Ibaraki in 2 Days: Culture, Nature, and More Starting From Mito

About Ibaraki Prefecture

Just about an hour from Tokyo, Ibaraki Prefecture is a nature-rich region in Kanto bordered by the Pacific Ocean and filled with rivers, lakes, and mountains. Its capital, Mito City, is the focus of this itinerary.

Known for its fertile land and plentiful clean water, Ibaraki ranks among Japan’s top agricultural producers. But it’s not just about farming - the prefecture also has deep historical and cultural roots. It was once the seat of the Mito branch of the Tokugawa clan, rulers during the Edo period (1603 - 1868), and is still home to many historic and spiritual landmarks today, several of which will be explored below.

Getting to Ibaraki From Tokyo

It takes about two hours to get from Tokyo Station to Mito Station via the limited express train on the Joban Line.

Conveniently, this route is covered by several rail passes. If you're only planning to travel near Tokyo or for under a week, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass is a good option. For longer trips or nationwide travel, the JR Pass for Whole Japan is the better choice.

Access Within Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Mito’s extensive train and bus systems make getting around the city simple. This itinerary suits those who don’t mind walking or hopping in a taxi from time to time, but if you’re planning to go beyond the suggested spots and use the bus more frequently, consider the Mito Man-yu 1 Day Bus Ticket (Japanese only). For just 500 yen (adult fare), it gives you unlimited rides on select routes for a full day. You can pick one up at JR Mito Station and several other locations.

Day 1 - Explore Ibaraki’s Culture and History

AM: Kodokan

Access: 10-minute walk from Mito Station.

Founded in 1841 by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth feudal lord of the Mito Domain, Kodokan functioned much like a university by modern standards. Students studied a wide range of subjects, including medicine and martial arts.

Today, visitors are free to wander through the historic school buildings. Several structures - such as the reception hall, main gate, and Shinzendo hall - are recognized as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The surrounding garden is also worth visiting, especially in March when the plum trees are in bloom.

While many exhibits include English translations, joining a guided tour is recommended for those who want to fully appreciate the site's rich history and significance.

AM: Tobukan

Access: 7-minute walk from Kodokan.

Established in 1876 to carry on the martial arts tradition of Kodokan, Tobukan continues to offer classes in traditional Japanese disciplines like kendo and iaido today. It also teaches two historic schools of martial arts - Hokushin Itto-Ryu and Shin Tamiya Ryu - which are recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritages of Mito City.

The building itself is registered as a Tangible Cultural Heritage of Mito, making it a worthwhile stop even if you’re not planning to participate in a class.

AM: Mito Castle Ruins

Access: 13-minute walk from Tobukan.

Built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, Mito Castle was once the largest earthen flatland castle in Japan. After the fall of the Edo shogunate in 1868, the castle lost its official function, and many of its original structures were gradually lost due to demolition, war damage, and so on. Today, what remains are its earthen walls, moat, Yakui Gate, and the Kodokan school. The Otemon Gate (main entrance) and Ninomaru Sumiyagura Tower have been faithfully reconstructed using historical records.

While the site may not have many surviving buildings, it still holds historical significance and makes for a pleasant, quick walk through Ibaraki’s past.

AM: Kairakuen Garden

Access: Take a taxi for 10-12 minutes to get to the garden from the Mito Castle Ruins. While there are buses available, you’ll still have to walk for a good amount of time, so we recommend just taking a taxi instead.

Kairakuen was established during the Edo period by Nariaki Tokugawa as a place for people to unwind and find enjoyment. Today, it’s considered one of Japan’s three great landscape gardens.

The garden is especially famous for its plum tree grove with around 3,000 trees representing over 100 varieties, many of which were brought from Edo (present-day Tokyo) under the orders of Nariaki himself. Each year from mid-February to late March, the Mito Plum Festival draws visitors from across Japan to see the blossoms.

In addition to the plum trees, Kairakuen boasts a lush bamboo grove with over 1,000 Moso bamboo - the largest bamboo species in the country - and is home to Lake Senba, known for its swans and other waterfowl.

For panoramic views of the garden and lake, head to the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese-style building located within the grounds.

Lunch: Tenmasa

Access: Take a taxi for around 10 minutes. Similar to Kairakuen Garden, while you can take a bus, you’ll still have to walk for a while.

This long-running izakaya, founded in 1964, is a great spot to enjoy Ibaraki’s local specialties. It’s especially famous for its monkfish dishes, a regional delicacy. The seafood is sourced fresh from nearby Oarai and Nakaminato - places you’ll visit later in the itinerary - so you can count on getting to enjoy top-quality ingredients. And if you're dining solo, no problem: they even offer monkfish hot pot for one!

Dessert: Mito Mon no Mae

Access: Take the bus from Mito Station’s North Exit heading towards Mito Medical Center and get off at the Tokiwa Jinja Shrine Iriguchi bus stop. It’s around a 5-minute walk from there. The total journey is a bit less than 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can just take a taxi which halves the transport time.

Located just outside the Eastern Gate of Kairakuen Garden, Mito Mon no Mae offers a range of local specialties, souvenirs, and dishes unique to Mito. Its most popular item is the Wara Natto Set Meal, which showcases Mito’s iconic straw-wrapped natto alongside a variety of small side dishes.

For something more adventurous, try natto in dessert form with the Natto Neba-ru Ice Cream. While mixing natto and ice cream might sound odd, beans in desserts have long been part of Japanese cuisine, so it’s not as unusual as it may seem. The dish is served with brown sugar syrup and kinako (roasted soybean flour), which help mellow the natto’s flavor.

And if natto’s not for you, try the Sweet Potato Brulee - the region is also known for its high-quality sweet potatoes.

English menus are available.

*We get it - making a round trip just for dessert might not seem worth it. Mito Mon no Mae also offers full meals, so you can enjoy both lunch and dessert in one stop. Or, if you're in the mood, why not start with dessert? Totally up to you!

PM Option 1: Yuki Tsumugi Silk Museum (Tsumugi no Yakata)

Access: Head to Mito Station and then take the Joban Line to Yuki Station. The museum is about a 15-minute walk away. You could also take a taxi once you get to Yuki Station. The entire journey will take just under 1.5 hours.

This museum was established in 2006 by a 100-year-old Yuki Tsumugi silk wholesaler to help share the story of this ancient craft. Yuki Tsumugi is one of Japan’s oldest silk-weaving traditions, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Every part of the process - from spinning the yarn to weaving the fabric - is done entirely by hand. In 2010, it was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

At the museum, you can learn about the craft’s history and techniques, and even try your hand at weaving and dyeing in the on-site workshop. While it’s best to come with someone who can help interpret, some of the staff speak basic English, so you should be able to manage. There’s also a shop where you can browse and purchase items made from Yuki Tsumugi silk - perfect for souvenir hunting.

PM Option 2: Itaya Hazan Memorial Museum

Access: Head to Mito Station and then take the Joban Line to Shimodate Station. The museum is about a 10-minute walk away.

This compact museum is dedicated to Itaya Hazan, often regarded as the father of modern Japanese ceramics. On display are personal items he used in his work - like his potter’s wheel and various tools - along with several of his actual pieces, documents detailing his creative process, and more. While there are explanations throughout the exhibit, they’re only in Japanese, so bringing a guide is highly recommended.

A must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Japanese crafts that are not just from Ibaraki, but from across the country.

Accommodation: Oarai Seaside Hotel

Access: Head back to Mito Station’s North Exit and then take the bus bound for Nakaminato Station. It will lead you directly to the hotel (Oarai Seaside Hotel-mae bus stop).

Dating back to 1918, this long-standing resort hotel sits along the scenic Oarai Coast, offering stunning ocean views. While most of the staff may not speak English, they’re known for their warm hospitality, providing thoughtful touches like in-room dinner service and both Japanese and Western meal options. Portions are generous, too!

All guest rooms are traditional Japanese-style, giving visitors a deeper experience of Japanese culture and hospitality. The hotel also features a spacious public bath overlooking the sea, perfect for taking in the breathtaking sunrise or sunset.

Day 2 - Experience Ibaraki’s Scenery and Spirit

AM: Oarai Isosaki Shrine

Access: The shrine is less than a 5-minute walk away from the hotel.

This shrine traces its origins back to 856, when two deities - Daikoku-sama, the god of nation-building and prosperity, and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, the god of medicine - descended on the coast of Oarai.

While many visit the main shrine, designated an Important Cultural Property for its rare example of early Edo-period architecture, the highlight for most is the Kamiiso-no-Torii, a shrine gate standing dramatically on the rocks by the sea. On New Year’s Day, the sun rises perfectly between its pillars, drawing photographers from around the globe. That said, the view is just as breathtaking at sunrise on any other day, so there’s no need to wait.

Be aware that reaching the shrine involves climbing a number of steps, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

AM: Nakaminato Fish Market

Access: Less than a 10-minute taxi journey. Alternatively, take a bus bound for Nakaminato Station from the bus stop at the front of the hotel and get off at the Minamihoncho bus stop. The market is less than a 5-minute walk away. The whole journey by bus should take less than 15 minutes.

One of the best ways to enjoy the rich offerings of Ibaraki’s coastline is by stopping by a local fish market. Beloved by both locals and tourists, this market is known for its lively atmosphere and budget-friendly prices that are often even more affordable than Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market! You’ll find plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood in various styles, including kaisen-don (seafood rice bowls).

For a more relaxed visit, weekdays are ideal, but keep in mind that some shops only open on weekends, so head there then if you want the full experience.

PM: Hitachi Seaside Park

Access: Take a taxi for around 20 minutes to get to the park.

This expansive park offers seasonal blooms throughout the year, but it’s especially famous for its 4.2 hectares of nemophila that blanket the hills in blue from late April to mid-May, and for around 30,000 kochia bushes that turn a striking red in October. The stunning nemophila display even earned the park a spot on CNN’s list of Japan’s 36 most beautiful places. The sweeping view of sky, sea, and flower-covered hills - all in shades of blue - is truly unforgettable. To explore the park in full, you can stroll along its walking trails, cycle through its paths, or hop aboard the Seaside Train for a 40-minute ride around the grounds.

But there’s more than just flowers - there’s also an amusement park featuring a giant Ferris wheel and roller coasters, and even a heritage area with preserved village houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, designated Important Cultural Properties of Ibaraki. When it’s time to recharge, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and even a BBQ area for a leisurely picnic. No matter the season, it’s easy to spend several hours enjoying all the park has to offer.

Make the Most of 2 Days in Ibaraki

Ibaraki is a vast prefecture with plenty to see and do, but its attractions are fairly spread out. While two days aren’t quite enough to take in everything it has to offer, this itinerary gives you a well-rounded taste, including several of its most iconic sightseeing spots. If you have the time, we encourage you to extend your stay - and consider renting a car - to discover even more of what Ibaraki has in store.

 

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