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Mito

Kairakuen - Mito-shi

Kairakuen is on of the "Three Celebrated Gardens of Japan." From late February at the start of the Plum Blossom Festival, some 3,000 plum strees of more than 100 varieties transform the garden with their millions of blossoming flowers. On your walks through the gardens, we also recommend that you visit Kobuntei, Togyokusen, and other sites of interest within. 0292-44-5454

Public Transportation: 20min by bus from Mito Station on the Joban Line.

Open April 1 - September 15 6:00 - 19:00. Closed Kobuntei December 29 - December 31.

Admission: Kobuntei Adult 190yen / Child 100yen.

Kodokan - Mito-shi

Kodokan was a school of the feudal domain of Mito established by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth feidal lord of the domain. Tokugawa founded the clan school to nurture competent and efficient men for the domain. The school motto was to achieve a "Harmonious balance between literary and military arts."

Public Transportation: 8min on foot from Mito Station on the Joban Line

The Museum of Modern Art, Ibaraki - Mito-shi

A small museum situated at a picturesque spot along the three-kilometer perimeter of Lake Senba. World-class artworks are shown in the many exhibits held each year, such as the sculptures of Auguste Rodin and the paintings of Renoir and Taikan Yokoyama. 0292-26-8600. http://www.edu/pref.ibaraki.jp/kinbi

Public Transportation: 15min on foot from Mito Station on the Joban Line.

Open 9:30 - 17:00. Closed Mondays (Open on Monday when it is a holiday, closed the following day)

Admission: Adult 300yen / Students 230yen / Elementary Students 170yen.

The Tokugawa Museum - Mito-shi

The museum exhibits precious treasures left by the Mito-Tokugawa family. Visitors can observe the artifacts cherished by successive feudal lords and their wives, as well as the texts and materials used to compile the Dai-Nihon-shi collection owned by the Shoko-kan Library, located on side. 0292-41-2721. http://www.tokugawa.gr.jp/

Public Transportation: 15min by bus from Mito Station on the Joban Line.

Open Tuesdays - Fridays 10:00 - 16:30. Weekends and holidays 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mondays (open when Monday is a holiday)

Admission: Adult 600yen / Student 300yen. Special exhibition: Adult 1,000yen / Student 500yen.

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Northern

Fukuroda Waterfalls - Daigo-machi

The Fukuroda Waterfalls are located at the upper stream of Taki River, a tributary of Kuji River. The sheer immensity of the falls, 120m in height and 73m in width, will surely flabbergast you. 0295-72-0285 (Daigo Town Tourist Society)

Public Transportation: 15min by bus or taxi from Fukuroda Station on the Suigun Line.

Open May - October 8:00-18:00 / November - April 9:00 - 17:00.

Admission: Adult 100yen / Child 50 yen.

Okukuji Cha-no-Sato Park - Daigo-machi

The facility introduces you to everything you need to know about Okukuji tea, a local specialty of the area. Tea-growing fields are spread throughout the park. Tea enthusiasts will also be entertained by the teahouse, exhibitions on the world of tea, tea-related products, and so on. 0295-78-0511

Public Transportation: 20min by bus or taxi from Hitachi Daigo Station on the Suigun Line.

Open 9:00 - 17:00. Closed Wednesdays, December 31, January 1.

Admission: Adult 300yen / Child 200yen.

Hitachi Kamine Park - Hitachi-shi

The park is located on the top of a hill commanding a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The park zoo and fairgrounds guarantee a good time for people of all ages. 0294-22-4737. http://www.hidecnet.ne.jp/~p-kamine/

Public Transportation: 10min by bus from Hitachi Station on the Joban Line.

Open March - October 9:00 - 17:00. Weekends and holidays - 9:00 - 17:30. November - February 9:30 - 16:30. Closed Mondays, (When Monday is a holiday, open Monday, closed Tuesday) December 29 - January 1.

Admission: Zoo - Adult 500yen / Child 100yen. Amusement Park - Adult 450yen / Child 200yen.

Okuhitachi-Kirara no Sato - Hitachi-shi

This is a place to visit for fun and thrilling encounters with nature. The 48 hectares of parklands are filled with a host of facinating attractions, including the longest slide in Japan. 0294-24-2424

Public Transportation: 30min by bus from Hitachi Station on the Joban Line.

Open April - November 9:00 - 17:00. December - March 9:00 - 16:00. Closed Mondays, December 29 - January 3.


Hitachi Seaside Park - Hitachinaka-shi

The facilities were created to bring the experience of ice to life, with Ice World, the ice rollercoaster, and much more. Visitors also have the chance to enjoy the flowers in the rose garden and narcissus field. 0292-65-9001

Public Transportation: About 6km from Katsuta Station on the Joban Line.

Open March 1 - July 20, September 1 - October 31 9:30 - 17:00. July 21 - August 31 9:30 - 18:00. November 1 to last day of February 9:30 - 16:30. Closed Mondays, December 31 - January 1.


Seizan-so - Hitachiota-shi

Mitsukuni Tokugawa, better known as "Komon-sama," spent ten years here after his retirement (from 1691 - 1701). The garden is carefully designed to manifest every subtle change of every season. 0294-72-1538. http://www.tokugawa.gr.jp/Seizan-so.htm

Public Transportation: 5min by car from Hitachi-Ota Station on the Suigun Line.

Open 9:00 - 16:30. Closed December 31 - January 1.


Glass Studio Silica - Kitaibaraki-shi

The studio is located on Akane-Daira, commanding a panoramic view of the Kita-Ibaraki City. Visitors can try to make their own creations such as drinking glasses, swizzle sticks, and so on. Even beginners are welcome to develop their glassblowing skills with the help of in-house craftspeople. 0293-42-3550.

Public Transportation: 20min by taxi from Isohara Station on the Joban Line.

Open 9:00 - 16:30. Closed the first and third Wednesday of every month.

Admission: Adult 300yen / Child 100eyen.

Noguchi Ujo Memorial Hall - Kitaibaraki-shi

The memorial hall is located next to the Historic Folklore Library. It exhibits numerous manuscripts and other articles left by the late Ujo Noguchi. Noguchi, a songwriter born in Kita-Ibaraki City, is famed for his composition of a nursery song, Nanatsu-no-Ko (Seven Children). 0293-43-4160.

Public Transportation: 10min on foot from Isohara Station on the Joban Line.

Open 9:00 - 16:30. Closed Mondays (when Monday is a holiday, open Monday and closed Tuesday).

Admission: Adult 300yen / Student 100yen.

Rokkakudo - Kitaibaraki-shi

Tenshin Okakura and Taikan Yokoyama, masters of Japanese paintings, are said to have spent time here listening to the sound of the Pacific Ocean waves. It was a place for them to explore their inner selves when they needed inspiration for a new creation. 0293-46-0766

Public Transportation: 15min by bus, 5min by taxi from Otsuko Station on the Joban Line.

Open April - October 9:30 - 17:00. November - march 9:30 - 16:30. Closed Mondays and days following holidays, December 29 - January 3.

Admission: 200yen.

Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art, Ibaraki - Kitaibaraki-shi

The museum is built to commemorate the great achievements of Tenshin Okakura, a pioneer of Japanese modern art. Inside, visitors can spend time with his works as well as works by other artists in Izura. 0293-46-5311. http://www.edu.pref.ibaraki.jp/

Public Transportation: 20min by bus from Otsuko Station on the Joban Line.

Open 9:30 - 17:00. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, open Monday and closed Tuesday), December 29 - January 1.

Admission: 180yen.

The Valley of Hanazono and the Hanazono Shrine - Kitaibaraki-shi

The Valley of Hanazono is a rare gem of nature, flourishing with rhododendron in the spring and yellowed maple leaves in the fall. 0293-43-9212 (Hanazono Shrine)

Getting there: 30min by car from the Kita-Ibaraki Interchange on the Joban Expressway.

Ibaraki Prefectural Botanical Garden - Naka-shi

The vast garden is divided into four sections: the flowering plants garden, the wild grass garden, the rose garden, and the tropical plants palace. You will surely appreciate the great variety of the plants grown. 0292-95-2150

Public Transportation: 10min by taxi from Urizura Station on the Suigun Line.

Open 9:00 - 16:30. Closed Mondays, (When Monday is a holiday, open Monday, closed Tuesday) December 29 to January 3.

Admission: Botanical Garden - 120yen / Tropical Plants Palace 400yen.

Satomi Stock Farm - Hitachiota-shi (Satomi)

The Satomi Stock Farm spreads across highlands 800m above sea level. The farm, one of the largest in the Kanto plains, is outfitted with barbecues, slides, athletic fields, an observatory, a windmill, and other attractions. 0294-82-4221. http://www.satomi-mura.net/

Getting there: 60min by car from the Naka Interchange of the Joban Expressway.

Ryujin Great Suspension Bridge - Hitachiota-shi (Suifu)

The bridge spans a distance of 375m over a valley of 100m. The primeval forests of the valley, opened up in full view below, manifest remarkably beautiful changes as the seasons change. 0294-85-1116. http://www.net-ibaraki.ne.jp/suifu/

Public Transportation: 40min by bus from Hitachi-Ota Station on the Suigun Line.

Open 8:30 - 17:00.

Admission: Adult 310yen / Child - Student 200yen.

Kotoku Pond - Naka-shi (Urizura)

Kotoku Pond is well-known nationwide as a destination for migrating swans. Every winter, people come from all across the country on swan-watching expeditions. On every given day, the number of swans will vary from 50 to 150. 0292-96-1111 (Urizura Town Office)

Public Transportation: 20min on foot from Urizura Station on the Suigun Line.

Paper-Making (Kami-no-Sato), Japanese Paper Museum - Omiya-shi (Yamagata)

People are facinated by the simplicity, durability, and beautiful texture of Nishi-no-uchi Japanese paper. Come to the paper making museum to experience the traditional craft of paper making and learn about paper making techniques passed down from generation to generation. 0295-57-2252. http://www6.gateway.ne.jp/~kamiya

Public Transportation: 5min on foot from Naka-Funyu Station on the Suigun Line.

Open 9:00 - 17:00. Closed Wednesdays (Open on Wednesday and closed on Thursday when Wednesday is a holiday), December 30 - January 1.


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Western

Toyoda Castle - Jousou-shi (Ishige)

Toyoda Castle, the identifiable landmark of Ishige Town, is open to the public all year round. Visitors to the castle can learn much about the culture and history of Ishige, Takashi Nagatsuka's (The poet, novelist of Ishige Town connection) achievement. From the observatory you will enjoy an excellent view of Kinu River and Mt. Tsukuba. 0297-42-0169. http://www.town.ishige.ibaraki.jp

Public Transportation: 10min on foot from Ishige Station on the Joso Line.

Open 9:00 - 16:30. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed Tuesday), end of December to beginning of January.


Koga City Museum of Literature - Koga-shi

Ibaraki Prefecture's first museum on literature. The collection includes valuable literary memorabilia of authors related to Koga City. One exhibit covers Michiko Nagai, the celebrated author of historical novels. The museum also functions as a center of the arts in general. 0280-21-1129. http://www.city.koga.ibaraki.jp/

Public Transportation: 10min on foot from Koga Station on the Utsonomiya Line.

Open 9:00 - 17:00. Closed Mondays, days following national holidays, the fourth Friday of every month, New Year's holiday from the end of December to the beginning of January.


The Tenkoku Art Museum - Koga-shi

The art of Tenkoku printing begins by inscribing a stone with characters from a Chinese poem in a calligraphy style known as Tensho. The letters are stamped on paper with vermilion ink, then admired by Tenkoku enthusiasts. This museum is the only one in the

world specializing in Tenkoku. Beginners are welcome to join Tenkoku workshops. 0280-22-5611. http://www.city.koga.ibaraki.jp/tenkoku/index.htm

Public Transportation: 7min on foot from Koga Station on the Utsonomiya Line.

Open 9:00 - 17:00. Closed Mondays, all days following national holidays, the fourth Friday of every month, December 25 - January 4.


Herb Harmony Garden - Jousou-shi (Mitsukaido)

The Herb Harmony Garden is a cluster of gardens, restaurants, shops, greenhouses, a bakery, and other facilities, all related to herbs. Visitors can visit the 264,000m2 garden for "flower picking" walks from early spring to November. 0297-38-2000. http://www.nat.pref.ibaraki.jp/

Public Transportation: 10min by taxi from Mitsukaido Station on the Joso Line.

Open 10:00 - 18:00.

Admission: Adult 520yen / High School or University Student 320yen / Elementary or Junior High School Student 100yen.

Hazan Itaya Memorial Hall - Chikusei-shi (Shimodate)

The hall was built to commemorate Hazan Itaya, Japan's first potter to win the Order of Cultural Merit. The hall is located at his birthplace, where his first house once stood. Works and other articles related to Itaya are also on exhibit at the hall. 0296-25-3830.

Public Transportation: 10min on foot from Shimodate Station on the Mito Line.

Open 9:30 - 16:30. Closed Mondays, December 28 - January 4.

Admission: Adult 500yen / High School Student 300yen / Elementary or Junior High School Student 100yen.

Navel Park - Koga-shi (Sowa)

The park has fishing ponds, athletic fields, an underground maze, a pony ranch and more. You can go there for barbeques, visit the Learning Center, or stay in one of the overnight cabins. 0280-92-7300.

Public Transportation: 15min by bus or taxi from Koga Station on the Utsonomiya Line.

Open 6:00 - 21:00.

Amabiki Kannon - Sakuragawa-shi (Yamato)

The Kannon is located halfway up Mt. Amabiki. It is said to give divine help to young mothers, easing their chores of child delivery and child raising. Many people trek up to the Kannon to seek help with their faith. 0296-58-5009. http://www.amabiki.or.jp/

Public Transportation: 15min by taxi from Iwase Station on the Mito Line.

Open 8:30 - 17:00.

Weaving Experience - Yuki-shi

Visitors to Tsumugi-no-sato are invited to weave their own drip pads and take them home. You can also experience aizome (dying cloth in deep blue). 0296-32-8002.

Public Transportation: 30min on foot from Yuki Station on the Mito Line.

Open 10:00 - 16:00.


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Eastern

Itako-Furusatokan - Itako-shi

"Itako Ujo," a virtual 3-D thriller, will give you a virtual experience of the nature and waterfront district of Itako. 0299-62-2336. http://www.net-ibaraki.ne.jp/itako

Public Transportation: 15min on foot from Itako Station on the Kashima Line.

Open January to April 10:00 - 16:00. May and June 9:00 - 21:00. July to December 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed Tuesday), December 28 - January 4.

Admission: Adult 400yen / Student 200yen.

Itako-Iris Festival - Itako-shi

The festival is held at three different party, each replete with irises in full bloom. You will see as many as one million irises from approximately 500 varieties. The flowers are white, purple, and yellow. 0299-63-0249.

Public Transportation: 3min on foot from Kashima Station on the Kashima Line.

Festival Dates: June 1 - June 30.

Blue Sonic - Kamisu-shi

Developed with the latest shipbuilding technologies, Blue Sonic is the first high speed, ocean going, pleasure boat ever built in Japan. Savor your hours within the luxurious cabins of the vessel as you cruise off the coast of Ibaraki. 0299-92-5551. http://www.sopia.or.jp/kfuto/

Public Transportation: Take the Kashima Jingu Super-Express Bus to Kashima Central Station.

Open 10:00 - 15:30. Closed Tuesdays.

Admission: Adult 1,500yen / Child 750yen.

Minato Park - Kamisu-shi

This seaside park has a 52m high observation tower built to commemorate the opening of Kashima Port. The salty breeze carried in from the shore rustles the leaves of some 8,000 trees, filling the park with the smell of the sea. 0299-92-5155.

Public Transportation: 15min by taxi from Kashima-Jingu Station on the Oarai-Kashima Line.

Open 8:30 - 17:00. Closed the first Wednesday of every month, December 29 - December 31.

Admission Adult 190yen / Child 100yen.

Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum - Kasama-shi

This is the first prefectural museum specializing in pottery in eastern Japan. It was founded under the dual themes of traditional crafts and contemporary plastic arts. Set within an unspoiled natural setting, it also holds the distinction of being the main building in the Kasama Geijutsu-no-mori Park. 0296-70-0011. http://www.edu.pref.ibaraki.jp/

Public Transportation: 5min by taxi from Kasama Station on the Mito Line.

Open 9:30 - 17:00. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed on Tuesday), December 29 - January 1.

Admission: 300yen.

Kasama Inari Jinja - Kasama-shi

Devoted to Ukanomitama-no-kami, the Kasama Inari Shrine is one of the three largest Inari shrines in Japan, having been awarded the ancient court rank of Senior First Grade. At present, the shrine is visited by more than 3.5million pilgrims each year. 0296-73-0001. http://www.kasama.or.jp/

Public Transportation: 5min by taxi or bus from Kasama Station on the Mito Line.

Kasama Nichido Museum of Art, Shunpu Banriso - Kasama-shi

The museum is famous for its collections of rare palette pictures and self portraits by painters. The annex was formerly the house of Rosanjin Kitaoki, a gentleman accomplished at pottery, cuisine, and numerous other arts. 0296-72-2160. http://www.nichido-garo.co.jp/museum

Public Transportation: 20min on foot from Kasama Station on the Mito Line.

Open 9:30 - 17:00. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed on Tuesday), New Year's Holiday from the end of December to the beginning of January.

Admission: Adult 1,000yen / University or High School Student 700yen / Elementary Student 500yen.

Craft Hills Kasama - Kasama-shi

Try your own hand at ceramics on your visit to Craft Hills Kasama. Even beginners can experience how to turn a potter's wheel or shape clay by special hand-twisting techniques under the guidance of expert potters. After you finish you can have your own works fired, glazed, and delivered to your home (postage paid separately). 0296-70-1313. http://www.kasama-crafthills.co.jp/

Public Transportation: 10min by bus from Kasama Station on the Mito Line.

Open 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mondays, New Year's Holiday from the end of December to the beginning of January.

Kashima Football Stadium - Kashima-shi

The stadium is the home of the Kashima Antlers, one of the dominant soccer teams in J-League, the Japanese professional soccer league. Visitors are welcome to enter the stadium and look around, provided no game is scheduled in the following days. 0299-84-6622.

Public Transportation: 15min by taxu from Kashima-Jingu Station on the Oarai-Kashima Line.

Open 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed Tuesday).

Kashima Shrine - Kashima-shi

This ancient shrine is said to date all the way back to 660 BC. The grounds outlying the shrine are remarkable for their immense Japanese cedars. The longest and oldest straight sword in Japan, a designated national treasure, is on display in the Treasure House. 0299-82-1209. http://www.bokuden.or.jp/~kashimaj/

Public Transportation: 7min on foot from Kashima Jingu Station on the Oarai-Kashima Line.

Open 9:00 - 16:00. Closed December 25.

Admission 300yen.

Shiosai-Hamanasu Park - Kashima-shi

In this magnificent park, you will find a huge slide (154m long) and a 6m high climbing wall with a rope. At the park observation deck you can enjoy the panoramic view in every direction. 0299-69-4411.

Public Transportation: 10min on foot from Chojagahama-Shiosai-Hamanasu-Koen-Mae Station on the Oarai-Kashima Line.

Open 9:00 - 16:30. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed Tuesday), end of December to beginning of January.

Admission: Adult 300yen / Child 200yen / Infant 100yen.

Oarai Aquarium - Oarai-machi

The aquarium keeps approximately 15,00 fish and more than 350 ocean and freshwater species. Aqua-performances with dolphins, penguins, and sea lions are also staged. 0292-67-5151. http://www.net-ibaraki.ne.jp/oaraiaqm/

Public Transportation: 15min by bus or taxi from Oarai Station on the Oarai-Kashima Line.


Admission: Adults 1,380yen / Students 660yen / Preschoolers 250yen.

Oarai Marine Tower - Oarai-machi

The tower stands a full 60m high. The observatory room at the top affords a good view of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Tsukuba. On very clear days, Mt. Fuji may come into view. 0292-66-3366.

Public Transportation: 15min on foot from Oarai Station on the Oarai-Kashima Line.

Open March - August 9:00 - 21:00. September - February 9:00 - 18:00. Closed December 28 - December 30.


Lake Kasumigaura Fureai Land - Namegata-shi (Tamatsukuri)

The park is modeled around the theme of "water." One can see water, touch and learn scientific facts about it. The many attractions include a 60m high Rainbow Tower and museum. 0299-55-3927. http://www.sopia.or.jp/fureai/index.html

Public Transportation: 4min by taxi from Tamatsukuri Station on the Kashima Railway (Transfer at Ishioka Station on the Joban Line).

Open 9:30 - 16:30. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed Tuesday), several days at the end of December.



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Southern

White Sail Boats - Namegata-shi, Kasumigaura-shi, Tsuchiura-shi

White Sail Boats called "hobikisen" are one of Kasumigaura's foremost cultural properties. Fishermen used these vessels from the Meiji period until 1965, when trawlers took over. Some of the vessels are still used to take tourists out on the water in the summer and fall.

Tamatsukuri Town Tourist Society - 0299-55-3061. Kasumigaura Town Tourist Society - 0298-97-1111. Tsuchiura City Tourist Society - 0298-24-2810.

Potiron no Mori - Inashiki-shi (Edosaki)

The vast site (some 270,000 square meters) is divided into eight areas, each with facilities that let visitors experience common activities of rural life in old Japan. In a single day you can harvest vegetables, make break and butter, go horseback riding, cook rice with a mess gear, ride a go-cart, and befriend animals. 0289-92-3911.

Public Transportation: 20min by toll-free shuttle bus from Ushiku Station on the Joban Line.

Open 9:00 - 18:00.


Warp Station Edo - Tsukubamirai-shi (Ina)

Visit Warp Station Edo to experience a masterfully simulated time trip to the Edo period. The homes are faithfully recreated to the very last detail, as are the samurai residences and the Edo-jo Otemon (the main gate of Edo Castle). Even the sounds of Edo, enhanced by the experience with virtual images, have been recreated. 0297-47-6000. http://www.wsedo.co.jp

Public Transportation: 25min on the direct bus from Toride Station on the Joban Line.



Hitachi Fudoki no Oka - Ishioka-shi

This waterfront park is ideal for appreciating the flowers in season. Visitors can trace back the past by visiting the ancient house reconstructed in the square by surveying the exhibits of archaeological finds excavated from the area, a former kokufu, or provincial capital.0299-23-3888. http://www.net-ibaraki.ne.jp/ishioka/

Public Transportation: 15min by bus or taxi from Ishioka Station on the Joban Line.

Open March to October 9:00 - 17:00/ November to February 9:00 - 16:00/ Closed Mondays (when Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed Tuesday), December 31 - January 1.


Tsukuba Tree Peony Garden - Tsukuba-shi (Kukizaki)

The 50,000 square meter garden has approximately 8,000 peonies, 6,000 shakuyaku (a cousin of the peony), and 80,000 lilies. In terms of sheer scale, this park outclasses all others in Japan. Great numbers of colorful flowers stay in bloom during the park's open seasons. 0298-76-3660.

Public Transportation: 20min by bus, 15min by taxi from Ushiku Station on the Joban Line.

Open April to June 9:00 - 17:00. November to February 10:00 - 16:00. Closed March, July to October, Wednesdays (except in January, February, and May).

Admission: April to June Adult 800yen / Students 300yen. November to February Adult 500yen / Students 200yen.

JRA Miho Training Center - Miho-mura

Approximately 2,200 racehorses in the Kanto area are trained in this vast, 2.2million km2 training ground. Events are held to furnish the opportunity to see these fascinating thoroughbreds' training for major annual races (please call and ask about events). 0298-85-2111. http://jra.go.jp

Public Transportation: 40min by bus from Tsuchiura Station on the Joban Line.

Fruit Picking - Ishioka-shi (Yasato), Kasumigaura-shi (Chiyoda), Tsuchiura-shi (Niihari)

Ibaraki Prefecture's mild climate has made fruit cultivation one of its major industries. The prefecture has numerous orchards for sightseeing where you can pick fruit from the trees and enjoy the taste year round.

Inquiries: Yasato Town Tourist Fruit Tree Association: 0299-43-1111. Chiyoda Town Fruit Tree Tourist Society: 0299-59-2116. Nihari Village Tourist Society: 0298-62-1002.

Kijo Park - Tsuchiura-shi

The park is on the site of the ancient Tsuchiura Castle in the heart of Tsuchiura City. The castle's honmaru (donjon) and ninomaru (second donjon) were renovated and converted into a park. The main turret, a structure of great historical importance, has been preserved in its original form. Currently, the east and west turrets are also being restored to their original state. 0298-26-1111 (Tsuchiura Municipal Office). http://tutiura.727.net

Public Transportation: 10min on foot from Tsuchiura Station on the Joban Line.

Tsuchiura National Fireworks Festival and Competition - Tsuchiura-shi

The history of the firework festival in Tsuchiura dates back to 1925. Pyrotechnists from all over Japan come to Tsuchiura each fall to compete for prestigious awards. A dazzling myriad of lights, colors, and sounds emblazons the nighttime sky of Tsuchiura.0298-26-1111. http://tutiura.727.net

Public Transportation: 20min on foot or 7min by special buses from Tsuchiura Station on the Joban Line.

Open 18:00 - 20:30. First Saturday of October.

Geological Museum - Tsukuba-shi

The museum exhibits rarities such as a skeleton (replica) of Desmostylus, a mammal that inhabited the earth some 16million years ago during the Miocene Epoch in the Third Period. A visit to this historic museum will bring a new perspective on the "present" earth in which you live. 0298-61-3750. http://www.aist.go.jp/GSJ/cGM/museHP.html

Public Transportation: 20min by bus, 15min by taxi from Arawaoki Station on the Joban Line.

Open 9:30 - 16:30. Closed Sundays, holidays, and the first, third, and fifth Saturday of every month, December 28 - January 3.

Mount Tsukuba - Tsukuba-shi

Mt. Tsukuba, or "Mt. Tsukuba of the East," is a prodigious mountain of Kanto, second only to the world-famous "Mt. Fuji of the West." You can enjoy a full panoramic view of the Kanto plains from the top of Mt. Tsukuba, some 876m above sea level. 0298-36-1111 (Tsukuba Municipal Office. http://qwww.net-ibaraki.jp/tsukuba/

Getting There: Car 30min from the Joban Expressway Tsuchiura-Kita Interchange / Local Bus 50min from Tsuchiura Station on the Kanto railroad bus bound for Tsukuba Station. Get off at the last stop and transfer to the bus for Tsutsujigaoka (runs from April to November only). 25min to the last stop. / Bus from Tokyo Station 1hour 40min on the New Tsukubane Super-Express.

The Science Museum of Maps and Survey - Tsukuba-shi

The museum exhibits items concerning the principles and history of maps and land surveying. It also presents advanced technologies and future prospects in the world of cartography and land surveying. By placing yourself on the terrestrial globe (1:200,000) and the Earth Square, you will get the true-to-life feeling that the earth is indisputably round. 0298-64-6255. http://www.gsi.go.jp/MUSEUM/

Public Transportation: 40min by bus or taxi from Arakawaoki Station on the Joban Line.

Open 9:30 - 16:30. Closed Sundays, national holidays (open on national holidays that fall on the second and fourth Saturday of the month), the first, third, and fifth Saturday of every month, December 29 - January 3.

Tsukuba Botanical Garden, Research Center, Science Museum - Tsukuba-shi

Learn about the ecology of plants and witness their forms in their natural state. A visit to the garden will teach you a great deal about botany and many of the plants and herbs used in everyday life. 0298-51-5159. http://www.tbg.kahaku.go.jp/

Public Transportation: 30min by bus from Tsuchiura Station on the Joban Line.

Open 9:00 - 16:30. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed Tuesday.)


Tsukuba Expo Center - Tsukuba-shi

The facility has one of the largest planetariums in the world. Visitors can explore the state of the art technologies used in space development projects, deep sea searches, among other things.0298-58-1100. http://www.expocenter.or.jp

Public Transportation: 25min by bus, 15min by taxi from Tsuchiura Station on the Joban Line.

Open March to November 10:00 - 17:00. December to February 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed Tuesday), the last Tuesday of every month, occasional unscheduled holidays.

Admission: Planetarium Adult 1,000yen / Child 500yen. Entrance only Adult 400yen / Child 200yen.

Tsukuba Space Center NASDA - Tsukuba-shi

NASDA plays a crucial role in research and development of satellites and rockets. Experimental prototypes of satellites and rockets developed in the past stand on display in the exhibition rooms, together with a full-size model of the Kibo (Hope), the Japanese prototype module for the International Space Station. 0298-52-2284. http://www.nasda.go.jp

Public Transportation: 20min by bus or taxi from Arakawaoki Station on the Joban Line.

Open 10:00 - 16:00. Guided tours available on weekdays (reservations are necessary).

Chateau Kamiya - Ushiku-shi

The building is the first winery ever built in Japan (1903). Facilities include: a library, restaurant, barbecue, kiosk, chapel, bakery, and a wine cellar. 0298-73-3151. http://www.rakuten.co.jp/chateau-kamiya

Public Transportation: 8min on foot from Ushiku Station on the Joban Line.

Open Library 10:00 - 16:00. Restaurant 11:30 - 21:00. Kiosk, Bakery 10:00 - 18:00. Closed December 29 to January 2.

Ushiku Daibutsu - Ushiku-shi

Ushiku Daibutsu is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest Buddha statue in the world, towering a full 120m into the sky. The elevator will take you up a good part of this supremely tall statue (85m above ground level). 0298-89-2931. http://www.iijnet.or.jp/am/

Public Transportation: 15min by taxi, 30min by bus from Ushiku Station on the Joban Line.

Open March to September weekdays 9:30 - 17:00. Weekends, national holidays 9:30 - 17:30. October to February 9:30 - 16:30.

Admission: April to November Adult 800yen / Child 400yen. December to March Adult 700yen / Child 400yen.

Ibaraki Prefectural Flower Park - Ishioka-shi (Yasato)

The park is about 30ha in size, and is a vast paradise of flowers and greenery. Some 30,000 roses of 500 varieties from around the world are planted in the park, with a dabbling of some 3,500 peonies mixed in for color. Another 3,000 tropical flowering plants are cultivated in the Grand Greenhouse. 0299-42-4111. http://flowerpark.or.jp

Public Transportation: 30min by bus, 20min by taxi from Ishioka Station on the Joban Line.

Open March to November 9:00 - 17:00. December to February 9:00 - 16:00. Closed Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, opened Monday and closed on Tuesday).


Placio de la Guitarra - Ishioka-shi (Yasato)

The hall exhibits 70 exquisite guitars, including the renowned Torres Guitars, most notably the A. Torres, lovingly played by F. Tarrega. It is a sanctuary of the instrument, and a good place to learn the history of the Spanish guitar.0299-46-2457. http://www5.ocn.ne.jp/~guitarra/

Public Transportation: 10min by bus or taxi from Hatori Station on the Joban Line.

Open 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Monday to Friday.


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