Hobikisen: Traditional Fishing Boat

Eastern Ibaraki

Southern Ibaraki

Other

Hobikisen describes a traditional wooden fishing boat that sails along Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan. These boats with billowing white sails evoke a nostalgic sense of days gone by.
During the warmer months, visitors can take a cruise on the lake to observe traditional fishing boats at work.
Three municipalities in the Lake Kasumigaura area offer these sightseeing boat trips: Kasumigaura City, Tsuchiura City, and Namegata City.

*Picture courtesy of Kasumigaura city

Information

Address: Lake Kasumiguara
Access: By car: 40-minute drive from Tsuchiura City along the Tsuchiura-Kita IC on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: Please inquire for prices
Website: https://www.ibarakiguide.jp/special/kasumigaura_hobikisen.html
Contact: Please direct inquiries to the relevant municipality.
Tsuchiura City Tourism Department: 029-826-1111
Kasumigaura City Tourism Association: 029-897-1111
Namegata City Public Development Company: 291-32-7561
Prices: Tsuchiura City The White Iris Sightseeing Cruise
Adults: 1570 yen
Children: 780 yen
The Jet Wheel Tsukuba
Adults: 1680 yen
Children: 840 yen

Map

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Kasumigaura City

Southern Ibaraki

Fujimizuka Kofun Park

Fujimizuka Kofun Park is on a hill that overlooks Lake Kasumigaura. Within the park there are several tumuli (burial mounds) mainly constructed druing the Kofun period (mainly between the 3rd and 7th centuries) by packing earth over the top of the tombs. The largest keyhole-shaped tumulus at the center of the park is estimated to date back to the early 6th century. With a total length of 78 meters, it ranks among the largest in the prefecture.

As the name suggests, Mount Fuji can sometimes be seen from the top of the tumulus. The exhibition hall at the foot of the hill features haniwa (terracotta funerary figures) unearthed from the nearby tumuli, including house-shaped, cylindrical, and some shapes rare in Japan, as well as exhibit panels on excavations.

It is recommended that you stop by this place if you are interested in Japanese history. It is located near Ring Ring Road.

Castles/Historical Sites

Ishioka City

Southern Ibaraki

Ibaraki Flower Park

This vast flower park in Ishioka City is well-known for its large and comprehensive rose garden. However, throughout the year, there are many other seasonal flowers, such as hydrangeas, sunflowers, white lilies, and Christmas roses.
During every winter holiday, the park is decorated with dazzling Christmas illuminations.
In addition to the garden, the park also has a children's playground and shops selling fresh local products.
Also, the restaurant on the premises serves cuisine made with fresh ingredients from Ibaraki Prefecture, allowing diners to experience the region's local flavors. The beautiful garden scenery spreads out in front of the restaurant's large windows, allowing visitors to enjoy new seasonal views each time they stop by.

Parks/Nature

Inashiki City

Southern Ibaraki

Osugi Shrine

Osugi Shrine is dedicated to Anba-sama, a deity traditionally associated with fishing villages. In fact, shrines devoted to Anba-sama are rare. In particular, Osugi Shrine is known for its brightly-colored green and vermillion buildings. Visitors to the shrine can pray for protection from bad luck and misfortunes. Participants drive out lousy luck with music during one of the shrine's annual festivals. Local governments even designate the dancing as an intangible folk culture asset.

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