Visit

Fukuroda Falls

Fukuroda Falls is ranked among Japan’s "Three Great Waterfalls." A visit here will quickly reveal why. Water cascades over four levels of the rocky cliff face, earning it the nickname "Yondo no Taki" (four times waterfalls).
In autumn, the falls are breathtaking when the fiery foliage transforms the surrounding mountains. But if you can’t make it in autumn, don’t worry! In winter, the waterfall freezes over in a stunning icy spectacle. In the summertime, the cool spray of the rushing water makes them a great place to escape the heat.
The Fukuroda Falls area is where several beginner-friendly hiking trails begin. It's a great way to explore more of northern Ibaraki’s stunning mountains.
If hiking isn’t your thing, head to one of the soba noodle restaurants or souvenir shops at the base of the falls. You can even sample the area’s famous apple pie!

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.

Kokai River Park & Poppy Fields

This riverside is split into fours zones: the Nature Observation Zone, Sports Zone, Nature Center, and Flower Zone.
The Kokai River is famous for fields of poppies that bloom from mid-May onwards. Over two million poppies fill the park with color. This striking sight is paired with the stunning backdrop of Mount Tsukuba.
There is also a range of activities, such as golfing and cycling, available around the park.

Itako Iris Festival

During this festival in June, over a million irises fill the canal city of Itako with a splash of color.
Various events are held on weekends during the festival, including Ayame Odori, a traditional dance taking place in the iris gardens. There's also the "yomeiri-bune," a traditional ceremony where a bride dressed in a traditional wedding kimono travels by boat to meet her new husband.

Hobikisen: Traditional Fishing Boat

Hobikisen describes a traditional wooden fishing boat that sails along Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan. These boats with billowing white sails evoke a nostalgic sense of days gone by.
During the warmer months, visitors can take a cruise on the lake to observe traditional fishing boats at work.
Three municipalities in the Lake Kasumigaura area offer these sightseeing boat trips: Kasumigaura City, Tsuchiura City, and Namegata City.

*Picture courtesy of Kasumigaura city

Tsukimachi Falls

Tsukimachi Falls is one of the hidden gems of the northern Ibaraki area. While the falls themselves aren't as dramatic as the famed Fukuroda Falls, its unique geology allows visitors to walk behind a curtain of water to observe the rushing water from behind.
The fast-flowing water makes it a great place to cool off during the Japanese summer. The area is also known for its flaming red maple foliage in autumn.
Momijien Soba Restaurant is located to the falls if you'd like to enjoy a meal while gazing out at the scenery. This restaurant uses locally grown buckwheat flour to make its noodles. Freshly-made soba paired with the falls makes for a picturesque memory in Ibaraki.

Kodokan Mito Domain School

Kodokan was established in 1841 by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth feudal lord of the Mito Domain. It was the largest school among the warrior clan and comparable to a university by today's standards. Students could study medicine, pharmacy, astronomy, and martial arts. Japan’s last shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa, was educated at the Kodokan for five years from the age of six. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Yoshinobu spent four months confined to a room in Shizendo, part of the Kodokan complex at the time.

Amabiki Kannon Temple

Officially called Amabikisan Rakuho-ji, Amabiki Kannon Temple is dedicated to the goddess of safe childbirth, child-rearing, and protection from bad luck. Amabiki Kannon refers to the statue of the goddess at the temple.
The temple is known for its beautiful grounds, which feature cherry blossoms, peony, azaleas, and hydrangea flowers, depending on the season. Of course, autumn welcomes the sight of striking foliage. There is also a small souvenir shop where you can purchase a memento of your visit.

Oritsu Beach

With convenient parking by the beach and lifeguards on hand, Oritsu Beach is popular among families. The sea in Kashima is ideal for surfing, so Oritsu Beach area is also a hit among surfers. Surfers are prohibited from surfing within the breakwater during the swimming season to ensure the safety of swimmers. Bodyboarding is allowed.

Kawarago Beach

Kawarago Beach is considered one of Japan's 100 top beaches thanks to its clear waters, environment, and amenities such as toilets, showers, and beach stalls. The beach also hosts a fireworks festival every August.

Kanefuku Mentai Park Oarai

The Kanefuku Mentai Park Oarai is a facility that includes a mentaiko factory, a factory direct sales store, a mentaiko gallery, and a cafe.
""Mentai"" refers to spicy cod roe, a popular food in Japan used as a topping for pasta, in mayonnaise, onigiri (rice balls), and more.
At Mentai Park, you can tour the factory to see the production process of mentaiko, taste freshly made mentaiko at the sampling corner, and enjoy mentaiko gourmet items such as mentaiko onigiri and mentaiko soft serve ice cream at the cafe. Additionally, at the direct sales store, you can purchase freshly made mentaiko, products made with mentaiko, and a large Tarapiyo stuffed toy, the mascot of mentaiko. …

Ibaraki Nature Museum

Ibaraki Nature Museum is located next to Sugao Marsh, the largest nature conservation area in Ibaraki Prefecture.
The 16-hectare ground is home to the museum and a range of outdoor facilities.
Permanent exhibits showcase the history of planet Earth from prehistoric times, geology, and local flora and fauna from Ibaraki. Visitors can explore the museum then head out to observe some of the exhibits in real-time!
The museum offers free admission on two national holidays: Spring Equinox Day and Greenery Day.