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Nakaminato Fish Market

Nakaminato Fish Market

Experience the ultimate seafood adventure at Nakaminato Fish Market, one of Ibaraki's premier gourmet destinations. Located right by the harbor, the market is filled with vibrant energy and the freshest catches of the day. Visitors are captivated by the giant raw oysters that you can eat on the spot and luxurious seafood bowls overflowing with sashimi. From high-quality sushi to grilled fish at reasonable prices, this is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Japan's rich ocean bounty through all five senses.

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Rokkakudo

Perched on a rocky outcrop jutting into the Pacific Ocean, this red hexagonal hall was designed by Tenshin Okakura, the father of modern Japanese art, as a place for contemplation. The sight of the vermilion architecture harmonizing with the crashing white waves is as beautiful as a traditional painting. Here, you can imagine what the great scholar thought while listening to the tides as he worked to introduce Eastern aesthetics to the world. Experience the unique Japanese sense of beauty where history and natural energy intersect in profound silence.

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Kamitogawa Cosmos Field

Kamitogawa Cosmos Field

If you are visiting Ibaraki in the fall, this cosmos field is an absolute must-see. The contrast between the endless expanse of lovely pink and white flowers and the majestic Mt. Tsukuba in the background perfectly captures the essence of autumn in Japan. Watching approximately one million cosmos flowers, carefully nurtured by the locals, swaying in the breeze offers a peaceful moment that makes you forget the city's hustle and bustle. It is a perfect healing spot for those wanting to take photogenic pictures or simply enjoy a quiet rural landscape.

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Itako City

Itako is a romantic "water city" filled with nostalgic canal-side charm. In early summer, millions of irises bloom, and the traditional "Bridal Boat" ceremony—where a bride in traditional dress is rowed across the river—is a quintessential Japanese sight. You can enjoy a leisurely ride on a hand-prowed "Ro-bune" boat to see the town from the water. With old sake breweries and senbei (rice cracker) shops, Itako offers a peaceful stroll through Japan's watery past.

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Kamisu City

Bordered by the Pacific and the Tone River, Kamisu is defined by the dynamic sight of giant windmills lining the coast. The image of these massive turbines spinning against a sunset sky is like a scene from the future. The city offers extensive sports facilities and parks for active leisure, yet remains rooted in tradition with its historic shrines. Kamisu is a vibrant area where industrial landscapes, coastal nature, and history coexist.

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Namegata City

Sandwiched between two large lakes, Kasumigaura and Kitaura, Namegata is a city of beautiful waterside scenery. Trying fresh lake-fish dishes, such as catfish, is a local specialty. The city also offers seasonal charms like hydrangea-covered temple stairs and beautiful rose gardens. With well-maintained cycling roads, you can feel the lake breeze as you ride. It is a place to slowly enjoy the blessings and scenic beauty brought by the two great lakes.

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Kashima City

Kashima is a city of "Gods and Football," home to the ancient and sacred Kashima Jingu Shrine. The shrine’s forest is filled with a divine atmosphere, and its architecture dedicated to the god of martial arts is a must-see. Meanwhile, the city is home to a world-class professional football team, and the stadium hums with excitement on match days. This city is a unique place where ancient spiritual power and modern sporting passion collide.

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Hokota City

Hokota is an agricultural powerhouse, boasting the highest production of melons in Japan. Tasting a perfectly ripe melon at the source is an unforgettable experience. The city also has a long coastline along the Pacific Ocean, where you can enjoy surfing or beach walks. With direct-from-the-farm markets and hot springs overlooking the sea, Hokota is the ideal place to savor the "bounty of the earth" in a beautiful coastal setting.

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Miho Village

Known as the "Horse Village," Miho is home to one of Japan's largest training centers for thoroughbred racehorses. Seeing horses galloping across the vast grounds is a powerful sight for any animal lover. The village also offers stunning viewpoints of Lake Kasumigaura, particularly at sunset. With ancient Jomon-period ruins and historic shrines, Miho is a unique and peaceful village where horses, the lake, and ancient history intersect.

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Kawachi Town

Kawachi is a town of expansive, beautiful rural landscapes along the Tone River. It is said to grow some of the most delicious rice in Japan, and the sight of golden rice stalks waving in the autumn wind is magnificent. With parks that utilize the river's flow and paths lined with hydrangeas, the town offers many ways to feel the changing seasons. It is a warm, quiet place to touch the heart of traditional Japanese farming and riverside life.

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Inashiki City

Surrounded by Lake Kasumigaura and the Tone River, Inashiki is a "water village" characterized by vast rice paddies. The city is one of Japan's leading lotus root producers; in summer, the fields are covered in a dreamlike sea of lotus flowers. With ancient shrines and traces of Edo-period streetscapes, it is a place for quiet historical exploration. Inashiki offers a deep experience of Japan’s rich agricultural culture and waterside ecology.

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Tone Town

Embraced by the grand flow of the Tone River, Tone is a peaceful and beautiful town. The lush parks and promenades along the river are ideal for walking and cycling, allowing you to feel the slow passage of time. Dotted with historic shrines and spots linked to local folklore, Tone offers a glimpse into Japan’s simple folk beliefs. It is the perfect place for those seeking a quiet moment surrounded by greenery and nostalgic riverside views.

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Ushiku City

Ushiku is home to the "Ushiku Daibutsu," a bronze statue so tall it is listed in the Guinness World Records. The scale is overwhelming, and the spiritual experience inside the statue is unforgettable. The city also features "Chateau Kamiya," Japan’s first authentic winery, where you can enjoy Japanese wine history in a beautiful brick building. The combination of a massive Buddha and a sophisticated Western-style winery makes for a truly unique visit.

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Ryugasaki City

Ryugasaki is known for its vibrant "Tsukumai" festival, a traditional performance where actors perform acrobatics atop a 14-meter pole. The city also features a lake visited by beautiful swans, offering quiet waterside walks. Be sure to try the local "Ryugasaki Korokke," a famous soul food. Through its rich folk arts and friendly atmosphere, visitors can experience the warmth and passion of a regional Japanese city.

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Moriya City

Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in Japan, Moriya strikes a perfect balance between urban sophistication and green spaces. It is home to a world-famous beer brewery that offers popular tours of its production process and fresh tastings. With vast wetlands attracting wild birds and forest parks for nature walks, Moriya provides a comfortable and refreshing environment where modern Japanese life harmonizes with nature.

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Toride City

Located along the Tone River, Toride is a city where post-town history meets contemporary art. Easily accessible from Tokyo, it is known as a city of artists, and you can find artworks scattered throughout the town. You can also visit a historic "Honjin" (an inn for high-ranking samurai) and local sake breweries. The expansive greenery along the river is perfect for cycling and walking, making Toride a place to experience both history and creative inspiration.

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Tsukubamirai City

Tsukubamirai City

This city features a massive film set that replicates the streets of the Edo period, allowing visitors to feel like they have stepped into a samurai movie. Exploring these sets deepens your understanding of samurai and townspeople culture. The city is also dotted with the former residences of historical figures and ancient temples. Surrounded by beautiful rice paddies, Tsukubamirai offers a dramatic world where traditional Japanese scenery meets the magic of cinema.

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Kasumigaura City

Kasumigaura City

Kasumigaura City offers panoramic views of Japan’s second-largest lake and is famous for its abundant orchards. On the lake, you can see traditional "Hobikisen" sail-fishing boats with their iconic white sails, or enjoy cycling and fishing. The city is a fruit lover's paradise, with pears, grapes, and persimmons available for picking throughout the year. It is a place to enjoy the lake breeze and the bountiful harvest of the Japanese countryside.

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Ami Town

Situated on the southern shore of Lake Kasumigaura, Ami offers a blend of aviation history and modern shopping. Visit the memorial hall dedicated to the former naval air corps to feel the history of flight, then head to the massive outlet mall to shop for international brands with a distant view of Mt. Fuji. Waterside parks filled with birds and flowers make Ami a versatile destination where you can touch history, enjoy shopping, and relax in nature.

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Tsukuba City

A world-class "Science City" home to research institutes, Tsukuba is where Japan’s future meets its ancient faith. You can visit facilities dedicated to space exploration and robotics, then head to the sacred Mt. Tsukuba for a cable car ride with stunning views. With its sophisticated parks and cafes, Tsukuba offers a unique experience where intellectual stimulation, rich nature, and historical power spots come together in one city.

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Tsuchiura City

Located on the shores of Lake Kasumigaura, Tsuchiura blends samurai history with a modern cycling culture. You can explore old castle ruins and merchant houses or hit the world-class 180km cycling road that starts here. The city also hosts one of Japan’s top three fireworks competitions, an explosion of pyrotechnic art. Tsuchiura is the perfect destination for those who want to actively enjoy lakes, history, and outdoor activities.

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Ishioka City

Ishioka thrived as the center of ancient Hitachi Province and is rich in deep-rooted traditions. The "Ishioka Festival," one of the three major festivals in Kanto, features giant lion masks and magnificent floats that are truly overwhelming. The city also boasts "Kanban" (signboard) architecture and the Ibaraki Flower Park, where you can enjoy beautiful blooms year-round. With hiking trails on Mt. Tsukuba, Ishioka is an area where you can experience the profound depth of Japanese history, culture, and nature.

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Yachiyo Town

Located on a vast plain, Yachiyo is one of Japan's leading agricultural towns. It is especially famous for its melons and Chinese cabbage; during peak season, you can enjoy the freshest produce imaginable. The town also features historic shrines and cultural facilities housed in old buildings, providing a quiet atmosphere to feel Japanese tradition. It is a place for a luxurious "slow life" experience, eating the fruits of the earth while gazing at the beautiful rural scenery.

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Sakai Town

Once a flourishing river port, Sakai is now a "City of Architecture and Food," featuring modern works by world-famous architects. You can tour sophisticated facilities designed by Kengo Kuma while enjoying the riverside views. The town offers creative culinary experiences, including sweets made from local Sashima tea and specialty craft beers. Sakai allows you to experience the evolution of a Japanese town where traditional river culture meets cutting-edge design.

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