Ibaraki
Kanto
Features Hitachi Seaside Park's nemophila fields and Mito's Kairakuen plum garden.
Capital
Mito
Best Time to Visit
April for nemophila flowers and late February to March for plum blossoms at Kairakuen. Autumn brings foliage to Fukuroda Falls.
Getting There
Limited express from Tokyo's Ueno to Mito (1h 10min, ~Β₯3,500). Hitachi city is 1h 40min. For Hitachi Seaside Park, take the train to Katsuta station.
Top Highlights
Hitachi Seaside Park Nemophila
Millions of baby-blue nemophila flowers blanket rolling hills overlooking the Pacific each April β one of Japan's most stunning seasonal sights.
Kairakuen Garden
One of Japan's three great gardens, famous for 3,000 plum trees that bloom in late February, earlier than cherry blossoms.
Fukuroda Falls
One of Japan's three great waterfalls β a 120m drop through four tiers of rock, spectacular in all seasons.
Kashima Jingu Shrine
Ancient shrine to the deity of thunder and swords, set in a primeval forest with 2km of cedar-lined approach paths.
Local Cuisine
Ankou Nabe
Anglerfish hotpot using every part of the fish β a rich, warming winter delicacy that Ibaraki is famous for throughout Japan.
Natto
Mito is the birthplace of natto (fermented soybeans). The local variety is especially pungent and flavorful, beloved or feared nationwide.
Kujiranami Mentaiko
Spicy cod roe marinated in unique local style, sold at Oarai seaside markets alongside fresh Pacific catch.
Stay Connected in Ibaraki
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival β no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the nemophila flowers bloom at Hitachi Seaside Park?+
The peak nemophila season is typically mid to late April. The same park hosts vivid red kochia bushes in mid-October.
Things to Do in Ibaraki
12 sustainable experiences
Yuki Silk Craft Experience Spin Yarn and Weave Coaster
Authentic UNESCO Heritage Experience: This is one of the few places in Japan here you can experience the full cycle of Yuki Tsumugi production, a craft so rare it is protected by UNESCO. The "Hand-Spinning" Secret: Learn the unique "te-tsumugi" technique. Unlike other silks, Yuki Tsumugi yarn is sp
From US$36.45
Yuki Silk Craft Experience Spin Yarn and Weave Coaster
Authentic UNESCO Heritage Experience: This is one of the few places in Japan here you can experience the full cycle of Yuki Tsumugi production, a craft so rare it is protected by UNESCO. The "Hand-Spinning" Secret: Learn the unique "te-tsumugi" technique. Unlike other silks, Yuki Tsumugi yarn is sp
From US$36.47
Heritage Farmhouse with Goemon Bath
The Art of Fire: Discover the warmth of charcoal and wood through the "Irori" hearth and "Kamado" stove. Dedicated Host Support: From lighting the fire for your bath to sharing local delicacies, your host ensures a smooth and welcoming experience for first-time visitors. Vintage Nostalgia: Relax a
From US$161.53
Heritage Farmhouse with Goemon Bath
The Art of Fire: Discover the warmth of charcoal and wood through the "Irori" hearth and "Kamado" stove. Dedicated Host Support: From lighting the fire for your bath to sharing local delicacies, your host ensures a smooth and welcoming experience for first-time visitors. Vintage Nostalgia: Relax a
From US$161.58
Private Calligraphy Class in Ibaraki
Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the famous National Hitachi Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the four seasons with nemophila and kochia.γ The experience venue is located almost halfway between Katsuta Station and the seaside park, so it is possible either on the way to or from si
From US$67.84
Private Calligraphy Class in Ibaraki
Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the famous National Hitachi Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the four seasons with nemophila and kochia.γ The experience venue is located almost halfway between Katsuta Station and the seaside park, so it is possible either on the way to or from si
From US$67.86
Explore Plum Wine Sake Museum and Japanese Alcohol Tasting
You can learn and enjoy Japanese alcohol with an expert. The director of Meiri Shurui, which was established in 1950(Meiri Shuruis predecessor was Kato Shuzoten which was founded in the late Edo Period), will guide you around Besshun-kan, Museum of Plum wine "Umeshu" and Japanese Sake especially.
From US$38.78
Explore Plum Wine Sake Museum and Japanese Alcohol Tasting
You can learn and enjoy Japanese alcohol with an expert. The director of Meiri Shurui, which was established in 1950(Meiri Shuruis predecessor was Kato Shuzoten which was founded in the late Edo Period), will guide you around Besshun-kan, Museum of Plum wine "Umeshu" and Japanese Sake especially.
From US$38.77
Making eco-hats out of waste plastic bottles in Ibaraki
Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the famous National Hitachi Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the four seasons with nemophilas and kochias.γ The experience venue is located almost halfway between Katsuta Station and the seaside park, so it is possible either on the way to or from
From US$67.84
Making eco-hats out of waste plastic bottles in Ibaraki
Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the famous National Hitachi Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the four seasons with nemophilas and kochias.γ The experience venue is located almost halfway between Katsuta Station and the seaside park, so it is possible either on the way to or from
From US$68.52
Easy Kimono Experience in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki
Easy Kimono Experience: Many people find ordinary kimonos painful because they are tied with strings and layered. This kimono is an original kimono developed to make it possible to look perfect and beautiful without layering. It can be put on over Western clothes in about 5 minutes. It is not pai
From US$80.76
Easy Kimono Experience in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki
Easy Kimono Experience: Many people find ordinary kimonos painful because they are tied with strings and layered. This kimono is an original kimono developed to make it possible to look perfect and beautiful without layering. It can be put on over Western clothes in about 5 minutes. It is not pai
From US$80.79