IBARAKI GUIDE

Mito Historical Tour Day Trip

A day trip in Mito.
After a history trip, enjoy shopping at the Keisei Department store.

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.

Early Summer Road Trip: A 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary to Explore Irises and Savor Local Delicacies

This is a 2-day, 1-night road trip itinerary for early summer, starting in Mito City.
In Ibaraki, visitors can enjoy the Suigo-Itako Iris Festival from late spring to late June, a festival famous for the traditional Yomeiribune (bride boat). This itinerary offers not only the opportunity to admire the irises but also to savor meals and sweets featuring local ingredients, including Ibaraki Prefecture's specialty gourmet melons and sweet potatoes. You’ll also have the chance to interact with living creatures at the newly opened Kasumigaura Dobutsu to Minna no Ie and visit the Aqua World Ibaraki Prefecture Oarai Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Japan. The itinerary also takes you past the spiritual Ikisu Shrine.
For accommodation, enjoy staying in a traditional house built about 120 years ago and designated as a Cultural Property of Japan—an ideal place for family trips.