Things To Do
in Ibaraki
Ibaraki is a coastal prefecture northeast of Tokyo known for wide open landscapes, seasonal flower parks and a strong agricultural and fishing culture. It blends natural attractions like Mount Tsukuba, Fukuroda Falls and the long Pacific coastline with modern science and university hubs in Tsukuba. Hitachi Seaside Park’s nemophila in spring and kochia in autumn draw photographers from across Japan, while Mito’s Kairakuen garden showcases classic Japanese landscaping.
Less crowded than major tourist centers, Ibaraki offers authentic regional food, outdoor activities and easy day-trip access from Tokyo.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the base of Mt. Tsukuba by catching the Tsukuba Express to Tsukuba Station and savoring a light breakfast at a local café. Board the Tsukuba Cable Car or hike one of the scenic trails up to the summit, passing through lush forests and serene shrines. Pause midway to admire panoramic views of the Kanto Plain and feel the crisp mountain air rejuvenating your senses.
Arrive at the twin peaks of Nyotai and Nantai to explore the historic Tsukubasan Shrine, where worshippers have offered prayers for centuries. Enjoy a traditional soba lunch at a mountain-top teahouse while taking in the sweeping vistas. Spend some time wandering through engaging trails and photographing the unique rock formations and seasonal flora.
Descend via cable car in time for a leisurely walk around the foot of the mountain park, where stone lanterns illuminate the pathways at dusk. Relish a hearty dinner of local specialties like yuba tofu and grilled mountain vegetables at a nearby rustic restaurant. Cap off the evening with a visit to Tsukuba’s observation deck to watch the city lights sparkle below.
Travel to Ushiku by train and begin your morning at the foot of the awe-inspiring Ushiku Daibutsu, one of the world’s tallest bronze Buddhas. Stroll through the surrounding gardens to appreciate seasonal blooms and reflective ponds that create a serene atmosphere. Enter the colossal statue to discover multiple observation floors and learn about its construction and spiritual significance.
Head to the nearby Buddha Museum for an enriching cultural and art exhibition featuring Buddhist artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. Enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian lunch at the museum café, sampling delicately seasoned dishes that highlight local produce. Afterwards, explore the auxiliary temple structures and tranquil meditation hall to deepen your appreciation of Buddhist traditions.
Return to the temple grounds as the setting sun casts a golden glow on the Daibutsu, perfect for peaceful contemplation and photography. Sample local street foods at nearby stalls, including sweet potato snacks and grilled mochi. Conclude your evening with a reflective stroll along the landscaped pathways, listening to the gentle rustle of leaves in the quiet night air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $4-7 |
| 🚕Taxi start (day) | $5-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful seasonal flower displays and coastal scenery with fewer crowds than major tourist centers
- Fresh seafood and distinctive regional foods like Mito natto
- Easy day-trip access from Tokyo and a variety of outdoor activities
- Tsukuba’s science city adds cultural variety and international academic presence
- Public transportation is less frequent in rural areas—some attractions are easiest by car
- Limited English signage and fewer foreign-language services in smaller towns
- Seasonal peaks (flower seasons, summer) bring localized crowds and higher prices
- Coastal areas have tsunami risk—requires awareness of evacuation zones
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you very much
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (when getting attention)
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "私はベジタリアンです (Watashi wa bejitarian desu)" - I am a vegetarian
- "甲殻類アレルギーがあります (Koukakurui arerugī ga arimasu)" - I have a shellfish allergy
Places to Visit in Ibaraki
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for vast seasonal flower displays: blue nemophila in April–May, kochia turning red in October, and colorful tulips in spring—excellent for wide-angle landscapes and drone-style compositions where allowed.
One of Japan’s top waterfalls with multiple viewing platforms; dramatic in wetter months and photogenic when partially frozen in winter.
Offers panoramic views of the Kanto plain, sunrise/sunset shots and hiking trail scenery; cable car access to higher viewpoints.
A dramatic seaside torii set on jagged rocks—iconic at sunrise and during rough seas when waves crash around the gate.
Historic garden in Mito celebrated for plum blossoms in late winter and classic Japanese landscaping—great for detailed shots and seasonal colors.
Japan’s second-largest lake with wide horizons, fishing boats and migratory birds—sunrise, sunset and birding photography opportunities.
Food in Ibaraki
Ibaraki Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A regional natto variety often served with rice, raw egg or in sushi rolls; try it at local breakfast spots or specialty natto shops in Mito.
Must-Try!
Fresh sashimi piled over rice—excellent at ports such as Oarai or Nakaminato fish markets where daily catches are sold.
Ibaraki produces taro (satoimo) and sweet potatoes used in nimono (simmered dishes), tempura and desserts—available at local restaurants and seasonal markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively fishing port market where you can buy fresh sashimi, grilled seafood and sample seasonal catches; try the tuna and local shellfish.
Small port-side stalls and restaurants offering seafood bowls, grilled fish and snacks—perfect for a casual seaside meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is the common greeting—show respect, use polite language and remove hats in formal settings.
Remove shoes when entering homes, some ryokan, temples and traditional restaurants; follow shoe-shelf cues and use provided slippers.
Keep voices low on trains and public places; avoid loud phone conversations and respect personal space.
Line up for trains, buses and services and be on time—public transport runs to precise schedules.
At Shinto shrines, cleanse at the chozuya (water basin), bow at the torii and follow local photo rules; avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Ibaraki
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be refused; excellent service is included in the price—express thanks verbally instead.
Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used, especially in rural areas and small eateries; major credit cards accepted in hotels, bigger restaurants and department stores. IC transit cards (Suica, Pasmo) work for trains and some buses; ATMs at 7-Eleven and major post offices accept international cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late March to May brings cherry blossoms and Kairakuen plum blossoms followed by nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park (April–May). Weather is mild but can still be cool in March; expect weekends at popular parks to be crowded.
Hot, humid and sunny with beach season on the Pacific coast; June marks the rainy season (tsuyu) with increased precipitation, and August can bring typhoon activity—bring sun protection and check weather forecasts for coastal plans.
September–November offers cooling temperatures, clear skies and autumn foliage—kochia fields in Hitachi turn striking red in October and mountain trails have good visibility.
December–February are cool to cold with occasional snow in higher elevations like Mount Tsukuba and the inland areas; coastal areas are milder but windy—great for crisp landscape shots and fewer crowds.
Ibaraki at Night
Hiking in Ibaraki
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple routes to the twin peaks, varying in difficulty; well-maintained paths, scenic viewpoints and cable/ropeway options for partial ascents.
Short trails and observation decks around the falls suitable for families and photographers; combine with local hiking paths for longer walks.
Bordering Tochigi Prefecture, offers quieter trails, forested routes and seasonal wildflowers—good for hikers seeking less crowded paths.
Rocky coastal trails and seaside promenades around Isosaki Shrine and Oarai’s shore—excellent for sunrise photography and coastal breezes.
Airports
How to reach Ibaraki by plane.
Located in Omitama, Ibaraki Airport handles some domestic and limited international flights; convenient for northern Ibaraki and offers bus connections to Mito and Tokyo.
Major international hub about 60–90 minutes by car or 90–120 minutes by train/bus depending on destination in Ibaraki; many direct transport options to the prefecture.
Domestic and international flights with excellent connections to Tokyo’s rail network; reachable by train/bus and suitable for travelers heading to southern Ibaraki via transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Rural Ibaraki has a significant agricultural and fishing population producing vegetables, fruits and seafood that support local markets.
Tsukuba is a major science and university hub attracting Japanese and international students, researchers and academics.
Like many regional prefectures, Ibaraki has an aging demographic in countryside areas and faces some rural depopulation challenges.
Smaller communities of international residents—including technical trainees and workers from countries such as Brazil and the Philippines—contribute to local diversity, particularly in industrial areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local professional club Mito HollyHock (J2 League) is based in Mito and draws regional support; casual and school-level soccer is popular.
Baseball is widely played from youth leagues to high school tournaments, with strong local interest during school competitions.
Coastal fishing, recreational boating and lake activities on Kasumigaura are popular among locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ibaraki.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in larger towns and cafes but are limited in rural areas; carry a simple Japanese phrase card explaining 'I don't eat meat or fish' and look for vegetable tempura, tofu dishes and set menus in hotels.
Vegan choices are rarer—plan ahead, bring snacks, and use phrase cards to explain strict restrictions; larger supermarkets in cities carry plant-based items.
Bring translated allergy cards (e.g., 'I am allergic to shellfish/peanuts') since many dishes contain soy, fish, dashi (fish stock) and sesame; restaurants in tourist areas are more likely to accommodate.