12 Things to Do in Ibaraki in Summer
Summer in Ibaraki is about beaches, flowers, mountains and waterfalls. Sail Lake Kasumigaura on a traditional hobikisen sailboat, or escape the heat by diving into AQUA WORLD Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium. Here are 12 activities to try!
By North KantoTsukimachi Falls
This three-segment waterfall punctuates the Onamase River, a branch of the Kuji River. It's believed to have a good negative ion effect.
Access: 6 min. by bus from JR Shimonomiya Station.
STORM field
Canoeing, kayaking and other outdoor experiences are available in the clean Naka River along with a view of Mt. Gozen.
Access: 60 min. by bus from JR Mito Station.
Naka Sogo Park
Nearly 4 hectares filled with 250,000 sunflowers.
Access: 8 min. by taxi from JR Hitachi-Konosu Station.
Hitachi Seaside Park (Green Bassia Scoparia)
During the hot summer, bassia scoparia create a magnificent view on the hill, covering it with green.
Access: 20 min. by bus from JR Katsuta Station.
Nakaminato Fish Market
Find fresh seafood caught that morning available at reasonable prices.
Access: 10 min. walk from Nakaminato on the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway.
AQUA WORLD Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium
Discover 68,000 marine creatures of around 580 different species, and see popular live shows starring dolphins and seals.
Access: 7 min. by bus from Nakaminato Station on the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway.
Oarai Sun Beach Camping Site
See the Pacific Ocean from a camping site on a hill adjacent to Oarai Sun Beach.
Access: 8 min. by taxi from Oarai Station on the Kashima Rinkai Railway.
Minami Kaju Engei
A farm with a homey atmosphere offering visitors a melon-picking experience in early summer.
Access: 10 min. by taxi from Hinuma Station on the Kashima Rinkai Railway.
Mt. Tsukuba
You can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from this peak, dubbed “purple mountain” for its change in color from morning to
night.
Access: 60 min. by bus from Tsukuba Station on the Tsukuba Express Line.
Ibaraki Flower Park
A garden with flowers and plants. In early summer, 12,000 golden-banded lilies bloom.
Access: 30 min. by bus from JR Ishioka Station.
JAXA
Look into the history of the facility at the center of Japan’s space development.
Access: Take a bus for 16 min. from JR Arakawaoki Station and walk for 1 min.
Hobikisen Tourist Boats on Lake Kasumigaura
Hobikisen boats slowly sailing on Lake Kasumigaura are a symbolic view of Ibaraki.
Access: Accessible from three cities on Lake Kasumigaura (Tsuchiura, Kasumigaura and Namegata).
