Things To Do
in Itako
Itako is a small riverside city in Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its network of canals, maritime heritage and the seasonal spectacle of iris flowers at Suigo-Itako. The city feels rural and tranquil, with traditional boat rides, local shrines and a strong connection to the waterways and agriculture. Itako mixes quiet village life with easy access to larger regional attractions such as Lake Kasumigaura and Kashima.
Visitors come for the iris festival, photographic waterways, cycling and calm local culture rather than big-city sights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day wandering through the charming streets of Itako's historic center, where traditional wooden houses line the canals. Visit the Itako Historical Museum to learn about the area's rich history and its connection to the geisha culture. Enjoy a cup of matcha at a local tea shop, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
After lunch at a nearby soba noodle restaurant, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals, admiring the views of the quaint bridges and cherry blossom trees. Stop by the Itako Shrine, where you can participate in traditional Shinto practices and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at making a small origami crane to honor the local craftsmanship.
As dusk settles, head to a local izakaya for a taste of Itako's culinary delights, sampling fresh sashimi and local sake. After dinner, take a peaceful boat ride along the canals to witness the charming reflections of the lanterns on the water. End your night with a stroll through the illuminated streets, immersing yourself in the magical atmosphere.
Begin your morning with a visit to a local pottery studio where you can observe artisans at work creating beautiful pieces of traditional Itako pottery. Participate in a hands-on workshop, shaping your own clay creation under the guidance of skilled craftsmen. Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast featuring local pastries at a nearby café.
Visit the Itako Kappa Museum to learn about the mythical river creatures that are part of local folklore and explore the various exhibits showcasing kappa art and stories. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a riverside café, sampling local specialties such as grilled eel. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby craft shops, where you can find unique souvenirs and handmade goods.
As the sun sets, make your way to a traditional ryokan for an authentic Japanese dining experience. Relish a kaiseki meal, a multi-course dining experience that highlights seasonal ingredients and local flavors. Conclude your evening with a soak in the ryokan's onsen, rejuvenating both body and soul.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start (short ride) | $5-12 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful riverside scenery and unique canal photography opportunities
- Close access to seasonal festivals (notably the iris) and rural experiences
- Excellent cycling and birdwatching around Lake Kasumigaura and Tone River
- Easy day trips to regional attractions such as Mount Tsukuba, Mito and Kashima
- Limited evening and nightlife options in town
- Public transportation can be infrequent — a car is useful for exploring wider areas
- Fewer dining choices for specialized diets (vegan, gluten-free) compared to big cities
- Seasonal weather risks (typhoons in late summer) and mosquitoes near waterways
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "おねがいします (Onegaishimasu)" - Please / I request (used when ordering or asking for help)
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Itako
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic for rows of colorful irises that bloom in early summer with wooden walkways and canal reflections — peak photography time is mornings or late afternoon.
Narrow waterways with wooden boats, moored houses and reed-lined banks provide atmospheric compositions, especially at golden hour.
Wide river and lake vistas for sunrise/sunset shots, birdlife, and long landscape compositions.
Well-preserved Edo-period streets, merchant houses and bridges provide classic historical town photography a short trip away.
Seasonal agricultural scenes — planting season reflections and autumn rice colors make for strong rural landscape images.
Food in Itako
Itako Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught freshwater fish served grilled, simmered or in local-style dishes; available at family-run restaurants and market stalls near the waterways.
Must-Try!
Rice and vegetable bowls made with produce from nearby farms — simple but flavorful and often offered at small eateries and farmer stands.
Handmade soba or udon noodles are commonly served in town — a warming and affordable meal at local noodle shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekend or seasonal markets and festival stalls sell grilled skewers, sweet treats, fresh produce, and regional snacks during events like the iris festival.
Along local roads you’ll find stands selling seasonal fruit, vegetables and home-made pickles — ideal for picnic supplies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is the common polite greeting; a simple nod or bow and 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) go a long way.
Remove shoes when entering homes, some traditional accommodation and certain temples; place shoes neatly and use provided slippers.
Keep voices low on trains and in public spaces; avoid phone calls on trains and be mindful of neighbors in quiet neighborhoods.
Use both hands when giving or receiving business cards or gifts; many counters use a small tray for cash payments — place money on the tray politely.
Safety
Tipping in Itako
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; polite service is the standard. Small exceptional gestures (e.g., in tour contexts) are typically declined — a thank-you and a bow suffice.
Cash (yen) is widely used in small towns — many small restaurants, markets and rural shops prefer cash. IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) and major credit cards are accepted at some places, but bring cash for full coverage. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept international cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild weather and cherry blossoms in nearby towns; irises start to bud in late spring. Expect comfortable temperatures and occasional rain; a light jacket is useful.
June through August is hot and humid with the iris festival in early summer; watch for typhoon season (late summer) and bring sun protection and hydration. Mosquitoes can be active near water.
September–November offers cooler temperatures and crisp air with pleasant foliage in surrounding hills — excellent for cycling and outdoor activities.
December–February is cool to cold with occasional light snow; days are often clear and dry. Layering is advisable for chilly mornings and nights.
Itako at Night
Hiking in Itako
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent nearby peak offering several well-marked hiking trails, panoramic views from the summit and accessible day-hike options — a good choice for more serious hikers within an easy drive.
Gentle walking and cycling routes along Japan’s second-largest lake with wide vistas, birdwatching opportunities and flat terrain suitable for casual walkers.
Short, easy walks along the Tone River and local canals for birdwatching, photography and experiencing rural river landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Itako by plane.
Major international gateway approximately 60–90 minutes by car or 1–1.5 hours by train/bus depending on route; convenient for international arrivals and onward rail/bus connections to Itako.
A smaller regional airport to the north; offers some domestic and seasonal international flights and is within about 1–1.5 hours by car from Itako.
Another major international airport serving Tokyo, roughly 1.5–2 hours by car or train; useful for domestic transfers and more frequent flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Like many rural Japanese towns, Itako has a relatively high proportion of older residents and a community-oriented lifestyle.
Agriculture and freshwater fishing are part of the local economy, with family-run farms and fisheries active in the surrounding countryside.
Some residents commute to nearby industrial or urban centers for work, blending rural home life with regional employment patterns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is widely followed in the region; nearby Kashima is home to the famous Kashima Antlers J-League club, which attracts local interest and fandom.
Baseball remains a popular pastime at school and community levels, with local teams and youth leagues common.
Cycling for leisure and exercise is popular given the flat roads and scenic lakeshore routes around Lake Kasumigaura.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Itako.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but may be limited; many places can prepare vegetable-based dishes or noodle bowls without meat if you explain (use the phrase ‘vegetarian’ or ask to omit dashi/fish stock). Convenience stores and larger restaurants offer safe choices.
Vegan and gluten-free options are less common in small-town restaurants — plan ahead, bring snacks, and look for cafés or bigger towns nearby with clearer labeling. Use translation apps to explain restrictions.
Carry allergy cards in Japanese for shellfish, soy, wheat, etc., since hidden dashi (fish stock) and soy are used widely.