A 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary to Enjoy the Plum Blossom Festival and Monkfish Cuisine in Ibaraki Prefecture During the Cold Season!

From early February to late March, the nationally famous plum trees in Ibaraki Prefecture bloom, and plum blossom festivals are held at various locations, including Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, and the former domain school Kodokan, a designated Japanese Heritage site.
In this 2-day, 1-night itinerary, you’ll not only admire the beautiful plum blossoms but also discover unique ways to enjoy the cold season in Ibaraki. Indulge in seasonal monkfish dishes, considered a delicacy since the Edo period, take in the spectacular view of a torii gate standing on a rock in the sea at dawn, and, at night, enjoy bar-hopping through streets that exude a retro atmosphere after admiring the illuminated plum blossoms.

1 night, 2 days

Day 1

Tokyo Station

(Train) About 1 hour 30 minutes

Mito Station

(Bus) 30 minutes

Kanefuku Mentai Park Oarai

The Kanefuku Mentai Park Oarai is a facility that includes a mentaiko factory, a factory direct sales store, a mentaiko gallery, and a cafe. ""Mentai"" refers to spicy cod roe, a popular food …

(On foot) 10 minutes

Lunch

Ume Cafe WAON

Ume Cafe WAON is managed by Yoshidaya, a well-established Japanese pickle shop founded in 1830. It is the first plum (ume) specialty cafe in Japan and is a popular spot to enjoy food, sweets, and dri…

(Bus) 15 minutes

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…

(Bus) 10 minutes

Overnight stay, dinner (monkfish cuisine)

Oarai Hotel

Located on the Oarai Coast, this hotel boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from the guest rooms. The meals also feature freshly-caught seafood. There are plenty of attractions to visit year-…

Oarai Hotel

(On foot) 5 minutes

Watch the sunrise at the famous Kamiiso-no-Torii Gate early in the morning

Oarai Isosaki Shrine

This shrine was founded in 856 when two deities are said to have descended upon the coast of Oarai. The two enshrined at Oarai Isosaki Shrine are Daikoku-sama, the god of nation-building and national…

(On foot) 5 minutes

Breakfast

Oarai Hotel

(Bus) 5 minutes, hotel shuttle

Oarai Station

(Train) 16 minutes

Mito Station

(Bus) 20 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…

(On foot) Right nearby

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…

(Taxi) 10 minutes

Paper lantern-making workshop

Suzuki Mohei Shoten Shop

Suzuki Mohei Shoten, established in 1865, is one of the Suifu chochin (paper lantern) manufacturers. Suifu chochin (with the name Suifu coming from the old name of Mito City) is a traditional craft …

(Taxi) 10 minutes

Kodokan Mito Domain School

Kodokan was established in 1841 by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth feudal lord of the Mito Domain. It was the largest school among the warrior clan and comparable to a university by today's standards. St…

(Taxi) 10 minutes

Bar-hopping

Daikumachi

Located in Mito City, historically associated with the Mito Tokugawa family (one of the three main Tokugawa clans), Daikumachi is one of the vibrant downtown districts in the northern Kanto area. The…

(Taxi) 10 minutes

Mito Station

(Train) About 1 hour 30 minutes

Tokyo Station

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Traveling around sightseeing spots by train and bike

2 days (an overnight stay in Mito) Enjoy Nature in central Ibaraki and Rokko area

Nature

1 night, 2 days

A 2-Day, 1-Night Historical Journey in Mito City: Exploring Landmarks from the Edo and Meiji Periods

There are many spots related to the Tokugawa shogunate family, who led the Japanese government during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) in Mito. The Tokugawa Gosanke, three branches that were allowed to carry the Tokugawa family name, existed during this time and held status that ranked next to the shogunate family. The Mito Tokugawa family, the lords of the Mito Domain (present-day central and north Ibaraki Prefecture), was one of those families. The Mito Tokugawa family emphasized education in Japanese history and the sciences with their retainers, which became famously known as Mitogaku. In addition to facilities related to Mitogaku, Mito has a museum where visitors can enjoy historical exhibits associated with the Tokugawa family, and historical buildings such as a former school established during the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Exploring these spots will deepen your understanding of Japan`s history during the Edo period and the beginning of modernization.

History / Traditional Crafts

1 night, 2 days

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

Nature

1 night, 2 days

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