Visit

Natto Museum

Natto, or fermented soybeans, originates from Ibaraki and is typically eaten throughout Japan at breakfast time. Although characterized by its pungent smell, this fermented product has made headlines overseas for its health properties.
The Natto Museum is attached to the Takano Foods Factory, a famous natto manufacturer. Visitors can learn about the origin of natto and notable historical events related to natto consumption in Japan. Likewise, museum-goers can discover other fermented soybean products from around the world.

Hitachi Fudoki no Oka Cherry Blossom

This historical area is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms and giant lion monument modeled after the mask used in "shishi-mai" (lion dance). Varieties of cherry blossoms include Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura (double-cherry trees). Perhaps the most memorable is the Shidarezakura, or weeping cherry trees, which form magical tunnels formed by their low-hanging blossoms.

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.