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Ibaraki is proud of its cultural heritage and incredible nature sprawling across
the whole prefecture, and there is a lot to love. Witness the dreamlike ocean
views of Oarai lsozaki Jinja as waves from the Pacific Ocean crash into the
Shinto Gate of the Seashore God, “Kamiiso-no-torii”, spraying a cool, refreshing
mist into the air. Take a relaxing hike through the mountains under the crimson
autumn leaves to thun dering waterfalls and stunning panoramic views.
From the seaside to the mountaintops and the fertile farmland in between,
Ibaraki offers a number of attractive sites and activities without the massive
lines and crowds. It is also conveniently located near Narita International
Airport making it a great first destination after arriving. In Ibaraki, there are a
variety of ways to experience the beauty and culture of Japan for all kinds of
people from all over the world.
Superb Ocean Views
Ibaraki’s eastern coast is lined with fantastic ocean views from beautiful beaches like Oarai which is mostly known for its iconic seaside Shinto shrine: Oarai Isozaki Shrine. The powerful silhouetted structure against the horizon creates spectacular sunrise views. Like it was pulled directly from an old Japanese painting, Izura Rokkakudo — designed by legendary architect, government official, and founder of the Japan Art Institute and Tokyo Fine Arts School
Okakura Tenshin — quietly looks out over the ocean from the cliffs of northern Ibaraki as powerful waves crash against the rocks.
Oarai Isozaki Shrine
Address: 6890 Isohamacho, Oarai-machi, Higashiibaraki-gun
Access: 3-min from Oaraijinjamae Bus Stop (Ibaraki Kotsu bound for Nakaminato-eki from Oarai Station/ Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai Kashima Line) on foot
Izura Rokkakudo
Hours: 9:30am – 5pm
Admission: 300 yen
Address: 727-2 Otsu-cho Izura, Kitaibaraki-shi
Access: 15-min from Kita-Ibaraki IC (Joban Expressway) by car
Superb Mountain Views
Listed as one of the 3 most famous waterfalls in Japan, the multi-layered cascade of thundering water at Fukuroda Falls does not disappoint. Witness its beauty year-round as the seasons change. For more excitement, you can take a thrilling dive right into Ibaraki’s beautiful mountain scenery from one of the longest suspension bridges in Japan, Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge, 375 meters (1,230 ft) above the gorge.
Fukuroda Falls
Hours: 8am – 6pm (May – October), 9am – 5pm (November – April)
Admission: 300 yen
Address: 3-19 Fukuroda, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun
Access: 10-min from Fukuroda Station (JR Suigun Line) on foot
Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge
Hours: 8:30am – 5pm
Admission: 310 yen
Address: 2133-6 Kegano-cho, Hitachiota-shi
Access: 45-min from Hitachi-Minami-Ota IC (Joban Expressway) by car
Seasonal Beauty
Watch the seasons come to life in spring, summer, and fall as colorful flowers bloom across Ibaraki. One of the 34 most beautiful places in all of Japan, according to CNN, Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki offers a number of outdoor activities among the unique pom-pom-like kochia plants. In addition, Suigo Itako presents Japanese culture through traditional dances and various festivals in early summer.
Hitachi Seaside Park
Hours: 9:30am – 5pm
Admission: 450 yen
Address: 605-4 605-4 Onuma-Aza, Mawatari, Hitachinaka-shi
Access: 20-min from Ajigoura Station (Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line) on foot
Suigo Itako
Admission: Free
Address: 1-5 Ayame, Itako-shi
Access: 3-min from Itako Station (JR Kashima Line) on foot
Explore Japanese Shrines
As the largest and oldest Shinto shrine in the Kanto region, Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, located in the center of Kashima city holds a lot of history and cultural significance. Even the Imperial Envoys have come to Kashima over the years to visit. This shrine dedicated to the deity of martial arts holds Japan’s oldest and largest straight sword.
Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine
Address: 2306-1 Kyuchu, Kashima-shi
Access: 10-min from Kashima-Jingu Station (JR Kashima Line) on foot
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