Travel Plans

A Two-Day Trip to Kasama: Enjoy Pottery and Local Culture

Those interested in pottery and art should visit Kasama City, known for its unique pottery culture, and the Kasama Himatsuri Pottery Festival. Kasama-yaki (pottery) has a long history and is designated as a Japan Heritage. In the following, we will introduce a 2-day/1-night model course that allows you to fully enjoy the local pottery culture as well as attractive local restaurants and eateries, the Kasama Inari Shrine—one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan—museums and parks. A rental bicycle will be used on the first day, with walking and a taxi ride on the second day.

Breathtaking Scenery and History! A 2-Day Cycling Route on Ring Ring Road

Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road is a 180-kilometer cycling route in Ibaraki Prefecture. This is a designated national cycling route because it is safe to travel and equipped with well-maintained rest areas and accommodations along the way. You can select from a variety of cycling paths, enjoy the scenic beauty of Mt. Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura, visit historical sites, shop for souvenirs, and savor local cuisine. Tsuchiura, a recommended starting point, is easily accessible in about an hour by train or car from Tokyo. You can also rent a bike in the city. This time, we'll introduce a two-day cycling itinerary around sightseeing spots along the route from Tsuchiura to nearby Mt. Tsukuba and charming spots to visit near Lake Kasumigaura. *Please keep in mind it is illegal to ride a bicycle after consuming alcohol.

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.