Introduction to Ibaraki Prefecture
Ibaraki Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of the Kanto region. It is easily accessible, taking only about 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, and is recommended for day trips and weekend getaways. However, Ibaraki Prefecture was ranked 47th out of 47 prefectures in the 2023 Prefectural Attractiveness Ranking, making it the least popular prefecture in Japan. Maybe you can learn something by daring to travel to an unpopular prefecture?
Geographic location
Ibaraki Prefecture is located north of Tokyo, easily accessible from Tokyo, yet rich in natural environment. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Tone River. Mount Tsukuba and other mountains in the north, and plains in the south.
History & culture
Ibaraki Prefecture has a long history of prosperity as a major transportation hub. It is also widely recognized throughout Japan as a great man who originated in Ibaraki Prefecture, thanks to the popularity of the drama “Mito Komon” based on the person who ruled the Mito domain (now called the governor of the province) about 300 years ago. The prefecture also retains its history and culture from the Edo period.
Tourist attraction
Ibaraki Prefecture has many tourist attractions. Among them, some of the most famous spots include the following.
Statue of Mito Koumon
A statue of Mito Komon is located on the north exit deck of JR Mito Station. Other statues of Mito Komon are scattered throughout various parts of the city, the largest of which is the statue erected by Senba Lake. If you enjoy searching for Japan’s great man, be sure to take a stroll around Mito City.
Kairakuen Garden
It is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, created by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth lord of the Mito Domain. Visitors can enjoy nature in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall. The park is also dotted with spots associated with Mito Komon.
Kairakuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan
Kasumigaura
It is one of the largest lakes in Japan, where water activities can be enjoyed. Bass boat fishing for black bass is popular. There is also a bicycle path along the lake, and fashionable cafes can be found along the path, making it possible to visit cafes while cycling on a sunny day.
Tsukuba Mountain
It is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, created by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth lord of the Mito Domain. Visitors can enjoy nature in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall. The park is also dotted with spots associated with Mito Komon.
Oarai Coast
This beach faces the Pacific Ocean, where visitors can enjoy swimming and marine sports. It is popular for its shallow waters, calm waves, and excellent swimming beaches. Seafood is also abundant, and visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants near the Oarai coast.
Fukuroda Falls
It is one of the three largest waterfalls in Japan, with a drop of 120 meters. The waterfalls approach with majestic force. Visitors can enjoy the seasonal changes in the waterfall’s appearance, from the fresh greenery in spring to the autumn colors in fall. There are also walking trails and observation decks around the falls, where visitors can view the waterfalls up close.
Food culture
Ibaraki Prefecture is blessed with a rich natural environment that nurtures a wide variety of foods. Among them, some of the most famous gourmet foods include the following.
Mito natto
Ibaraki Prefecture is the largest producer of natto in Japan. It is characterized by its large, sticky, and rich flavor. It can be enjoyed in a variety of arrangements. It is a food that even Japanese people have different likes and dislikes, but those from overseas will first be shocked by the smell. Although not as strong as surströmming, the smell is a bit peculiar, so it is not recommended for first-time visitors to Japan. However, it is one of the most typical Japanese dishes that is worth the challenge. I love natto tempura.
Activities
There is a wide range of activities that can be enjoyed in Ibaraki.
Cycling
Why not try cycling along the lakeside of Kasumigaura? If you like a relaxing, nature-inspired trip, this is the place for you.
Black bass fishing
You can enjoy bass fishing in Kasumigaura and Tone River. If you are coming to Japan for sightseeing, this activity is not recommended. If you are staying in Japan for a longer period of time and enjoy bass fishing, you may want to give it a try.
Tour of a hot spring
Ibaraki is dotted with hot spring resorts and offers a wealth of relaxing hot spring accommodations.
There are various hot spring resorts in Ibaraki, including Tsukuba Onsen, Fukuroda Onsen, and Oarai Onsen.
Ryujin Suspension Bridge Bungy
Ryujin Bungy is the highest bungee jump (100 meters) in Japan, located in Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Opened in 1996, it is the oldest bungee jumping facility in Japan. The drop distance is 100 meters, and the maximum speed is 100 kilometers per hour.
Seasonal Recommendations
Ibaraki offers activities that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons.
Spring
This is the season when cherry blossoms and rape blossoms are in full bloom. You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Kairakuen, Oarai Beach, and Hitachi-Kaihin Park.
Summer
This is the best season to enjoy swimming and marine sports. You can create summer memories at beaches such as Oarai Beach and Kashima Beach.
Autumn
It is the season of beautiful autumn leaves. Visitors can enjoy viewing the autumn leaves in mountains such as Mount Tsukuba and Okkuji.
Winter
This is the best season to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can enjoy winter recreation at ski resorts such as Hachimantai and Mt.
Local Culture
Ibaraki Prefecture still retains its own unique festival culture and traditional crafts. We would like to introduce some of the best examples of this culture.
Festival
Various festivals are held in the area, such as the Mito Komon Festival, the Oarai Anko Festival, and the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition.
- Mito Komon Festival
- Oarai Anko Festival
- Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival
- Tsukumai
Traditional craft
Various traditional crafts remain, such as Mito-bin, Yuki-tsumugi, and Kasama-yaki.
- Mito bottle
- Yuuki pongee
- Kasama porcelain
Transportation
Ibaraki Prefecture is easily accessible by train from Tokyo in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Shinkansen and highway buses are also available.
Railway
Access to Ibaraki Prefecture from Tokyo is convenient via the JR Joban Line, JR Mito Line, and JR Kashima Line. From Tokyo Station to Mito Station takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. When using the Tsukuba Express (TX), access from Akihabara Station to Moriya Station takes about 35 minutes, and to Tsukuba Station about 45 minutes.
- JR Joban Line
- Tokyo Station – Mito Station: approx. 1 hr. 30 min.
- Tokyo Station – Tsuchiura Station: approx. 1 hr. 20 min.
- Tokyo Station – Tsukuba Station: Approx. 50 min.
- JR Mito Line
- Tokyo Station – Mito Station: approx. 1 hr. 30 min.
- JR Kashima Line
- Tokyo Station – Kashima Jingu Station: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Tsukuba Express (TX)
- Akihabara Station – Moriya Station: approx. 35 min.
- Akihabara Station – Tsukuba Station: approx. 45 min.
Express Bus
Express buses are also available from Tokyo Station to major areas of Ibaraki. The journey time depends on the drop-off area, but it takes about 2 hours. The fare is about 2,000 yen. If you have time to spare, we recommend using the bus to keep costs down.
Lastly
Ibaraki Prefecture is a tourist destination near Tokyo with its rich nature, history, and culture. If you do not want to spend much time traveling, but would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, feel the passage of time in the Japanese countryside, or just relax, this is the place for you. You can enjoy nature in each of the four seasons, enjoy local cuisine and local specialties, and many other ways to have fun. We hope you will visit Ibaraki Prefecture.