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Koga City

Once a prosperous post town for Shoguns, Koga is filled with historical charm. Its streets, lined with cobblestones, old storehouses, and Western-style buildings, tell the story of its deep history. It is also known as Japan’s "Peach Town," where the "Peach Festival" paints the parks in brilliant pink every spring. With its museums and galleries, Koga is a place where you can enjoy traditional town walks, beautiful floral landscapes, and sophisticated art all at once.

Ibaraki
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Ibaraki Town

Benefiting from the brackish Lake Hinuma, this town is a sanctuary of nature and food. Registered as a wetland of international importance, the lake is home to many migratory birds and rare species. The large "Shijimi" clams harvested here are a local delicacy. Spending time at a lakeside campsite or BBQ while watching the sunset over the water provides a luxurious way to experience the healing power of Japan's rich natural environment.

Ibaraki
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Bando City

Bando is steeped in the legend of Taira no Masakado, a samurai hero who once ruled the Kanto region. Visitors can explore shrines dedicated to him or visit the massive "Museum Park" to learn about history and natural science. The city is also covered in beautiful tea plantations, famous for "Sashima Tea." During the autumn festival, locals dressed as samurai march through the streets, allowing you to feel the pulse of medieval Japan firsthand.

Ibaraki
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Goka Town

Bordered by the Tone and Edo Rivers, Goka is a place to witness the "behind-the-scenes" of Japanese manufacturing. It is home to famous food and beer factories that offer popular tours showing how everyday products are made. The riverside features expansive parks perfect for picnics and sports in a peaceful setting. Goka offers a unique combination of industrial curiosity and wide-open riverside scenery, making it ideal for both learning and relaxation.

Ibaraki
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Joso City

A historic city defined by its relationship with water and heritage. Historic sites like Gokyo-ji Temple and old wealthy farmer residences allow visitors to feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. Recently, the city has become a hub for new food entertainment facilities, where local vegetables and specialties are reimagined in modern, delicious ways. The charm of Joso lies in its ability to respect its deep history while evolving with vibrant, new culinary cultures.

Ibaraki
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Shimotsuma City

Shimotsuma City

Centering on the beautiful Lake Sanuma, Shimotsuma is a city of nature and leisure. In spring, the lakeshore is lined with cherry blossoms, making for an exquisite waterside walk. The city also hosts an ancient Hachiman shrine, the oldest in the Kanto region, surrounded by solemn architecture and deep greenery. With vast flower fields that have served as movie locations and local craft beer, Shimotsuma allows you to experience the gentle, nostalgic side of daily life in Japan.

Ibaraki
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Yuki City

Yuki is the production center of "Yuki-tsumugi," a high-grade silk fabric registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here, you can still witness hand-weaving techniques that have continued for thousands of years. The townscape, filled with historic storehouses and temples, is incredibly beautiful and perfect for a stroll in a silk kimono. With craft sake breweries and renovated storehouse cafes, Yuki offers a sophisticated walk through history and modern craftsmanship.

Ibaraki
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Sakuragawa City

Sakuragawa City

Since ancient times, Sakuragawa has been praised as a premier cherry blossom site, rivaling Yoshino in the west. The wild mountain cherries (Yamazakura) have a poetic elegance mentioned in classical literature. The city is dotted with temples and shrines designated as Important Cultural Properties, housing solemn Buddhist statues. Additionally, it is a town of traditional stonemasonry, where you can witness the incredible skill of craftsmen carving intricate stone lanterns.

Ibaraki
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Chikusei City

Gazing out at the magnificent Mt.筑波, Chikusei is a city where history and art coexist. The "Shimodate" district retains old storehouse-style buildings, allowing for a historical stroll through Japan's merchant past. The city also features museums dedicated to world-famous print artists and theme parks filled with seasonal flowers. Enjoying local sake and fresh agricultural products from the vast plains makes for a wonderful way to discover the charms of a regional Japanese city.

Ibaraki
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Daigo Town

Daigo is home to the majestic Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls, dropping 120 meters over four tiers. Its appearance changes dramatically with the seasons, including the mysterious "ice fall" in mid-winter. The town is also a famous apple-growing region where visitors can enjoy apple picking in autumn. With its mountain hot springs, nostalgic old schoolhouses, and rustic soba noodles, Daigo offers a quintessential glimpse into Japan’s rural heart.

Ibaraki
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Kitaibaraki City

Kitaibaraki City

Located at the northernmost tip of Ibaraki, this city features a coastline so beautiful it inspired generations of artists. The "Rokkaku-do," a red hexagonal hall perched on the edge of the sea, was a place of meditation for the famous scholar Tenshin Okakura. The city is also the birthplace of "Ankou Nabe" (monkfish hot pot), attracting foodies every winter. Listening to the waves while soaking in a hot spring offers a deep sense of healing for the soul.

Ibaraki
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Hitachiomiya City

Hitachiomiya City

A natural paradise where the clear Naka and Kuji Rivers flow, Hitachiomiya is perfect for water-based activities like canoeing, camping, and ayu (sweetfish) fishing. The city is also famous for its skin-beautifying hot springs and delicious local soba noodles. Renowned as a prime location for stargazing, the night sky here reveals the mysteries of the universe. It is the ideal destination for travelers wanting to fully experience the blessings of Japan’s mountains, rivers, and stars.

Ibaraki
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Takahagi City

Takahagi boasts a natural beauty woven from the sea, mountains, and stunning gorges. In autumn, the "tunnel of autumn leaves" viewed from a suspension bridge offers a dreamlike experience of vibrant reds and yellows. The town still retains traces of samurai residences and historic school buildings, evoking a sense of stillness as if time had stopped. From coastal camping to forest hiking, Takahagi is an area where you can experience the balance of "serenity" and "activity."

Ibaraki
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Tokai Village

Tokai Village is a unique place where cutting-edge science meets ancient faith. While known as the birthplace of Japan’s nuclear research, it also houses a grand shrine with over a thousand years of history that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. The coastline features beautiful sandy beaches perfect for quiet walks. Don't forget to try the local "Hoshi-imo" (dried sweet potatoes), a healthy and sweet traditional Japanese snack produced here in abundance.

Ibaraki
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Naka City

Naka City charms visitors with its vast botanical gardens and historic architecture. In summer, the landscape is painted gold by hundreds of thousands of blooming sunflowers. The city is also known as the production base for world-famous Kiuchi Brewery’s Hitachino Nest Beer and traditional sake, making it a must-visit for craft beer lovers. It offers a sophisticated, relaxing trip where you can combine a nature walk with a glass of expertly crafted local brew.

Ibaraki
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Hitachinaka City

Hitachinaka City

This city is home to the world-renowned Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for its hills of blue nemophila in spring and fiery red kochia in autumn. The breathtaking scenery, which changes colors with the seasons, is a "once-in-a-lifetime" sight. Along the coast, you’ll find a massive fish market serving world-class sushi and seafood bowls. Whether it’s a scenic coastal drive or a nostalgic local train ride, Hitachinaka is a top destination for photographers and foodies alike.

Ibaraki
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Shirosato Town

Surrounded by lush mountains and the clear waters of the Naka River, Shirosato is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy camping and canoeing by the river, and at night, the sky transforms into a canvas of stars rarely seen in the city. The town also features ancient temples and serene hot springs hidden in the forest. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in Japan's traditional "Satoyama" (mountain-village) landscape.

Ibaraki
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Omitama City

Home to Ibaraki Airport, Omitama serves as the gateway to the prefecture. This peaceful city is characterized by its idyllic rural landscapes and thriving dairy industry. Local yogurt and ice cream made from fresh milk are must-try delicacies. Dotted with historic shrines and remnants of the clan that once ruled the area, Omitama offers a chance to experience the simple, authentic beauty of the Japanese countryside just steps away from the airport.

Ibaraki
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Oarai Town

Facing the Pacific Ocean, Oarai is world-famous for the Kamiiso-no-Torii, a sacred Shinto gate standing atop a rocky outcrop in the sea. The sight of the gate amidst crashing waves at sunrise is breathtakingly divine. The town is a treasure trove of fresh seafood—especially its winter monkfish (Ankou) specialty. With a massive aquarium, refreshing beaches, and its fame as an anime setting, Oarai offers a dynamic blend of coastal nature and modern pop culture.

Ibaraki
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Kasama City

Known as the home of the traditional "Kasama-yaki" pottery, Kasama is a creative hub where tradition meets modern art. The streets are lined with galleries and workshops where visitors can try their hand at making original ceramic pieces. The city is also home to one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, which hosts a vibrant Chrysanthemum Festival in autumn. A stroll through this quiet town offers a profound look into the fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and spiritual heritage.

Ibaraki
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Tsukimachi Falls

Tsukimachi Falls

A unique "behind-the-waterfall" experience where you can actually walk into a cave behind the falling curtain of water. Watching the sunlight filter through the greenery and the water is a mystical experience. Next to the falls is a charming restaurant where you can enjoy fresh buckwheat noodles and natural shaved ice, making it a perfect spot for cooling off and healing in nature.

Ibaraki
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Spring
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Hananuki Gorge

A stunning valley filled with waterfalls and clear streams. The main attraction is a 60-meter-long suspension bridge that becomes a "tunnel of maples" in autumn as the branches reach out from both sides. The sound of the rushing water below and the vibrant reds and oranges above create a meditative and beautiful hiking experience, making it one of the most popular autumn spots in the region.

Ibaraki
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Spring
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Nishishioko Mawari-butai

Nishishioko Mawari-butai

One of Japan’s largest traditional outdoor revolving stages, used for rural kabuki performances since the Edo period. Every three years, a massive wooden stage is hand-assembled by the community. Watching the ingenious manual mechanisms rotate the stage during a performance is a rare and moving experience that showcases the deep roots of traditional performing arts in the Japanese countryside.

Ibaraki
Festivals & Events
Summer
Autumn

Hitachi Aki Soba

Hitachi Aki Soba

Considered the "gold standard" of buckwheat noodles in Japan, this local specialty is famed for its rich aroma and deep sweetness. The buckwheat is grown in the clean air and pure water of the northern hills. Eating these freshly made noodles "new" in the autumn is a gourmet experience that foodies from across the country travel for—a true taste of the region's agricultural pride.

Ibaraki
Food
Autumn