Visit

Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art

The Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art is located in picturesque Izura. The area is renowned for its beautiful winding coastline, cliffs, and pine forests. It has been recognized as one of the top 100 beaches in Japan. Moreover, the sound of the waves at Izura was selected for a project recording Japan's 100 most captivating soundscapes.
The artist Tenshin Okakura was one of the pioneers of modern art in Japan during the Meiji Period (1868–1912). He later founded The Japan Art Institute (Nihon Bijutsuin). In 1906, the institute moved from Izura to Tokyo's Ueno district, where Tenshin Okakura worked alongside other artists, including Taikan Yokoyama.
The Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art was established on November 8, 1997. The facility commemorates his achievements and displays works by him and his contemporaries.

Hitachi Cherry Blossom Festival & UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Around 14,000 cherry trees fill the city of Hitachi with pink blossoms from early to mid-April. During the cherry blossom festival, the cherry trees on Heiwa Street and Juo Panorama Park are illuminated as night falls. In fact, the festival is ranked among Japan’s 100 most beautiful cherry blossom areas!
On the first weekend in April, a spectacular parade takes place on Heiwa Street. During the festivities, 15-meter high and 8-meter wide festival floats are pulled down the road. Traditional puppet shows also take place on the floats. These puppet shows are said to have been performed since the mid-Edo Period and are recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Ryujin River & Kamegafuchi Pool

The Ryujin River and Kamegafuchi pool area has inspired numerous local legends. In Japanese, Ryujin River translates to "Dragon River." Not surprisingly, the locals believed that a mythical dragon resided in the river. The otherworldly Kamegafuchi Pool area certainly seems like something could lurk in its depths.
The Ryujin River and Kamegafuchi Pool area is an excellent site for hiking. Nearby destinations include the Ryujin Campsite and Tacchan-no-Yu hot spring baths, ideal for relaxing and recovering after hiking.