A Family Road Trip to Ibaraki: a 2-Day Itinerary to Enjoy History, Nature, and Local Cuisine

How about spending two fulfilling days in Ibaraki Prefecture that the entire family can enjoy?

Purify the heart at the historic Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, and enjoy the flowers and nature at the expansive Hitachi Seaside Park and Kairakuen, one of Japan's Three Greatest Gardens. Learn about various plants at a botanical garden, and discover the underwater world at an aquarium that is especially popular among children.

As for the gourmet cuisine on the trip, savor sweet fruits and desserts at a popular farm, fresh seafood at the port fish market, wagyu beef dishes at a cozy hidden restaurant, and more! A hotel with hot springs makes the perfect place to stay. Wrap up the trip with a shopping to fully enjoy the charm of Ibaraki!

1 night, 2 days

Day 1

Rent a car near the station

Tokyo Station

(Car) 1 hour 30 minutes

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 …

(Car) 30 minutes

Lunch

Fukasaku Farm

Fukasaku Farm in Ibaraki is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy fresh fruit. The farm is well-known for its seasonal fruit-picking experiences, such as sweet melons and strawberrie…

(Car) 40 minutes

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 mark…

(Car) 20 minutes

Renting a bicycle to enjoy cycling around the park is recommended

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 …

(Car) 20 minutes

Check-in

Oarai Park Hotel

(On foot) 16 minutes / (Taxi) Right nearby

Dinner

Seafood Restaurant Mehico Oarai

Seafood Restaurant Mehico is a chain in the Tohoku and Kanto regions, known for its remarkable atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes, which have made it popular for many years. In particular, their…

(On foot) 16 minutes / (Taxi) Right nearby

Overnight stay

Oarai Park Hotel

This hotel faces the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by pine trees, creating an air of peaceful seclusion. Enjoy some fresh seafood in the in-house restaurant and relax while gazing out at the ocea…

Oarai Park Hotel

(Car) Right nearby

Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium

This world-class aquarium is home to over 580 species of marine life, including penguins, dolphins, sharks, sunfish, and sea lions. In fact, Aqua World houses the largest number of shark species in J…

(Car) 40 minutes

Kairakuen Garden

Kairakuen Garden is ranked among Japan’s top three most beautiful gardens, alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama. The garden was established in 1842 by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth f…

(Car) 10 minutes

Lunch

Wagyuan

Wagyuan is a popular restaurant where guests can savor Hitachi Beef and Hanazono Beef, two wagyu specialties of Ibaraki Prefecture. The restaurant is surrounded by a beautiful traditional garden that…

(Car) 1 hour

Tsukuba Botanical Garden

Tsukuba Botanical Garden is a unique and fascinating botanical garden in Tsukuba City, one of Japan's leading research hubs. The expansive grounds showcase plants that are representative of Japan…

(Car) 35 minutes

Shopping, dinner

Ami Premium Outlets

This outlet mall opened in 2009 and houses exceptional brands from Japan and overseas. There are over 100 shops, so it's guaranteed you'll find something for everyone! There are also a variety of co…

(Car) 1 hour 30 minutes

Return the rental car

Tokyo Station

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A Full Day in the Mt. Tsukuba Area! From Nature Walks to Hot Springs!

Mount Tsukuba is a sacred mountain which is even mentioned in the famous saying 'Tsukuba to the east and Fuji to the west.' With its two peaks, Mount Tsukuba has been designated a geopark, along with its surrounding area, due to its rich vegetation and wildlife. It has been dearly loved for many years by nature and hiking enthusiasts.This model itinerary will allow you to enjoy Mt. Tsukuba to the fullest, including hiking in nature, visiting a historical shrine, enjoying a day-trip hot spring, and more.

Activity / Outdoor

Nature

1day

2-Day Trip to Hitachi Seaside Park: Visit Nearby Destinations

Hitachi Seaside Park, located in the city of Hitachinaka, is a breathtaking spot with nemophila flowers in the spring, and kochia bushes, refreshingly green in summer and scarlet in autumn. This itinerary introduces nearby sightseeing spots and an accommodation to enjoy alongside the park. It's possible to travel around these unique Ibaraki destinations over two days. Our recommended locations include photogenic shrines, a hot spring with therapeutic properties, an established soy sauce brewery, and a local coffee maker and confectionery. Part of the itinerary also includes cycling.

Activity / Outdoor

Nature

1 night, 2 days

A One-Night, Two-Day Historical Journey in Mito City: Exploring Landmarks from the Edo and Meiji Periods

There are many spots related to the Tokugawa shogunate family, who led the Japanese government during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) in Mito. The Tokugawa Gosanke, three branches that were allowed to carry the Tokugawa family name, existed during this time and held status that ranked next to the shogunate family. The Mito Tokugawa family, the lords of the Mito Domain (present-day central and north Ibaraki Prefecture), was one of those families. The Mito Tokugawa family emphasized education in Japanese history and the sciences with their retainers, which became famously known as Mitogaku. In addition to facilities related to Mitogaku, Mito has a museum where visitors can enjoy historical exhibits associated with the Tokugawa family, and historical buildings such as a former school established during the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Exploring these spots will deepen your understanding of Japan`s history during the Edo period and the beginning of modernization.

History / Traditional Crafts

1 night, 2 days

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