Visit

Mount Tsukuba

The twin peaks of Mount Tsukuba are symbolic of Ibaraki. In Japanese, the peaks are Nyotai and Nantai, meaning the female peak and male peak, respectively. At 877 meters tall, Nyotai, the female peak, is the higher of the two. Mount Tsukuba is accessible in under two hours from Tokyo, making it ideal for escaping city life and getting in touch with nature. There are over 1000 species of flora and fauna on the mountain alone!
Both peaks are easily accessible by cable car or ropeway. If you're looking to exercise, there are plenty of hiking trails that suit all levels. Many trails have unique rock formations and historical Shinto sites.
While Mount Fuji is the symbol of western Japan, Mount Tsukuba is undeniably the symbol of eastern Japan. No trip to the Kanto region is complete without exploring this mountain!

Mount Tsukuba Stardust Cruise

Mount Tsukuba ranks among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and offers unparalleled views of the vast Kanto Plain.
From October to March each year, Mount Tsukuba Ropeway operates special nighttime services during the colder months. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Tokyo skyline at night, including lights glistening from the city center alongside Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree.

Mount Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival

In early spring, over 1000 plum trees blossom on the slopes of Mount Tsukuba. The plum groves are located at an altitude of around 250 meters, offering panoramic views over the Ibaraki countryside. Visitors can even see as far as Tokyo on clear days.

Cretaceous Rock Formations

These cretaceous rocks stemming from the Mesozoic Era (around 6.5 million years ago) are the first rock formation of their kind to be discovered in Ibaraki. Fossilized ammonites and sharks have even been discovered in the area.

Tanaka Brewery

Located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, Tanaka Brewery utilizes the abundant natural resources of this fertile agricultural area, particularly the underground water reserves from the Tone River. Established in 1655, the brewery produces sake using traditional methods today. Tanaka Brewing is best known for its "Kimibandai" range of sake. Likewise, the daiginjo (top grade sake where 50% of the rice grain is removed in the polishing process) blend is renowned for its distinctive deep, full-bodied flavor.

Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition

This firework display first began in 1925 to commemorate the Kasumigaura Naval Air Force members killed in WWI. The event also shines a light on tourism in the local area. In 1947, it was revamped as a competition where fireworks manufacturers and experts nationwide could show off their skills.

Kasama Azalea Park

Various types of azalea, totaling around 8,500, are planted in this park, which measures 7 hectares and is located on a hill. The best time to visit is from mid-April to early May when the hill is colored in vivid red and pink hues.

The top of the hill with food stalls and observation deck offers spectacular views of the cityscape.

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park is perhaps Ibaraki's most famous tourist destination for its Instagram-friendly fields of flowers. This vast park is best known for the stunning blue nemophila flowers in spring (mid-April onwards) and bright red kochia bushes in autumn (October). There's plenty to see year-round, including daffodils, tulips, sunflowers, and oil-seed rape blossoms. In addition to flowers, it is home to a small amusement park and traditional Japanese farmhouses.
Once inside, visitors can enjoy a stroll, rent a bicycle, or ride the Seaside Train to get around. The park is entirely wheelchair accessible.
Moreover, Hitachi Seaside Park is located close to other destinations such as Aquaworld Aquarium, Nakaminato Fish Market, and Kairakuen Park. In other words, it's easy to plan a one or two-day trip to all of these major sites!

Nemoto Brewery

Nemoto Brewery was established in 1603. The brewery uses natural spring water to produce its domestic and international award-winning sake. The "Kuji no Yama" is particularly popular for its mellow fragrance.

Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine

Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine is said to have been established in 660 BCE. It is the oldest and largest Shinto Shrine in the Kanto region. The shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, the Shinto deity of martial arts.
The shrine is located in a spacious park. After visiting the shrine, stop off at the deer enclosure and see the crystal blue Mitarashi Pond. Stalls selling traditional Japanese snacks like dango dumplings and salt-baked sweetfish are available during peak seasons.
More than 80 annual events and festivals are held at the shrine, including the Ofune Matsuri or "Ship Festival," occurring once every 12 years and attracting visitors from across Japan and overseas.

Kashima-Nada Seaside Park

This large park is located on the Pacific coast in the coastal city of Hokota.
The park has two areas: the Seashore and Plateau Area. Wander through the pine groves and take in views of the Pacific Ocean in the Seashore Area. Then head to Plateau Area for a light meal and some souvenir shopping at the park restaurant.
With a wooden walkway spanning 1km throughout the park, it is perfect for getting active and working up an appetite for some local seafood or ramen.

Tokiwa Shrine

Located next to Kairakuen Garden, Tokiwa Shrine is the largest shrine in Mito City. It is dedicated to Tokugawa Mitsukuni and Tokugawa Nariaki, the second and ninth feudal lords of the Mito Domain during the Edo Period (1603–1868).
Additionally, the Giretsukan building contains paintings, calligraphy, and artworks left by the two lords.