Ibaraki

Day Trips

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.

Start early at Hitachi Seaside Park to beat the crowds and enjoy a tranquil walk through vast fields of nemophila (baby blue eyes) in spring or kochia (summer cypress) in autumn. Rent a bicycle to explore the park’s winding trails, discovering vibrant flower beds, dunes, and lakesides at your own pace. Pause at the seaside lookout for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean shimmering under the morning sun.

Refuel at a park café with a selection of seasonal flower-themed desserts and local ice cream flavors. Visit the Miharashi Hill to capture panoramic photographs of contrasting blooms stretching to the horizon. Next, explore the park’s small amusement area for a fun ride on the Ferris wheel or roller coaster overlooking the floral panorama.

As the sky softens into sunset hues, find a quiet bench amidst the blossoms to savor the peaceful ambiance. Return your bicycle and wander toward the park’s west exit to catch the golden light filtering through fields of flowers. Enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby izakaya, sampling seafood caught fresh from the Pacific coastline.

Begin your day in Mito at Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, arriving before opening to enjoy the serene environment. Stroll beneath the ancient plum trees in early spring, inhaling the fragrance of over 100 varieties of ume blossoms. Visit the ume forest museum to learn about the cultural significance of plum trees in Japanese art and poetry.

Enjoy a kaiseki-style bento lunch served on a tatami mat in a historic teahouse overlooking the garden ponds. Explore the Kobuntei mansion, the garden’s elegant main pavilion with sweeping views of the park and nearby hills. Then take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Senba to see Kairakuen from a different vantage point and watch local fishing boats drift by.

Before leaving Kairakuen, pause on the stone bridge as lanterns are lit and the evening light casts soft shadows on the water. Head into downtown Mito to sample hitachinaka sake at a traditional sake bar, accompanied by local delicacies like dried sardines and pickled vegetables. Conclude with a peaceful walk along the Nakagawa River promenade, where colorful lights reflect off the rippling surface.

Travel to the coastal town of Oarai and begin your seaside morning with a walk along the white sand beach, breathing in the fresh sea breeze. Stop at a beachfront café for a seafood breakfast of grilled scallops and freshly baked bread. Then rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore the calm waters and nearby rocky outcrops.

Return your equipment and dive into local culture at the Oarai Isosaki Shrine, famous for the Torii gate standing in the ocean. Enjoy a lunch of ika-meshi (squid stuffed rice) at a harbor-side stall while watching fishing boats return with the day’s haul. Spend time browsing the lively fish market to sample sea urchin, fresh sushi, and other ocean treasures.

As dusk falls, stroll along the promenade to the iconic Sun Beach café bar, where palm trees sway under string lights. Feast on a dinner of grilled seafood platters and local wine while enjoying a live performance by regional artists. Finish your evening with a moonlit walk on the sand, letting the rhythmic waves lull you into relaxation.

Arrive at the ancient Kashima Shrine, dedicated to the god of martial valor, and begin your morning with a silent walk through cedar-lined pathways. Observe the intricate woodwork of the honden (main hall) and ring the sacred bell to purify your spirit. Participate in a brief Shinto blessing ceremony if available, gaining insight into traditional rituals.

Enjoy a traditional ochazuke lunch at a nearby teahouse, savoring rice steeped in light tea with pickled toppings. Visit the adjacent forest park to see the sacred deer that roam freely and photograph the giant entrance gate, one of the largest in Japan. Spend some time exploring the shrine’s treasure hall, which houses ancient swords, armor, and historical documents.

Witness the sunset from the edge of the shrine grounds as the torii gate casts long shadows over the approach path. Head into the local town to dine on hearty regional ramen and tempura at a classic Japanese noodle house. Take a peaceful evening stroll along the Tone River bank, where lantern-lit boats drift lazily by.

Depart early for Fukuroda Falls, named one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls, and arrive just as the dawn light illuminates the cascading tiers. Hike the forested trails that lead to multiple viewing platforms, each offering a unique perspective of the powerful water display. Breathe in the cool mist rising from the falls and listen to the thunderous yet soothing roar.

Warm up with a hearty meal of mizube soba, served cold with dipping sauce, at the visitor center overlooking the gorge. Explore the Oku-Tsukomo area for smaller cascades and rock pools, ideal for adventurous photographers. Then ride the elevator down to the riverbank for an up-close view of the waterfall’s base and the surrounding rock formations.

Stay at a traditional ryokan nearby to experience an onsen bath with views of the illuminated falls in the distance. Delight in a multi-course kaiseki dinner featuring local river fish, mountain vegetables, and seasonal delicacies. End your evening in the cozy communal lounge, sipping hot green tea and reminiscing about the day’s natural splendors.

Journey to Kasama and visit the famous Kasama-yaki Pottery Village to watch artisans shaping clay on spinning wheels in centuries-old studios. Try your hand at a pottery workshop, molding a cup or bowl under the guidance of a local master potter. Wander through the pottery museum to admire delicate porcelain exhibits and learn about the region’s ceramic history.

Enjoy a lunch of handcrafted udon noodles at a café decorated with pottery displays, accompanied by freshly made pickles and tempura. Ramble along the quaint streets lined with galleries and shops, each showcasing unique ceramics from contemporary artists. Stop by a hidden garden café for a matcha tea ceremony served in exquisite Kasama pottery.

Visit a local kiln that offers evening demonstrations of wood-fired techniques and observe glowing ovens at work. Dine at a family-run izakaya where you can sample sake served in specialty ceramic vessels, paired with dishes like grilled miso eggplant. Finish the day by purchasing a handcrafted souvenir to remind you of this traditional town.

Rent a bicycle near Kasumigaura, Japan’s second-largest lake, and set off on the well-maintained cycling path along the shoreline. Admire the reflection of early morning sun on the water as you pedal past rice paddies, fields of wildflowers, and windmills. Pause at several lakeside rest areas to watch migratory birds and fishermen on the tranquil waters.

Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic park overlooking the lake, enjoying bento boxes filled with local specialties. Continue along the trail to Sakuragawa’s port town, where you can learn about historical water transport and sample local sweet potatoes. Visit a small sake brewery en route for a tasting of sake made from lake-irrigated rice.

Return your bicycle as dusk approaches and transfer to a nearby hot spring resort to soak away any muscle tension. Delight in a buffet-style dinner that highlights freshwater fish and seasonal produce from the lake’s surrounding farmlands. Conclude your evening under starry skies, perhaps joining a short guided stargazing walk along the lakeshore.

Head to the Naka River and gear up for a guided kayaking tour through lush riverside forests and tranquil bends. Glide through calm currents as birds sing overhead, passing under rustic wooden bridges and alongside blooming iris fields in early summer. Learn river ecology from your guide, spotting turtles and fish darting beneath the clear water.

Pull up at a riverside picnic spot to enjoy a bento lunch featuring freshly caught river fish and seasonal fruits. Continue paddling downriver, stopping at a historic riverside shrine to observe local worship practices and admire ancient stone statues. Take time to photograph the ever-changing light patterns on the water and the dense foliage mirrored on its surface.

Finish your kayaking adventure at a small riverside café famous for homemade sweets and herbal tea brewing from local plants. Watch the sun dip below the treeline as you reflect on the day’s journey, savouring the final moments of waterborne tranquility. Then return to your accommodation in a nearby town to enjoy a comforting hot meal and a well-deserved rest.