Things To Do
in Ami
Ami is a quiet, rural town in Ibaraki Prefecture known for wide rice fields, low-rise neighborhoods, and easy access to larger cities like Tsukuba and Mito. The town combines agricultural scenery with convenient shopping at the Ami Premium Outlets and family-run restaurants. Visitors come for cycling, birdwatching around nearby wetlands and lakes, and for a calm contrast to Tokyo’s bustle.
Ami is a practical base for exploring the Kanto countryside and nearby natural highlights such as Mount Tsukuba and Kasumigaura Lake.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey at the iconic Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and marvel at its shimmering facade surrounded by serene gardens. After soaking in the beauty, venture to Ryoan-ji, renowned for its zen rock garden that promotes tranquility and reflection. Spend time meditating in the peaceful environment to fully appreciate the artistry of simplicity.
Savor a traditional Kyoto lunch at a local restaurant, sampling seasonal kaiseki cuisine. Visit the historic district of Gion, known for its wooden machiya houses and the elusive geisha culture, where you might catch a glimpse of a geiko. As you stroll along Hanami-koji Street, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere tinged with tradition.
Experience a cultural show in Gion featuring traditional dance and music, immersing yourself in the local art forms. After the performance, wander down to the illuminated waters of the Kamo River for a peaceful evening stroll. End the night with a warm cup of matcha at a cozy teahouse, reflecting on your day.
Set out early to Arashiyama, where you'll first visit the enchanting Bamboo Grove, walking amidst towering green stalks that sway gently in the breeze. Next, explore the serene gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its meticulously maintained landscape. Take a moment to admire the backdrop of the mountains and the beautiful pond as they mirror the changing sky.
Enjoy a picturesque boat ride along the Hozu River, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, especially as the leaves begin to change color in the fall. After your river adventure, have lunch at a quaint riverside café, sampling local specialties like soba noodles. Explore the charming streets of Arashiyama, filled with craft shops and traditional sweets.
As dusk falls, stroll through the charming streets to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you can observe wild macaques. Witness the sunset casting a warm glow on the mountains, enhancing the picturesque views. Wrap up your evening with a relaxing dinner at a riverside restaurant, enjoying the seasonal flavors of Kyoto.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $8-15 |
| 🚆Local train ride (short) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Calm rural atmosphere with scenic landscapes and good photography opportunities
- Easy access to nature activities (cycling, birdwatching, nearby Mount Tsukuba and Kasumigaura)
- Convenient shopping at Ami Premium Outlets and reasonable travel distance to Tsukuba and Mito
- Lower prices and fewer crowds than major tourist centers
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within the town itself
- Public transit is less frequent than in big cities — a car is often more convenient
- Fewer international-dining and specialized dietary options compared to Tokyo
- Seasonal weather (typhoons in late summer, rainy season) can disrupt plans
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとう (Arigatou)" - Thank you
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
- "ベジタリアンです / 魚のだしは使わないでください (Bejitarian desu / Sakana no dashi wa tsukawanaide kudasai)" - I'm vegetarian / Please do not use fish stock
Places to Visit in Ami
Visit one of these nice places.
Architectural shots, shopping-streetscape frames, and sunrise/sunset reflections in nearby ponds — good for lifestyle and urban-contrast photography.
Expansive fields offer seasonal color (green in summer, golden in autumn, flooded reflective fields in spring) and rural lines perfect for wide-angle and drone shots where permitted.
Lakeshore vistas, waterfowl, and long horizons are ideal for sunrise, sunset, and bird photography.
Simple shrine gates and old cedar trees make for quiet cultural photos, especially during festivals or autumn foliage.
Photos of winding country lanes framed by rice fields, seasonal flowers, and local farm life—excellent for storytelling imagery.
Food in Ami
Ami Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Handmade buckwheat soba and thick udon noodles are common in local eateries; look for tempura or seasonal vegetable side dishes. Family-run shops near the town center or along cycling routes often serve the best, freshly made bowls.
Must-Try!
Dishes made from locally caught lake fish or seasonal vegetables from nearby farms—served grilled, simmered, or as tempura—are typical and available at izakaya and small restaurants.
Ibaraki produces excellent rice; expect high-quality steamed rice accompanying most meals, often highlighted at simple set lunches and farm-to-table outlets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekend markets and roadside stalls sell seasonal produce, pickles, and snacks — great for tasting fresh fruits, vegetables and locally made soy products.
While a commercial spot, the outlets’ food court and adjacent eateries provide a wide range of quick eats including ramen, donburi, curry, and desserts for visitors who value convenience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use formal greetings, remove shoes when entering someone’s home or certain traditional spaces, and speak quietly in public transit and quiet neighborhoods.
Stay on public paths, ask before photographing people or private property, and avoid entering fields without permission—farmers value privacy and order.
Form lines for trains, buses and shops; wait your turn and follow posted signs and directions, especially at train stations and outlet stores.
Public trash bins are limited—separate and carry your trash until you can dispose of it properly; recycling separation is common.
Safety
Tipping in Ami
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price. Small gestures of thanks are fine, but do not leave cash expecting service staff to accept it.
Cash (Japanese yen) remains common in small towns; many restaurants and shops accept cards at outlets and larger businesses. IC transit cards (Suica, PASMO) are widely accepted at train stations and many vending machines and convenience stores.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms appear in late March–early April in pockets around the region; fields begin to fill with water for rice planting, creating reflective landscapes ideal for photography. Temperatures are mild but can be breezy, so layer clothing.
Hot, humid weather with temperatures often in the high 20s–30s °C (80s–90s °F). This is festival season in many towns and good for cycling early or late in the day; watch for sudden summer thunderstorms.
Crisp air and colorful foliage (mid-late November in higher spots); harvest season brings golden rice fields and farm markets full of produce—one of the best times for landscape photography.
Generally cool to cold with occasional light snow; clear crisp days make for good visibility of Mount Tsukuba from surrounding fields. Some rural businesses may have limited hours—check ahead.
Ami at Night
Hiking in Ami
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the most accessible hikes from Ami, Mount Tsukuba offers multiple trails of varying difficulty, scenic views over the Kanto Plain, and the option of a cable car for descending.
Gentle lakeside walking and cycling paths around Japan’s second-largest lake—good for birdwatching, leisurely hikes and flat long-distance walks.
A bit farther but popular for its seasonal flower displays, light walking trails, and expansive coastal scenery—best visited during specific flower seasons (nemophila in spring, kochia in autumn).
Airports
How to reach Ami by plane.
Closest regional airport (Omitama) with some domestic and limited international flights; reachable by car or bus and convenient for quick regional access.
Major international gateway ~60–90 minutes by car (depending on traffic) and accessible by bus/train connections—common arrival point for international travelers to the Kanto region.
Tokyo’s domestic and international airport with extensive connections; typically 90–120 minutes away by train/car, depends on route and transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population works in agriculture, tending rice paddies and farms that define the local landscape.
Some residents commute to nearby cities for work or study, blending rural living with urban employment.
Ami has many family households and an aging population, reflecting broader rural demographic trends in Japan.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely played and followed throughout Japan; local schools and community teams are active and games are common community events.
Soccer (football) is popular among youth and adults; community clubs and school teams are active in the region.
Recreational and competitive cycling are common thanks to flat roads and scenic routes—popular among locals and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ami.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in small towns; order vegetable tempura, zaru soba (check dashi stock), and rice bowls. Carry a short Japanese note explaining dietary needs (e.g., no fish broth) to show staff; larger restaurants and convenience stores offer more options.
Vegan dining requires planning; many Japanese dishes use fish stock. Use a translated card to communicate restrictions, seek out vegetable-only tempura, salads, and rice, and rely on supermarkets for packaged vegan-friendly items.
Halal-certified restaurants are rare in Ami. Muslim travelers should plan ahead, bring snacks, eat vegetarian meals, or visit larger nearby cities (Tsukuba/Tokyo) for certified options.