Spots in Ibaraki Area

  • Kashima-jingu Shrine
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    4.5
    355 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Kashimashi Kyuchu 2306-1
    Located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this old shrine is said to have been constructed in 600BC, during the inaugural year of Emperor Jinmu. It is the oldest in the Kanto region and the head shrine of the approximately 600 Kashima Shrines across the country. The grounds feature a main hall, one of Japan’s Top 3 Tower Gates, pebbles, and a treasure hall with a straight sword designated as a National Treasure. The “Great Imperial Ofuna Festival” held once every 12 years is famous.

    The shrine is considered as one of the three most important shrines in the Kanto area and is said to have been founded in the 6th century B.C.in the era of the legendary emperor Jimmu. The forest is...

  • Ushiku Daibutsu
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    4.0
    423 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Ushikushi Kunochou 2083
    World’s largest free-standing bronze statue—at 120 meters. The inner body is divided into five levels—one floor for trying sutras, one floor with 3,400 internal buddha statues, and an observatory deck where you can see Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree from a height of 85 meters. There’s plenty to enjoy in the area too, from the small zoo where you can see monkey acrobatics or feed small animals to the Pure Land-style gardens with beautiful flowers in each season.

    Walking around an hour to visit the temple and its beautiful gardens. We came right in the cherry blossom then we had opportunity to take many pictures Recommend this visit

  • Aqua World-Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium
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    4.5
    351 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ibaraki Pref. Higashibarakigunoaraimachi Isohamachou 8252-3
    This aquarium is located along the coast of Oarai Town, Higashiibaraki County, Ibaraki Prefecture, and is among the largest in the country. Sea mammals and oceanic/freshwater fish from around the world and Oarai Sea are kept here. Exhibits are divided into nine zones, like “The Encounter Sea” and “Seas of the World.” You can watch a variety of living creatures, like popular penguins and sunfish, or see the impressive shark tank. The dolphin and sea lion shows are particularly lively and popular.

    We spend 4hours here,after landing from Narita airport straight away drive through Oarai and managed to see the Dolphins shows at 12pm,nice late lunch after hanging around the aquarium with...

  • Hitachi Seaside Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ibaraki Pref. Hitachinakashi Mawatari Onuma 605-4
    A national park located in Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture. The spacious grounds, totaling some 200 hectares, are filled with huge flower gardens. The nemophila in summer and bassia in autumn are particularly attractive seasonal plants. When in bloom, the park’s 4.5 million blue nemophila seem to bleed into the sky, creating a stunning sight. The fluffy bassia in autumn turning the area scarlet. The park also has a cycling course and barbecue area, making a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy an entire day together.
  • Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    187 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Tsukubashi Tsukuba 1-1
    Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine enshrines the spirits of Mt. Tsukuba, a holy mountain in the eastern Kanto region. Its mention in 25 of the poems in the Nara period collection of poems the Manyoshu shows that it was well known even then but its history is said to stretch back almost 3,000 years. Tsukuba’s god and goddess Izanagi and Izanami give benefits towards marriages and harmonious unions. Many visitors come to the shrine for the New Year’s Eve and New Year festivals.

    An ancient shrine at the foot of Mount Tsukuba. Legend has it that the site of the shrine has over 3000 years of history. There’s a beautiful main hall and trails that go around the shrine.

  • Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge
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    4.0
    184 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Hitachiotashi Keganochou 2133-6
    Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge located in Okukuji Prefectural Nature Park in Ibaraki Prefecture is a suspension bridge that crosses over Ryujin Gorge and boasts the longest length in Honshu. There is a carillon called “Mori no Kane” is on the opposite bank, and it is popular among couples as it needs two people to press a button simultaneously. From the hanging bridge of a maximum height of 100 meters, you can do bungie jumping, and there are also various seasonal events such as the koinobori (a carp streamer) festival and the suifusoba festival where Hitachiaki soba noodles, a local specialty, can be enjoyed.

    Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge is located in Hitachiota city, surrounded by mountains. When I went there, there weren’t anything events going on there, but there were a lot of people. It’s a place rich...

  • Kasama Inari Jinja
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    4.0
    141 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Kasamashi Kasama 1
    Located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this shrine has long been the object of adoration for the god of rich harvest and mercantile success. Considered to be one of Japan’s Top Three Inari Shrines, it hosts 3.5 million visitors every year, and is one of the prefecture’s best spots for New Year’s worship. A number of religious ceremonies like yabusame and bugaku are performed during the “Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival” held in autumn.

    I was here with a cruise ship shore excursion April 28. This wa a restful place to be after the crowds and noise of other venues during Golden Week, the time of the Emperor abdication/ coronation...

  • Oiwa Shrine
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    4.5
    96 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Hitachishi Irishikenchou 752
    This shrine in Hitachi City, Ibaraki is located on the side of the ancient Hitachi Province sacred mountain Mt. Oiwa and has recently become popular as a spiritual hot spot. While the details of its foundation are unclear it is said that Mt. Oiwa was the birthplace of ancient faiths and that generations of lords of the Mito clan would visit the shrine to pray. It is famous for being a shrine rich in Shinto and Buddhism with 188 gods enshrined throughout the mountain, including the Tangible Cultural Property of the Dainichi Nyorai Statue and the Amida Nyorai Statue. You will also find growing on the grounds a three trunked cedar estimated at over 500-years-old, which has been designated a Prefectural National Treasure.

    Excellent Shinto shrines in the area. Beautifully maintained grounds. Bus access but limited times. Car is better. Plenty of parking and restaurants nearby. Lots of hiking trails in the area. Truly a...

  • Mentai Park Oarai
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    4.0
    96 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ibaraki Pref. Higashibarakigunoaraimachi Isohamachou 8255-3
    Located in Oarai Town, Higashiibaraki County, Ibaraki Prefecture, this is a theme park focusing on mentaiko (seasoned cod roe) and run by Kanefuku Co.—a well-established mentaiko shop. The interior includes a mentaiko plant that you can observe through glass, and a wholesaler where you can buy mentaiko directly. A great place for kids and adults to spend the day with mentaiko. The food corner has popular eats like “mentaiko onigiri” and “mentaiko ice cream.”

    大洗に岩ガキを食べ行ったついでの立ち寄りました。試食があるイメージでしたが、殆どなし。物もまあまあお高いので食事をと思いましたが、これはというものもなく手ぶらで帰るのも何なので話の種に行列に並んでからし明太子おにぎりを買って後にしました。

  • Kairakuen
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Mitoshi Tokiwachou 1-3-3
    This Japanese-style garden in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture was created by Tokugawa Nariaki—ninth lord of the Mito clan—in 1842. Along with Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en and Okayama’s Korakuen, it is one of Japan’s Top Three Gardens, and is nationally designated as both Historical Sites and Places of Scenic Beauty. It’s also famous for plum-viewing in spring, with roughly 3,000 plum trees in 100 varieties. The flowers and trees are beautiful year-round, with azaleas, cherry blossoms and fall leaves teaming up with Lake Senba to make memorable scenes. Every year, the “Mito Plum Festival” is held from late February to March.
  • Oarai Isosaki Jinja
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    4.5
    16 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Higashibarakigunoaraimachi Isohamachou 6890
    The Oarai Isosaki Jinja is a shrine in Oarai Town, Higashiibaraki County, Ibaraki Prefecture, that venerates Ohonamuchi-no-mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-mikoto. The worship hall for the presiding god—a protector of domestic safety and safe naval passage—demonstrates the architectural style of early Edo period, and has been designated a prefectural cultural property. Also, the Kamiiso torii gate praised by Mitsukuni Tokugawa is first among big torii in the Kanto region, and is set on rocks in the sea, for a great view during sunrise and sunset. Shrine worship deals with the ocean, so the Oarai Sea Museum is located nearby.

    やっぱり、周りに遮るものがない日の出、太陽はパワーがあり、良いですね。 太平洋の岩礁に立ってある鳥居の「神磯の鳥居」です。周りに遮るものがない山のてっぺんからの日の出、太陽も素晴らしいですが、海からの日の出、太陽も良いです。 素晴らしい日の出を見ることが来ました。お勧めです。もうそれだけで十分です。気分上々です。

  • Roadside Station Hitachi Osakana Center
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    4.0
    68 Reviews
    Transportation
    Ibaraki Hitachi-shi Minatocho 5779-24

    Osakana Center is fish market in Kujigawa-cho in Hitachi. In this market, seafood can be purchased at a low price. There are many kinds of seafood, and there are many things that children like, such...

  • Roadside Station Itako
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    3.5
    89 Reviews
    Transportation
    Ibaraki Itako-shi Maekawa 1326-1

    野菜が手ごろで気に入っています。 地元の人が作った総菜が多くあります。美味しそうなので何度か買って帰りましたが、すべて外れでした。もう買うことはないと思います。

  • Tsukuba Expo Center
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    4.0
    104 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ibaraki Pref. Tsukubashi Aduma 2-9
    At this science museum you can see, touch, and enjoy leading edge science. Along with displays that let you learn and experience the mysteries of science you can view miraculous videos and gorgeous starry skies in one of the world’s largest planetariums. With regular events including science shows and lectures you’re sure to make a new discovery every time you visit.

    It is very conveniently located, a short walk from the Tsukuba Center train and bus station. Great for a cold or rainy day, or on a leisurely weekend. The original planetarium program can be enjoyed...

  • Ibaraki Nature Museum
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    4.5
    74 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ibaraki Pref. Bandoushi Osaki 700
    Ibaraki Natural Museum, opened in 1994, is a new type of natural science museum. In addition to the normal exhibitions of natural history materials there are also outdoor facilities in the area covering 15.8 hectares, including trampolines, and water parks to keep children happily amused. The mini aquarium displaying creatures from Ibaraki’s rivers and sea is also popular.

    恐竜をはじめ子供から大人まで楽しめる博物館です。駐車場は広いですが連休の季節には大変込み合うほど人気があります。建物の周囲は広大な広場で

  • Tsukuba Wanwan Land
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    3.5
    84 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ibaraki Pref. Tsukubashi Numata 579
    Tsukuba Wanwan Land is a large-scale interactive zoo where you can pat the animals. A landmark is Mokkun, an 11-meter high wooden statue which is a dog-shaped observatory. Dogs are the main attraction, and there are about 500 dogs from 90 breeds. You can pat your favorite dog as well as experience walking with it. In addition to dogs, there is a building which houses cats only and an area which you can pat small animals so you can experience interacting with a wide range of animals. Entry with your pet dog is available. Your dog can use a dog run, and there are events in which it can participate.

    ・イヌを飼いたくても環境的に飼えない人には良いと思います。小さなお子さん連れにも。もちろんイヌ連れでも、ドッグランがあるので良いですね。真夏はイヌも人もバテてしまうので注意。 ・30℃を超えるような日だけは、園内のイヌたちも冷房の効いた環境に入れるべきだと思います。このままだと虐待と言われて、問題になる気がします。 ・スタッフの人数が足りているか疑問です。被毛が毛玉になっていたり、汚れたイヌも...

  • Tokiwa Jinja Shrine
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    3.5
    119 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Mitoshi Tokiwachou 1-3-1
    "A Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the second lord of Mito Domain and star character in the fictionalized popular historical television drama ""Mito Komon;"" and Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth lord of Mito Domain and a man considered one of the great intelligences of the closing days of the Edo period. The origins of the shrine date back to a small lay ancestral hall built on the grounds of Kairakuen Park in the early Meiji period by parishioners who idolized the two lords. Exhibits on Mitogaku, a school Japanese history and Shinto studies which emerged in Mito domain; as well as articles which belonged to Mitsukuni and Nariaki; calligraphy by the two men; and other historical items are displayed in the Giretsukan museum on the shrine's grounds."

    Tokiwa Shrine is located in Mito. It is easy to go from Mito Station. The shrine was built in Meiji era and is dedicated to Mito -Koumon. There are four kinds of shrines on the grounds in addition...

  • Art Tower Mito
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    4.0
    102 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ibaraki Pref. Mitoshi Gokenchou 1-6-8
    The Art Tower Mito is a joint art facility located about 10 minutes by car from Mito Station. It has an art museum with mainly modern art exhibits, a concert hall complete with pipe organ, and a stage for musicals and traditional arts like rakugo. Uniquely composed of equilateral triangular panels, the Symbol Tower features a lookout deck with a view of Mito City and vicinity. You can get a tour of the interior (includes the tower) even as an individual.

    We were pleased to see the tower, and the whole art centre complex, but it was very quiet with not a lot going on. The tower was closed, as was the contemporary art gallery. The foyer with the...

  • Oarai Marine Tower
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    3.5
    79 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Higashibarakigunoaraimachi Minatochuou 10
    This 60-meter-tall symbolic tower in Oarai Town, Higashiibaraki County, Ibaraki Prefecture was opened in 1988. At 55 meters above ground, the observatory deck offers you a grand panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, Nikko Nasu Mountains, Mt. Tsukuba, and Mt. Fuji. The tower interior includes souvenir shops, a marine theater, and a cafe themed on “Girls und Panzer” —an anime set in Oarai.

    駐車場は無料、入場料は340円。高さは60メートルしかないが、周りに高い建物がないのでぐるっとビュー。 訪問した日は天気が良かったのだが、訪問時間が午後2時頃、太陽の光が海に反射しまぶしい! なので海方向のきれいな景色、キラキラまぶしく観賞できなかった。 天気の良いのも善し悪しなのだなと。

  • Ushiku Chateau
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    4.0
    96 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Ushiku-shi Chuo 3-20-1

    Ushiku Chateau is a nice place to unwind. The Chateau was recognised in 2008 as a National Important Cultural Property. About a 50 minute ride on the Joban line from Ueno/Nippori stations to Ushiku...

Ibaraki Areas

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Just a stone’s throw from Tokyo, Ibaraki is a coastal prefecture that has mastered juxtapositions, where old shrines meet new scientific discoveries and traditional gardens are frequented by the inventors of some of the newest technology. Head to Mito City's Kairakuen - one of Japan's Three Great Gardens - in spring to experience the cellestial blooming of fantastic cherry blossoms at the annual sakura festival.

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