Visit

Nishinouchi Paper Kami no Sato

Kami no Sato has operated as a specialized handcrafted Nishinouchi paper store since 1970. During the Edo period (1603-1868), this paper was highly valued even in Edo (the former name for Tokyo) as an exclusive product of the Mito Domain, which ruled the central and northern parts of the present Ibaraki Prefecture. With a history spanning 350 years, Nishinouchi paper is designated as Ibaraki Prefectural and National Intangible Cultural Property. Its distinctive feature is being made from Nasu kozo (mulberry tree), which grows in Hitachiomiya City and Daigo Town. The significant temperature difference between day and night makes the fiber of this plant lightweight, durable, and waterproof- it is an excellent raw material for washi paper. Nishinouchi paper made from thin and short Nasu kozo fibers is resistant to water damage and folding.
At the souvenir shop of Nishinouchi Paper Kami no Sato, various handmade washi papers, interior decorations, miscellaneous goods, and accesso…

Fukuroda Falls

Fukuroda Falls is ranked among Japan’s "Three Great Waterfalls." A visit here will quickly reveal why. Water cascades over four levels of the rocky cliff face, earning it the nickname "Yondo no Taki" (four times waterfalls).
In autumn, the falls are breathtaking when the fiery foliage transforms the surrounding mountains. But if you can’t make it in autumn, don’t worry! In winter, the waterfall freezes over in a stunning icy spectacle. In the summertime, the cool spray of the rushing water makes them a great place to escape the heat.
The Fukuroda Falls area is where several beginner-friendly hiking trails begin. It's a great way to explore more of northern Ibaraki’s stunning mountains.
If hiking isn’t your thing, head to one of the soba noodle restaurants or souvenir shops at the base of the falls. You can even sample the area’s famous apple pie!

Rokkakudo

Rokkakudo was designed during the Meiji Era (1868-1912) by Tenshin Okakura, a forerunner of the Japanese modern art movement. This red hexagonal building is also known as the "Kanrantei" or "place for viewing the ocean waves." Both Tenshin and Taikan Yokoyama, a famous Japanese painter, spent significant periods contemplating around this rocky coastline.
Currently, Rokkakudo is open to the public under the supervision of the Izura Institute of Art & Culture, Ibaraki University.