Kasama Inari Shrine

Kasama City

Central Ibaraki

Temples/Shrines

First established in 651, Kasama Inari Shrine is one of Japan's famous Inari shrines, attracting around 3.5 million pilgrims and visitors annually. The sacred site enshrines Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, known to answer prayers for success in business and protection from fires. The shrine grounds are stunning in the late spring when the wisteria flower bloom. Another beautiful time to visit is during the chrysanthemum festival in autumn.
The streets leading up to the shrine are filled with various shops to explore, from traditional soba restaurants to fashionable cafes and renovated sake breweries. Specialties of the area include Kasama Inari Sushi, rice with walnuts, and other seasonal products wrapped in deep-fried tofu and roasted chestnuts. Kasama City is known for its pottery, and there are plenty of galleries in the area to pick up a souvenir before heading home.

Information

Address: 1 Kasama, Kasama City
Access: By public transport: 5-minute bus ride or a 20-minute walk from Kasama Station on the JR Mito Line
By car: 10-minute drive from Tomobe IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway
Business Hours: Hours
6:00 to sunset
Website: http://www.kasama.jp/
Contact: TEL: 0296-73-0001

Map

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Mito City

Central Ibaraki

Howaen Garden

Howaen Garden is a spacious garden adjacent to Keiganji Temple (established in 1682). It is a popular place to enjoy blooming hydrangeas in Mito.
The garden's history is said to have begun around the late 17th century when Mitsukuni Tokugawa (1628 - 1701), the second lord of the Mito Domain, granted it the name Howaen.
During the early Showa period (1926 - 1989), the garden was expanded with a pond and artificial hills added to its landscaping by local volunteers and became a pure Japanese-style garden.
Hydrangeas were planted in Howaen Garden after the authority of the garden was transferred from the temple to Mito City in 1950.
When June arrives, the garden's 6,000 hydrangeas in 100 varieties reach their peak, making it the best time to view the flowers. The Mito Hydrangea Festival takes place during this season.

Temples/Shrines

Parks/Nature

Mito City

Central Ibaraki

Meiri Shurui Brewing

The yeast used in the brewery process at Meiri Shurui gives their sake a light, fruity aroma without added acidity. The Besshunkan Visitor Brewery explains how sake is made, including complimentary tastings. There's also a shop selling refined sake and plum wine.

Traditional Crafts/Sake Breweries

Omitama City

Central Ibaraki

Natto Museum

Natto, or fermented soybeans, originates from Ibaraki and is typically eaten throughout Japan at breakfast time. Although characterized by its pungent smell, this fermented product has made headlines overseas for its health properties.
The Natto Museum is attached to the Takano Foods Factory, a famous natto manufacturer. Visitors can learn about the origin of natto and notable historical events related to natto consumption in Japan. Likewise, museum-goers can discover other fermented soybean products from around the world.

Museums/Zoos/Aquariums

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