Ibaraki’s Best Features
Fukuroda Falls
At 120 meters in height and 73 meters wide, Fukuroda Falls is one of the three most splendid waterfalls in Japan. You can view the falls up close from observation decks, and the surrounding foliage will also amaze you, especially in autumn. In the severe cold of winter, the falls ice over, creating a tranquil atmosphere. They are also becoming popular as a lovers’ sanctuary.
For more informationRyujin Big Suspension Bridge (Ryujin Gorge)
A dam creates a placid lake surrounded by mountains in Ryujin Gorge. The gorge features a 375-meter-long suspension bridge which is decorated with countless traditional carp streamers around Children’s Day in spring, in the hope that children will grow up to be healthy and strong. A 100-meter-high bungee jump from the bridge is another attraction here.
For more informationHitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is the most popular tourist spot in Ibaraki. The park is 200 hectares in size, and features seven different areas, including flower parks and places for leisure activities, such as cycling and barbeques. Particularly special attractions are the nemophila flowers (baby blue eyes) in spring, and the kochia plants (summer cypress) from summer to autumn.
For more informationKairakuen Garden
Located in the center of Mito, Kairakuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. The garden features a flat hill from which you can get a panoramic view of Lake Senba and its surroundings, and local people often come here to relax. The garden is landscaped according to the principles of yin and yang, and you can enjoy walking through the bamboo forest, as well as the beautiful gardens of seasonal flowers.
For more informationMt. Tsukuba
Mt. Tsukuba, 877 meters high, is a symbol of Ibaraki, and mountain climbing can be enjoyed there throughout the year. For non-climbers, going to the top by cable car or ropeway is fun. Viewing the stars twinkling in the winter night sky is amazing. Halfway up the mountain stands Tsukubasan Shrine, which has a history of over 3,000 years.
For more informationUshiku Daibutsu (Buddha)
The Ushiku Daibutsu (statue of Buddha) has a total height of 120 meters, and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest bronze statue in the world. You can go inside the Daibutsu, where nearly 3,400 gold-colored images of Buddha are displayed. The view of the vast Kanto region from the observatory at a height of 85 meters is breathtaking.
For more informationThe Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine
Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine’s vermillion romon (a two-story torii gate) is one of the three greatest Japanese romon gates, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Deities of martial arts are enshrined here, and visitors pray for a safe birth, or traffic safety and the like. The kanameishi (a “powerful” stone) and Mitarashi Pond are both well worth seeing.
For more informationLake Kasumigaura
Kasumigaura City and other municipalities on the lake
Japan’s second largest lake, Kasumigaura is designated as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful spots. It is popular for such activities as fishing, sailing, and riding water motorcycles, and you can cycle along the shores of the lake as well. Sightseers can also enjoy boarding excursion boats to see traditional sailing vessels called hobikisen plying the waters of the lake.
Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Founded in the year 856 when Sukunahikona-no-mikoto, its main deity, is believed to have descended on the Oarai shore, Oarai Isosaki Shrine was rebuilt in 1730 after it had been unused for some periods of time. Since it is located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you will be impressed with the wonderfully picturesque view.
For more information