Kasumigaura Dobutsu to Minna no Ie

Namegata City

Eastern Ibaraki

Museums/Zoos/Aquariums

Kasumigaura Doubutsu to Minna no Ie is a facility located on the shore of Lake Kasumigaura in Namegata City. It opened in July 2024 after large-scale renovations and redevelopment of a former public facility.
Here, visitors can not only see the animals but also interact with them. The modern architectural complex is divided into indoor and outdoor areas, where visitors can encounter a variety of animals, including giraffes, alpacas, capybaras, penguins, tortoises, sheep, goats, and sloths.
The surrounding area of the facility also offers various activities throughout the year, including barbecues, shopping for local products, cycling, and camping.
*Some activities require a reservation.

Information

Address: Ibaraki, Namegata, Tamatsukuriko 1234
Access: By public transport: 55 minutes by bus from Tsuchiura Station, get off at "Michi no Eki Tamatsukuri", and it's a short walk from there
By car: Avout 30 minutes from the Tsuchiura-Kita IC on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 10:00 - 16:00 (last admission 15:30)
Closed: Wednesdays
Website: https://doubutsutominna.jp
Contact: 0299-55-3928
Parking: Please park in Kasumigaura Fureai Land parking lot.

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Kashima City

Eastern Ibaraki

Hirai Beach

Hirai Beach opened to the public in 2008. The main features are its sprawling sands and gentle waves. During the official swimming season, the Kashima Life Guard Team is on standby to ensure everyone can have a safe beach experience.

Parks/Nature

Sports/Outdoor

Kashima City

Eastern Ibaraki

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 deity of martial arts.
The shrine is located in a spacious park. After visiting the shrine, stop off at the deer enclosure and see the crystal blue Mitarashi Pond. Stalls selling traditional Japanese snacks like dango dumplings and salt-baked sweetfish are available during peak seasons.
More than 80 annual events and festivals are held at the shrine, including the Ofune Matsuri or "Ship Festival," occurring once every 12 years and attracting visitors from across Japan and overseas.

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Castles/Historical Sites

Kamisu City

Eastern Ibaraki

Ikisu Shrine

Ikisu Shrine, along with Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine (Ibaraki Prefecture) and Katori Jingu Grand Shrine (Chiba Prefecture), has long been revered as one of the most powerful spiritual sites in the Kanto region—the "Three Shrines of the East."
With a history spanning over 1,200 years, Ikisu Shrine enshrines Kunado-no-Kami (the God of good fortune, protection from evil spirits, travel safety, and wells) as its main deity, alongside Ama-no-Torifune-no-Kami (the God of travel safety) and Sumiyoshi-Sanjin (the Gods of maritime protection).
Additionally, the Oshioi spring, located on the shrine grounds, is one of Japan's three sacred springs and is believed to be beneficial. It is said that if a woman drinks the spring water from a man's bottle and a man drinks from a woman's bottle, the two will be united.
*Currently, the water from the Oshioi spring cannot be consumed directly from the well. However, visitors can draw water from chozuya (a traditional water basin for …

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