2025 Mito Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

📍Howaen 13-19 Matsumoto-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture 《Access》 Bus stop: Howaen Iriguchi/About 3 minutes on foot from Ibaraki Kotsu ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ A garden adjacent to Daihi-san Howain Keiganji Temple It is said that Tokugawa Mitsukuni loved the temple garden so much that he named it "Howaen." Nowadays, in early summer, about 6,000 plants of about 100 species bloom and compete with each other. Hydrangeas float on Myojogaike Pond, making it a great spot for taking photos with the fountain. It's a "pond-center strolling garden" that you can walk around in a circle, so it's recommended to enjoy it while taking a leisurely stroll. A photo contest and collaborative sweets were also held. #Ibaraki #Mito #Hydrangea Festival #Hydrangea #Walking Garden #Photo Spot #0 Yen Trip

One of Japan's three great gardens, Kairakuen, has been hosting the Plum Festival since February 11. Thanks to the warmth of March, the plum blossoms are nearly in full bloom. Many people have also visited Senba Lake and Senba Park, which are adjacent to Kairakuen. The plum blossoms have a very pleasant fragrance, making you feel that spring is just around the corner. Although it snowed on March 3, it seems that the scenic beauty could still be enjoyed. Since Senba Lake has a circumference of 3 km, it might be nice to take a walk around it.

A Winter Rhapsody at Senba Lake Stepping into Senba Park in Mito, Japan, is like walking into a winter symphony composed by nature itself. Senba Lake is the soul of this performance. In December, time seems to speed up. By 4 pm, the dusk is already spreading. I rush out of the camera shop, as if heading to a time-limited feast, and make my way to Senba Lake. Senba Park is next to Kairakuen, but it has a completely different vibe. It's not a quiet lullaby, but a lively march. Walking along the winding path to the lake, I see energetic walkers everywhere. Some are in groups, their laughter echoing in the air; others walk alone, their steps light, perfectly in sync with the rhythm of winter. Finally, Senba Lake comes into view. It's not cherry blossom season, but the lake still amazes me with its vibrant beauty. The lake surface glows golden in the setting sun, not with gentle golden specks, but with countless dancing notes, playing an exhilarating melody. The water seems alive, with ripples chasing each other like a joyful race. The pavilions and towers by the lake stand like loyal listeners, witnessing every moment of Senba Lake's joy. The distant mountains form a natural backdrop, adding depth and mystery to this winter rhapsody. I stroll along Senba Lake, the cold wind like a playful musician, occasionally playing a high note, brushing my cheeks with a chill, yet making me more awake and immersed in this unique atmosphere. Every step is in tune with the dynamic melody, every breath mingles with the lake's scent. At Senba Lake, I feel the unique passion and vitality of winter. This trip to Mito, the melody of Senba Lake will forever echo in my memory, becoming the most unique symphony of my journey.

Do you know this place? ? I'm r e i n a, and I search for photogenic places while traveling 📷 This time, I'd like to introduce a very stylish cafe I found in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It's called "Kasho Niitsuma Hanare". It's a cafe where you can spend a relaxing time in a quiet, modern Japanese space that is irresistible for Japanese sweets lovers 🍰 The interior of the store is based on plain wood, and it's a stylish, modern Japanese space that seems to have jumped out of an interior magazine. There are counter seats, table seats, and tatami seats, so you can relax in any seat. Seasonal high-quality sweets and light meals are also served, and there are a variety of beautiful Japanese sweets that are a feast for the eyes 🍡🌿 I ordered a set of anmitsu and tea tasting 🍵 Takeout is also available, so you can enjoy it at home. Please come to "Kasho Niitsuma Hanare" and enjoy the charm of Japanese sweets to the fullest🌸 📍Address: 2160-3 Horimachi, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture 🕒Business hours: 9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30) 📅Closed: Mondays (occasionally closed) #Domestic travel record #Ibaraki sightseeing #Ibaraki trip #Ibaraki gourmet #Ibaraki cafe

1-1-1 Miyamachi, Mito City, Mito Station Building 029-297-7179 Business hours: 10:00-22:00 Ibaraki Prefecture is said to have many sake breweries in the Kanto region, and there is a local sake bar in the Mito Station building that has sake from all over Ibaraki Prefecture. You can drink one cup for just ¥300. The map of Ibaraki Prefecture has a map of the sake breweries and the manufacturing process, so it's easy to understand. I personally recommend Tsukinoi Sake Brewery. I recommend it before or after sightseeing. #Mito #Ibaraki #Sake #SakeBar

Decided to head to Kairakuen so we drove and parked next to the park. It was a lovely day, sunny and windy. Lovely swan posing elegantly next to the cherry blossom tree. During the season, all you need to do is just find a park and walk in, you will find yourself surrounded by lovely flowers. Anyway it was until the very end of the walk that we realized we have not entered the Kairakuen which requires entrance fee. We have thought the park that we walked was Kairakuen. 😅 Blur me who did not do the research well. Hoping I will get another chance to visit Japan in the cherry blossom season and go back to Kairakuen!#japan

Mito Plaza Hotel . . An antique hotel with a city feel, like a European guest house. Enjoy afternoon tea and a hotel stay at Mito Plaza Hotel 🍰☕️ . We had afternoon tea in a lovely courtyard filled with greenery ♡ It's a covered greenhouse, so it's great that you can enjoy it regardless of the weather or season. The space is just too comfortable...! . When we visited, it was just the beginning of spring, so the menu was centered around strawberries 🍓 We recommend visiting on an empty stomach 🤤◎ #luxuryhotel #hotelroyalpark

A trip to Ibaraki for gourmet food and scenic spots 🌱 Kairakuen, famous for its plum blossoms, and cafes 🌸☕️ . Kairakuen, the pride of Ibaraki Prefecture, is famous for its plum blossoms. It was a while ago, but it was in full bloom and it was so beautiful!! We went into the plum garden and took pictures and walked around surrounded by plum blossoms. 📸 . After getting tired from walking, we went to the cafe inside Kairakuen! The sweets served in mortars were so delicious 🤤 The classic tiramisu and something that gave us a Japanese and spring feeling. We enjoyed the look of it too ♡ #hotelroyalpark#photogenic spot

Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Staying at the Mito Plaza Hotel. Introducing a wonderful room!!! The bathroom was also very nice♡ A stylish space that makes you want to take a mirror selfie. There were plenty of amenities, which was helpful. I recommend taking a long soak in the bathtub. #hotelroyalpark #luxuryhotel

Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. I found a wonderful hotel! Mito Plaza Hotel. It's a place reminiscent of Taisho era romance, like a guest house in the forest. When you step inside, it's like a different world. It was a wonderful place with lots of photo spots. #luxuryhotel#hotelroyalpark

Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. I stayed at the Mito Plaza Hotel. It was a wonderful hotel, so I'd like to introduce the room! The room had a calm atmosphere. It was Western-style and elegant!! The bed was fluffy and extremely comfortable!! For dinner, I had the hotel's special bento box. #luxuryhotel#hotelroyalpark

TeamLab has decorated Kairakuen Garden. It's a fantastical world that both adults and children can enjoy. I think you can view it all in about an hour.

I went to the Mito Plum Festival at Kairakuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. ✨ The Plum Festival is an early spring event held every year from mid-February to late March at Kairakuen and Kodokan. It was mid-March, so the plum blossoms were in full bloom, the weather was good, and it was crowded with tourists! There are about 100 kinds of 3,000 plum trees planted, and the plum blossoms in various colors were blooming, which was very beautiful. 💕 There were also many food stalls at the entrance to the garden, so I was able to enjoy a festival atmosphere for the first time in a while. ♫ 📍1-6-29 Sannomaru, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture #IbarakiTourism #PlumBlossoms #AmazingView

On a clear day, you can see Mount Tsukuba. You can also get a full view of Kairakuen. The view is great and it's free. There are students studying, so it's best to refrain from talking loudly. There are vending machines, chairs, and separate restrooms for men and women, so it's great that even people with bad legs won't have any trouble. #Amazing view

One of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan" along with Kanazawa's Kenrakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. It is a very large Japanese garden, about the size of 64 Tokyo Domes. The busiest time of the year is the "Mito Plum Festival" season from mid-February to late March. 🌸 About 100 kinds of 3,000 plum trees are planted, and the beauty of the pink is a must-see. ♪ Apart from the plum season, we also recommend the magnificent Japanese house "Kobuntei" and the place of literary and martial arts training "Kobunkan"! 📍1-1251 Mikawa, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture #flowerviewing #plumgarden #Ibarakitourism #girlstrip #trip2022

Address: 2-1-15 Midoricho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0034 Atmosphere/Facilities: Early November was a little early for the autumn leaves, but the green and yellow ginkgo trees were beautiful! I'd like to go next year when they're even yellower☺️ It's located near Kairakuen and Tokiwa Shrine! It's a lovely row of ginkgo trees, so please be sure to stop by😸 #ginkgo #shrine #autumn leaves

Address: 2-1-15 Midoricho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0034 Atmosphere/Facilities: The bamboo was lovely, like that of Arashiyama in Kyoto! It was a rare opportunity to take a walk while enjoying the calming atmosphere! From Kairakuen, you can see Senba Park and Senba Lake! This is a view that can only be seen here, so please come and visit 🦢 #Shrine #Autumn leaves

Address: 1-1251 Mikawa, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 310-0912 Atmosphere/Facilities: If you go to Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this is a place you should definitely visit! The plum blossoms are not in bloom in autumn and winter, but the picturesque scenery is soothing! It is especially recommended during the plum and cherry blossom seasons! It is a great walking course! The entrance fee was 300 yen 🍁 Tokiwa Shrine is right next door!! The air was clear!! #Shrine #Autumn leaves

Address: 1-2-1 Mikawa, Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture Atmosphere/Facilities: This shrine is right next to Senba Park! The Chrysanthemum Festival was held at this time, so I was soothed by the many chrysanthemums! The autumn leaves were beautiful and it was the perfect place for a walk! You can also get a goshuin (stamp), so be sure to bring your goshuin book! If you go to Mito, be sure to stop by 🍁🍁 #Shrine #Autumn leaves

Address: 8-18 Kyoei-cho, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0043 Atmosphere/Facilities: The interior had a beautiful and stylish atmosphere with sunlight filtering through the trees! You could choose two types of bread from several available! I chose French bread and whole wheat bread! They were all delicious and I was very satisfied!! If you're visiting Ibaraki, be sure to stop by! #cafe#retro streetscape

Address: 2160-3 Horimachi, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 310-0903 Atmosphere/Facilities: The interior of the store is decorated with precious wood, creating a relaxing atmosphere! There is a wide variety of Japanese sweets, and they are just the right amount of sweet and delicious! They go perfectly with matcha!! If you visit Mito, please stop by! 😸 #cafe#retro streetscape

[Leisurely Japanese Stroll | Lake Mito Chiba] #I miss my leisurely days in Japan Mito City is not believed to be a popular tourist attraction, but sometimes go to these places. It is a good choice to feel the local atmosphere. There is a big shopping mall right outside Mito Station. After walking around the shopping mall, you can also visit the famous local attraction, Lake Chiba. Lake Chibo is about 3 kilometers long, the lake is in the shape of a gourd, and there are many different animals on the lake. You can also row a boat and ride a jet ski. Many people jogged around the lake. It is recommended to come in the afternoon. It's a good half-day trip to take photos while walking here and watch the carp #I miss #picnic spots

This time I went to Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture! Mito is famous for Kairakuen Garden. Kairakuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, along with Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa and Korakuen Garden in Okayama. Kairakuen Garden was built by Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth lord of the Mito Domain. Everyone knows Mito Komon. Kairakuen Garden is very famous for its plum blossoms, and since the best time to see them has passed, I recommend going next year when they are in their best condition. You can also enter Kobuntei. The view from Kobuntei was also very nice! It is a 30-minute walk from JR Joban Line Mito Station, and when there are events, the temporary Kairakuen Station is open, so it is about a 5-minute walk from Kairakuen Station. #Ibaraki #Mito

There are many wonderful places around Mito Station. Among them, Kairakuen, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, is well worth seeing. If you visit in the fall, the autumn leaves are spectacular!! Lake Senba is also lovely. #Couple trip #Historic site

#summervacay Escape the crowds and discover Ibaraki’s stunning nature, art, and coastal charm—just 1-2 hours from Tokyo! Here’s your ultimate summer guide: --- ### **🌞 Must-Visit Spots** 1. **Hitachi Seaside Park** - Summer brings **blue nemophila** (April-May) and **kochia bushes** (turning fiery red by Sept). Rent a bike and cruise through flower fields! - *Pro Tip:* Visit **Miharashi Hill** for panoramic ocean views. 2. **Oarai Isosaki Shrine** - Walk through the iconic **torii gate perched on ocean rocks**—feels like a scene from *Shinto legends*! Best at sunrise. 3. **Kairakuen Garden (Mito)** - One of Japan’s **Top 3 Gardens**, with summer hydrangeas and bamboo groves. Try **Mito’s famous natto** (fermented soybeans) nearby! 4. **Fukuroda Falls** - A majestic **four-tiered waterfall** surrounded by lush greenery—cool off in the mist! 5. **Mount Tsukuba** - Hike or take the **cable car** for sunset views over the Kanto Plain. --- ### **🎨 Quirky & Cool** - **TeamLab Borderless: Resonating Life in the Forest** (Shimotsuma) - An immersive digital art experience in a forest—magical after dark! - **Ushiku Daibutsu** - Stand at the feet of the world’s tallest bronze Buddha statue (120m!). --- ### **🍉 Summer Treats** - **Ibaraki Melons** (Juicy and sweet—try them at roadside stands!) - **Anko (red bean) soft serve** at Kasama’s cafes. --- ### **🚆 Getting There from Tokyo** - **By Train:** - **Hitachi Seaside Park:** Take JR Limited Express "Hitachi" from Ueno Station (~75 mins). - **Mito (Kairakuen):** JR Joban Line from Tokyo Station (~65 mins). - **By Car:** Rent a car for flexibility (great coastal drives!). --- ### **💡 Pro Tips** - **Avoid weekends** for popular spots like Hitachi Park. - Pack a **light jacket**—Ibaraki’s coasts can be windy! **Ready for an off-the-beaten-path summer?** Ibaraki awaits! 🌸🚅

Komodo Island • Attractions: Komodo National Park to see Komodo dragons; Padar Island's summit offers panoramic views of tri-colored bays; Pink Beach is one of the world's rare natural pink sand beaches; Manta Point is ideal for snorkeling with giant manta rays; Kanawa Island features crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, with coral reefs and clownfish visible while snorkeling. • Itinerary: Suggested 4-day/3-night trip. Day 1: Fly to Labuan Bajo, check into a seaside homestay, and enjoy a sunset seafood feast. Day 2: Boat tour to Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Komodo Island. Day 3: Snorkel at Manta Point, relax at Kanawa Island, overnight on boat. Day 4: Visit Labuan Bajo fish market before departure. • Accommodation: Homestays and resorts ranging from ¥300-800/night, such as TA’AKTANA Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Labuan Bajo or Plataran Komodo Beach Resort. • Tips: Strong UV rays require sun protection; maintain safe distance from Komodo dragons with guides; best visited April-October, avoiding rainy season (January-March). Mui Ne • Attractions: Mui Ne Fishing Village for fishing scenes, seafood, and sunsets; Fairy Stream for barefoot wading through red sand dunes and karst formations; Red Sand Dunes for sandboarding with ocean views; White Sand Dunes for ATV rides and photogenic coastal roads. • Accommodation: Centara Mirage Resort (family-friendly); Anantara Mui Ne Resort (Instagrammable); Mia Mui Ne Resort (great value). • Activities: DIY tours with private car hire for half/full-day itineraries. Post-sightseeing, try deep-tissue spa treatments at Rose Spa & Massage or Aloe Spa & Massage. Ibaraki • Attractions: Mito City's historical sites (Kairakuen Garden, Kodokan School, Tokiwa Shrine); Oarai's iconic Oarai Isosaki Shrine, Aqua World aquarium, and coastline. Don’t miss Nakaminato Fish Market for fresh seafood and Hitachi Seaside Park’s seasonal flower fields. • Itinerary: Day 1 – Arrive at Mito Station, visit Tokiwa Shrine/Kairakuen/Kodokan/Mito Museum, stay nearby. Day 2 – Explore Oarai’s shrine, aquarium, and coast before returning to Mito. • Food: Ibaraki rice-based teishoku meals, soba noodles, natto dishes; Oarai’s seafood donburi and grilled fish sets. • Lodging: Convenient JR-EAST Hotel Mets Mito near the station; Hotel Grand View Tsukuba with hot springs and JR Tsuchiura Station access.

Pre-trip Preparation - Visa: Prepare personal information, employment certificate, financial proof, and other materials to apply for a Japanese tourist visa. - Flights: Book round-trip tickets in advance. You can fly to Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo, then travel to Ibaraki. - Others: Prepare Japanese yen in cash, exchange an international data SIM card or rent a portable Wi-Fi, and download useful apps like Google Maps. Recommended Attractions - Natural Scenery - Hitachi Seaside Park: Features vast fields of nemophila, tulips, and rapeseed flowers, along with magnificent ocean views—perfect for strolling and picnics.  - Mount Tsukuba: Standing at 877 meters, you can hike or take a cable car to enjoy the natural scenery and surrounding views while experiencing the joy of mountain climbing.  - Okukuji Park: Rich in vegetation with waterfalls and valleys, ideal for camping, hiking, and fishing, allowing you to immerse in nature's beauty.  - Historical & Cultural Sites - Kairakuen Garden: One of Japan's Three Great Gardens, home to over 3,000 plum trees. During the Mito Plum Festival, the blooming plums create a breathtaking sight.  - Mito Castle: Built in the 13th century, it was once an important military fortress. Some structures have been restored, offering insights into Edo-period history.  - Kasama Inari Shrine: Established around the mid-7th century, it enshrines the deity Inari. The shrine features exquisite architecture with carvings of dragons and peonies on its walls.  - Science & Education - Tsukuba Space Center: The headquarters of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), featuring space exhibitions, real spacecraft displays, and simulation activities.  - Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History: Showcases art and crafts from prehistoric times to the modern era, providing a glimpse into the region's history and culture.  Food Recommendations - Anko Nabe (Monkfish Hot Pot): A winter delicacy with tender monkfish rich in collagen, served with vegetables and tofu in a flavorful broth. - Hitachi Beef: A premium wagyu brand known for its fine texture and even marbling, delicious as yakiniku, shabu-shabu, or steak. - Mito Natto: A specialty of Mito City, fermented for a long time with a strong bean aroma, sticky texture, and rich nutrients. - Kasama-yaki: A traditional snack from Kasama City, similar to a crispy pancake with a soft interior, sweet but not cloying. - Tsukuba Soba: Made from high-quality buckwheat flour, hand-kneaded and stone-ground, served with special dipping sauce for a refreshing taste. Accommodation Options - Mito City: Offers a wide range of accommodations with convenient access to attractions like Kairakuen Garden and Ibaraki Museum of Modern Art. Options include Hotel Mito Plaza and Sannomaru Hotel. - Hitachinaka City: Close to coastal attractions like Oarai Isosaki Shrine. Consider Hotel Route-Inn Hitachinaka. - Tsukuba City: Ideal for visitors to Mount Tsukuba and Tsukuba Space Center. Options include Tsukuba Grand Hotel. Transportation Guide - External Transport: Take the JR Joban Line from Ueno Station in Tokyo or the Hitachi Limited Express to Mito. The Tsukuba Express connects Akihabara Station in Tokyo with Tsukuba. - Local Transport: Most attractions in Mito are accessible on foot or by bus. For farther destinations, use JR trains or rent a car.

🏛 [Ibaraki, Mito] Former Ibaraki Prefectural Office (Sannomaru Office) | Feel the profound beauty of history in Showa modern architecture Completed in 1930, the former Ibaraki Prefectural Office (Sannomaru Office) is attractive for its profound appearance in the early modern Gothic style. The fourth floor was removed along with seismic reinforcement, and the building was faithfully restored to its original appearance . It is still used as a public service center, and is often used as a location for TV dramas and movies. ⸻ 🌟Highlights & Features • The brick-like tile exterior and the silhouette of the tower stand out against the blue sky for a majestic appearance  • The gorgeous decorations from the early Showa period, such as the marble staircase in front, the checkered floor, and the chandeliers, are still preserved  • Once inside, the location is picturesque from any angle. It has appeared in many TV dramas and movies ⸻ 🚶Access and tour information • Walking distance: About 10 minutes from the north exit of JR Mito Station, next to Kodokan Park to the west  • Free tour: You can freely enter and exit the building, and you can easily see the marble staircase hall  • Part of the observation lobby is also open. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Tsukuba, the Mito cityscape, Lake Senba, and more  ⸻ 🌸Recommended seasons and how to enjoy • Spring: If you visit along with the cherry blossom trees, you can take a stroll that highlights the beauty of the exterior • Autumn: The season when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow and the contrast with the buildings stands out • When lit up at night, it creates an even more cinematic atmosphere. It is also popular with photography enthusiasts! ⸻ 👣Travel Tips • It is recommended to take a tour of the filming locations while listening to behind-the-scenes stories • There is a passport center and a shop on the first floor of the building, so it is convenient for running errands while visiting • There are many attractions nearby, such as Kodokan, Senba Lake, and Kairakuen, so it is a great walking route! ⸻ The "former prefectural office," which combines retro and practical, is an architectural heritage that connects the culture of the early Showa period with modern life. Please feel the deep atmosphere that touches your heart and the "thickness of the era" that you can feel just by walking. #IbarakiTourism #IbarakiTrip #MitoTourism #FormerPrefecturalOffice #SannomaruOfficeBuilding #ShowaArchitecture #FilmingLocationTour #HistoricalTrip #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #SoloTrip #CoupleTrip ⸻