IBARAKI GUIDE

A 2-Day, 1-Night Trip to Kasama: Enjoy Pottery and Local Culture

Those interested in pottery and art should visit Kasama City, known for its unique pottery culture, and the Kasama Himatsuri Pottery Festival. Kasama-yaki (pottery) has a long history and is designated as a Japan Heritage. In the following, we will introduce a 2-day/1-night model course that allows you to fully enjoy the local pottery culture as well as attractive local restaurants and eateries, the Kasama Inari Shrine—one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan—museums and parks. A rental bicycle will be used on the first day, with walking and a taxi ride on the second day.

A Family Road Trip to Ibaraki: a 2-Day Itinerary to Enjoy History, Nature, and Local Cuisine

How about spending two fulfilling days in Ibaraki Prefecture that the entire family can enjoy?

Purify the heart at the historic Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, and enjoy the flowers and nature at the expansive Hitachi Seaside Park and Kairakuen, one of Japan's Three Greatest Gardens. Learn about various plants at a botanical garden, and discover the underwater world at an aquarium that is especially popular among children.

As for the gourmet cuisine on the trip, savor sweet fruits and desserts at a popular farm, fresh seafood at the port fish market, wagyu beef dishes at a cozy hidden restaurant, and more! A hotel with hot springs makes the perfect place to stay. Wrap up the trip with a shopping to fully enjoy the charm of Ibaraki!

A 3-Day, 2-Night Road Trip: Explore Stunning Autumn Scenery and Local Cuisine

From mid to late October, the kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture turn bright red, attracting many visitors. During this time, Japan's oldest chrysanthemum festival at Kasama Inari Shrine and the autumn roses at Ibaraki Flower Park can also be enjoyed. In addition, at Lake Kasumigaura, the second-largest lake in Japan, visitors can observe the traditional fishing boats, Hobikisen—a seasonal spectacle from summer to autumn—viewed from a sightseeing boat running alongside them.
For meals, savor fresh seafood and dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. In the evenings, relax surrounded by nature, with glamping at Ibaraki Flower Park and staying in a traditional Japanese-style house by the Kasumigaura lakeshore.
This 3-day, 2-night road trip itinerary, starting from Narita Airport, offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the middle of Japanese autumn.