Travel Plans

Early Summer Road Trip: A 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary to Explore Irises and Savor Local Delicacies

This is a 2-day, 1-night road trip itinerary for early summer, starting in Mito City. In Ibaraki, visitors can enjoy the Suigo-Itako Iris Festival from late spring to late June, a festival famous for the traditional Yomeiribune (bride boat). This itinerary offers not only the opportunity to admire the irises but also to savor meals and sweets featuring local ingredients, including Ibaraki Prefecture's specialty gourmet melons and sweet potatoes. You’ll also have the chance to interact with living creatures at the newly opened Kasumigaura Dobutsu to Minna no Ie and visit the Aqua World Ibaraki Prefecture Oarai Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Japan. The itinerary also takes you past the spiritual Ikisu Shrine. For accommodation, enjoy staying in a traditional house built about 120 years ago and designated as a Cultural Property of Japan—an ideal place for family trips.

Explore Kasama City by Bike (daytrip from Tokyo/Ueno)

If you're looking to get out of the city and explore during your trip to Japan, look no further than this daytrip to Kasama, Ibaraki, just an hour and a half from Tokyo by train! After arriving, borrow bikes from the Tourist Information Office at the station and start exploring! First off, visit Kasama Inari Shrine. With a history of over 1360 years, this shrine is one of Japan's 3 Great Inari Shrines and attracts 3.5 million pilgrims every year. On the street outside the shrine, make sure to grab some local speciality foods like Inari Sushi (deep-fried tofu skin stuffed with rice and other local ingredients like walnuts) or manju steamed buns. Explore the local shopping streets with their traditional architecture as you enjoy your snack. Then, get back on your bike and head to Kasama Crafthills to relax while surrounded by expansive nature. Finally, pick up some Kasama-yaki Pottery at Kirara Gallery - each piece of pottery is unique so make sure to look for the item that's just …

Departing from Ibaraki Airport! A Classic 4-Day Ibaraki Itinerary by Car!

This is a four-day travel plan that allows you to fully enjoy Ibaraki Prefecture's stunning scenery, gourmet cuisine, and famous sightseeing spots. This itinerary is packed with useful information so you can have a worry-free trip even if it's your first time here. *This itinerary is based on flights in operation at the time of writing (October 2024).