3-Day, 2-Night Autumn Getaway: Experience the Beauty of Fall Foliage and the Satoyama Lifestyle

This 2-night, 3-day itinerary is designed to fully enjoy Japan's autumn in Ibaraki Prefecture's northern and Mito areas. The course highlights classic autumn foliage viewing spots that turn vibrant in late November, nostalgic town strolls, experiencing life in the Satoyama (cultivated countryside), visiting a shrine with a mystical atmosphere, and visiting a long-established sake brewery. For thrill-seekers, there's even an optional bungee-jumping experience!
Refresh yourself with the autumn Satoyama landscape, which is a complete contrast from that of the city.

*As the trip involves frequent taxi rides, we recommend using a chartered taxi.

2 night, 3 days

Day 1

Tokyo Station

(Train) About 2 hours

Takahagi Station

(Taxi) 20 minutes

Strolling

Hananuki Gorge

This scenic gorge area stretches from the Hananuki Dam to the Kotakizawa Camp Site. The gorge's most famous attraction is the stunning Shiomi Falls Suspension Bridge. There are also plenty of hiking…

(Taxi) 20 minutes

Lunch

Soba Dokoro Satomi

The owner himself converted a 70-year-old traditional Japanese house into a soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurant with a traditional garden. The special room, a renovated tea ceremony room in a detached…

(Taxi) 5 minutes

Satoyama lifestyle experience, overnight stay

Satoyama Retreat Hibiki / Mattary Small Farm in the Village

This is a farm stay in satoyama (traditional Japanese rural landscape), with the main house being a 300-year-old traditional farmhouse. Operated by a couple who started farming with the concept of pe…

Satoyama Retreat Hibiki

(Taxi) 20 minutes

Ryujin Suspension Bridge

Ryujin Suspension Bridge stands 100 meters above the Ryujin Dam Reservoir. Spanning 375 meters, the bridge is inspired by the legend of a dragon said to reside in the Ryujin River. It offers panorami…

(Taxi) 30 minutes

Oiwa Shrine

While the exact age of Oiwa Shrine is unknown, the presence of religious remains from the Jomon Era (around 3500-4500 years ago) appears to have occurred here from ancient times. The shrine is also m…

(Taxi) 25 minutes

Lunch

Jikyuan Geiso

Jikyuan Geiso Shiomachikan in Hitachiota City is run by the owner, who has 30 years of experience in soba-making (buckwheat noodles), having trained at the famous local restaurant Jikyuan. Sweet loc…

(On foot) Right nearby

Strolling

Kujiragaoka Shopping Street

The nostalgic atmosphere of "Kujiragaoka Shopping Street" spreads across an area centered around a 600-meter shopping street located on hills in Hitachiota City. Among the quaint scenery of storehous…

(Taxi) 10 minutes

Excursion, tasting and shopping (not available from December to February)

Okabe Brewery

Located in northern Ibaraki, this brewery was founded in 1875. In addition to their signature product called Matsuzakari Sake, Okabe Brewery produces a range of other alcoholic beverages. This includ…

(Taxi) 5 minutes

Hitachiota Station

(Train) 35 minutes

Mito Station

(On foot) Right nearby

Check-in

Hotel Terrace the Garden Mito

(Taxi) 10 minutes

Dinner

Mito Yamaguchi-rou

This restaurant uses local ingredients to make traditional dishes using recipes dating from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Yamaguchi-rou is a must-visit for anyone looking for a truly authentic Japa…

(Taxi) 10 minutes

Overnight 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. T…

Hotel Terrace the Garden Mito

(Taxi) 10 minutes

Fall leaf-viewing in Momiji-dani (Momiji Valley) at Kairakuen Garden

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…

(On foot) 20 minutes

Lunch

Mito Mon no Mae

Located in front of the Eastern Gate of Kairakuen Garden, Mito Mon no Mae offers a selection of local gourmet products, souvenirs, and cuisine unique to Mito. Recommended meals include the Wara Natto…

(Bus) 20 minutes

Mito Station

(Train) About 1 hour 30 minutes

Tokyo Station

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Departing from Ibaraki Airport! A 4-Day, 3-Night Local Railway Journey to Enjoy Autumn Scenery and Gourmet Delights

The Suigun Line is a local railway that connects Mito City to Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture. It celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2024. Along the route, there are numerous sightseeing spots, including Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls, and Eigenji Temple, also known as Momiji-dera (Maple Leaves Temple). Additionally, there are gourmet locations that feature local specialties such as Okuji Shamo chicken and apples, and long-established sake breweries. In November, many people visit the area for the autumn foliage. Starting from Ibaraki Airport, this 4-day, 3-night itinerary allows you to fully enjoy the cuisine and natural beauty of the northern area of Ibaraki prefecture by using the local railway. *This course is based on flights operating as of October 2024.

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A 2-Day Trip to Hitachi Seaside Park: Visit Nearby Destinations

Hitachi Seaside Park, located in the city of Hitachinaka, is a breathtaking spot with nemophila flowers in the spring, and kochia bushes, refreshingly green in summer and scarlet in autumn. This itinerary introduces nearby sightseeing spots and an accommodation to enjoy alongside the park. It's possible to travel around these unique Ibaraki destinations over two days. Our recommended locations include photogenic shrines, a hot spring with therapeutic properties, an established soy sauce brewery, and a local coffee maker and confectionery. Part of the itinerary also includes cycling.

Activity / Outdoor

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Mount Tsukuba is a sacred mountain which is even mentioned in the famous saying 'Tsukuba to the east and Fuji to the west.' With its two peaks, Mount Tsukuba has been designated a geopark, along with its surrounding area, due to its rich vegetation and wildlife. It has been dearly loved for many years by nature and hiking enthusiasts.This model itinerary will allow you to enjoy Mt. Tsukuba to the fullest, including hiking in nature, visiting a historical shrine, enjoying a day-trip hot spring, and more.

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