IBARAKI GUIDE

Welcome
to
Ibaraki

A land rich in history and nature

About Ibaraki

Ibaraki Prefecture is close to Tokyo and is located between 30km and 150km northeast of the city center. Mito, the capital of the prefecture, is 100 km away. Facing the Pacific Ocean, it is known as a region rich in nature such as the sea, rivers, lakes and mountains.

茨城の地図

Ibaraki Highlights

Six Must-Try Fruits from Ibaraki, Japan’s “Food Kingdom”! Introducing the Best Farms for Fruit Picking

Ibaraki Prefecture, often called Japan’s “Food Kingdom,” is one of the nation’s top agricultural regions. Among its many delicious agricultural products, the fruit is particularly noteworthy. Ibaraki is home to various fruits produced year-round, including melons, which rank first in Japan, and pears, which rank second. In this article, we’ll introduce six of Ibaraki’s signature fruits and the best farms where you can enjoy fruit picking!

Indulge in The Exquisite Flavors of Ibaraki’s Ingredients till Late at Night at 7 Top Dining Spots around Mito Station

Ibaraki Prefecture, famous for its scenic spots such as Hitachi Seaside Park and the famous Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's three great gardens, is close to Tokyo and has been gaining popularity among domestic and international visitors. Ibaraki Prefecture is blessed with a mild climate, vast and flat land, and abundant nature, making it a treasure trove of food. Its agricultural industry expenditures are always among the highest in the country, consistently ranking high nationwide.
In this article, we will introduce restaurants near Mito Station where you can enjoy delicious Ibaraki ingredients even late at night when staying in the area.

Discover Six Shopping Spots in Mito Where You Can Enjoy Shopping Even at Night

When visiting Japan, many people often purchase famous Japanese beauty products, miscellaneous goods, brand-name items, and local souvenirs.
After touring Ibaraki Prefecture, visitors heading towards destinations like Tokyo from Mito City, the prefectural capital, or those staying in Mito, here are six recommended shopping spots, including shopping malls, to explore.
Each spot is conveniently accessible, and shopping can be enjoyed in the evening and even at night. Furthermore, as each store carries different products, feel free to shop according to your preferences.

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Travel Plans

Spend a Night in Daigo, Ibaraki! A Trip to Explore Autumn Flavors and Scenic Views

Daigo Town, located in the north of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a charming place where rich nature beautifully fuses with traditional culture when autumn arrives. This suggested overnight itinerary will allow you to fully experience the town’s autumn charm, from breathtaking scenery to local gourmet cuisine.

Activity / Outdoor

Nature

History / Traditional Crafts

1 night, 2 days

Discover the Ushiku Daibutsu, the World’s Tallest Bronze Buddha Statue, and Enjoy Delicious Food and Shopping in a Day Trip

The Ushiku Daibutsu in Ibaraki Prefecture is the tallest bronze statue of the Buddha worldwide. Standing 120 meters tall, this statue has a temple inside offering visitors a place of worship. Temple-goers can enjoy not only attractions of the statue, but also seasonal flowers in the surrounding garden and a small petting zoo opened on Sundays and holidays.

A winery designated as a Japan Heritage, where visitors can dine, is located nearby. There is also an outlet mall in the area. The following is a recommended route for a day trip from Tokyo to enjoy the Daibutsu and its surroundings.

History / Traditional Crafts

Other

1day

A One-Night, Two-Day Historical Journey in Mito City: Exploring Landmarks from the Edo and Meiji Periods

There are many spots related to the Tokugawa shogunate family, who led the Japanese government during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) in Mito. The Tokugawa Gosanke, three branches that were allowed to carry the Tokugawa family name, existed during this time and held status that ranked next to the shogunate family. The Mito Tokugawa family, the lords of the Mito Domain (present-day central and north Ibaraki Prefecture), was one of those families. The Mito Tokugawa family emphasized education in Japanese history and the sciences with their retainers, which became famously known as Mitogaku.

In addition to facilities related to Mitogaku, Mito has a museum where visitors can enjoy historical exhibits associated with the Tokugawa family, and historical buildings such as a former school established during the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Exploring these spots will deepen your understanding of Japan`s history during the Edo period and the beginning of modernization.

About Ibaraki

Ibaraki Highlights

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