Full of interesting sights, Ibaraki prefecture should natto be underestimated.
Ibaraki Prefecture is Japan’s no.1 producer and consumer of natto or fermented soybeans, a sticky and stinky staple of the national diet that has been baffling foreign tastebuds for centuries. But fermentation isn’t Ibaraki’s only attraction; it’s also the birthplace of aikido, the site of the seasonal Fukuroda Falls and the plum-filled Kairaku-en, one of the world’s biggest Buddahs and the highest bungee jump in the country. The eastern seashores are lined with great surfing spots; from Oarai you can also catch the overnight ferry all the way to Hokkaido.
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See the autumn kochias at Hitachi Seaside Park
Reference: flickr
Reference: flickr
Just northeast of Tokyo, the prefectural capital of Mito city is best known for Kairaku-en Garden, rated in the top three most beautiful Japanese gardens. With more than 3,000 plum trees it’s understandably a popular place to view the plum blossom as winter turns to spring, but it’s just as much of an enjoyable stroll around the tranquil hillside setting during the rest of the year. The annual umeshu (plum wine) festival is a chance to sample this deliciously sweet beverage from brands across the country. Mito is also where you can get your fill, or not, of fermented soybeans in any of the friendly restaurants across the city which offer full-course natto meals
Address: Mawatari, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki, 312-0012, Japan Access Train: From Tokyo take the Joban Line from Tokyo station to Katsuta station and change for the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway for Ajigaura station (approx. 1 1/2 hours). It’s about a 20-minute walk from there to the Park’s south entrance. During peak seasons, a shuttle bus runs directly from Katsuta station to the park. By Bus: Highway buses leave from Tokyo Station bound for Hitachi Seaside Park during spring and fall blooming season. The journey takes around 2 1/2 hours. Open Hours: In spring and summer, the park is open from 9:30 to 17:30. From November to February, the hours shorten to 9:30 to 14:30. Tickets: Adults ¥410 and children ¥210. Annual passes can also be bought at the ticket counter for guests who wish to enjoy the beauty of Hitachi Seaside Park throughout the year. Hotel: Booking here!!
Mito natto
Reference: flickr
For an odd but rewarding combination of hiking and science, head to Mount Tsukuba in the center of the prefecture. On the way up, visit the Tsukuba-san shrine to make offerings to the god of matchmaking and marital harmony. In the shadow of the mountain, the sprawling Tsukuba Science City is home to more than 200,000 researchers and students gathered together in the name of scientific discovery. Visit the Tsukuba Expo Center or the Tsukuba Space Center, and take a tour of the laboratories across the development.
Learn about the latest scientific developments at Tsukuba City
Reference: flickr
The breathtaking Fukuroda Falls in northernmost Ibaraki flow across tiered levels which transform with the seasons. There’s camping, fishing, hiking and hot springs in the surrounding region of Oto-Kuji too. Towards the coast, Oarai is an attractive beach resort that draws big crowds in the summer. There’s a little known car ferry service running from Oarai to Tomakomai in Hokkaido taking about nine hours – a route less travelled between Honshu and the wild northern island.
Access Train: Tsukuba Express（TX） Take the train to Kenkyu-gakuen station. Semi-rapid train from TX Akihabara station to Kenkyu-gakuen station (49 min.) ～1,100yen Semi-rapid train from TX Tsukuba station to Kenkyu-gakuen station (3 min.) 160yen 7-minute walk from the station Highway Bus: Tsukuba - Tokyo station line Take the bus bound for Tsukuba from Tokyo station Yaesu-minami exit, Bus stop No.5 (approx.75 min.) Take the TX from Tsukuba Station to Kenkyu-gakuen Station. (3 min.) 7-minute walk from the station. Fares : Bus 1,150yen TX 160yen Hotel: Booking here!!
