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Introduction
Ibaraki Prefecture, surrounded by Tokyo Bay in Japan’s Kanto region, is an isolated but beautiful spot filled with picturesque mountains, historic shrines, and clean parks. Ibaraki has a diverse climate, from hot summers to cold white winters. Ibaraki has many amazing local restaurants and shops specializing in traditional Japanese cuisine and souvenirs. This article will introduce some of the best places to visit in Ibaraki Prefecture.
From ancient shrines to archaeological remains, visitors can explore vibrant cities and the rolling countryside that offer a peaceful view of nature. Mitsukaido features many historic spots, including Sanuki-no-Miya Shrine and Mizuki Castle Ruins. Historic monuments and ancient imperial tombs can be found in Oarai town and Kashima City. In Hitachi City, the Oiwa Shrine is located on Mount Oiwa, the oldest sacred mountain in Hitachinokuni, and in Mito City, the Art Tower Mito and Mito Kairakuen Garden face the Pacific Ocean coastline.
There is a number of aquatic sports, like surfing lessons available at various locations around Ibaraki, such as Shirosato Townmarina Beach offering visitors a fun alternative way to enjoy the beauty of Ibaraki’s coastline.
Mito（水戸）
Mito is a city located northeast of Ibaraki Prefecture known for its rich cultural heritage. The city has many ancient temples, shrines, and other historical sites.
In addition, there are many shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Let’s explore some of the best places to visit in Mito!
Kairakuen Garden（偕楽園）
Kairakuen Garden is one of the top three most famous gardens in Japan and is located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The garden was built in 1842 by the local feudal lord who wanted to share his love for art and nature with local people. The garden is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom during spring, drawing countless visitors every year.
The garden features around 3,000 cherry trees of various species. In the springtime, these trees burst into bloom with a dazzling array of colors ranging from deep red to barely-there pink. Visitors can also enjoy walking paths under centuries-old maple trees and tranquil ponds surrounded by colorful seasonal flowers such as tulips and hydrangeas. For over one hundred years Kairakuen Garden has been recognized as one of Japan’s most beautiful and beloved natural places.
Ruins of Mito Castle（水戸城跡）
Mito castle, also known as Kasumi-ga-jo, is a brilliant white castle on a hill in Mito City. It’s one of the most famous places to visit in Ibaraki Prefecture, and it’s well worth the effort it takes to get there.
Mito Castle was built in 1617 by Tokugawa Mitsukuni—better known as Mito Komon or “The Great Lord of Mito”—as a fortress to protect his base against possible enemy invasions. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the course of its history, but the current version is an excellent example of 16th-century Edo Period architecture and design.
The innermost part of the castle is protected by four turrets, connected by high stone walls and surrounded by a moat that links to Lake Kasumigaura. Visitors can explore these routes on foot or take a self-guided tour for €5 ($5.75). The Kumagawa Tower behind the central part of the castle holds cultural artifacts from its time under Tokugawa rule, including swords and photographs depicting war scenes from centuries past. There’s also an observation deck that offers breathtaking views across Ibaraki Prefecture.
In addition to the historic war memorials scattered throughout the area, Mito Castle hosts regular festivals and events for local people like Great White Emperor Festival each May, when people dress up in full traditional attire for mock battles against enemies from long ago. During cherry blossom season (April/May) visitors flock here for picnics beneath cherry trees blanketed with blossoms. On clear days you can see Mount Tsukuba far off to the east standing above shimmering Lake Kasumi-ga-ura below with sunlight reflecting off each shore at dawn or dusk – truly an unforgettable experience!
Mito Sea Paradise
Mito Sea Paradise is a popular tourist destination in Ibaraki prefecture, Japan. The area is home to a wide variety of attractions and activities, including an aquarium, amusement park and botanical garden. The most popular reason for visitors to visit Mito Sea Paradise is the aquarium, which features more than 10,000 fish from all over the world and unique sea creatures like whale sharks and giant manta rays.
In addition to the aquarium, visitors can also enjoy various entertainment facilities like the roller coaster and Ferris wheel.
The area also houses various picture opportunities such as the Ibaraki Prefecture Museum of Modern Art and its classic shipbound viewpoint located along the shoreline. Tourists looking for a relaxing time might want to check out Taga Kuji Temple or Ushiku Daibutsu – World’s Largest Buddha Statue for a day’s worth of sightseeing around Mito Sea Paradise.
Other attractions include an amusement park with rides such as Ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds; an aqua ranger facility; Tsukuba Circuit; Hitachi Seaside Park ;and many other leisure spots perfect for families looking for unique experience while visiting Ibaraki prefecture.
Hitachi
Hitachi is one of the historic cities in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. This city is known for its temples, shrines, and scenic landscapes, making it the perfect place to explore and experience local culture.
Hitachi has plenty of tourist attractions, ranging from museums and historical sites to parks and shopping areas. Let’s take a look at some of the must-see places in Hitachi.
Hitachi Seaside Park
Located in Hitachinaka city, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, Hitachi Seaside Park is a vast expanse of grassy fields and seashore stretching as far as the eye can see. With its tremendous array of floral colors, the “nemophila” or blue carpet flower bed is a stunning sight seen at its best in the springtime when it graces the entire park with its beauty. The unique combination between the colors of the fields and ocean along with the vivid blue skies gives you a feeling of tranquility and serenity that soothes your soul like nowhere else.
Hitachi Seaside Park also offers many other attractions like thrilling amusement rides, botanical gardens, and barbecue areas for avid outdoor lovers. It also plays host to many events like hot air ballooning and cultural celebrations throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for people from all walks of life all throughout Japan. This destination’s natural beauty and charm make it an ideal place for anyone to have an unforgettable experience!
Kasama Inari Shrine（笠間稲荷神社）
Kasama Inari Shrine is one of the most esteemed shrines in the Ibaraki prefecture. Located close to Hitachi, it is perched atop a hill in the center of Kasama city. The shrine was founded in 1163 and has been maintained throughout the centuries. It is dedicated to Inari, a god of business, prosperity, and farming, so many people come here to pray for success in their businesses or studies.
The shrine’s premise spreads over 600 hectares (1,480 acres) and houses 300 deities in 88 “inari” shrines. This place is particularly famous for its 30 thousand red torii gates – believed to be among the longest line of torii gates not only in Japan but across Asia. Kasama Inari Shrine offers scenic views of rice terraces as well as different stages for cultural events and traditional dances like bugaku (medieval court music). It is especially beautiful during autumn when trees turn yellow, orange, and red colors enhancing the view even further.
Hitachi City Museum
Located in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, the Hitachi City Museum is a great place to learn about the local culture and history interactively and engagingly. The museum is home to some of the most important artifacts from the city’s past. It also offers various educational programs and activities that make it easy for children and adults to explore its exhibits. With its wide range of artifacts, knowledgeable staff, and interactive activities, this museum is an ideal destination for people looking to experience life in an ancient Japanese town.
The museum primarily houses permanent exhibitions that take visitors through different aspects of the prefecture’s rich history. In addition to these exhibitions, there are several special events throughout the year that offer unique experiences, such as traditional wedding ceremonies and traditional cultural performances. The museum also provides access to research materials such as photographs and books about local historical figures who have helped shape Ibaraki Prefecture today. Visitors can also take part in activities such as dyeing cotton cloth with natural plant sources or seeing what life was like in pre-modern times at a reconstructed Edo-period house.
The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can pick up souvenirs or gifts for those back home. Public transportation options are available nearby for convenient travel access. Whether looking for family-friendly attractions or something more typical of a traditional historical site to visit during your travels in Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi City Museum should be one destination you don’t want to miss out on!
Tsukuba
Tsukuba is a city in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan that is known for its many cultural attractions, beautiful natural scenery, and proximity to Tokyo. Whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure, a relaxing holiday, or a chance to learn more about Japanese culture, Tsukuba has something for everyone.
Let’s explore the best places in Tsukuba and the Ibaraki area!
Tsukuba Botanical Garden
The Tsukuba Botanical Garden, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, is one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world. This 35-year-old garden features more than 13,000 plant species that grow either naturally or artificially from around the world. It also includes an herb garden, a Japanese garden and a greenhouse full of tropical plants and flowers.
Formerly named Tamaskan Botanical Garden on opening day in 1982, it was given its current name to honor Ibaraki’s sister prefecture of Tsukuba for their mutual exchange program. The only botanical garden to be recognized by both Akihabara University and the US National Association of Biological Field Stations (NABFs), this stunningly beautiful garden provides ample opportunity for exploration and discovery.
Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays of native wildflowers, a bonsai exhibition area showcasing miniaturized trees and shrubs that have been carefully cultivated over centuries, a Nihon (Japanese) style flower viewing plaza filled with two or three story high banks of flowering plants as well as many other visually stunning landscapes. In addition to its many permanent exhibition areas, lectures and demonstrations take place throughout the year that help visitors better understand various aspects of botany including horticulture and conservation.
Whether you are looking for an afternoon stroll amongst beautiful gardens or searching for educational opportunities to learn about the natural flora surrounding you, Tsukuba Botanical Garden is sure to become a favorite destination for spending time in nature.
Tsukuba Space Center
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) is a unique and exciting attraction that allows visitors to explore the state-of-the-art technology used in modern space exploration and discovery. TKSC boasts a range of facilities open to visitors including an outer space museum, planetariums, an observatory, and research building. It also hosts numerous events such as open days and regular lectures by international experts in astrophysics.
TKSC is famous for its simulation rooms which are used by astronaut candidates as part of their training before they embark on their missions. You can also explore a mock spacecraft inside the complex. There are several sites within the grounds of TKSC to explore including Tsukuba Space Dome—a huge dome facility equipped with a telephone relay center; Tsukushima Planetarium—featuring live presentations about the universe by astronomers; Fuji Aerospace Research Center—where astronauts can observe the constellations from inside the observatory; Hayabusa Hall—an outdoor one stop facility housing model rockets, satellites, landing capsules, astronomical instruments and other astronomy related exhibits; And two private astronomical laboratories located outside the main building of TKSC which researchers run from local universities.
Visitors can also experience virtual reality technology first hand at Futures Group in TKSC’s research building complex where they can climb aboard a rocking spaceship simulator or Zero Gravity Free fall device which produces experiences similar to those felt by astronauts during their space mission. In addition visitors may study Moon photos taken station-ring using telescopes at Moon Viewer Window Inside. The beautiful scenery of Mt Tsukuba from 400 meters above ground level offers spectacular views of Ibaraki Prefecture’s vast land and waterscape for tourists wishing for an out-of-this world experience here on Earth!
Tsukuba Expo Center
Tsukuba Expo Center is an excellent spot for those who want to enjoy the wonders of Ibaraki Prefecture. Located just outside of Tokyo, it is a perfect getaway for travelers who want to take in Japan’s beautiful scenery and culture.
The center houses several attractions, but its most popular attraction is its Tsukuba International Festival. Held twice a year, this event features traditional dance and music performances from around Japan and some of the most remarkable exhibitions from artists worldwide.
The festival includes interactive activities for kids and adults alike, so no matter your age, you will surely find something you love at this genuinely unique place!
Kasama
Kasama in Ibaraki Prefecture is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway. It’s a small city known for its ceramics and traditional craftwork, making it the perfect destination for those interested in Japanese culture.
Kasama offers plenty of attractions, from its historical sites to its beautiful natural scenery. Let’s have a closer look at what this beautiful city has to offer!
Kasama Ceramics Museum
The Kasama Ceramics Museum is a unique collection of ceramic artworks, some dating back hundreds of years. It is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, and features many works by noted potters from around the world. The main exhibit showcases works by famous Japanese potters like Kakishima Saisyo and Furutani Masako. Visitors to the museum can also view pieces from key figures in contemporary ceramics such as Jun Kaneko, Muneji Kubota, Shinji Yamaguchi, Tsuyoshi Honma and others.
Kasama Ceramics Museum houses an extensive collection of folk ceramics gathered from all over Japan as well as local specific collections such as those from the cities of Tsuchiura and Oyama records. Outside the galleries special programs are offered like traditional tea ceremonies with powdered matcha tea & wagashi sweets including bread & sweets carving classes plus craft tours at local kilns to take home your own creations!
Whether you are a ceramic lover or looking to explore popular culture in Ibaraki prefecture, a visit to this museum is sure to be rewarding!
Kasama Geibikei Gorge
Kasama Geibikei Gorge in the Ibaraki Prefecture is one of Japan’s best places to visit. This magnificent gorge is made of beautifully eroded rock formations, towering cliffs, and stunning trees and trails. The 27-meter mountain path takes visitors through an array of unusual sights and scenery that includes two beautiful waterfalls, bright colors from the changing foliage in autumn, as well as a lotus pond and its leading temple called Ozegahara Shinto Shrine.
The trek around this gorgeous location can take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on how leisurely you want it to be. Though steep at some points, the path is generally not too strenuous but make sure you dress appropriately – has there are a variety of terrains along the way. Kasama Geibikei Gorge is simply a must-see destination during your travels in Ibaraki Prefecture!
Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu is a grand statue of Amitabha Buddha located at Ushiku Arcadia, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is 120 meters tall and the world’s tallest pre-modern bronze statue. The statue was commissioned by the Japanese Buddhist monk Koyu Sonoki and was completed in 1995. Its head alone weighs 834 tonnes, and it is constructed from reinforced concrete with a layer of bronze coating.
There are four floors open to the public, on the bottom floor you can find a small museum with Buddhist artifacts, while on the second floor, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area. On the third floor, there are several immersive exhibits that offer visitors insight into Buddhism and the life of Koyu Sonoki while on top there is an observation deck that offers spectacular views of both Ibaraki Prefecture and Tokyo Bay.
Conclusion
Ibaraki Prefecture has something for everyone, from the stunning landscapes and coastlines of Hitachi Seaside Park to the tempting food of Jyoso and even hot springs. The options are seemingly endless. No matter your interests or how long you plan to stay, there are plenty of fun things to do in this beautiful region.
From its historical sites, museums, and gardens to its beautiful nature parks and hot springs, Ibaraki Prefecture is a wonderful place to visit. Whether you choose an educational workshop or just want an enjoyable weekend away, Ibaraki Prefecture offers a lot to be experienced and enjoyed.
