Visit

Nakaminato Fish Market

Popular among locals and visitors alike, this fish market is known for its affordable prices and restaurants serving up local seafood. Take in the market scenes before sitting down at one of the market’s restaurants. Dining options include conveyor-belt sushi, sashimi, sea urchin, and seafood rice bowls. Many restaurants can also be reserved for group bookings.
The fish market is accessible by a short drive or a 15-minute walk from Aqua World Oarai aquarium. It is also a short train ride from Hitachi Seaside Park, making it an ideal sightseeing spot in central Ibaraki.

Izumo Taisha Hitachi Shrine

Established in 1992, this shrine is a branch of the famous Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture. The main building is made from hinoki wood (Japanese cypress) and features a gigantic shimenawa (sacred twisted rope) in front.
The shrine enshrines Okuninushi-no-Okami, also known as Daikoku-sama. Visitors pray to the deity for good luck in marriage, business, and health.
The shrine grounds are also home to a glass-blowing studio and restaurant.

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.