An architectural journey through buildings that still retain their Japanese character

We recommend that you visit the traditional architecture of Ibaraki.
Ibaraki has a large number of traditonal buildings and shops that bring out the best of Ibaraki. We have selected a few of these old buildings for you to enjoy. We invite you to spend some time in these buildings learning about Japanese architectural style.

Experience traditional guesthouse architecture

For those who want to enjoy traditional Japanese houses, we recommend this accommodation which utilizes a historic, secluded house as a guesthouse. At this guesthouse in Ibaraki, you will enjoy the natural environment and tastes of the surrounding area.

Guesthouse Kominka Eguchiya
Featuring a stunning location overlooking Kasumigaura, this secluded guest house was renovated in July 2020 to reflect the style of a traditional sake brewery built in 1900. There are three rooms that can sleep up to four people and can be rented out for private use. Breakfast is cooked in a kettle and fresh local produce is provided (Dinner is optional). You can rent a bicycle from the Kasumigaura City Communication Center. It is only a minute walk away from the “Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring-Ring-Road” which has been designated as a National Cycle Route.
Address
895-1 Saka, Kasumigaura city
Phone (English booking and inquiries are possible)
080-9095-7800
Booking by email (English booking possible)
info@eguchiya.email
Website (only Japanese)
http://www.kasumigaura-kankou.jp/eguchiya/

Isoyamatei Guesthouse
In Itako city, a city known for its water and scenic beauty, the old secluded house, Isoyamatei Guesthouse was opened in October 2019 and is a 120 year old private home. One of the most striking features is that the guesthouse is limited to just one group per day (maximum 10 people). The main room is 10 tatami mats(16.20㎡) and two other rooms are 8 tatami mats (12.96㎡). The rooms feature thick beams and detailed fixtures and fittings. A dining option is also available. You can enjoy the sights from a sightseeing boat navigating along the river during Itako Iris Festival in the early summer.
https://english.ibarakiguide.jp/5971.html
Address
595 Itako, Itako city
TEL
0299-94-2800

Enjoy a traditional style café

It is a pleasure to visit a place for the first time and to find a café with a great atmosphere, serving delicious coffee and sweets. We would like to introduce you to two cafés which are housed in historic and unique buildings. These cafes allow you can taste the owner’s carefully brewed coffee and home-made cakes.

Café Posten
The café is in a renovated building with a lovely triangular-shaped roof that was actually used as a post office from 1925 to 1962. According to the store’s website, the name Posten is the Swedish word for post office. You can enjoy self-roasted coffee, organic teas, local plates, seasonal cakes and other cakes at the cafe.
Address
183 Hojo, Tsukuba city
TEL
029-867-5565

Cafe MIHARU
In 1950, the owner opened the restaurant and over time the restaurant grew in popularity as it became well known for it’s traditional Japanese food. Now, after three generations the family operates Miharu, which is a Japanese restaurant on the first floor and Cafe Miharu on the second floor. The homemade cakes are a real treat because they use seasonal fruits.
Address
2-8-14 Asahicho, Hitachi city
TEL
0294-22-1567

Enjoy a selection of drinks in a historic building
Good food and drink are an essential part of any trip. It’s all about having a good taste in a place where the buildings have a long history. You can create your own speciality cocktails. We introduce two shops where you can taste the best sake from Japan.

BRASSERIE JOZO
A French restaurant in the corner of Nomura Brewery, which has been around for 120 years. Recently renovated in 2017 because of the damage from the Great Kanto and Tohoku rains of 2015. Along with the original Japanese sake “Tsumugi Bijin” that became a symbol of Nomura Brewery’s recovery, we have gained a reputation as a restaurant where you can enjoy French cuisine with local products in a casual setting.
Address
2052 Motoishige, Joso city
TEL
0297-42-2056

WINE OʼCLOCK
The wine dining room, which means “Time for Wine”, opened in 2018 inside Izumicho Kaikan, which was built in 1955. The unique curve of the building, the tiles near the entrance, the metal patterned letters on the building’s name, have given Izumicho Kaikan a retro-modern look that has been loved by many. To emphasize the atmosphere, the store has 20-30 different kinds of wines from Japan and around the world. The owner, a senior sommelier, will select a brand to suit your taste. The food menu is extensive and can be enjoyed with seasonal medicinal herbs.
Address
Izumicho Kaikan 2-3-17 Izumicho, Mito city
TEL
029-306-9777
In addition to the above, there are many other shops and facilities in Ibaraki Prefecture that showcase the good qualities of old architecture.
Please spend some time in the buildings that have been built over a long period of time.