Visit

Kasumigaura Park

This lakeside park measures 46 hectares and features various sports facilities, a nature center, and a publicly-run guesthouse.

Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium

This world-class aquarium is home to over 580 species of marine life, including penguins, dolphins, sharks, sunfish, and sea lions. In fact, Aqua World houses the largest number of shark species in Japan and is renowned for its successful shark breeding program.
The dolphin and sea lion shows are the main attraction for many visitors to the aquarium. But don’t forget to set time aside for the penguin feeding or watching the shark tank getting cleaned! With ​so much to see, it’s easy to spend a whole day at the aquarium. There are plenty of food and drink options available inside to keep you going while you explore.

Kashima Soccer Stadium

Kashima Soccer Stadium is the home stadium of the J. League Kashima Antlers. As one of the first dedicated soccer stadiums built in Japan, it was a pioneering move at the time. Large stadium screens help fans get up close to the action during matches.
Special back-stage tours are held on weekends and national holidays. Therefore, super-fans can delve deeper into the club’s history at the Kashima Antlers Museum.
The stadium was also a host venue for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Kasumigaura City Aquarium

This aquarium features fish found in the nearby Lake Kasumigaura and other freshwater creatures sourced worldwide.
At the touch tank, visitors can experience touching some fish, including carp and bitterlings.

Karakasa Manto Festival

This festival dates back to the Edo Period and takes place on the 15th of August every year.
During the festival, a traditonal umbrella known as a 'karakasa' around 5m accross and 6m tall is lit up with fireworks. The fireworks cascade down the umbrella in a fiery spectacle for nearly 10 minutes.
The festival is dedicated to wishing for a bountiful harvest, the safety of one's family and peace. 

Ibaraido Forest & Sylvanian Park

This recreational park in southern Ibaraki is the perfect destination for family trips. It features a European theme with plenty of beautiful flower gardens, forest areas, and European-style buildings. The park will easily keep the whole family entertained all day. Attractions include getting up close to farm animals, including alpaca and sheep, pottery workshops, and a treetop adventure playground.
After working up an appetite while exploring the park, head to the barbecue area for lunch or visit one of the park's restaurants. In keeping with the park's European theme, food options include freshly-baked pizza and bread alongside Japanese curry.
Fans of Sylvanian Families can also visit recreations of Sylvanian houses and watch performances by their favorite characters!

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.

Ishioka Ostrich Farm

Have you ever wanted to surround yourself with ostriches?
With around 1300 ostriches living on the farm, Ishioka Ostrich farm is (somewhat unsurprisingly) the largest ostrich farm in Japan. Be enveloped by ostriches and experience feeding and touching these magnificent birds.
The on-site shop sells products made from ostrich leather and ostrich feathers. Moreover, the barbecue area offers the opportunity to taste healthy ostrich meat or a giant fried egg!

Tsukuba Expo Center

A life-size model of the H-II Rocket, with a staggering height of 50 meters, welcomes visitors to the Tsukuba Expo Center.
See the night sky in all its glory in a 25.6-meter dome-shaped planetarium. Alternatively, you can learn about the universe, the deep sea, or different forms of energy through interactive exhibitions.
The center also hosts special science shows and classes.

Tsunabi Fireworks Festival

This traditional fireworks festival is held annually in late August and is a designated intangible cultural asset. The festival is held to pray for an abundant harvest and protection from fires.
The festival occurs at two locations: Takaoka Atago Shrine and Obari Atago Shrine.
Additionally, each festival is slightly different. At both locations, puppets are used to perform classic Japanese folktales on a tightrope in midair, accompanied by traditional drums and flutes. Finally, both festivals conclude with fireworks. However, the Obari festival is said to emphasize the story plot during the puppet performance.

Tsukuba Dog Park WanWan Land

There are over 80 dog breeds at this theme park. Visitors are also welcome to bring their dogs to the park.

Tsumugi Silk Museum

The museum was opened in 2006 by Okujun Inc., a Tsumugi wholesaler with a history spanning over 100 years. With the aim to educate people about Yuki-tsumugi (a Japanese silk-weaving technique) and its production, the facility also commemorates the company's 100th anniversary.
The museum houses a gallery, Yuki-tsumugi exhibition, and a craft studio where visitors can participate in weaving and dyeing workshops. There are also various seasonal events during the year, including hand-dyeing yukata (light cotton kimono) workshops and unique displays for Hina Matsuri (Girl's Day Festival) in spring.