Top Things to do

• Sun Green Asahi

  Ibaraki Pref. Hokotashi Momiyama 602-6

  A large farmers market boasting some 500 registered farmers located in Ibaraki, a prefecture with an abundance of agriculture. The market is located a 20-minute drive south along Prefectural Route 51 from the Mito-Oarai interchange on the Higashi-Mito Road. The market sells a variety of safe, healthy agricultural products from farms in Ibaraki Prefecture. Ibaraki grows the greatest quantity of melons in Japan, and, when in season, visitors to the market will find varieties such as Andes Melons and Quincy Melons sold at low prices. Accordingly, during this time, the market bustles with visitors come to buy tasty melons. The market is also conveniently located near Hokota Beach on the Otake Coast as well as Kashimanada Seaside Park.

• SPACE NICO

  Ibaraki Pref. Kasamashi Kasama 2257-5

  A gallery and boutique containing porcelain and glassware from around the country with a focus on Kasama ware and Mashiko ware. The establishment is situated across from the south promenade of Kasama Geijutsunomori Park. The establishment primarily displays pieces the owner, Junko Oshima, fell in love with at first sight. Inside, visitors will find animal-themed pieces, pieces created with novel colorings, and other rare and highly individual pieces. The establishment also holds monthly exhibitions of artists from Ibaraki and other prefectures. Carrying one of the establishment's pieces for sale in your hands will help you to experience its unique aura.

• Factory of Confections and Dreams

  Ibaraki Pref. Mitoshi Migawachou 2139-5

  "An all-weather amusement facility adjoining the head office of Kamejirushi, a long-standing confection company. Here visitors can tour the company's factory and see how popular Mito-born confections like ""Mito no Ume"" and ""Yoshiwara Denchu"" are made. Confections fresh from the factory are also delivered to the facility and made available for sale to the public. In addition, various events are held here throughout the year such as live demonstrations of kintsuba flour dough sweet bean cakes being made by a seasoned pro. Lastly, the facility has free parking able to accommodate 250 vehicles and can be used as a rest area for visitors exploring the area by car."

• Ceramic Art Kilala-kan

  Ibaraki Pref. Kasamashi Kasama 2258-1

  A ceramics shop carrying close to 10 thousand pieces by some 500 potters. Located close to the south entrance of Kasama Geijutsunomori Park, the shop can be identified by its large, floor to ceiling windows which occupy most of the front facade of the building. Pieces by ceramics artists are on display right by the entrance and the content of this display is changed every other week. Weekly exhibitions are also held in the shop's gallery space. The shop displays pieces not only by veteran potters but young up and comers as well. In the cafe corner, you can choose your favorite cup from among the many designed by shop artists and take a relaxing coffee break.

• Tarai Udon Momijiya

  Ibaraki Pref. Mitoshi Arigachou 1021

  "A handmade udon noodle restaurant situated across the river west of the Ushibushi burial mounds. The restaurant operates out of a remodeled kominka (old Japanese-style house), giving it an elegant atmosphere. The owner, originally from Kagawa Prefecture, makes renowned, chewy udon noodles served piping hot fresh from the pot. The noodles are made with flour from a specially contracted farm in the nearby city of Hitachiomiya. The ""Momijiya Set"" meal, which includes an assortment of tempura and piping hot tofu, is particularly popular. The restaurant also offers tofu blancmange and sweet potato yokan jelly for dessert. The drink menu includes local sakes and shochues as well as seasonal beverages. This lively restaurant is so popular usually all seats are occupied during meal times."

• Dog-run Hinuma

  Ibaraki Pref. Higashibarakigunibarakimachi Shimoishizaki 2848-50

  A dog park with natural grass lawns boasting over 14,800 square meter grounds located a seven-minute drive from the Mito-minami interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. Here owners and their dogs can enjoy the great outdoors together. The park's natural grass runs include an area called mega-dog-run with a climbing ramp and platform as well as areas for large, medium, and small breeds. In addition, the park has one of the largest dog pools in the Kanto region as well as Japan's first inclined dog pool. Plus, there's a cafe and restaurant-the most popular item on the menu is the Japanese-style barbecue. Perfect for taking a break and filling up an empty stomach, the restaurant also has an outdoor terrace which can be used for parties and events.

• Hitachinaka Seaside Railway

  Ibaraki Pref. Hitachinakashi Shakamachi 22-2 Naka Station

  A railway line connecting Katsuta Station and Ajigaura Station in Hitachinaka City. Various sightseeing destinations such as Hitachi Seaside Park and the Nakaminato Fish Market are situated along the line, and customers can purchase an all-day pass which allows unlimited rides. At Nakaminato Station, visitors may be welcomed by Osamu, the station's cat.

• Forest Park Melon no Mori

  Ibaraki Pref. Hokotashi Ambou 1623-1

  A leisure facility where visitors can pick melons and eat Japanese-style barbecue located in Anbo, Hokota City one hour from the Mito interchange on the Joban Expressway. Visitors can pick melons from spring to fall and also dig up sweet potatoes and barbecue Hitachi beef. Surrounded by forest, visitors can take in the natural beauty while savoring fresh-picked, ripe Hokota and other melon varieties. The facility has a greenhouse in case it rains as well as a daycare center and other facilities, ensuring even families with small children can have fun here. The facility also offers opening day pizza and sweets.

• Minami Kajuengei

  Ibaraki Pref. Hokotashi Kamigama 365

  A fruit farm and farm-fresh shop located a 15-minute drive from the Mito-Oarai interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway where visitors can taste delicious produce grown with rich local soil and purchase a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. The farm is open from late May to early November. On the farm's spacious grounds, visitors can pick melons in early summer, corn in mid-summer, and sweet potatoes in fall. The farm has a rest area able to accommodate large groups, ensuring visitors can take their time and enjoy the rural delights of farm life. The farm has been featured on TV and in magazines and other media.