Kitayama Park

Central Ibaraki

Parks/Nature

This park is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the changing seasons, from cherry blossoms in the spring to foliage in autumn.
The park is centered around a lake, reflecting the surrounding landscape and mountains in the distance.
On-site facilities include a campsite, barbecue area, indoor rest area, and playground.

Information

Address: 1416-62 Tairamachi, Kasama City
Access: By public transport: 20-minute walk from Shishido Station on the JR Mito Line
By car: 5-minute drive from Tomobe IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway or 20-minute drive from Iwama IC on the Joban Expressway via Route 355
Website: http://kitayama.kasama-park.net/
Contact: Kitayama Park Administration Office
TEL: 0296-78-3911

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Central Ibaraki

Kasama Inari Shrine

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.

Temples/Shrines

Central Ibaraki

Oarai Isosaki Shrine

This shrine was founded in 856 when two deities are said to have descended upon the coast of Oarai. The two enshrined at Oarai Isosaki Shrine are Daikoku-sama, the god of nation-building and national prosperity, and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, the god of medicine.
Oarai Isosaki Shrine is associated with the nearby Kamiiso-no-Torii, a sacred gate where the gods are said to have descended earth. This shrine gate stands dramatically on rocks in the Pacific Ocean and attracts photographers worldwide. On New Year's Day, the sun rises directly between the pillars of the shrine gate.
This shrine is also famous among fans of the anime series "Girls und Panzer," which is set in the town of Oarai and uses real-life locations. Many prayer plaques at the shrine feature illustrations of the characters from the anime drawn by visiting fans.

Temples/Shrines

Central Ibaraki

Tokiwa Shrine

Located next to Kairakuen Garden, Tokiwa Shrine is the largest shrine in Mito City. It is dedicated to Tokugawa Mitsukuni and Tokugawa Nariaki, the second and ninth feudal lords of the Mito Domain during the Edo Period (1603–1868).
Additionally, the Giretsukan building contains paintings, calligraphy, and artworks left by the two lords.

Temples/Shrines

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