Top Things to do

• montblanc

  Ibaraki Pref. Kashimashi Hirai 1051-1

  A Western confectionary shop easily identifiable by its white, Western-style building and cute triangular roof. The shop is situated along Prefectural Route 255 not far from Hirai Beach. The shop's signature item is obvious from the shop's name-Mont Blanc. The shop's roll cakes, choux cremes, and other baked sweets are also very popular. In addition, because of its location in the city home to the Kashima Antlers J1 League team, the shop sells a soccer ball-shaped cake perfect for giving as a present or for taking a picture to upload to an SNS. The shop has a restaurant which serves pastas, curry, and stewed Western-style dishes for lunch at reasonable prices.

• Kasumigaura Aquarium

  Ibaraki Pref. Kasumigaurashi Saka 910-1

  An aquarium facing the north side of Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan. The aquarium displays freshwater fish from Kasumigaura, over 1,000 saltwater fish spanning 130 species from around the world, and reptiles. The aquarium's diverse facilities include a panoramic tank where visitors can watch char and Japanese huchen swimming, and round tanks which make it possible to view the occupants from 360 degrees. The aquarium is designed to teach visitors who walk through it about the ecosystem of Kasumigaura. The aquarium also holds events like giving visitors the chance to feed tortoises. The aquarium is perfect for families with children as well.

• Tsukamoto Sobaten

  Ibaraki Pref. Itakoshi Itako 189

  A long-standing Hitachi Aki soba noodle restaurant which has been in operation since the end of the Edo period. The restaurant is situated along Prefectural Route 5 between JR Itako Station and Inariyama Park. The restaurant's vaunted juwari soba noodles are made with only 100% buckwheat flour. The restaurant's soba is also notable for its strongly seasoned broth. Plus, the restaurant makes use of ultra-soft water specially ordered from Portugal to make its soba. Together, these measures maximize the unique flavor of the noodles. In addition to soba, the restaurant also offers curry, sashimi, and tempura specials. The menu also includes an abundant selection of local liquors and a la carte dishes, and this establishment is popular with locals, as well.

• Lacus Marina Excursion Ship White Iris

  Ibaraki Pref. Tsuchiurashi Kawaguchi 2-13-6

  A Lake Kasumigaura sightseeing boat. The boat dock is located a 10-minute walk from JR Tsuchiura Station. Operating out of the Port of Tsuchiura year-round, the boat jets across the surface of Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan. With a capacity of 86 people, the boat can also accommodate large groups. From fall to spring, the boat is followed by flocks of gulls, while in winter the boat has toasty kotatsu heated table seating. Tour-goers can enjoy views of the Mt. Tsukuba and Abukuma Mountain Range and, on clear days, see all the way to Mt. Fuji. Tours take from 30 to 40 minutes, and during which time tour-goers will be exposed to the vast natural beauty of Lake Kasumigaura.

• Aiyu Shuzo

  Ibaraki Pref. Itakoshi Tsuji 205

  A historic sake brewery established in 1804 located a five-minute drive from the Itako interchange on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway. Located near a river where traditional yomeiribune (bridal boats) can still be seen plying the waters, the brewery makes local sakes utilizing excellent water, excellent rice, and the refined skills of its chief brewer which have received high praise not only in Japan but around the world. The brewery actively participates in competitions and seeks to continually improve the quality of its products. The brewery also offers 30 to 40-minute long tours which give participants access to rarely seen aspects of the sake brewing process. The brewery also offers sake tasting and has a direct sales shop and welcomes visitors.

• Botanko Hanten

  Ibaraki Pref. Itakoshi Itako 89-11

  A Chinese restaurant located in Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture situated along National Route 355 traveling from the Itako Interchange heading towards Haguroyama Park. Particularly recommended are the gyoza potstickers, which are filled with a superb balance of juicy, high quality Bimei pork and tasty vegetables. The restaurant also offers hearty ramen made with a broth containing over 10 varieties of fruits and vegetables slow stewed for hours to maintain the integrity of their individual flavors. In general, the restaurant's portions are large, and other menu selections include tanmen soup, a yakiniku barbecue Bimei pork set meal, and liver sauteed with Asian chives.

• Oritsu Beach

  Ibaraki Pref. Kashimashi Oritsu

  This beach, one of the most well-known in Ibaraki Prefecture, boasts extremely clear waters. The NPO Kashima Lifeguard Team provides lifeguard services, ensuring beachgoer safety and making the beach a popular destination for families with children.

• Kasumigaura Fureai Land

  Ibaraki Pref. Namegatashi Tamatsukuri Kou 1234

  "A science theme park dedicated to water located near the Kasumigaura Fureai Land bus stop on the Kantetsu Green Bus leaving from Tsuchiura Station in Ibaraki Prefecture. There's a water drop-themed museum and a science hall where visitors can learn hands-on about themes such as ""life and water"" and ""water usage."" The Rainbow Tower on the grounds commands a view of Lake Kasumigaura and Mt. Tsukuba and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. Finally, there's a water park with an area where young children can play in an area enclosed by several large boulders."

• Hobikibune Sailboat Cruises

  Ibaraki Pref. Tsuchiurashi Kawaguchi 2

  Hobikibune are traditional fishing vessels which operate on Lake Kasumigaura close to JR Tsuchiura Station in Ibaraki Prefecture. Visitors can watch the boats plying their trade from cruise ships which depart from and return to the Port of Tsuchiura. This style of fishing was invented in Dejima Village in 1880. With the emergence of trawling boats around 1965, hobikibune disappeared, but today they have been brought back for tourists to watch as an important cultural legacy. Powered by a billowing white sail nine meters tall and 16 meters wide, the sight of these boats traveling crosswise to the wind is stirring. Note that the boats are operated from summer through fall.