8 minute read
#47 : Ibaraki
The Most Underrated Prefecture
Noelle Uba (Ibaraki)
Every year, Japan’s Brand Research Institute releases a survey asking respondents to rank all 47 prefectures based on different attributes such as nature, local products and living comfort, all gathered as points tallied up for general “attractiveness.” This year, Ibaraki has once again found itself at the bottom of this list for the eighth year.
I’ve lived in Ibaraki for a little over two years now and it’s become such a special place to me, so it was a bit disheartening to see it ranked as the “least attractive” prefecture. However, I think this result just shows that there are too many people who are uninformed about all the wonderful things Ibaraki has to offer!
Along the eastern coast, Ibaraki is located in the Kanto region, about an hour north of Tokyo. Ibaraki is accessible by various train lines and highways, so it is possible to explore the prefecture with or without a car. Whether you want to take a day trip or spend some time exploring the prefecture, here are some ideas to get you started on your discovery of all the regions of the most underrated prefecture in Japan!
Northern Region
Fukuroda Falls
Located in Daigo City, Fukuroda Falls is one of Japan’s top waterfalls. If you visit during the colder months, you will be lucky enough to see the waterfall frozen over and illuminated. You can get there quickly by taking a local bus from Fukuroda Station, which is about an hour’s ride from Mito. Although the waterfall is Daigo’s main attraction, I highly recommend reserving time for apple picking. A popular spot is Fujita Apple Farm, but Daigo has plenty of local orchards to choose from as well. Last fall, after stopping by a small orchard there with my friends, we not only had a big bag of apples to take home, but also delicious turnovers. After a long day outside, you can finish your day by a small detour to a close-by onsen in the area. Is there anything better than soaking in a nice onsen after a chilly day?
Ryujin Suspension Bridge
As one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the country, the Ryujin suspension bridge is 375m long and stands 100m tall. Located a bus ride away from Hitachiota Station, the lovely blue bridge offers a stunning view of the gorge below. I’m definitely too scared of heights to try it out, but if you’re feeling brave, you can try bungy jumping off the side! One of the most popular seasons to visit is autumn, when you can see all the trees below changing colors. My friends also recommend visiting during springtime for the famous Ryujinkyo Koinobori Festival, where 1,000 colorful koi flags are on display.
Southern Region
Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu is probably the most well-known tourist attraction in Ibaraki. About half an hour’s bus ride from Ushiku Station, Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the tallest statues in the world, standing at 120m. You really have to see it in person to truly understand how massive this statue is! Visitors can head inside and explore four different floors. My favorite was the third floor, where the walls are lined with thousands of small golden Buddha statues. Although you can’t go to the head, there’s an observation floor at 89m, and you can peek out of the Buddha’s chest! The surrounding park is also lovely and is a unique hanami spot.
If you are in the mood for some shopping, Ami Premium Outlet is a short bus ride away. Styled exactly like a typical American outdoor mall, it’s a surprising find in Ibaraki. I felt like I was transported back home to California.
Mount Tsukuba
Hiking Mount Tsukuba was one of the first things I did after I arrived in Ibaraki, so this spot is very sentimental to me. Mount Tsukuba is known for its iconic double peaks and offers a gorgeous view of the Kanto plains. The mountain is easily accessible from Tsukuba Station on a direct bus. Even though I am a very inexperienced hiker, I was able to make it to the top in about an hour and a half, which made the experience even more rewarding! At the bottom of the mountain, check out Tsukuba-san Jinja. As you head up, the trail is dotted with small shrines and power spots. If you’re not interested in hiking and just want to enjoy the view, you can always take the ropeway or cable car!
Lake Kasumigaura
The second largest lake in Japan, Lake Kasumigaura, stretches over several cities in Ibaraki. If you stop by Tsuchiura station, you can take a boat cruise around the lake and check out the hobikibune, traditional Japanese fishing boats that are unique to Kasumigaura. The boats look striking with their wide, white sails against the water. If you are looking to explore more of the area and are an avid cyclist, there is also
Ring Ring Road, a cycling course that goes around the entire lake.
Central Region
Oarai and Beaches
Oarai is a seaside town known for its popular aquarium, seafood, and beaches. In fact, Ibaraki has a number of amazing beaches to choose from! One of my friends has taken many fellow JETs on surfing trips, and she believes the beaches here are the most underrated aspects of the prefecture. If you’re looking for a summer spot, take the Oarai-Kashima Line from Mito, and check out one of these beaches: Kujihama, Kawarago, Sun Beach, or Ajigaura. If you visit Oarai Sun Beach, make sure to visit Isosaki Shrine, which has a beautiful torii gate right by the water.
Kairakuen
One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kairakuen, is located in the capital city of Mito and is easily reached by bus. I’ve been told by a friend who has visited all three that Kairakuen is the most beautiful (Not to be biased!). Translating to “garden to be enjoyed with others,” it is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day with friends and loved ones. The garden is busiest in late February during the Ume Matsuri, where visitors can enjoy 3,000 plum trees in bloom as well as some local umeshu. I was lucky to be able to see the Borderless exhibit hosted there this year, and even at night, the garden looked beautiful!
Kasama
Kasama is a small city, about 35 minutes from the capital, that is famous for its unique pottery called Kasama-yaki. At Kasama Craft Hills, I had the opportunity to take a beginner pottery class and make a bowl. I had a wonderful experience and the staff were very patient, even with inexperienced potters. The workers will fire and glaze your piece, then mail it to you once it’s ready. After class, you can explore the Ibaraki Ceramic Arts Museum which houses an impressive collection of original works.
If you're looking for souvenirs, there is an abundance of high-quality, locally-made ceramic goods available for purchase! After a fun, pottery-filled day, don’t forget to stop by Kasama Inari Jinja, one of the three largest Inari Okami shrines in Japan.
Western Region
Yuki-tsumugi
Interested in traditional Japanese crafts? Yuki is famous for their silk, which has been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. If you take the train to Yuki Station, you can walk over to the Yuki City Gallery of Traditional Arts and Crafts to learn more about the intensive traditional process still done by hand. You can rent a kimono and even join a workshop to try your hand at making yuki-tsumugi. Aside from their famous silk, Yuki is also home to several distilleries, where you can sample and buy sake directly. Koga Lantern Festival
Koga Lantern Festival
Koga was historically a castle town, giving it an oldworld feeling. During the first Saturday of December, the city hosts the Koga Lantern Saomomi Festival, right next to Koga Station. This unusual festival involves groups of people carrying extremely tall bamboo poles, with a lantern attached at the top.
Groups gather around and attempt to extinguish their rivals’ lanterns. Due to the pandemic, I have not had the chance to attend this festival myself, but friends give it a high recommendation! Keep an eye out for next year’s festival!
Southeastern Region - Rokko
Kashima
Kashima is home to two popular tourist spots: Kashima Jingu and Kashima Stadium. Kashima Jingu is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is known for its deep connection to martial arts. I was able to visit the shrine with my family, and it was beautiful. Similar to shrines in Nara, Kashima Jingu also has a small deer enclosure. If you’re a sports fan visiting the area, check out a soccer game at Kashima Stadium! The local home team, the Kashima Antlers, are one of the top teams in the country.
Suigo Itako Ayame Festival
Itako is a small town known for the annual Ayame (Iris) Festival taking place in late May to early June. Located a short walk away from Itako station, you will be able to see rows of yellow, white, and purple iris flowers blooming by the riverbank. The festival also has a special tradition for engaged couples, where the bride is brought downstream in a boat to meet her fiance. I lived in Itako during my first year on JET, and everyone in the town always looks forward to it!
Namegata Farmer’s Village
A bus ride away from the Suigo Itako terminal, Namegata Farmer’s Village has a number of facilities that make it an ideal spot for fruit picking, barbecuing, and glamping. Come to Namegata Farmer’s Village to experience the best parts of the countryside. One of the things I miss the most about living in the countryside is that you are actually able to see the stars at night. Early into my stay in Ibaraki, my host family took me to Namegata for a day trip before I headed back to Itako. I have so many fond memories of exploring the Sweet Potato Museum with them and getting to enjoy all the delicious local produce.
I hope that, with this information, you can see that the attractiveness ranking is not what defines Ibaraki and have had a glimpse of some of the wonderful things we have here. No matter what region you’re in, you’ll find something that makes your visit memorable.
Noelle is a third-year Ibaraki JET. She loves crafting, collecting knick knacks, and watching horror movies.