5 Recommended Travel Itineraries in Ibaraki by Season

The best season to enjoy flowers is just around the corner! Come visit Ibaraki Prefecture and witness the breathtaking sea of Nemophila blossoms. Explore a variety of seasonal destinations across the region!

Travelers, now is the perfect time to make travel plans in Ibaraki and witness the extraordinary beauty.

Hitachi Seaside Park: Dreamlike Blue Views with Blooming Nemophila

From mid-April to early May, Hitachi Seaside Park bursts into color with around 5.3 million Nemophila flowers in full bloom.

The entire Miharashi Hill transforms into a blue wonderland where the flowers blend seamlessly with the sky, creating a dreamlike scene.

Often called a “breathtaking blue panorama,” this park is one of Japan’s must-visit spring flower spots!

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5 Travel Routes in Ibaraki Beyond the Nemophila Blooms

Ibaraki has much more to offer beyond its famous flower fields!

Here are five exciting itinerary ideas to help you plan an unforgettable trip to this vibrant region.

2 Days 1 Night (Spring): Visit Iconic Sakura Spots and Try on the Traditional Yuki Tsumugi Kimono

Start your trip in Mito City. After visiting some of the area’s most iconic cherry blossom spots, head to Hitachi Seaside Park to admire the seasonal flowers.

Next, travel to Yūki City and try on a Yuki Tsumugi kimono, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage.

Stroll through the nostalgic old town streets while wearing the traditional outfit. Wrap up your journey with a visit to a historic sake brewery in Koga City.

When it comes to food, enjoy a meal in a retro-style house-turned-café, then spend the night at a luxurious glamping site on a hilltop offering stunning night views.

2 Days 1 Night (Summer): Enjoy Iris Fields and Local Delicacies

This route starts in Mito City and is ideal from late spring to late June. Visit the famous Suigo Itako Iris Festival, where you can also witness the traditional “bride boat” wedding ceremony.

Besides enjoying the irises, try local specialties such as Ibaraki melon and various sweet potato dishes.

Don’t miss the newly opened “Animal and Everyone’s Home in Kasumigaura,” as well as Oarai Ocean World—Japan’s largest aquarium—where you can get up close with marine animals.

You can also make a spiritual stop at Ikisu Shrine, one of the top power spots in the area.

For accommodation, consider a traditional 120-year-old house, now a registered cultural property—an ideal stay for families.

3 Days 2 Nights (Autumn): Enjoy the Fiery Autumn Leaves and Mountain Village Life

This 3-day, 2-night itinerary takes you through northern Ibaraki and Mito City, letting you fully experience the charm of Japan’s autumn season.

Visit top spots for momiji (maple leaves) viewing in late November, stroll through nostalgic old towns, immerse yourself in tranquil mountain village life, pray at a mysterious shrine, and tour a traditional sake brewery.

Thrill-seekers can even go bungee jumping for a rush of adrenaline!

Savor local cuisine made with carefully selected regional ingredients, and treat yourself to an elegant kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese meal) at a long-established restaurant in Mito.

Enjoy the peaceful vibe of rural mountain life—so different from the city—and soak in the calm of autumn.

This route showcases the northern part of Ibaraki and Mito City, offering a unique take on Japan’s fall beauty.

2 Days 1 Night (Autumn): Scenic Fall Landscapes and Famous Local Cuisine

This trip starts at Narita Airport and is best taken during mid to late October.

At this time of year, the kochia bushes at Hitachi Seaside Park turn vibrant red, creating a stunning spectacle.

In addition to the kochia, you can visit the Kasama Inari Shrine Chrysanthemum Festival—the oldest chrysanthemum event in Japan—or admire autumn roses at the Ibaraki Flower Park.

Take a cruise on Lake Kasumigaura, Japan’s second-largest lake, and witness the magical scenery during the seasonal shift from summer to fall. Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties for your meals.

For lodging, choose between luxury glamping at the Ibaraki Flower Park or a stay in a traditional lakeside house by Lake Kasumigaura, surrounded by peaceful natural beauty.

2 Days 1 Night (Winter): Ume Blossom Festival and Anglerfish Cuisine

From early February to late March, ume (plum) blossoms bloom throughout Ibaraki, signaling the arrival of spring.

Visit iconic sites like Kairakuen—one of Japan’s three most famous historical gardens—and the heritage-rich Kodokan, once a samurai school. Both host vibrant Ume Blossom Festivals during this period.

This winter itinerary offers more than just flower viewing. Try anglerfish (anko) dishes, considered a luxury since the Edo period and a seasonal favorite.

In the morning, witness the breathtaking view of a torii gate rising from a rock in the sea.

By evening, enjoy ume blossoms illuminated in colorful lights, then take a nostalgic nighttime stroll with warm sake in hand.

Whether you’re after natural beauty, cultural immersion, or culinary delights, Ibaraki has everything you need for the perfect winter getaway.

This spring, come and discover even more wonders and joy in Ibaraki!

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