Visit

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.

Izumo Taisha Hitachi Shrine

Established in 1992, this shrine is a branch of the famous Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture. The main building is made from hinoki wood (Japanese cypress) and features a gigantic shimenawa (sacred twisted rope) in front.
The shrine enshrines Okuninushi-no-Okami, also known as Daikoku-sama. Visitors pray to the deity for good luck in marriage, business, and health.
The shrine grounds are also home to a glass-blowing studio and restaurant.

Hitachi Fudoki no Oka Cherry Blossom

This historical area is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms and giant lion monument modeled after the mask used in "shishi-mai" (lion dance). Varieties of cherry blossoms include Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura (double-cherry trees). Perhaps the most memorable is the Shidarezakura, or weeping cherry trees, which form magical tunnels formed by their low-hanging blossoms.

Ishioka Festival

Ishioka Festival is one of the largest festivities in the Kanto region, attracting nearly half a million visitors annually. It takes place throughout central Ishioka City and Hitachinokuni Soshagu Shrine.
The festival's highlight is the parade that features traditional floats, mikoshi portable shrines, and shishi-mai lion dances. Moreover, Ishioka Festival is perfect for tasting signature Japanese street food and the latest food trends.

Morishima Brewery

Morishima Brewery was established over 150 years ago along the coast. While most sake is brewed with soft water, Morishima Brewery sources hard water flowing 200 meters under the Abukuma Mountains of northern Ibaraki Prefecture.

Moka Railway

Japan is famous for its trains, and the Moka Railway is no exception. This historical steam railway is a great way to experience the bygone days of Japan while taking in sweeping views of Ibaraki and Tochigi's countryside.
The railway spans 42 kilometers from Shimodate in Ibaraki Prefecture to Motegi in the neighboring Tochigi Prefecture. Passengers can enjoy a panoramic view aboard the steam locomotive.

Makabe Hina Doll Festival

In Japan, hina dolls were traditionally displayed to celebrate Girl's Day in early March. Locals started the Makabe Hina Doll Festival to encourage visitors to the historic town during the colder winter months.
During the festival, residents and businesses create elaborate displays of traditional hina dolls in their homes and shops. Visitors are free to enter to see these magnificent displays. Many of the dolls have been passed down through families for generations.
The historic area of Makabe is also home to warehouses known as "kura" and streets lined with traditional townhouses. Visitors can truly feel transported back in time during the festival.