Ibaraki
Top Ibaraki souvenirs and must-visit travel spots — your complete guide for visitors to Japan. A hillside that turns entirely blue in May, a forest shrine older than Tokyo, and the birthplace of natto — Ibaraki quietly holds some of Japan’s most underrated splendours.
5月の空色のネモフィラの丘、鹿島神宮の千年杉、那珂湊の新鮮な魚介。茨城は首都圏最大の隠れた観光県です。
Ibaraki Prefecture lies just north of Tokyo, often overlooked yet holding extraordinary natural and cultural riches. Hitachi Seaside Park bursts into a sea of blue nemophila flowers every May — 4.5 million blooms covering an entire hillside. The ancient Kashima Jingu shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred, rises from a forest of 650-year-old cedar. Mito’s Kairakuen is ranked one of Japan’s three great gardens, famed for 3,000 plum trees that bloom in early March.
4月・5月のネモフィラの青い丘、偕楽園の梅、鹿島神宮の杉並木、那珂湊の新鮮な魚介、そして日本一の納豆産地——茨城は東京から1時間の多彩な観光地です。
Recommended Omiyage
おすすめおみやげ 5選
Mito Natto
Mito has been Japan’s natto capital since the Edo period — these fermented soybeans, with their distinctive sticky texture and pungent earthy aroma, are a national breakfast staple but Ibaraki’s version is widely considered the gold standard. The local soybeans are smaller and sweeter than commercial varieties, fermented in traditional straw bundles (warazuto) that allow the natural Bacillus subtilis to work its magic. Mix with soy sauce and karashi mustard, then stir vigorously until threads form, and serve over hot rice. Brands like Tengu Natto and Okame have been crafting it for over a century. Vacuum-sealed straw bundles are sold at JR Mito Station for the adventurous traveler.
水戸は江戸時代から続く納豆の首都。粘り気と独特の発酵香で知られるこの大豆発酵食品は日本の朝食の定番ですが、茨城産は別格の品質と評価されています。地元産の小粒大豆は通常の市販品より甘みがあり、伝統的な藁苞（わらづと）で天然の納豆菌が活躍するよう発酵されます。醤油とからしを加えて糸が立つまでよくかき混ぜ、炊き立てご飯に乗せていただくのが王道。「天狗納豆」「おかめ」など100年以上の歴史を持つ老舗が県内に点在。JR水戸駅では真空パックの藁苞納豆が購入可能で、冒険心ある旅人へのお土産にぴったりです。
Ibaraki Sweet Potato
Ibaraki produces more sweet potatoes than any other Japanese prefecture — the sandy, well-drained soil of the Hitachi region is ideal for cultivating the silky, honey-sweet varieties that have made Japanese sweet potatoes world-famous. The flagship is Beni Haruka, prized for its custard-like texture and exceptional sweetness when slow-roasted (yaki-imo). Other top varieties include Beni Azuma and the rare Anno-imo. From October through March, sweet-potato season transforms the prefecture: roadside stands sell freshly-roasted potatoes wrapped in newspaper, and bakeries craft sweet-potato cakes, tarts, and the famous Hoshi-imo (dried sweet potato strips) — a chewy, intensely sweet snack available year-round at JR Mito Station.
茨城は日本一のさつまいも生産県。水はけのよい砂質土壌の常陸地方は、絹のように滑らかで蜂蜜のような甘みを持つ高級芋の栽培に最適な気候です。代表品種「紅はるか」はじっくり焼くとカスタードのような食感に変身し、比類ない甘さを引き出します。他にも「紅東」、希少品種の「安納芋」など多彩な品種が揃います。10月〜3月の旬の時期には、新聞紙で包んだ焼き芋を売る屋台が街道沿いに並び、ベーカリーではさつまいもケーキやタルトが店頭を彩ります。一年中楽しめる「干し芋」（さつまいもを蒸して天日干しした保存食）は、噛むほどに甘みが広がる絶品スナックでJR水戸駅で購入可能。
Plum Wine
Mito’s Kairakuen garden is home to over 3,000 plum trees, and Ibaraki’s plum-wine tradition is centuries old. The local umeshu (plum wine) is made by steeping fresh blue ume plums in shochu or sake with rock sugar, allowed to mature for 1-3 years until the alcohol becomes velvety, fragrant, and perfectly sweet-tart. Premium versions from Kanwa Sake Brewery and Tsukuba Plum Distillery use only Ibaraki-grown ume varieties like Hakuoubai and Bungo, often with no added sugar to let the fruit speak for itself. Serve over ice, with hot water in winter, or in cocktails. Beautifully bottled gift versions in 500ml or 720ml are sold at JR Mito Station and Mito Plum Festival shops.
水戸の偕楽園には3,000本を超える梅の木があり、茨城の梅酒文化は数百年の歴史を誇ります。地元の梅酒は、青く新鮮な梅の実を焼酎や日本酒に氷砂糖と共に漬け込み、1〜3年熟成させて作られ、アルコールがまろやかに溶け合い、香り高く甘酸っぱい仕上がりに。「澗和酒造」「筑波梅酒」などの上質銘柄では、白王梅・豊後梅など県産梅のみを使用し、無糖タイプで梅本来の風味を引き立たせる商品も。ロックで、冬はお湯割りで、カクテルベースとしても楽しめます。500ml・720mlの上品な化粧瓶のギフト版がJR水戸駅、水戸の梅まつり会場で購入可能。
Ankimo
Often called “the foie gras of the sea,” ankimo is steamed monkfish liver — a winter delicacy from Ibaraki’s Hitachi coast that’s been treasured by Japanese gourmets for over 1,000 years. The texture is unbelievably silky, the flavor rich and slightly briny, and it pairs spectacularly with grated daikon, ponzu citrus sauce, and a glass of cold sake or champagne. Premium ankimo from Hitachinaka and Oarai ports comes vacuum-sealed in elegant gift boxes, ready to slice and serve. The fishing season runs December through February, when fishermen catch the deep-sea monkfish off Ibaraki’s rugged coastline. Available at Nakaminato Fish Market, JR Mito Station, and high-end seafood specialty shops in Tokyo. Refrigerate; consume within 5 days of opening.
「海のフォアグラ」と称される「あんきも」は、あんこうの肝を蒸し上げた茨城・常陸海岸の冬の美味。1,000年以上前から日本の美食家たちに愛されてきた究極の珍味です。絹のような舌触りに、濃厚で潮風の香る複雑な味わいが特徴で、大根おろし、ポン酢、冷酒やシャンパンと合わせれば至福のマリアージュ。「ひたちなか」「大洗」漁港から水揚げされる極上品は、真空パックの化粧箱入りでスライスしてすぐ味わえる仕立てです。漁期は12月〜2月、冷たい黒潮で深海あんこうが脂を蓄える時期。那珂湊おさかな市場、JR水戸駅、東京の高級魚介店で購入可能。要冷蔵、開封後5日以内にお召し上がりください。
Kasama Pottery
Kasama-yaki pottery, produced in the small town of Kasama in central Ibaraki, is one of Japan’s six oldest continuous ceramic traditions, dating back to the late 1700s. Originally made for everyday tableware in farming households, modern Kasama-yaki has evolved into highly artistic forms — from rustic earthen-toned tea bowls to vibrantly glazed contemporary pieces. The annual Himatsuri Pottery Festival (May 3-5) draws over 500,000 visitors who browse hundreds of artists’ booths, attend wheel-throwing workshops, and find unique pieces directly from kilns. Year-round, the Kasama Geijutsu no Mori park houses the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum and dozens of pottery shops. Pieces range from ¥1,000 small dishes to ¥100,000+ artist works. Just 1 hour by JR from Tokyo.
茨城県中部の笠間市で生まれる「笠間焼」は、1700年代後半から続く日本の六古窯にも数えられる伝統陶器。元々は農家の日用食器として作られましたが、現代の笠間焼は素朴な土の風合いの茶碗から、鮮やかな色釉のモダン作品まで多彩な作風に発展しています。毎年5月3〜5日の「笠間陶炎祭（ひまつり）」には50万人以上が訪れ、数百の作家ブースで陶芸体験、窯元から直接の購入が楽しめる活気ある祭りに。年間を通しては「笠間芸術の森公園」内に茨城県陶芸美術館や陶器ショップが点在。小皿1,000円から有名作家作品10万円超まで幅広い価格帯で揃います。JRで東京から約1時間。
Must-Visit Spots
おすすめスポット 5選
Hitachi Seaside Park
Spread across 200 hectares of former military airfield, Hitachi Seaside Park has become one of Japan’s most photographed flower destinations thanks to its rolling hills painted in seasonal blooms. The signature spectacle is mid-April to early May, when 5.3 million baby blue eyes (nemophila) cover Miharashi Hill in an electric blue ocean that seems to merge with the sky. Late summer brings cosmos fields, and October’s kochia bushes turn fiery red across the same hills — equally jaw-dropping. The park also features cycling paths, a small amusement park, and BBQ spots, making it a full-day family destination. Tickets ¥450 adults. From JR Katsuta Station, direct buses run every 30 minutes (15 minutes).
旧軍用飛行場跡地に広がる200ヘクタールの「国営ひたち海浜公園」は、丘陵に咲き乱れる季節の花で日本屈指のフォトジェニックスポット。代表的な絶景は4月中旬〜5月上旬、530万本のネモフィラが「みはらしの丘」を電撃的な青で染め上げ、空と一体化する幻想的な光景が広がります。晩夏のコスモス、10月のコキア（紅葉した姿は丘全体が真紅に染まる）も同じ丘で楽しめ、季節ごとに違う絶景に出会えます。公園内にはサイクリングロード、小規模遊園地、BBQ場もあり、家族連れにも最適。入園料450円。JR勝田駅から直行バスで約15分、30分間隔で運行されています。
Kairakuen
Established in 1842 by the ninth lord of Mito, Tokugawa Nariaki, Kairakuen is one of Japan’s three most famous landscape gardens — alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama. The garden’s signature element is its 3,000+ plum trees in 100 varieties, which transform Kairakuen into a fragrant pink-and-white wonderland from mid-February through late March during the famous Mito Plum Festival. Beyond the plum groves, the garden features a serene bamboo grove, the historic Kobuntei pavilion (a recreation of Nariaki’s original retreat with sliding doors that open to garden views), and the meditative Tokiwa Shrine. Free admission to most areas. Special access via the dedicated JR Kairakuen Station during plum season.
1842年、水戸藩第九代藩主・徳川斉昭によって開園された「偕楽園」は、金沢の兼六園、岡山の後楽園と並ぶ日本三名園の一つ。最大の見どころは100種3,000本超の梅の木で、2月中旬〜3月下旬に咲き誇る「水戸の梅まつり」期間中は、園内一面が芳醇な香りに包まれ、淡紅・白・濃紅に染まる幻想的な世界が広がります。梅林以外にも、静寂な竹林、斉昭の別邸を復元した木造建築「好文亭」（襖を開けると庭園が一望できる風流な造り）、瞑想的な常磐神社など見どころ満載。多くのエリアは入園無料。梅まつり期間中は臨時駅「JR偕楽園駅」が開設されます。
Kashima Jingu
One of Japan’s three oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines, Kashima Jingu has stood since at least the 7th century — its enshrined deity Takemikazuchi-no-Kami is the kami of swords, martial arts, and victory, making it a popular pilgrimage for samurai and modern athletes alike. The shrine’s massive 800-year-old stone torii is a National Treasure, and the moss-covered approach through ancient cedar forests feels mystically untouched by time. Visitors can also see the famous “Kaname-ishi” foundation stone, said to suppress earthquakes, and the elegant Mitarashi pond with its sacred goldfish. The annual Kashima Sumo Festival in September is one of Japan’s oldest. About 90 minutes from Tokyo via JR or highway bus.
日本三大神宮の一つ「鹿島神宮」は、7世紀以前から続く格式高い古社。御祭神は剣・武道・勝負の神「武甕槌大神（タケミカヅチノオオカミ）」で、武士から現代のアスリートまで勝運祈願の聖地として愛されています。樹齢800年を超える石の大鳥居は国重要文化財、苔むした古杉の参道を進めば、時の流れすら忘れる神秘の世界へ。地震を鎮めると伝わる「要石」、霊気漂う「御手洗池」と神聖な鯉、毎年9月の「鹿島神宮祭頭祭」は日本最古級の伝統行事として知られます。東京からJRまたは高速バスで約90分。
Nakaminato Fish Market
Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba is the freshest, friendliest fish market on Japan’s Pacific coast — a sprawling indoor-outdoor wholesale market in Hitachinaka, where local fishing boats unload daily catch directly to dozens of stalls selling sashimi-grade tuna, monkfish, scallops, sea urchin, and seasonal whole fish at half the price you’d pay in Tokyo. Beyond shopping, the market features 10+ casual restaurants serving rice bowls overflowing with fresh seafood (¥1,500-2,500 for legendary kaisen-don), sushi platters, and grilled-on-the-spot whole flounder. The chaotic Sunday morning energy is half the experience. Free parking, English menus available at most restaurants. From JR Nakaminato Station, a 10-minute walk; combine with Hitachi Seaside Park.
ひたちなか市の「那珂湊おさかな市場」は、太平洋岸でも最も活気と新鮮さを誇る漁港市場。地元漁船が水揚げした魚介を直接、数十軒の鮮魚店が刺身グレードのマグロ、あんこう、ホタテ、ウニ、旬の魚を東京の半額で販売します。市場内には10軒以上のレストランが並び、新鮮魚介がのった海鮮丼（伝説の「日本一の海鮮丼」など、1,500〜2,500円）、にぎり、その場で焼くカレイの丸焼きなど絶品料理が楽しめます。日曜の朝の喧騒も体験の一部。無料駐車場完備、多くの店舗で英語メニューあり。JR那珂湊駅から徒歩約10分、ひたち海浜公園とセットで訪れるのが王道コースです。
Tsukuba Space Center
JAXA’s Tsukuba Space Center is Japan’s NASA — the operational hub of Japanese space exploration, including ISS Kibo module operations, satellite tracking, and astronaut training. Free guided tours (advance reservation required) take visitors past life-size mockups of the H-IIA rocket and the Kibo space module, working clean rooms where actual satellites are assembled, and the Astronaut Training Center where visitors can see authentic training equipment used by Japanese astronauts. The Space Dome exhibition hall, free admission, displays an actual Hayabusa asteroid probe replica, lunar samples, and interactive simulations. The campus is huge — plan 2-3 hours minimum. About 50 minutes from Tokyo via Tsukuba Express + bus. Combine with the Tsukuba Mountain ropeway for views.
JAXAの「筑波宇宙センター」は、日本の宇宙開発の中枢。国際宇宙ステーション「きぼう」モジュールの運用、人工衛星追跡、宇宙飛行士訓練を担う日本のNASAとも言える施設です。事前予約制の無料ガイドツアーでは、実物大H-IIAロケット模型、「きぼう」実物大モデル、衛星組立中の実際のクリーンルーム、宇宙飛行士訓練設備の見学が可能。入場無料の「スペースドーム」では、はやぶさ探査機の実物大レプリカ、月の石サンプル、インタラクティブシミュレーション展示が楽しめます。広大な敷地で見学は2〜3時間必要。つくばエクスプレス＋バスで東京から約50分。筑波山ロープウェイとセットで巡るのも◎。
Insider Tips
現地通の旅の裏ワザ
Nemophila peaks late April to early May. Kochia red turn peaks mid-October. Both windows are 2 weeks max — check live park feed.
ひたち海浜公園のネモフィラは4月下旬〜5月上旬、コキアの紅葉は10月中旬がピーク。各2週間限定なので公式ライブで確認推奨。
The ‘stinky natto’ reputation is overblown. Try Mito’s specialty Soboro Natto (dried) at the train station — gentler intro than fresh.
「臭い納豆」評判は誇張気味。水戸駅のそぼろ納豆（乾燥タイプ）は初心者向け、本場で気軽に試せる。
📱 Travel Essentials in Japan
日本旅行の必需品・予約サービス
📡 eSIM (Recommended)
Skip airport queues — install before you fly. Works in 192+ countries.
空港の列回避、出発前にインストール完了。世界192カ国対応。
✈️ Activate Before Takeoff →📶 Pocket WiFi (For Groups)
Sharing with family or a group? Next-day delivery, postbox return. Or try NETAGE →
グループ利用に最適。最短翌日配送、ポスト返却OK。1日¥450〜。 またはNETAGEも比較 →
📶 Share WiFi from ¥450/day →🎟️ Activities & Experiences
Tea ceremony, kimono, snorkeling and more. Compare and book.
茶道・着物・体験予約はたびらいで価格比較。
🎟 Compare & Book Now →🏨 Where to Stay in Ibaraki
Find the perfect hotel or ryokan for your Ibaraki trip on Rakuten Travel.
茨城のホテル・旅館予約は楽天トラベルで。豊富なポイント還元あり。
🏨 Find Your Ryokan →🎟 Book Activities & Experiences
アクティビティ・体験を事前予約 — 訪日客に人気のKlookで
🇯🇵 Klook — Japan Activities
The most-used activity-booking platform among inbound visitors to Japan. Browse popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sapporo.
訪日客に最も利用されているアクティビティ予約プラットフォーム。東京・京都・大阪・札幌など人気観光都市をブラウズできます。
- 🎢 Theme parks (USJ, Tokyo Disney)
- 🗼 Landmarks (Skytree, Mt. Fuji tours)
- 📶 Pocket WiFi & SIM rental
- 🍣 Cultural experiences
🚄 Shinkansen Tickets — Japan's Bullet Trains
Book Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets in advance: Tokyo–Osaka, Tokyo–Kyoto, and more. Klook is an official partner of Japan's rail operators.
新幹線（東京〜大阪、東京〜京都など）の事前予約。Klookは日本の鉄道会社の公式パートナーです。
🚄 Book Shinkansen →🎒 Smart Travel Gadgets for Japan
日本旅行を快適にする厳選ガジェット
🗣 Pocket Translator
Break the language barrier — Pocketalk works in 80+ languages, ideal for menus, station signs, and conversations.
ポケトークは80カ国語対応、メニュー・駅看板・会話で言語の壁を突破。
🛒 Browse on Amazon🔋 Power Bank
Keep your phone alive all day — high-capacity power bank for navigation, photos, and translation apps.
大容量モバイルバッテリーで終日安心。地図・写真・翻訳アプリの電池切れ防止。
🛒 Browse on Amazon🧳 Lightweight Suitcase
Japanese trains and stations have many stairs — a lightweight suitcase makes your trip 10x smoother.
日本の駅・列車は階段だらけ。軽量スーツケースで移動が10倍楽に。
🛒 Browse on Amazon📚 Japan Travel Guide
Lonely Planet Japan & similar guides — offline insights for hidden spots, cultural etiquette, and local food.
Lonely Planet Japan等のガイド本でオフラインでも穴場・マナー・地元食情報を把握。
🛒 Browse on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
When exactly does the nemophila bloom at Hitachi Seaside Park?
Mid-April to early May, peaking around Golden Week (late April–early May). The park also has red kochia (kochia) in October. Check the official park website for bloom forecasts.
例年4月中旬〜5月上旬、GW前後が見頃。10月のコキアの紅葉も人気。公園の公式サイトで開花情報を確認できます。
What is natto and how do you eat it?
Natto is fermented soybeans with sticky strings and a pungent smell. Stir vigorously before eating, add the sauce packet and mustard, and serve over rice. Mito’s brands (Tennei, Yamada) are considered Japan’s best.
納豆はよくかき混ぜてからタレと辛子を加えてご飯にのせて食べます。水戸の天竹・やまだ屋が有名。
Can I do pottery at Kasama?
Yes — Kasama has over 100 pottery studios, many offering hand-building or wheel-throwing workshops for ¥1,500–3,000 per session. The Kasama Ceramics Museum also has workshops.
笠間には100以上の工房があり、手びねり・ろくろ体験が1,500〜3,000円で楽しめます。笠間芸術の森公園内でも体験可能。
Travel Tip
Take the ‘Hitachi Seaside Park Express Bus’ from Katsuta Station (25 min, ¥300) during nemophila season — private car parking fills by 8 am on weekends. Combine with a fish lunch at Nakaminato for a perfect Ibaraki day.
