Itako Iris Festival

Itako City

Eastern Ibaraki

Parks/Nature

Festivals/Events

During this festival in June, over a million irises fill the canal city of Itako with a splash of color.
Various events are held on weekends during the festival, including Ayame Odori, a traditional dance taking place in the iris gardens. There's also the "yomeiri-bune," a traditional ceremony where a bride dressed in a traditional wedding kimono travels by boat to meet her new husband.

Information

Address: 1-5 Ayame, Itako City
Access: By public transport: 3-minute walk from Itako Station on the JR Kashima Line
Contact: Itako City Industry & Tourism Division
TEL: 0299-63-1111

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Kashima City

Eastern Ibaraki

Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine

Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine is said to have been established in 660 BCE. It is the oldest and largest Shinto Shrine in the Kanto region. The shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, the Shinto deity of martial arts.
The shrine is located in a spacious park. After visiting the shrine, stop off at the deer enclosure and see the crystal blue Mitarashi Pond. Stalls selling traditional Japanese snacks like dango dumplings and salt-baked sweetfish are available during peak seasons.
More than 80 annual events and festivals are held at the shrine, including the Ofune Matsuri or "Ship Festival," occurring once every 12 years and attracting visitors from across Japan and overseas.

Temples/Shrines

Castles/Historical Sites

Kamisu City

Eastern Ibaraki

Hasaki Beach

Hasaki Beach is a popular swimming destination that has been recognized by the Ministry of the Environment and selected as one of the Top 100 Recommended Swimming Beaches. The beach's popularity lies in its shallow waters, pristine white sandy beach, and high water transparency. The surrounding area also boasts numerous points for surfing and bodyboarding, attracting young people and families throughout the year.

Parks/Nature

Sports/Outdoor

Namegata City

Eastern Ibaraki

Lapoppo Namegata Farmers Village（らぽっぽなめがたファーマーズヴィレッジ）

Namegata Farmers Village is a park and shop in a renovated school building just an 80-minute drive from Tokyo. The overarching concept at the park is "farm to table." Therefore, visitors can eat, experience, play, and learn about farming at the park's sweet baked potato factory. In addition to shops and restaurants, hands-on farming workshops are available.
By public transport: From JR Itako Station, take a Rokko Kitaura Line bus bound for Aso Onsen. After around 35 minutes, get off at the Lake Eco/Shirahama Shonen Shizen no Ie/Namegata Farmers Village bus stop. Namegata Farmers Village is a minute walk from the bus stop.

Shopping Spots

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