Ibaraki Travel Guide

Explore historic sites, natural wonders, incredible food, and more with our comprehensive travel guide to Ibaraki, Japan.


Ibaraki, a prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan, offers travelers a rich blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure. From lush national parks to fascinating museums, Ibaraki has something for everyone. Here is our comprehensive travel guide to Ibaraki, including everything you need to know about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

Introduction to Ibaraki

Ibaraki is located in the eastern part of Japan’s Kanto region, bordering the Pacific Ocean. Its location allows visitors to enjoy stunning beaches and coastal views, as well as explore the prefecture’s rural hinterland. Ibaraki has seen human settlement since the Japanese Paleolithic period, and the region is home to several historic archeological sites. Over time, Ibaraki has developed into a modern and dynamic economy that is both colorful and inviting for tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Ibaraki

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ibaraki is home to many museums and historical sites. For first-time visitors, the Hitachi Seaside Park is a must-visit destination that offers a wealth of scenic views and landscapes to explore. Visitors can appreciate the park’s wide variety of seasonal flowers, such as tulips and Kochia, which bloom throughout the year. Tsukuba Space Center is another fascinating site to visit, where you can explore the history of Japan’s space program, including the H-IIA rocket and explore the console room used by the astronauts. Other must-visit places include:

  • Kashima Shrine
  • Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History
  • Ryujin Ohashi Bridge
  • Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum
  • Fukuroda Falls

Natural Attractions of Ibaraki: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ibaraki appeals to nature lovers with its numerous outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. The Hitachi Kaihin Koen Park is a stunning coastal park that stretches over seven kilometers and offers an opportunity to indulge in various recreational activities. Mount Tsukuba is another outstanding natural attraction that offers panoramic views of the surrounding Kanto Plain. Visitors also enjoy:

  • Oarai Sun Beach
  • Kairakuen Park
  • Kasama Inari Shrine
  • Mount Nantai
  • Egawa Beach

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ibaraki

For experienced hikers and cyclists, Ibaraki offers plenty of exciting routes to explore. Mount Tsukuba is an excellent choice for advanced hikers. The trail at the peak of the mountain is moderately steep and takes about two hours to complete. The route from Ushikubo Hill to Mount Tsukuba is also great for bike rides. The hike along the Fukuroda Falls is a fun and enjoyable experience, taking you through thickets of trees and scenic cliff faces. Other hiking and biking routes to try include:

  • Oarai Isosaki Shrine to Minato Beach
  • Azumayama Nature Trail
  • Nakagawa River Green Road
  • Mitsumine Hiking Course
  • Suigo Sawara Cycling Course

Best Things to Do in Ibaraki: Activities and Tours

Ibaraki has plenty of exciting things to do for both locals and international visitors. You can take part in exciting water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Oarai Sun Beach is the best spot in Ibaraki for surfing, while Lake Kasumigaura is perfect for those who enjoy fishing.

If you love history and culture, Ibaraki has plenty of traditional Japanese festivals that will appeal to you. The Boshukatsu Festival, which takes place every September, is a famous cultural event that pays homage to Ibaraki’s samurai heritage.

Here are some of the best things to do in Ibaraki:

  • Visit the Kitaibaraki Seaside Aquarium
  • Explore the Koga Ninja Village
  • Attend the Shimodate Sunflower Festival
  • Watch a horse race at the Shimotsuma Racecourse
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over sky-high fields

Week-Long Itinerary for Ibaraki

A week-long trip in Ibaraki lets you explore the region’s outdoor environment, indulge in local cuisines, and learn about the local traditions and culture of the region. Here’s an example Itinerary:

  • Day 1 - Visit the Hitachi Seaside Park and unwind at Nakaminato Fish Market.
  • Day 2 - Go hiking in Mount Tsukuba and relax at a local onsen.
  • Day 3 - Explore Oarai Isosaki Shrine and take part in water sports along the coast.
  • Day 4 - Go cherry blossom viewing in Kairakuen Park and explore the Kashima Shrine.
  • Day 5 - Visit the Kitaibaraki Seaside Aquarium and Shimodate Sunflower Festival.
  • Day 6 - Learn about the region’s history and traditions at the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History and Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum.
  • Day 7 - Take a hot-air balloon ride over sky-high fields and enjoy your last evening in the region.

Food and Drink Scene of Ibaraki

Must-Try Dishes

Ibaraki boasts a diverse range of delicious foods that reflect the region’s culture and traditions. The Bara-zushi is a must-try, which is a type of sushi dressed with a sweet vinegar sauce, while the Hitachi Beef is a choice dish for meat lovers, with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and premium taste. Here are some more must-try dishes:

  • Natto
  • Mito Style Minced Pork Cutlet
  • Tofu Miso Nabe
  • Godo-nabe
  • Maitake Mushroom and Beef Sukiyaki

Local Beverages

Ibaraki’s sake is acclaimed nationwide for its full-strength aroma and rich flavor. Sake from the Shimotsuma region is particularly popular, and you can tour the local sake breweries to learn more about the brewing process. Another favorite drink in Ibaraki is tea. A visit to the Kasama teapot gallery is a perfect way to learn more about the tea culture of the region.

Where to Stay in Ibaraki: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ibaraki offers several accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. For those seeking luxurious stays, the Hotel Grand Shinonome is a preferred choice with its contemporary decor, beautiful views, and world-class facilities. The Chateau has expansive spacious rooms and is an excellent choice for longer stays. If looking for budget stays, the Red Roof Inn and Small Hotel are great options.

What to Buy in Ibaraki: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ibaraki is famous for its handcrafted whiskies, sake, and locally made pottery. You can visit the Kasama-yaki pottery galleries to learn more about the region’s ceramics culture and purchase beautiful pottery pieces that you can bring back home. Other items worth buying in Ibaraki include:

  • Fresh seafood from Oarai Fish Market
  • Natto
  • Hitachi Beef
  • Kasama-rokkoku Pottery

Local Culture and Customs of Ibaraki

Ibaraki values traditional Japanese culture and hospitality, and it has several unique customs and rituals that visitors will discover. It is customary to bow when someone greets you, and it’s best to dress conservatively when visiting shrines and temples. The region’s culture is influenced by the samurai, and you’ll hear stories of their bravery throughout the Ibaraki Prefecture’s historical sites and museums.

Best Time to Visit Ibaraki

Summer and spring are the best times to visit Ibaraki. The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities that are enjoyable in summer, such as swimming in the ocean, sunbathing on the beach, and windsurfing. The autumn season is also magical when the leaves change color, offering an excellent time for sightseeing and exploring local craftsmanship.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ibaraki

Do:

  • Greet locals with bowing when meeting them
  • Dress conservatively when visiting shrines and temples
  • Try traditional Japanese cuisine
  • Participate in the traditional Japanese festivals

Don’t:

  • Smoke on the street
  • Litter the streets
  • Enter temples or shrines wearing shoes
  • Talk loudly in public areas and restaurants

Safety and Health

Safety in Ibaraki

Ibaraki is a safe region to visit, with a relatively low crime rate. However, you should still take standard precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended and not walking alone at night.

Health in Ibaraki

Ibaraki has excellent hospitals and clinics providing high-quality healthcare services. It’s best to carry your insurance coverage and a copy of any prescription medicine you have been taking.

Getting to Ibaraki: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ibaraki

The nearest international airport is Narita Airport, which is only about an hour’s drive to Mito. Other regional airports serving Ibaraki include:

  • Ibaraki Airport
  • Haneda Airport

Bus Stations Near Ibaraki

Ibaraki has extensive bus networks connecting major cities, including Tokyo and Osaka, and prefecture cities. Visitors can use the bus system to access most areas throughout the region.

Other Options

There are several train and taxi services for visitors who prefer public transportation.

How to Get Around in Ibaraki

Renting a car is one the best ways to get around Ibaraki as the prefecture has several scenic drives and remote locations that you can’t access via public transportation. However, the bus and train systems also provide a convenient and affordable means of transportation.

Where to Go Next from Ibaraki: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After your visit to Ibaraki, you can continue your adventure by exploring other famous destinations in the Kanto region or other parts of the country. Popular nearby excursion sites include:

  • Tokyo, a bustling modern city with a traditional soul.
  • Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
  • Nikko, a small town filled with historical monuments and natural beauty.
  • Hakone, an onsen town known for its scenic views and hot springs.

Conclusion

Ibaraki offers a unique Japanese experience, with its blend of culture, history, and outdoor activities. Whether you want to enjoy the stunning coastlines, go on a hike, or indulge in local foods and drinks, Ibaraki has something for everyone. We hope our comprehensive travel guide helps you plan a memorable trip to Ibaraki, Japan.

Oarai Coast (Oarai) Oarai Coast (Oarai) Kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park Kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park


    Hitachi
    Mito
    Tsuchiura
    Tsukuba
    Ushiku