Travel Plans

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!

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).

Spend a Night in Daigo, Ibaraki! A Trip to Explore Autumn Flavors and Scenic Views

Daigo Town, located in the north of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a charming place where rich nature beautifully fuses with traditional culture when autumn arrives. This suggested overnight itinerary will allow you to fully experience the town’s autumn charm, from breathtaking scenery to local gourmet cuisine.

Let’s Go Cycling In the Seaside Town of Oarai! Enjoy Sightseeing and Gourmet On This Day Trip

A recommended day trip itinerary for cycling in Ibaraki Prefecture's Oarai, a town easily accessible from Tokyo! From picturesque coastlines and sightseeing spots all the way to local gourmet cuisine―it's a full one-day plan that you can enjoy to your heart's content. Refresh yourself on a cycling course that even beginners can enjoy while feeling the pleasant ocean breeze.

A Full Day in the Mt. Tsukuba Area! From Nature Walks to Hot Springs!

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.

Breathtaking Scenery and History! A 2-Day Cycling Route on Ring Ring Road

Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road is a 180-kilometer cycling route in Ibaraki Prefecture. This is a designated national cycling route because it is safe to travel and equipped with well-maintained rest areas and accommodations along the way. You can select from a variety of cycling paths, enjoy the scenic beauty of Mt. Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura, visit historical sites, shop for souvenirs, and savor local cuisine.

Tsuchiura, a recommended starting point, is easily accessible in about an hour by train or car from Tokyo. You can also rent a bike in the city. This time, we'll introduce a two-day cycling itinerary around sightseeing spots along the route from Tsuchiura to nearby Mt. Tsukuba and charming spots to visit near Lake Kasumigaura.

*Please keep in mind it is illegal to ride a bicycle after consuming alcohol.

A 2-Day, 1-Night Trip to Kasama: Enjoy Pottery and Local Culture

Those interested in pottery and art should visit Kasama City, known for its unique pottery culture, and the Kasama Himatsuri Pottery Festival. Kasama-yaki (pottery) has a long history and is designated as a Japan Heritage. In the following, we will introduce a 2-day/1-night model course that allows you to fully enjoy the local pottery culture as well as attractive local restaurants and eateries, the Kasama Inari Shrine—one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan—museums and parks. A rental bicycle will be used on the first day, with walking and a taxi ride on the second day.

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.

Discover the Ushiku Daibutsu, the World’s Tallest Bronze Buddha Statue, and Enjoy Delicious Food and Shopping in a Day Trip

The Ushiku Daibutsu in Ibaraki Prefecture is the tallest bronze statue of the Buddha worldwide. Standing 120 meters tall, this statue has a temple inside offering visitors a place of worship. Temple-goers can enjoy not only attractions of the statue, but also seasonal flowers in the surrounding garden and a small petting zoo opened on Sundays and holidays.

A winery designated as a Japan Heritage, where visitors can dine, is located nearby. There is also an outlet mall in the area. The following is a recommended route for a day trip from Tokyo to enjoy the Daibutsu and its surroundings.

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.

Traveling around sightseeing spots by train and bike

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

Mito Historical Tour Day Trip

a day trip in Mito
After a history trip, enjoy shopping at the Keisei Department store.