Mito Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, local cuisine, staying options, and transportation options in Mito, Japan.


Introduction to Mito

Mito is a vibrant city located in the Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan. This city is rich in history and culture and offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities to its visitors. From its stunning gardens, shrines, and museums to its delectable cuisine and exciting outdoor activities, Mito offers something for everyone.

This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the best things to do, places to visit, local cuisine, staying options, and transportation options in Mito, Japan.

List of Places to Visit in Mito

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mito Castle: This traditional Japanese castle was built in the 17th century and served as the residence of the Mito Clan. Visitors can explore the castle’s beautiful architecture and interior design while learning about its rich history.

  • Kairakuen Garden: This stunning garden is home to over 3,000 plum trees, making it one of the top plum blossom viewing spots in Japan.

  • Tokugawa Museum: A must-visit destination for history buffs, this museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the life and reign of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

  • Mito Art Museum: A renowned contemporary art museum that showcases the works of local and international artists, making it a must-visit place for art lovers.

Natural Attractions of Mito: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fukuroda Falls: Anyone who loves to hike and explore natural beauty should put Fukuroda Falls on their bucket list. This stunning waterfall offers incredible views and vivid scenery throughout the year.

  • Mount Tsukuba: This stunning mountain offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape and offers a great hiking and trekking adventure for adventure seekers.

  • Sakura Castle Ruins Park: This stunning park was once home to the Sakura Castle, which was destroyed in the 19th century. Now, it houses a beautiful garden and offers visitors stunning views of the city.

  • Mito Sea Paradise: This aquarium and theme park is perfect for families with children. It offers a range of exciting rides, water activities, and sea creature exhibits.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mito

  • Tsuchiura All-Purpose Park: This park offers several hiking and biking trails, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Senba Lake cycling course: This beautiful cycling route takes visitors around the Senba Lake, allowing them to enjoy stunning views and scenic landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Mito: Activities and Tours

  • Ibaraki Prefecture Mito Forest Park: A must-visit destination for nature lovers, the Mito Forest Park boasts incredible views, hiking trails, and beautiful cherry blossom trees in spring.

  • Mito City Sightseeing Horse Carriage Tour: Visitors can explore the city’s beautiful streets and attractions on a horse-drawn carriage.

  • Kamei Park: This stunning park offers beautiful walks, picnic spots, and stunning landscapes for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mito

Day Plan
1 Visit Mito Castle, Kairakuen Garden and Tokugawa Museum
2 Explore Mito Art Museum and hike up Mount Tsukuba
3 Visit Fukuroda Falls and Senba Lake cycling course
4 Enjoy Ibaraki Prefecture Mito Forest Park and Mito City Sightseeing Horse Carriage Tour
5 Spend time at Mito Sea Paradise and explore the Sakura Castle Ruins Park
6 Visit Tsuchiura All-Purpose Park and Kamei Park
7 Wrap up the trip with a sumptuous dinner of must-try local dishes

Food and Drink Scene of Mito

Must-Try Dishes

  • Natto: A traditional dish, Natto comprises fermented soybeans which are used as one of Japan’s healthiest dishes.

  • Mito beef: This Wagyu beef is produced around Mito and is considered one of the highest quality beef in the country, renowned for its flavor and texture.

  • Kasama Soba: Pronounced like KA-SA-MA, Kasama soba is thin soba noodles that are made with soba flour and local spring water.

  • Mito-koumon azuki bean jelly: A sweet dish made from adzuki beans, a sweet and deeply flavored Japanese red bean.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Sake brews using the finest rice and water make it uniquely soft and elegant.

  • Shochu: A spirit that boasts robust flavors and is distilled from barley, sweet potato, or rice.

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

Mito has several staying options for visitors looking to spend a night in the city. There are a number of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to the needs and budgets of all sorts of travelers.

Some popular and recommended staying options include Mito Plaza Hotel, Court Hotel Mito, and Hotel Route-Inn Mito Kencho-dori.

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

  • Plum blossom-themed souvenirs: Mito is renowned for its Kairakuen Garden, which has over 3,000 plum trees, making it an ideal place to buy plum blossom-themed souvenirs like plum jelly and plum wine that are locally produced.
  • Kasama pottery: This beautiful pottery is produced in nearby Kasama and is adorned with unique and elegant designs that are distinctive to the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Mito

The people of Mito are known for their art and culture heritage. Mito is home to many traditional crafts, including Kasama-yaki pottery, another thing that you can add to your souvenir list. Mito is also renowned for its traditional festivals that are held throughout the year, showcasing the region’s rich culture to the world.

Best Time to Visit Mito

The best time to visit Mito is from March to May, when the cherry blossoms bloom and the weather is pleasant. Autumn in September and October is also perfect when the leaves change colors and the weather is cooler.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mito

Do:

  • Respect the traditional customs and practices of the locals.
  • Remember to take off your shoes when entering a shrine or temple.
  • Carry cash as many stores and establishments could be cash-only.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to buy a Japanese travel SIM card, and always carry it with you.
  • Don’t be loud or disruptive in public places.
  • Don’t smoke outside of designated smoking areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mito

Japan, as a whole, is a relatively safe country to travel to. Mito is no exception to this; crime rates are low. Visitors need to take the same precautions they would take in any other city when it comes to belongings, valuables, and personal safety.

Health in Mito

Mito has many hospitals, medical centers, and clinics that provide all types of medical care. Visitors should be careful about the air quality in Mito, however, as it is known to be poor at times.

Getting to Mito: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mito

The closest major airport is Narita International Airport in Tokyo, which is about a 90-minute drive away.

Bus Stations Near Mito

The Mito bus terminal is located adjacent to the Mito train station and operates several buses to and from Tokyo, Osaka, and other Japanese cities.

Other Options

Mito can be reached by train through the Joban Line or the Mito Line from Tokyo. It takes about 80-minutes from Tokyo by train.

Visitors can also rent a car and drive from Tokyo to Mito, which is a beautiful drive of around 90-minutes.

How to Get Around in Mito

Mito offers a range of transportation options to visitors, including buses and trains. Additionally, taxis are readily available outside popular tourist destinations, and visitors can also rent bikes to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Mito: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tokyo: The bustling capital city of Japan, Tokyo is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the country for the first time. It is just 80 minutes away by train.

  • Tsukuba: A city in Ibaraki Prefecture, Tsukuba offers a great outdoorsy environment and showcases Japan’s love of science and research. It is just 40 minutes away by train.

Conclusion

Mito offers a wide array of activities for those willing to explore the area. From stunning natural landscapes to rich history, and vibrant culture, Mito is a city that offers something for everyone. We hope that this comprehensive tour guide has provided valuable insight into the best things to do, places to visit, local cuisine, staying options, and transportation options in Mito, Japan.

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