Spots in Ibaraki Area

  • Ushiku Daibutsu
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    4.0
    418 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.

    Having an extra day in Tokyo following business meetings it was quite easy to use Google Maps to come up with train instructions to get to Ushiku Daibutsu. It was a great morning and easy to self...

  • Kashima-jingu Shrine
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    4.5
    351 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...

  • Oarai Isosaki Jinja
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    4.0
    233 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.

    Unlike most Toriis thats made out of wood, this is made out of concrete it seems. I wouldnt say this is a must-visit location but it is definitely worthwhile to drive by if youre doing a road trip...

  • Hitachi Seaside Park
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    3.5
    7 Reviews
    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.

    Its a self service cafe. I went there to have a cup of Nemophila tea. Nemophila by name but its blue butterfly pea tea in fact. The most of cakes were sold out @2:30 on Monday and the tea was in a...

  • Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    184 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
    143 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...

  • Mentai Park Oarai
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    4.0
    95 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.”

    簡単な工場見学と販売所、ちょっとした食事スペースがある感じで、30分ぐらいの滞在でした。 先にここで買い物をすると明太子を持ち歩くのが大変なので後の方が良いと思います。周りには港があったり、海鮮の市場のようなところがあるのでついでに行くような感じで良いと思います。

  • 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.

    Oiwa shrine is a famous power spot in Hitachi. Oiwa is surrounded by many trees, so you can feel a lot of nature while walking. In addition to Oiwa Shrine, there are many other shrines in the area...

  • Kashima Soccer Stadium
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    4.0
    83 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ibaraki Pref. Kashimashi Jinkouji Goyama 26-2
    This soccer stadium is located a two-minute walk from Kashima Soccer Stadium Station on the Oarai Kashima Line. Built in 1993 as Japan's first fully-fledged dedicated soccer stadium, the facility is used as the home stadium of the J1 League Kashima Antlers. Sprinklers, underground heating, and other methods are used to maintain the condition of the stadium's natural grass field, and, during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the stadium's characteristics were utilized for world-class play.

    Spend 2 days in the stadium 17-18 September in the stadium as a match commissioner for the match Kashima Antlers (Japan ) vs Guangzhou Evergrande FC (CHN) well organize , clean , on 18 September 2019...

  • Roadside Station Hitachi Osakana Center
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    4.0
    69 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...

  • Kobuntei
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    4.5
    163 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Mito-shi Tokiwacho 1-3-3
    A structure in Kairakuen, located on the grounds of Tokiwa-jinja Shrine in front of Kairakuen Station in Tokiwa-cho 1-Chome, Mito City. Said to have been designed by Tokugawa Nariaki, the 9th feudal lord of the Mito domain, it consists of a two-layered three-story wooden main building and a wooden single-story annex. The current building was restored after being destroyed by air raids during World War II. Open to the public, you can enter for a fee and enjoy the view from the third floor Rakujuro as well as the fusuma-e paintings on the sliding doors. A formal tea gathering is held once a month.

    Many people who visited Kairakuen also visited this building where you can get a good view of the lake and surrounding park. We only looked at the external architecture and didnt go inside as we...

  • Tsukuba Wanwan Land
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    3.5
    80 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.

    初めて伺いました。 我が家はマンションで犬が飼えないので 犬と戯れられるとこはないか…と探してここが見つかりました。 行ってみてよかったところは いろいろな犬たちと触れ合えるところ。 さまざまな種類のわんちゃんと触れ合えて、お散歩ができるというのはとてもうれしかったです。 ペットショップでは出来ない体験ですね。 ただ、 衛生環境が心配です。 暑い中わんちゃんたちはみんなバテていて、臭いもすごい...

  • Ibaraki Nature Museum
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    4.5
    72 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.

    Good ride for those who enjoy history, human history, the evolution of species on the Jurassic era, in short, a good outing for the family.

  • Tsukuba Expo Center
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    4.0
    103 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...

  • Iias TSUKUBA
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    4.0
    21 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ibaraki Tsukuba-shi Kenkyu-gakuen 5-19

    During my recent business travel to Japan I was staying in Tsukuba and had a chance to visit the Iias Mall several times. The mall is huge and has so many choices for places to eat at great value. I...

  • Sakatsura Isosaki-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    73 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Hitachinakashi Isozakichou 4607-2
    This Shinto shrine is on Prefectural Route 6 in Isozakicho, Hitachinaka City. Founded in 856, it honors the deities Onamuchi-no-Mikoto and Sukunabikona-no-Mikoto. It was moved to its present location on the order of Tokugawa Mitsukuni in 1702. The precincts have stone statues of turtles dedicated by big lottery winners, and many come to pray for luck with hitting the lottery. The grounds also have a large woodland area that will give you a look at the special qualities of coastal forests.

    Sakatura Isosaki Shrine is a great location in Hitachinaka city. At first, You can see the fantastic tree-lined approach after passing through the torii. I would recommend taking a picture of...

  • Aqua World-Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium
    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.
  • Art Tower Mito
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    4.0
    103 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...

  • Ami Premium Outlets
    Shopping
    4-1-1 Yoshimi Ami-machi, Inagi-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture
    This outlet mall that opened in 2009 is right off the Ken-O Expressway Ami-Higashi Interchange. Capturing the style of the American West-Coast here you’ll find almost 150 different shops made up of popular foreign brands, casual brands, lifestyle shops, and restaurants. The wide aisles throughout the mall make it easy to traverse for those with strollers or wheelchairs. A kid’s room and nursing room are also available on site.

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.

Ibaraki Photo Album

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