Temple and old wealthy farmer residences allow visitors to feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. Recently, the city has become a hub for new food entertainment facilities, where local vegetables and specialties are reimagined in modern, delicious ways. The charm of Joso lies in its ability to respect its deep history while evolving with vibrant, new culinary cultures.

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Shimotsuma City

Shimotsuma City

Centering on the beautiful Lake Sanuma, Shimotsuma is a city of nature and leisure. In spring, the lakeshore is lined with cherry blossoms, making for an exquisite waterside walk. The city also hosts an ancient Hachiman shrine, the oldest in the Kanto region, surrounded by solemn architecture and deep greenery. With vast flower fields that have served as movie locations and local craft beer, Shimotsuma allows you to experience the gentle, nostalgic side of daily life in Japan.

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Yuki City

Yuki is the production center of "Yuki-tsumugi," a high-grade silk fabric registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here, you can still witness hand-weaving techniques that have continued for thousands of years. The townscape, filled with historic storehouses and temples, is incredibly beautiful and perfect for a stroll in a silk kimono. With craft sake breweries and renovated storehouse cafes, Yuki offers a sophisticated walk through history and modern craftsmanship.

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Sakuragawa City

Sakuragawa City

Since ancient times, Sakuragawa has been praised as a premier cherry blossom site, rivaling Yoshino in the west. The wild mountain cherries (Yamazakura) have a poetic elegance mentioned in classical literature. The city is dotted with temples and shrines designated as Important Cultural Properties, housing solemn Buddhist statues. Additionally, it is a town of traditional stonemasonry, where you can witness the incredible skill of craftsmen carving intricate stone lanterns.

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Chikusei City

Gazing out at the magnificent Mt.筑波, Chikusei is a city where history and art coexist. The "Shimodate" district retains old storehouse-style buildings, allowing for a historical stroll through Japan's merchant past. The city also features museums dedicated to world-famous print artists and theme parks filled with seasonal flowers. Enjoying local sake and fresh agricultural products from the vast plains makes for a wonderful way to discover the charms of a regional Japanese city.

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Daigo Town

Daigo is home to the majestic Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls, dropping 120 meters over four tiers. Its appearance changes dramatically with the seasons, including the mysterious "ice fall" in mid-winter. The town is also a famous apple-growing region where visitors can enjoy apple picking in autumn. With its mountain hot springs, nostalgic old schoolhouses, and rustic soba noodles, Daigo offers a quintessential glimpse into Japan’s rural heart.

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Kitaibaraki City

Kitaibaraki City

Located at the northernmost tip of Ibaraki, this city features a coastline so beautiful it inspired generations of artists. The "Rokkaku-do," a red hexagonal hall perched on the edge of the sea, was a place of meditation for the famous scholar Tenshin Okakura. The city is also the birthplace of "Ankou Nabe" (monkfish hot pot), attracting foodies every winter. Listening to the waves while soaking in a hot spring offers a deep sense of healing for the soul.

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Hitachiomiya City

Hitachiomiya City

A natural paradise where the clear Naka and Kuji Rivers flow, Hitachiomiya is perfect for water-based activities like canoeing, camping, and ayu (sweetfish) fishing. The city is also famous for its skin-beautifying hot springs and delicious local soba noodles. Renowned as a prime location for stargazing, the night sky here reveals the mysteries of the universe. It is the ideal destination for travelers wanting to fully experience the blessings of Japan’s mountains, rivers, and stars.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mito City

The capital of Ibaraki is a city where Edo-period history harmonizes with modern culture. Once a thriving castle town for the Mito Tokugawa family, it boasts historic sites that reflect the samurai spirit, such as a vast landscape garden and an ancient hall of education. With a scenic lake offering seasonal events, it serves as the perfect hub to explore history and local food culture.

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Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture, stretching along the majestic Pacific coast, is a captivating region where nature, history, and culture thrive in harmony. The prefecture is home to world-class seasonal wonders, including the ethereal nemophila and kochia fields at Hitachi Seaside Park, the graceful plum blossoms of Kairakuen—one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens—and the thundering Fukuroda Falls. Visitors can wander through the historic streets of Hitachiota or enjoy vibrant summer fireworks and sandy beaches. As a premier agricultural hub, Ibaraki also offers a "gourmet paradise" featuring succulent melons, Hitachi Wagyu beef, and fresh seafood. With hot spring retreats scattered throughout, Ibaraki provides...

Ibaraki
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