Ibaraki 2 days 1 night 🍵📍
A peaceful city near Tokyo with the sea, beautiful gardens, and the famous anglerfish.
Day 1
Start at Oarai Shrine ⛩️
A seaside shrine with a great atmosphere. It can be a bit windy, but the vibe is amazing. The highlight is the torii gate in the middle of the sea. If the weather is good, it’s truly stunning. You can stand and watch the waves and the sea, losing track of time.
Next, head to Fish Market Nakaminato 🐟
Food lovers will definitely enjoy this. The seafood is incredibly fresh, with options like sashimi, grilled, and fried dishes at reasonable prices. Strolling around and eating is such a delightful experience, keeping you full from lunch till the afternoon.
In the evening, head to Mito city to relax and recharge for the next day.
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Day 2
Start your morning at Mito Toshogu ⛩️
A quiet and peaceful shrine with few visitors. Walking here gives a sense of calm, making it a perfect spot to start your day slowly.
Continue to Kairakuen 🌸
A large garden that’s easy to walk around with plenty of nature. If you visit during the cherry blossom season, it’s incredibly beautiful. You can stroll leisurely without feeling tired.
Then, stop by Senba Park 🌿
A public park by the lake where you can take a walk, sit and relax, or take photos. The atmosphere is wonderful, making it a perfect way to end your trip without rushing.
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🍽️ Must-Try Foods in Ibaraki
🥟 Natto (a specialty of the prefecture)
Ibaraki is one of Japan’s top natto producers. For those who enjoy it, it’s a real treat. You can find plain natto, natto rice bowls, or natto breakfast sets.
Anglerfish (especially in winter)
It might look a bit intimidating 😂, but the meat is incredibly delicious—soft, bouncy, and not fishy. It’s often enjoyed as Anko Nabe (anglerfish hot pot).
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Not a specialty, but these are places we tried and loved:
HITACHINO COFFEE ROASTERY – Their cheesecake is so smooth 🍵
Udon-ya FUWARA うどん家 ふ和ら – Their carbonara udon is amazing 💕
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🚆 Getting There from Tokyo
From Tokyo/Ueno Station, take the JR Joban Line (Rapid) to Mito Station. The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours. From Mito, take a bus to:
• Oarai Shrine
• Nakaminato Fish Market