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.

View All

Travel Plans

Explore Kasama City by Bike (daytrip from Tokyo/Ueno)

If you're looking to get out of the city and explore during your trip to Japan, look no further than this daytrip to Kasama, Ibaraki, just an hour and a half from Tokyo by train! After arriving, borrow bikes from the Tourist Information Office at the station and start exploring!
First off, visit Kasama Inari Shrine. With a history of over 1360 years, this shrine is one of Japan's 3 Great Inari Shrines and attracts 3.5 million pilgrims every year. On the street outside the shrine, make sure to grab some local speciality foods like Inari Sushi (deep-fried tofu skin stuffed with rice and other local ingredients like walnuts) or manju steamed buns. Explore the local shopping streets with their traditional architecture as you enjoy your snack.
Then, get back on your bike and head to Kasama Crafthills to relax while surrounded by expansive nature. Finally, pick up some Kasama-yaki Pottery at Kirara Gallery - each piece of pottery is unique so make sure to look for the item …

History / Traditional Crafts

1day

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 Two-Day 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.

About Ibaraki

Ibaraki Highlights

Travel Plans

News