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Kijian

Ibaraki Prefecture is Japan's second-largest lacquer producer, and the center of production is the town of Daigo. Daigo lacquer is characterized by its high transparency and quality sheen, making it a very rare and high-quality product.

The Kijian brand was established to pass down the appeal of Daigo lacquer of the exceptional quality to future generations.
At Kijian, they meticulously carry out the entire process, from cultivating lacquer trees and refining lacquer to creating wooden bases, applying lacquer, and selling lacquerware. Some of their work can be found at their gallery shop, which is located in an old warehouse.

Daigo lacquer tableware makes great souvenirs. The lacquer develops a beautiful sheen that becomes more vivid and transparent with continued use.

Daigo Oyaki Cooking School

Oyaki is a steamed bun made from buckwheat flour and stuffed with seasonal fillings. This snack is thought to have been a way to preserve fresh produce longer and remain popular today.
In the northern Ibaraki area, oyaki were traditionally made by baking the buns in a sunken hearth. Nowadays, Japanese homes don't have hearths, so oyaki are usually steamed or baked in the oven. In addition to traditional combinations of seasonal vegetables, modern oyaki are often stuffed with fruit or sweet red bean paste!
If you'd like to make your own oyaki, head to Daigo Oyaki Cooking School in Daigo! Housed in an old school building from the Meiji Era, it is the perfect setting to try your hand at this traditional Japanese dish. The school also has a shop and restaurant.

Tsukimachi Falls

Tsukimachi Falls is one of the hidden gems of the northern Ibaraki area. While the falls themselves aren't as dramatic as the famed Fukuroda Falls, its unique geology allows visitors to walk behind a curtain of water to observe the rushing water from behind.
The fast-flowing water makes it a great place to cool off during the Japanese summer. The area is also known for its flaming red maple foliage in autumn.
Momijien Soba Restaurant is located to the falls if you'd like to enjoy a meal while gazing out at the scenery. This restaurant uses locally grown buckwheat flour to make its noodles. Freshly-made soba paired with the falls makes for a picturesque memory in Ibaraki.