Ibaraki Prefecture is an ideal area for a road trip, offering easy access from the Tokyo metropolitan area, historical gardens, sea attractions, and natural mountains. This article suggests a one-day road trip plan from Kairakuen Garden to Mt. Rent a car from Tokyo or Narita Airport and experience the diverse attractions of Ibaraki!
Schedule Overview
- 1Kairakuen
- 2Aqua World Oarai Aquarium
- 3Oaraicho Oroshiuri Market
- 4Hitachi Seaside Park
- 5Tsukuba Expo Center
- 6Mount Tsukuba
Destination Highlights
Kairakuen
One of the three most famous gardens in Japan, it is especially famous for its plum blossoms in spring. Visitors can relax and feel the history in the vast garden.
Recommend activities
- Visit the historic “Kobun-tei”.
- Take a walk in the garden and be healed by nature.
Details
- Address: 1-3-3, Tokiwa-machi, Mito, Ibaraki
- Parking: Approx. 1,200 cars, free of charge (some with fees)
- Hours: 6:00am-7:00pm
- Entry Fee: Free
Aqua World Oarai Aquarium
The aquarium boasts the largest number of sharks on display in Japan and is popular with families. The dolphin show is also not to be missed.
Recommend activities
- Watch the dolphin show
- Purchase original goods at the souvenir corner in the aquarium
Details
- Address: 8252-3, Isohama-cho, Oarai-cho, Higashiibaraki-gun, Ibaraki
- Parking: 750 cars, free of charge
- Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (last admission 4:00pm)
- Entry Fee: Adults 1,850 yen, Children 930 yen
Oaraicho Oroshiuri Market
The market offers fresh seafood and a wide variety of local delicacies.
Recommend activities
- Enjoy an exquisite bowl of rice bowl at Kaisen Donburi Tei.
- Enjoy lunch at a discount by using a meal with a discount coupon for souvenir purchases.
Details
- Address: 8253-56, Isohama-cho, Oarai-cho, Higashiibaraki-gun, Ibaraki
- Parking: 40 cars, free of charge
- Hours: 7:30am-7:00pm weekdays, 6:30am-7:0pm weekends and holidays
- Entry Fee: Free
Hitachi Seaside Park
A vast park where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers. Nemophila in spring and kochia in fall are especially popular.
Recommend activities
- Use a rented bicycle to get around the park.
- Enjoy the seasonal flowers.
Details
- Address: 605-4 Onuma, Mawatari, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Parking: 510 yen for a standard car
- Hours: 9:30am-5:00pm (varies according to season)
- Entry Fee: Adults 450 yen, children free
Tsukuba Expo Center
It is a science and technology hands-on facility with one of the world’s largest planetariums.
Recommend activities
- Enjoy the starry sky at the planetarium.
- Experience the science and technology exhibits.
Details
- Address: 2-9 Azuma, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Parking: Free on weekdays, 200 yen (standard car) on weekends and holidays
- Hours: 9:50am-5:00pm
- Entry Fee: Planetarium 820 yen for adults, 410 yen for children
Mount Tsukuba
One of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, the summit is easily accessible by ropeway or cable car.
Recommend activities
- Aerial walk on the ropeway.
- A spectacular view of the Kanto Plain from the top of the mountain.
Details
- Address: 1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki
- Parking: Paid parking available
- Entry Fee: Ropeway round trip 1,100 yen for adults, 550 yen for children
Access from Tokyo and Narita Airport
From Tokyo
- Route: Shuto Expressway → Joban Expressway → Ibaraki Pref.
- Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (80km) from Tokyo Station to Kairakuen
- Points: It is recommended to take a break at a service area (Moriya SA, etc.) on Joban Expressway.
From Narita Airport
- Route: National Route 468 →Joban Expressway → Joban Expressway
- Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (70km) from Narita Airport to Kairakuen
Conclusion
A one-day road trip to Ibaraki Prefecture is the perfect way to enjoy history, nature, and food. From the beauty of the Japanese gardens at Kairakuen, to the bounty of the sea at Oarai, and ending with the spectacular view of Mt.
Enjoy a wonderful day in Ibaraki Prefecture, easily accessible from Tokyo and Narita Airport!
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