Itako Iris Festival

Itako City

Eastern Ibaraki

Parks/Nature

Festivals/Events

During this festival in June, over a million irises fill the canal city of Itako with a splash of color.
Various events are held on weekends during the festival, including Ayame Odori, a traditional dance taking place in the iris gardens. There's also the "yomeiri-bune," a traditional ceremony where a bride dressed in a traditional wedding kimono travels by boat to meet her new husband.

Information

Address: 1-5 Ayame, Itako City
Access: By public transport: 3-minute walk from Itako Station on the JR Kashima Line
Contact: Itako City Industry & Tourism Division
TEL: 0299-63-1111

Map

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Eastern Ibaraki

Southern Ibaraki

Hobikisen: Traditional Fishing Boat

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

Other

Hokota City

Eastern Ibaraki

Kashima-Nada Seaside Park

This large park is located on the Pacific coast in the coastal city of Hokota.
The park has two areas: the Seashore and Plateau Area. Wander through the pine groves and take in views of the Pacific Ocean in the Seashore Area. Then head to Plateau Area for a light meal and some souvenir shopping at the park restaurant.
With a wooden walkway spanning 1km throughout the park, it is perfect for getting active and working up an appetite for some local seafood or ramen.

Parks/Nature

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

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Discover Six Shopping Spots in Mito Where You Can Enjoy Shopping Even at Night

When visiting Japan, many people often purchase famous Japanese beauty products, miscellaneous goods, brand-name items, and local souvenirs.
After touring Ibaraki Prefecture, visitors heading towards destinations like Tokyo from Mito City, the prefectural capital, or those staying in Mito, here are six recommended shopping spots, including shopping malls, to explore.
Each spot is conveniently accessible, and shopping can be enjoyed in the evening and even at night. Furthermore, as each store carries different products, feel free to shop according to your preferences.

Apple Picking

September to November is Autumn harvest time in Ibaraki, the perfect time to enjoy picking your own sweet and juicy apples straight from the tree at one of Ibaraki's many apple orchards. Temperatures between 6° and 14° are best suited to growing apples, and Ibaraki fits this criteria perfectly thanks to the wide varitation in daily temperatures. Within the prefecture, the north-western town of Daigo is known for producing delicious 'Okukuji Apples'. As well as having the perfect climate for growing apples, orchards in Daigo make sure to let their apples ripen on the tree before harvesting to get the best flavour. Head to Daigo to pick your own Okukuji Apples and find out just what all the fuss is about!

5 Foods to Try in Ibaraki: Melon, Hitachi Beef, Dried Sweet Potatoes, and More!

Ibaraki Prefecture is blessed with many fantastic foods, such as fruits, wagyu beef, and fresh seafood! We will introduce five specialties you should try when you come to Ibaraki, how to eat them, and recommended restaurants.

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