A Family Road Trip to Ibaraki: a 2-Day Itinerary to Enjoy History, Nature, and Local Cuisine
How about spending two fulfilling days in Ibaraki Prefecture that the entire family can enjoy?
Purify the heart at the historic Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, and enjoy the flowers and nature at the expansive Hitachi Seaside Park and Kairakuen, one of Japan's Three Greatest Gardens. Learn about various plants at a botanical garden, and discover the underwater world at an aquarium that is especially popular among children.
As for the gourmet cuisine on the trip, savor sweet fruits and desserts at a popular farm, fresh seafood at the port fish market, wagyu beef dishes at a cozy hidden restaurant, and more! A hotel with hot springs makes the perfect place to stay. Wrap up the trip with a shopping to fully enjoy the charm of Ibaraki!
1 night, 2 days
Day 1
Rent a car near the station
Tokyo Station
(Car) 1 hour 30 minutes
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 …
Read More(Car) 30 minutes
Lunch
Fukasaku Farm
Fukasaku Farm in Ibaraki is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy fresh fruit. The farm is well-known for its seasonal fruit-picking experiences, such as sweet melons and strawberrie…
Read More(Car) 40 minutes
Nakaminato Fish Market
Popular among locals and visitors alike, this fish market is known for its affordable prices and restaurants serving up local seafood. Take in the market scenes before sitting down at one of the mark…
Read More(Car) 20 minutes
Renting a bicycle to enjoy cycling around the park is recommended
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 …
Read More(Car) 20 minutes
Check-in
Oarai Park Hotel
(On foot) 16 minutes / (Taxi) Right nearby
Dinner
Seafood Restaurant Mehico Oarai
Seafood Restaurant Mehico is a chain in the Tohoku and Kanto regions, known for its remarkable atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes, which have made it popular for many years. In particular, their…
Read More(On foot) 16 minutes / (Taxi) Right nearby
Overnight stay
Oarai Park Hotel
This hotel faces the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by pine trees, creating an air of peaceful seclusion. Enjoy some fresh seafood in the in-house restaurant and relax while gazing out at the ocea…
Read MoreDay 2
Oarai Park Hotel
(Car) Right nearby
Aqua World 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, Aqua World houses the largest number of shark species in J…
Read More(Car) 40 minutes
Kairakuen Garden
Kairakuen Garden is ranked among Japan’s top three most beautiful gardens, alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama. The garden was established in 1842 by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth f…
Read More(Car) 10 minutes
Lunch
Wagyuan
Wagyuan is a popular restaurant where guests can savor Hitachi Beef and Hanazono Beef, two wagyu specialties of Ibaraki Prefecture. The restaurant is surrounded by a beautiful traditional garden that…
Read More(Car) 1 hour
Tsukuba Botanical Garden
Tsukuba Botanical Garden is a unique and fascinating botanical garden in Tsukuba City, one of Japan's leading research hubs. The expansive grounds showcase plants that are representative of Japan…
Read More(Car) 35 minutes
Shopping, dinner
Ami Premium Outlets
This outlet mall opened in 2009 and houses exceptional brands from Japan and overseas. There are over 100 shops, so it's guaranteed you'll find something for everyone! There are also a variety of co…
Read More(Car) 1 hour 30 minutesReturn the rental car
Tokyo Station
