Howaen Garden

Central Ibaraki

Temples/Shrines

Parks/Nature

Howaen Garden is a spacious garden adjacent to Keiganji Temple (established in 1682). It is a popular place to enjoy blooming hydrangeas in Mito.
The garden's history is said to have begun around the late 17th century when Mitsukuni Tokugawa (1628 - 1701), the second lord of the Mito Domain, granted it the name Howaen.
During the early Showa period (1926 - 1989), the garden was expanded with a pond and artificial hills added to its landscaping by local volunteers and became a pure Japanese-style garden.
Hydrangeas were planted in Howaen Garden after the authority of the garden was transferred from the temple to Mito City in 1950.
When June arrives, the garden's 6,000 hydrangeas in 100 varieties reach their peak, making it the best time to view the flowers. The Mito Hydrangea Festival takes place during this season.

Information

Address: 13-19 Matsumotocho, Mito City
Access: By public transport:
15 minutes by bus from Mito Station North Exit, get off at "Howaen Iriguchi" and walk for 3 minutes. Or 13 minutes by taxi
By car:
20 minutes from Mito-Kita IC on the Joban Expressway
10 minutes from Mito-Kita Smart IC (ETC cars only) on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 24 hours
Website: https://mitokoumon.com/facility/historic/howaen/
Contact: 029-232-9214
Parking: Use nearby parking lots
* A temporary parking lot is set up during the Mito Hydrangea Festival.

Map

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Hitachinaka Festival & Fireworks

The fireworks display is the highlight of this two-day summer festival. The event features over 3,000 fireworks set to dynamic music that adds to the dazzling display.

In addition to fireworks, the festival features various events, including a dance procession and a traditional mikoshi (portable shrine) parade.

Festivals/Events

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Gallery Road

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Shops handling Kasama-yaki recognized as a Japan Heritage, are lined up along Gallery Road, which stretches for about 2 kilometers. There are galleries like Kouzangama and Gallery Mon and pottery shops such as Kilala-kan and Space Nico. There is also a gallery featuring beautiful glass art, a retro jazz café designed in the Showa Period style, a bakery, and other charming dining establishments.

Traditional Crafts/Sake Breweries

Shopping Spots

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Discover Six Shopping Spots in Mito Where You Can Enjoy Shopping Even at Night

When visiting Japan, many people often purchase famous Japanese beauty products, miscellaneous goods, brand-name items, and local souvenirs.
After touring Ibaraki Prefecture, visitors heading towards destinations like Tokyo from Mito City, the prefectural capital, or those staying in Mito, here are six recommended shopping spots, including shopping malls, to explore.
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