Visit

Ryujin River & Kamegafuchi Pool

The Ryujin River and Kamegafuchi pool area has inspired numerous local legends. In Japanese, Ryujin River translates to "Dragon River." Not surprisingly, the locals believed that a mythical dragon resided in the river. The otherworldly Kamegafuchi Pool area certainly seems like something could lurk in its depths.
The Ryujin River and Kamegafuchi Pool area is an excellent site for hiking. Nearby destinations include the Ryujin Campsite and Tacchan-no-Yu hot spring baths, ideal for relaxing and recovering after hiking.

Former Uwaoka Elementary School

The Former Uwaoka Elementary School was founded in 1879 and is located in a quaint wooden schoolhouse with a retro ambiance.

The school closed in 2001 but has been beautifully preserved, and you can tour inside the building. The old desks, chairs, and chalkboards that fill the classrooms and hallways will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time.

This particular schoolhouse is famous as a filming location for many television series, such as "Hanako and Anne" and "Ohisama." It's especially recommended to visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom or in the fall when the surrounding mountains are adorned with vibrant autumn leaves. The school is typically open to the public only on weekends and holidays but is open daily during these two seasons.

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…