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Ajigaura Onsen Nozomi

The hot springs at Ajigaura Onsen Nozomi use a private source unearthed from 1,504 meters underground. The spring contains ancient seawater that has aged and become highly concentrated over several thousands of years, a rare and precious commodity among other springs in Japan. Japan has an abundance of sodium chloride springs, but many are low in concentration. In this hot spring the concentration of minerals are over 26 times the approved standard for hot springs! Onsen Nozomi is great for external injuries, skin diseases, and eczema due to having a sterilizing effect on the body. The water also warms up the body, making it popular with customers for relieving neuralgia and joint pain. However, please remember to stay hydrated!

There are various types of baths, including indoor baths and stone baths, a Hinoki cypress bath, a scented bath, and a cave-enclosed bath in the open-air bath space. You can enjoy the ocean view thanks to the hot spring being right by Ajigaura …

Daikumachi

Located in Mito City, historically associated with the Mito Tokugawa family (one of the three main Tokugawa clans), Daikumachi is one of the vibrant downtown districts in the northern Kanto area. The name "Daikumachi" comes from the fact that many carpenters ("daiku" in Japanese) lived in the town ("machi" in Japanese) during the period when the area was a castle town of Mito Castle.

Here, more than 300 establishments, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese eateries, snack bars, and bars, are clustered together, creating a lively atmosphere at night. It is home to many restaurants serving Mito's local cuisine, such as eel and anko-nabe (monkfish hot pot), as well as long-established historic ryotei (Japanese-style restaurants). Visitors can also experience the culture of "ozashiki" (a form of traditional banquet arrangement) with performances by geisha-like entertainers from the Mito Performing Artists Association, dressed in traditional Japanese attire.

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.