Ibaraki, Japan

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Ibaraki, Japan

Region: Ibaraki Prefecture

---

Geographic Coordinates: 34.816400, 135.569000

Climate: Varied.

Population: 283835

Language: Japanese

---

Ibaraki is a prefecture situated in the Kanto region of Japan, With its capital city being Mito. The area is renowned for its picturesque natural beauty, Which includes lush green forests and stunning coastlines that attract tourists from all over the world. Ibaraki has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times, With numerous important cultural landmarks and historical sites scattered throughout the region. One of the most famous tourist attractions in Ibaraki is Mount Tsukuba, Which stands at 877 meters tall and offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors can hike up to the summit or take a cable car for a more leisurely ascent. Another popular destination is Hitachi Seaside Park, Which boasts over 350 hectares of flower fields that bloom throughout the year. The park also features cycling paths, Amusement rides, And various events held during each season. For those who are interested in history and culture, Ibaraki has plenty to offer as well. One notable site is Kairakuen Garden in Mito City – one of Japan’s three great gardens – which was built during the Edo period (1603-1868).

The garden has more than 3, 000 plum trees that bloom beautifully during springtime. Additionally, Kasama Inari Shrine in Kasama City attracts many visitors due to its unique red torii gates lining both sides of a long staircase leading up to it. Ibaraki also has an abundance of delicious local cuisine for foodies to enjoy. One specialty dish is Natto – fermented soybeans often eaten as breakfast food or used as an ingredient in other dishes like sushi rolls or salads.

Additionally, Ibaraki beef is renowned for its high quality and rich flavor due to being raised on locally sourced feed. Overall, Ibaraki offers something for everyone – from nature enthusiasts seeking adventure on Mount Tsukuba or Hitachi Seaside Park’s flower fields; history buffs exploring Kairakuen Garden or Kasama Inari Shrine; to foodies indulging in local specialties like Natto and Ibaraki beef. With its rich culture, Stunning scenery, And delicious cuisine, Ibaraki is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.

---

---

1. Mount Tsukuba is a well-liked hiking spot that provides breathtaking views.
2. Hitachi Seaside Park is renowned for its seasonal flowers and gardens.
3. Kairakuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan, is famous for its plum blossoms.
4. Fukuroda Falls is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by beautiful scenery.
5. Kashima Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines, is dedicated to the god of martial arts and sports.
6. Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History showcases the history and culture of Ibaraki prefecture.
7. Mito Art Tower is a modern art museum with an exceptional design.
8. Oarai Isosaki Shrine is an ancient shrine situated on a stunning cape that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
9. Kasama Inari Shrine has thousands of red torii gates that it’s known for.
10. Ryujin Suspension Bridge offers spectacular views over Ryujin Gorge as it stretches 375 meters long for pedestrians to cross over it safely.

---

1. Chemical manufacturing
• Hitachi Chemicals
• Mitsui Chemicals
2. Electronics
• Hitachi
• Toshiba
• Sony
3. Agriculture
• Rice
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
4. Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Astellas Pharma Inc.
• Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.
• Eisai Co., Ltd.
5. Automotive manufacturing
• Honda
6. Aerospace industry
• Tsukuba Space Center (operated by JAXA)
7. Tourism
• Kairakuen Garden (one of the three great gardens of Japan)
• Kashima Shrine (one of the oldest shrines in Japan)
• Mount Tsukuba (a popular hiking destination)

---

1. The Battle of Sekigahara: This battle was fought in 1600 near present-day Tsukuba City in Ibaraki Prefecture. It marked the beginning of the Edo period and led to the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
2. Tokugawa Ieyasu: He was a powerful daimyo who played a key role in the Battle of Sekigahara and became the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
3. Katori Shrine: This shrine is located in Katori City and is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, dating back over 1,800 years.
4. Hitachi Province: Ibaraki Prefecture was once part of Hitachi Province, which was an important center for agriculture, trade, and culture during ancient times.
5. Mito School: This school was founded by Tokugawa Mitsukuni (also known as Mito Komon) in Mito City during the Edo period. It promoted scholarship and education among commoners.
6. Tenshin Okakura: He was a prominent Japanese art historian and philosopher who lived in Kamakura City for several years before moving to Boston to teach at Harvard University.
7. Fukuzawa Yukichi: He was a famous Japanese writer, educator, journalist, entrepreneur who founded Keio University in Tokyo.
8. Tokyo Electric Power Company(TEPCO): TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is located on Japan’s east coast near Futaba Town on Pacific Ocean coastline within Fukushima prefecture which shares border with Ibaraki prefecture.

---

1. Kairakuen Garden is one of the three great gardens in Japan, renowned for its stunning plum blossoms.
2. Hitachi Seaside Park is a picturesque park that boasts seasonal flowers and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
3. Tsukuba Space Center is Japan’s primary space development facility, featuring a museum and tours of their state-of-the-art facilities.
4. Oarai Isosaki Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine located on a peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
5. Kasama Inari Shrine is a popular shrine known for its striking red torii gates and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
6. Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History showcases the rich history and culture of Ibaraki prefecture through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
7. Mito Art Tower serves as an art center featuring contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and events that are sure to captivate visitors’ interests.
8. Fukuroda Falls ranks among Japan’s top three most beautiful waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery throughout all seasons.
9. Kashima Jingu Shrine holds significant importance as an essential Shinto shrine dedicated to martial arts and sportsmanship located near Kashima Soccer Stadium.
10. Tokugawa Museum houses one of Japan’s most extensive collections from the Edo period (1603-1868), providing visitors with an unparalleled glimpse into this fascinating era in Japanese history.

---

---

1. Kashima Antlers is a football club based in Kashima, Ibaraki. The team was founded in 1947 and has achieved great success, winning eight J.League titles, five Emperor’s Cup titles, and two Asian Champions League titles.
2. Mito HollyHock is another football club based in Ibaraki, specifically in Mito. Founded in 1990, the team currently plays in the J2 League.
3. Hitachi SunRockers is a professional basketball team located in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki. They were established back in 1931 and have won four Japan Basketball League championships.
4. Tsukuba FC is a semi-professional football club situated in Tsukuba, Ibaraki. Established more recently than some of the other teams on this list (in 2006), they currently play their matches within the Kanto Soccer League Division 1.
5. Ryutsu Keizai University FC is a university-based football club that calls Ryugasaki home (also located within Ibaraki). Since their founding back in 1968, they have won several university championships over the years.
6. Oyama SC is another semi-professional football club based out of Oyama (located within Ibaraki). The team was founded back in 1979 and currently plays its matches within Tohoku Soccer League Division 1 South.
7. Sanuki Vortis (formerly known as Tokushima Vortis) was previously a professional soccer team that played at Pocarisweat Stadium Naruto until it moved to Kagawa Prefecture after December of 2019. Their previous home ground Pocarisweat Stadium Naruto can be found at Naruto City of Tokushima Prefecture which borders with Awaji Island of Hyogo Prefecture.

---

---

1. Mito Plum Blossom Festival is an annual celebration that takes place from late February to early March in Kairakuen Park. The festival commemorates the blooming of over 1000 plum trees.
2. Tsukuba Festival is a yearly event held in October, featuring a parade of traditional Japanese floats and performances.
3. Hitachi Seaside Park Flower Festival celebrates the blooming of over 4 million flowers, including nemophila and poppies, every year from late April to early May.
4. Fukuroda Falls Autumn Leaves Festival is an annual event that runs from mid-October to early November, celebrating the beautiful autumn foliage surrounding Fukuroda Falls.
5. Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition is one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan held annually in October over Lake Kasumigaura with more than 20,000 fireworks launched during this competition.
6. Ibaraki International Film Festival showcases both domestic and international films biennially with screenings and events throughout Ibaraki prefecture.
7. Kashima Gatalympics are mud-based obstacle course races held on Kashima Beach every summer as an annual tradition for locals and visitors alike.
8. Tsukuba Summer Festival is an annual summer event featuring live music performances by local bands as well as food stalls serving traditional Japanese cuisine for everyone’s taste buds!

---

• Natto – fermented soybeans that are often eaten with rice and other toppings.
• Tsukemen – dipping noodles served with a thick broth.
• Kasumigaura eel – grilled or fried eel from Lake Kasumigaura.
• Mito-style sushi – sushi made with vinegar-seasoned rice and toppings unique to the Mito region.
• Hitachi beef – high-quality wagyu beef raised in the Hitachi region.

Some popular restaurants in Ibaraki include:

1. Kairakuen Honten (Mito) – a traditional Japanese restaurant known for their Mito-style sushi and seasonal dishes.
2. Yamada-ya (Tsukuba) – a cozy izakaya serving local specialties like natto and kasumigaura eel.
3. Chikurin (Kasama) – a restaurant specializing in tsukemen noodles with homemade broth.
4. Ajisai (Hitachiota) – a steakhouse featuring locally-raised Hitachi beef.
5. Tendoan (Tsuchiura) – a famous soba noodle shop known for their handmade noodles and flavorful broth.

---

1. Hitachi Seaside Park is a large park that boasts various gardens, cycling paths, and seasonal flower displays.
2. Kairakuen is a traditional Japanese garden that is famous for its plum blossoms.
3. Tsukuba Science City is a science-themed park that features interactive exhibits and educational activities.
4. Lake Kasumigaura is the second-largest lake in Japan, offering fishing, boating, and scenic views.
5. Oarai Isosaki Shrine is a popular spot for hiking and enjoying ocean views.
6. Mito Komon Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in the heart of Mito city.
7. Fukuroda Falls are one of Japan’s top three waterfalls, offering hiking trails and stunning natural scenery.
8. Kashima Jingu Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines with beautiful grounds to explore.
9. Amabiki Kannon Temple is a Buddhist temple known for its unique architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
10. Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival – an annual fireworks festival held on the first Saturday in October at Sakuragawa River Bank Park in Tsuchiura City

---

---