Explore Ibaraki: 18 Popular Sightseeing Spots

Hitachi Seaside Park, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a must-visit destination showcasing the region’s natural beauty. Known as a floral paradise, it offers stunning scenery year-round. In spring, daffodils, vibrant tulips, and fields of light-blue nemophila flowers on Miharashi Hill captivate visitors. Summer brings lavender and sunflowers, while autumn features roses, cosmos, and the strikingly red kochia bushes. Even in winter, you can enjoy rare blooms like ice tulips and wintersweet. This photogenic park is perfect for capturing and sharing stunning photos. Seasonal events, including "LuckyFes," a festival combining music, food, and art, add to its appeal. Whether you love flowers, photography, or cultural events, Hitachi Seaside Park has something for everyone.

Tsukuba Mountain, known as the "Fuji of the East," is one of the most famous peaks in the Kanto region. With two distinct peaks, Nyotai-san (Female Peak) and Nantai-san (Male Peak), it is also referred to as the "Purple Peak." At an elevation of approximately 880 meters, it is relatively low but offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Kanto Plain, and even Mount Fuji can be seen on clear days. The mountain itself is considered sacred as the object of worship for Tsukuba Shrine. The mid-mountain shrine area and above remain largely untouched, preserving their natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy various hiking trails, as well as convenient transport options such as a cable car and a ropeway, making it accessible for everyone, including beginners. Tsukuba Mountain is also a renowned "power spot" in Ibaraki Prefecture, believed to bring blessings for relationships and good fortune. After your hike, relax in the Tsukuba Onsen hot springs nearby to complete your visit.

Tsukuba Shrine is located on Mount Tsukuba and enshrines the deities Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, a divine couple known for blessings related to marriage and harmony between couples. The main shrine is situated at the summits of the mountain’s two peaks: Mount Nantai and Mount Nyotai. A worship hall at the mountain's midsection serves as a place for distant prayers and is also a starting point for hiking Mount Tsukuba. Nearby, the Tsukuba Plum Grove attracts many visitors in early spring with its beautiful blossoms. To reach the summit of Mount Nantai, take the cable car for about 8 minutes to the summit station, followed by a 10-minute walk. The shrine also houses cultural assets designated by Ibaraki Prefecture.

If you're starting your day in Ibaraki, a visit to Oarai Isosaki Shrine’s iconic "Kamiiso Torii" is a must. Facing directly east along the coastline, this spot offers breathtaking views of the sunrise. Watching the sun rise through the torii (traditional gate) is nothing short of divine. The scenic beauty of Kamiiso has even been immortalized in a poem by the famous feudal lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni, who contributed to the shrine's reconstruction. This is one of Ibaraki's top destinations for viewing the first sunrise of the year! Particularly during sunrise and sunset, the torii, standing amidst the crashing waves, appears even more mystical—highly recommended!

Fukuroda Falls is one of Japan's most spectacular waterfalls, often mentioned alongside Nikko's "Kegon Falls" in Tochigi Prefecture and Wakayama's "Nachi Falls" as part of Japan's Three Great Waterfalls. This majestic waterfall boasts a height of approximately 120 meters and a width of about 73 meters, offering an unforgettable sight! Visitors can enjoy different perspectives of the falls from a scenic walking path or from an observation deck reached via a tunnel. The waterfall is beautiful year-round: in autumn, it is surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves, and in winter, the frozen waterfall creates a magical, timeless atmosphere. While the fall foliage in November and the frozen falls in winter are particularly stunning, one of the best times to visit is on a sunny day after rain. During this time, the waterfall's flow increases dramatically, creating a breathtaking view accompanied by a thunderous roar.

Located within the expansive Hanazono-Hananuki Prefectural Natural Park, Izura Coast is a scenic area deeply connected to Okakura Tenshin, a famous Japanese art scholar. Perched on rocky cliffs jutting into the sea, you’ll find the Kanzantei Pavilion (Rokkakudo), designed by Tenshin himself. The vibrant red structure, surrounded by pine trees, contrasts beautifully with the white waves crashing against the rocks, creating a view that resembles a work of art. Nearby, you can visit the Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art, Ibaraki, which showcases artworks by artists inspired by Izura's beauty. Exploring both Rokkakudo and the museum allows you to immerse yourself in Tenshin's artistic vision. Whether seen up close or from afar, Rokkakudo Pavilion offers stunning views that change with the weather, making it a must-see destination.
Note: The current Rokkakudo was rebuilt after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Kairakuen Garden was established in 1842 by Nariaki Tokugawa as a place of relaxation for the local people. Its name comes from a passage in the Chinese classic "Mencius," meaning "to enjoy together with the people." The garden was designed as a counterpart to the Kodokan, an educational facility in the same city. Kairakuen is famous for its approximately 3,000 plum trees of 100 different varieties. Alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama, it is celebrated as one of Japan’s "Three Great Gardens." The annual Mito Plum Festival, held from February to March, is a highlight that marks the arrival of spring.

Kasama Inari Shrine is one of Japan's "Three Great Inari Shrines," with a history spanning over 1,340 years. It is a revered destination for blessings such as abundant harvests, business prosperity, industrial development, and artistic achievement. The shrine attracts more than 3.5 million visitors annually, making it a popular spiritual spot. In the surrounding Kasama City, you can enjoy local delicacies inspired by the shrine, such as "Kasama Inari Sushi," a unique sushi dish made with ingredients like soba noodles and mountain vegetables—flavors you won't find anywhere else! After visiting the shrine, consider stopping by the Sasame Soeemon Shoten, which offers "Nihasama Shoroku," a sacred sake unique to the area.

Kashima Shrine is known for bringing blessings at the start of new ventures, as reflected in the Japanese expression Kashima-dachi, meaning "a new beginning." Established in 600 BC, the shrine boasts a long and prestigious history. In 2017, it gained further recognition as the first shrine in Japan to issue a credit card. The Kashima Shrine Card automatically donates accumulated points to the shrine, supporting cultural preservation and traditional ceremonies. The card is also blessed by the shrine, with many users reporting a sense of divine protection by keeping it close. Kashima Shrine is the head shrine of over 600 Kashima shrines across Japan.

Hananuki Gorge, located in the southwestern part of Takahagi City—a region mostly surrounded by mountains—is carved by the Hananuki River over countless years. This area features rich and diverse plant life, blending warm-temperate and cool-temperate vegetation. It is part of the Ibaraki Prefecture Northern Geopark Project, making it a must-visit natural attraction. The gorge is particularly famous during the autumn foliage season. Vibrant autumn leaves cover the Shiomi Falls Suspension Bridge, creating a tunnel-like pathway filled with fallen leaves—a magical experience for visitors. Additionally, you can catch a rare view of the sea from the dam near the gorge entrance, which is unique in Japan. Be sure to visit both spots to make the most of your trip. The breathtaking autumn view from Shiomi Falls Suspension Bridge is highly recommended.

Standing at an impressive 120 meters, the Ushiku Buddha holds the Guinness World Record as the world's tallest bronze statue. On clear days, you might even spot this magnificent statue photobombing your shot of Tokyo Skytree® from Roppongi Hills. Visitors can explore the interior of the statue, which features unique experiences like sutra copying in the "World of Gratitude and Repayment," a solemn room surrounded by approximately 3,400 miniature Buddha statues in the "Lotus Sanctuary," and an observation deck 85 meters above the ground. Its grandeur attracts not only tourists from Asia but also visitors from Western countries. Located in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Ushiku Buddha is a must-see cultural landmark.

Ushiku Chateau, Japan's first authentic winery, is a historic site that has been recognized as a National Important Cultural Property. Formerly known as "Chateau Kamiya," it was renamed "Ushiku Chateau" in 2017, adopting its affectionate nickname. The term "Chateau" refers to a facility capable of handling every aspect of wine production, from growing grapes to bottling the finished product. Although its scale has diminished compared to its peak, the chateau still maintains its own vineyard. Visitors can also enjoy craft beer brewed on-site, "Ushiku Chateau Beer," which carries on the vision of the founder, Denbe Kamiya. Both wine and beer are available to savor at the on-site restaurant or barbecue area. Located just a 15-minute drive from Ushiku Daibutsu, Ushiku Chateau is a must-visit destination for wine and beer enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of history and taste.

Aqua World Oarai Aquarium underwent a major renovation in December 2020, making it a must-visit destination for all marine life enthusiasts. The highlight is the "Kurage 365" jellyfish tank, featuring approximately 10,000 moon jellyfish in an enchanting display of light and sound that captures the essence of the changing seasons. For adults, the Ocean Night Live is an exclusive evening event that promises to elevate your mood with a captivating combination of colorful lights and dynamic soundscapes. Another exciting addition is the VR Shark Tank, where you can explore the fascinating world of great white sharks up close. Please note that the VR Shark Tank is located in a separate area from the main shark exhibit. This aquarium is home to an impressive array of marine life from around the world. With a dedicated kids' corner, it's an excellent spot for families to enjoy an educational and entertaining experience together.

Komorebi Mori no Ibaride is an interactive theme park located in Inashiki City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including athletic facilities for active play, a petting zoo where you can interact with animals, and workshops such as making your own ice cream. With so much to do, it’s nearly impossible to experience everything in just one day! There’s also a field athletic course set in nature. In 2018, the park introduced the "Sylvanian Park," which recreates the enchanting world of Sylvanian Families—perfect for fans of all ages. Depending on the schedule, you can also participate in camping or try your hand at catching trout.

Explore the history of Earth from its formation to the present day through the lens of natural environments at this captivating museum. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by awe-inspiring displays, including one of the world's largest complete mammoth skeleton fossils and a full skeletal fossil of the massive herbivorous dinosaur, Nuoerosaurus. Outdoor facilities such as the "Nature Discovery Workshop" provide a base for engaging outdoor activities. At the Sugao Marsh Interaction Bridge, visitors can observe various wildlife, including birds inhabiting the marshland. Sugao Marsh is also a renowned wintering site for tundra swans, making it a top destination for birdwatchers. With its impressive exhibits, the museum offers an unforgettable experience for both children and adults.

Nestled in the picturesque Ryujin Gorge, shaped by the erosion of the Ryujin River, the Ryujin Suspension Bridge is one of Japan's largest pedestrian suspension bridges. Stretching 375 meters across and soaring 100 meters above the Ryujin Dam, the bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of nature's beauty throughout the seasons. In autumn, the gorge is ablaze with vibrant reds and yellows as the surrounding hiking trails transform into a colorful wonderland. On clear days, you can even spot the fall foliage of the distant Abukuma mountain range. Don't miss the Ryujin Autumn Festival from November 1 to 30, 2024, where you can enjoy stunning views and savor freshly harvested buckwheat noodles.

Kasama Art Forest Park is a vast cultural hub in Ibaraki Prefecture, spanning an impressive 54.6 hectares. It blends themes of "traditional crafts" and "modern art." The park's highlight, Kasama Craft Hills, offers pottery workshops where visitors can enjoy hand-molding or wheel-throwing pottery with guidance from experienced instructors. Even beginners can participate with ease! One of the park's most celebrated events, Kasama Himatsuri (Pottery Festival), takes place annually from April 29 to May 5 at the event plaza. Over 200 ceramic artists, kiln operators, and local shops gather to showcase their work. Unique "handmade huts" built by the artists themselves add a special charm to the event, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship and creativity.

Ibaraki Flower Park is nestled in a serene countryside setting that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Renovated in the spring of 2021, the park features a variety of rose-themed areas, including the "Rose Terrace," "Color Roses," "Fragrant Roses," and the enchanting "Rose Tunnel," showcasing over 900 varieties of roses. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal flowers in the surrounding forested hills and rolling landscapes. The park provides a rich experience that engages all five senses through activities such as workshops and interactive experiences at its studio, a restaurant designed with the concept of "being invited by a rose farmer," and a marketplace and café offering rose-inspired products. The new concept of Ibaraki Flower Park invites you to "see, smell, taste, touch, and listen," creating a memorable and immersive visit.