Discover the best travel guides, tips, and experiences for Ibaraki
Hanahatazao, an endangered plant listed as Critically Endangered (Category I) by Japan's Ministry of the Environment, is currently in bloom at the Dune Area of National Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Starting June 4, Aqua World Ibaraki Prefecture Oarai Aquarium — home to Japan's largest variety of shark species — is running a rainy season event packed with special exhibits, a sea lion weather forecast, and exclusive gifts for young visitors on rainy days.
Marking its 25th anniversary, Mito Plaza Hotel in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture is set to unveil a new garden stage called "PLAZA GARDEN," designed around the concept of a forest-blessed celebration space.
Aqua World Ibaraki Prefecture Oarai Aquarium — Japan's top aquarium for the number of shark species on display — is now exhibiting Australian swellshark eggs for the first time. The egg cases stand out for their beautiful wavy surface patterns, quite unlike the smooth shells of other local shark eggs.
BROOKS GREENLIT CAFE in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, is hosting two limited-time summer fairs — a plant-based ice cream collection featuring 28 varieties from six brands across Japan, plus fermented soda floats made with _SHIP KOMBUCHA.
The Dolphin & Sea Lion Ocean Live at Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium has been completely renewed from March 12, 2026. Two programs are now on offer — a daytime story-driven show and a night-only program — both blending light, sound, and video with live animal performances.
Two special events are set to take place at National Hitachi Seaside Park on May 10, 2026 — a local PR fair showcasing the charm of Hitachinaka, Oarai, and Tokai, and a large-scale hula exhibition featuring 15 performing groups. The park will also offer free admission on that day.
A collaboration event between the popular anime Odekake Kozame and Aqua World Oarai, Japan's aquarium with the greatest variety of shark species, runs from May 14 to July 13, 2026.
Cafe & Bar Plaza at Mito Plaza Hotel in Ibaraki is hosting a Japanese-style Evening High Tea on Fridays and Saturdays throughout May 2026, featuring seasonal Japanese appetizers, a main dish, and a 90-minute all-you-can-drink service.
BEB5 Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts is hosting the inaugural "Melon Marugoto Summer Festival" from July 15 to August 31, 2026, transforming its TAMARIBA public space into a summer festival venue featuring melon-skin lanterns, melon-themed food stalls, and exclusive merchandise activities.
Mito Plaza Hotel in Ibaraki Prefecture is set to open "Plaza Garden," a new outdoor space nestled in its lush forested grounds, in June 2026, coinciding with the hotel's 25th anniversary.
Kasuminoura Nagomi, a lakeside ryokan in Itako City, Ibaraki, now offers THE MIST GAME — an exclusive murder mystery experience that turns the entire inn into a stage, available as an overnight stay or day-trip plan.
The nemophila flowers at Miharashi Hill in Hitachi Seaside Park are entering their 30% bloom stage from April 4, with peak bloom expected around April 16 — about two days earlier than usual.
Starting April 1, 2026, visitors can purchase a combined pre-sale entry ticket for both Hitachi Seaside Park and Aqua World Ibaraki Prefecture Oarai Aquarium exclusively through Seven Ticket at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
Kasama in Ibaraki Prefecture is known for its autumn chestnut harvest and chrysanthemum festival, but spring is equally spectacular, with cherry blossoms and azaleas transforming the mountains into a vivid floral landscape.
Oarai Park Hotel in Oarai, Ibaraki has reopened after a full renovation in March 2026, featuring redesigned guestrooms and seven newly built private sauna and jacuzzi suites under the theme "Revival of Elegance."
Glass artist Naomi Shioya presents an exhibition of sculptural works at the Joyo Historical Archives Art Spot in Mito City, running from April 1 to May 30, 2026. Admission is free.
Starting April 1st, 2026, a limited-time combo ticket will be available for two of Ibaraki's top spring attractions—Aquaworld Oarai aquarium and Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for its stunning nemophila fields.
Aquaworld Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium is launching a completely redesigned Dolphins and Sea Lions Ocean Live show featuring synchronized twin jumps, a massive screen, and live camera feeds starting March 12, 2026, alongside a renewed souvenir shop.
The Ishikari Fair showcases Hokkaido's specialty foods and tourism information at Coach & Four stores in Inagi, Tokyo and Tsukuba, Ibaraki from February 20 to March 25, 2026.
A new dining concept celebrating Ibaraki's natto culture opens at Excel Minami, offering authentic natto set meals at lunch and a community bar experience in the evenings.
Bird lovers can enjoy TORIFES festivals in Kyoto on February 21-22 and in Mito on February 28 to March 1, 2026, coinciding with the beautiful plum blossom viewing season in both cities.
At Hitachi Seaside Park's Miharashi Hill, the removal of frost protection sheets began on February 10th. The sheets that protected the young Nemophila plants from winter's cold are being removed, revealing the green plants underneath and signaling the approach of spring.
The Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum presents the largest-ever exhibition showcasing Yoshida Shoya's innovative mingei designs, featuring 297 works including furniture, ceramics, textiles, and everyday objects from March 14 to June 21, 2026.
The special Kairakuen Plum Hand Cream will be available for purchase at three locations during the 130th anniversary Mito Plum Blossom Festival, held from February 11 to March 22, 2026.
Ginza Tairaku Tanggao, known for fluffy Taiwanese castella made with authentic methods and premium Japanese ingredients, opens a pop-up shop at Mito Keisei Department Store from February 6 to 12, 2026.
Plus One Education announces a hands-on day tour at Komorebi Mori no Ibaride theme park in Ibaraki, featuring craft-making, authentic pizza cooking, and playground activities for kindergarteners to elementary students.
Hitachi Seaside Park hosts popular winter bird watching sessions on January 24th and February 28th. The park also features a new exhibition introducing wild birds and bird watching for beginners.
Cafe & Bar Plaza at Mito Plaza Hotel presents "Strawberry Afternoon Tea Set Vol.2" from February 1 to March 14, 2026, featuring unique sweets and a tasting of three varieties of locally-sourced Ibaraki strawberries.
Chocosil, a chocolate shop and cafe in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, celebrates its first anniversary on January 23, 2026, with a special three-day campaign featuring free products, discount tickets, and limited-edition lucky bags filled with popular chocolate items.
Takagi Coffee introduces a limited-time seasonal menu featuring homemade nama chocolate in pancakes, smoothies, and hazelnut lattes, available from January 16th at 9 locations across Japan.
Hitachi Seaside Park's iconic "Ice Tulips" will reach full bloom starting January 6, 2026. This winter spectacle features 15,500 tulips across two locations, offering colorful displays through late January.
Ibaraki Prefecture is holding a stamp rally collaboration with the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries from October 25, 2025, to January 18, 2026, featuring 10 tourist spots across the prefecture with original mini-character stamps of Maomao and Jinshi.
Ofuro Cafe 13th location will open at the botanical resort, featuring co-ed saunas, local cuisine, and relaxation facilities in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Summary Oarai, located in Ibaraki is a coastal town known for its scenic beaches, fresh seafood, and the iconic Oarai Isosaki Shrine. With its tranquil atmosphere, visitors can enjoy seaside strolls, explore the local fish market, and experience the cultural charm of this beautiful coastal destination! This time, my friend and I decided to visit […]