Hitachi Cherry Blossom Festival & UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Hitachi City

Northern Ibaraki

Festivals/Events

Around 14,000 cherry trees fill the city of Hitachi with pink blossoms from early to mid-April. During the cherry blossom festival, the cherry trees on Heiwa Street and Juo Panorama Park are illuminated as night falls. In fact, the festival is ranked among Japan’s 100 most beautiful cherry blossom areas!
On the first weekend in April, a spectacular parade takes place on Heiwa Street. During the festivities, 15-meter high and 8-meter wide festival floats are pulled down the road. Traditional puppet shows also take place on the floats. These puppet shows are said to have been performed since the mid-Edo Period and are recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Information

Address: Heiwa Street, Hitachi City
Access: By car: 5-minute drive from Hitachi-Chuo IC on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: Hours
Hitachi Cherry Blossom Festival: Early April to mid-April.
Parade Floats and Puppet Show: First weekend in April
Website: http://www.kankou-hitachi.jp/page/dir000033.html
Contact: Hitachi City Tourism Association
TEL: 0294-22-3111

Map

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Northern Ibaraki

Kitaibaraki City

Hanazono Gorge

Hanazono Gorge is a well-known spot to admire Japan's famous fall foliage. It is also a designated national park by the Ibaraki Prefectural Government. During autumn, the falling leaves are carried gently away by the Hanazono River—a must-see sight when visiting Ibaraki during this season.
Located at the base of the gorge, Hanazono Shrine is ideal for resting during a walk around the area.

Parks/Nature

Northern Ibaraki

Daigo Town

Himegataki Apple Orchards

Daigo, located in northwestern Ibaraki Prefecture, thrives in apple cultivation that takes advantage of the area's climate. The apples grown in this region are called Okukuji apples and are packed with juicy sweetness.

Himegataki Apple Orchards, located between the Kuji River and Tsukimachi Falls, is one of the orchards that grows Okukuji apples. The orchards carefully grow multiple apple varieties without the use of chemical fertilizers.

In the autumn, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat apple-picking experiences and savor freshly picked apples filled with sweetness right on the spot. You also have the option to take home your freshly picked apples.

*Please check their website for information on opening times

Parks/Nature

Sports/Outdoor

Other

Northern Ibaraki

Daigo Town

Kijian

Ibaraki Prefecture is Japan's second-largest lacquer producer, and the center of production is the town of Daigo. Daigo lacquer is characterized by its high transparency and quality sheen, making it a very rare and high-quality product.

The Kijian brand was established to pass down the appeal of Daigo lacquer of the exceptional quality to future generations.
At Kijian, they meticulously carry out the entire process, from cultivating lacquer trees and refining lacquer to creating wooden bases, applying lacquer, and selling lacquerware. Some of their work can be found at their gallery shop, which is located in an old warehouse.

Daigo lacquer tableware makes great souvenirs. The lacquer develops a beautiful sheen that becomes more vivid and transparent with continued use.

Traditional Crafts/Sake Breweries

Shopping Spots

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