Hoshiimo Shrine / Horide Shrine

Hitachinaka City

Central Ibaraki

Temples/Shrines

Horide Shrine and Hoshiimo Shrine are on a hill with a beautiful view of Ajigaura Beach. The name Horide comes from "horidasu," or the Japanese verb for "to dig out." In 1663, locals unearthed armor, spears, and katana swords in the surrounding area and built a small shrine to enshrine these items. Several years later, an ancient mirror was dedicated to the shrine by Tokugawa Mitsukuni, a historical figure who governed over the local Mito Domain (a domain encompassing modern-day central and northern Ibaraki). It soon became the shrine's object of worship. The shrine is called "Horide" because both the first items found here and the mirror were dug up. Hachiman, the deity of academics and warding against evil spirits, is worshipped here.

In 2019, Hoshiimo Shrine was newly built on the grounds of Horide Shrine. Ibaraki Prefecture ranks the highest in production volume for hoshi-imo (dried sweet potatoes) in Japan. Moreover, Hitachinaka, where the shrine is located, is the most prosperous production area. Hoshiimo Shrine also gets its name from the phrase "hoshii mono" or "something you desire" in Japanese due to its similar pronunciation. It's said that the shrine will bless you to "obtain everything you desire."

Hoshiimo Shrine features beautiful golden torii gates lined up in two rows, making it a popular photogenic spot. The person who designed these torii gates was none other than Taku Saito, a designer involved in product design for some of Japan's most famous brands. Several other highlights of the shrine include the golden motorcycle, two sacred yin-yang trees representing a male and female couple, and a hoshi-imo vending machine. You can also drink SAZA COFFEE, a local coffee brand, at a small cafe on the shrine grounds.

Information

Address: 172-2 Ajigauracho, Hitachinaka City
Access: By public transport: 2 minutes on foot from Ajigaura Station
By car: 5 minutes from the Hitachi Seaside Park IC on the Hitachinaka Toll Road
Website: https://horide-hachiman.com/home.php
Contact: 029-265-9533
hoshiimo@horide-hachiman.com
Parking: Standard-sized cars: 40
Microbuses: 2
Large buses: Not allowed

Map

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Mito City

Central Ibaraki

Tokiwa Shrine

Located next to Kairakuen Garden, Tokiwa Shrine is the largest shrine in Mito City. It is dedicated to Tokugawa Mitsukuni and Tokugawa Nariaki, the second and ninth feudal lords of the Mito Domain during the Edo Period (1603–1868).
Additionally, the Giretsukan building contains paintings, calligraphy, and artworks left by the two lords.

Temples/Shrines

Hitachinaka City

Central Ibaraki

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park is perhaps Ibaraki's most famous tourist destination for its Instagram-friendly fields of flowers. This vast park is best known for the stunning blue nemophila flowers in spring (mid-April onwards) and bright red kochia bushes in autumn (October). There's plenty to see year-round, including daffodils, tulips, sunflowers, and oil-seed rape blossoms. In addition to flowers, it is home to a small amusement park and traditional Japanese farmhouses.
Once inside, visitors can enjoy a stroll, rent a bicycle, or ride the Seaside Train to get around. The park is entirely wheelchair accessible.
Moreover, Hitachi Seaside Park is located close to other destinations such as Aquaworld Aquarium, Nakaminato Fish Market, and Kairakuen Park. In other words, it's easy to plan a one or two-day trip to all of these major sites!

Parks/Nature

Kasama City

Central Ibaraki

Kasama Himatsuri Pottery Festival

This is the largest pottery and arts festival in Ibaraki, attracting nearly 550,000 visitors each year. More than 200 artists, craftspeople, and gallery owners exhibit their works at the festival. Even if pottery isn’t your thing, this festival is worth visiting to see the individuality and artistry that goes into each display.
Exploring the festival will work up an appetite, but plenty of food stalls will satiate the stomach. Many of these stalls are run by local artists who serve fusion dishes and fun twists on classic Japanese festival food.
Various events take place during the festivities, including a clay mask auction, musical performances, and special exhibitions by local children. Kids can also make their own clay models and use a potter’s wheel.

Festivals/Events

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