Travel Plans

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.

Mentai Park

Mentai Park merges a mini-museum, souvenir shop, and cafe with the Kanefuku Mentai Factory site in Oarai. "Mentai" or "mentaiko" refers to marinated cod roe, a popular food in Japan featured in everything from pasta sauce, mayonnaise, and onigiri rice balls!
At Mentai Park, visitors can observe the production process and sample food made with mentaiko, including snacks like onigiri and ice cream! In the souvenir shop, purchase some mentaiko to take home or snag a giant mentaiko plushy of Tarapiyo, the company's mascot.

Aquaworld 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, Aquaworld 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.

Hotel Terrace the Garden Mito

This simple yet stylishly designed hotel is directly connected to Mito Station. It is only a minute walk from the expressway bus stop departing for Narita International Airport and Tokyo Station.
The hotel’s location makes it a great hub for sightseeing and business. Popular tourist destinations are within walking distance, such as Kairakuen Garden, Lake Senba, and Kodokan.
In addition to breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are available at the in-house Italian restaurant: Trattoria Il Bancale. There is high-speed internet available throughout the hotel's premises.
English-speaking staff is on hand to ensure you have a wonderful stay.

Hotel Terrace the Garden Mito

This simple yet stylishly designed hotel is directly connected to Mito Station. It is only a minute walk from the expressway bus stop departing for Narita International Airport and Tokyo Station.
The hotel’s location makes it a great hub for sightseeing and business. Popular tourist destinations are within walking distance, such as Kairakuen Garden, Lake Senba, and Kodokan.
In addition to breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are available at the in-house Italian restaurant: Trattoria Il Bancale. There is high-speed internet available throughout the hotel's premises.
English-speaking staff is on hand to ensure you have a wonderful stay.

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!

Kasama Inari Shrine

First established in 651, Kasama Inari Shrine is one of Japan's famous Inari shrines, attracting around 3.5 million pilgrims and visitors annually. The sacred site enshrines Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, known to answer prayers for success in business and protection from fires. The shrine grounds are stunning in the late spring when the wisteria flower bloom. Another beautiful time to visit is during the chrysanthemum festival in autumn.
The streets leading up to the shrine are filled with various shops to explore, from traditional soba restaurants to fashionable cafes and renovated sake breweries. Specialties of the area include Kasama Inari Sushi, rice with walnuts, and other seasonal products wrapped in deep-fried tofu and roasted chestnuts. Kasama City is known for its pottery, and there are plenty of galleries in the area to pick up a souvenir before heading home.

Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum

This museum was the first in eastern Japan that focused solely on the ceramic arts. Permanent exhibits include works by master Japanese ceramists such as Hazan Itaya and Kosei Matsui. The museum also hosts a wide range of unique exhibitions from around the world.