Mito Castle Ruins

Mito City

Central Ibaraki

Castles/Historical Sites

Mito Castle was Japan's largest earthen flatland castle, constructed between the late 12th to early 13th centuries.
It became the Mito Tokugawa family's castle after several changes in lords when Yorifusa Tokugawa was enfeoffed to Mito in 1609.
Mito Castle lost its role as a castle following the collapse of the Edo shogunate in 1868. Many of its buildings were lost due to demolition, war damages, and other causes.
Currently, the castle's earthen walls, moat, clan school Kodokan, and Yakui Gate are all that remain. Ote Gate and Ninomaru Sumiyagura Tower were also reconstructed based on historical documents.

Information

Address: 2-9-22 Sannomaru, Mito City
Access: By public transport:
10 minutes on foot from Mito Station
By car:
About 15 minutes from Mito-Minami IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway
About 15 minutes from Mito-Kita Smart IC (ETC vehicles only) on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 24 hours
Website: https://mitokoumon.com/facility/historic/mitojoato/
Contact: 029-306-8132
Parking: Use nearby parking lots

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Mito City

Central Ibaraki

Ibaraki Prefectural Archives and Museum

The Ibaraki Prefectural Archives and Museum (Mito City) was established in 1974. Permanent exhibits showcase the history of Ibaraki from ancient times to the present day. The museum itself is housed on a plot spanning 72,000m2. This formerly was a residence during the Edo Period (1603–1868) and later a Western-style school building from the Meiji Period (1868–1912).
During autumn, the museum grounds are fantastic to see bright yellow ginkgo trees, a seasonal highlight in Japan.

Castles/Historical Sites

Museums/Zoos/Aquariums

Hitachinaka City

Central Ibaraki

Hitachinaka Festival & Fireworks

The fireworks display is the highlight of this two-day summer festival. The event features over 3,000 fireworks set to dynamic music that adds to the dazzling display.

In addition to fireworks, the festival features various events, including a dance procession and a traditional mikoshi (portable shrine) parade.

Festivals/Events

Hitachinaka City

Central Ibaraki

Nakaminato Fish Market

Popular among locals and visitors alike, this fish market is known for its affordable prices and restaurants serving up local seafood. Take in the market scenes before sitting down at one of the market’s restaurants. Dining options include conveyor-belt sushi, sashimi, sea urchin, and seafood rice bowls. Many restaurants can also be reserved for group bookings.
The fish market is accessible by a short drive or a 15-minute walk from Aqua World Oarai aquarium. It is also a short train ride from Hitachi Seaside Park, making it an ideal sightseeing spot in central Ibaraki.

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