14 sightseeing spots around Lake Kasumigaura: Enjoy Japan’s second largest freshwater lake

Lake Kasumigaura is Japan's second largest freshwater lake. Teeming with freshwater fish, its shores attract numerous tourists and anglers on weekends. Moreover, around 150 species of birds migrate to the lake throughout the year. With its harmonious blend of water and mountains, Lake Kasumigaura is a perfect spot for nature observation. There are also many tourist facilities where families can learn about nature.

Of course, Lake Kasumigaura is also famous for its scenic beauty. It's a great dating spot for couples to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake. Let me introduce you to some of the most attractive tourist spots around Lake Kasumigaura.

1. Hobikisen (Sail-Pulled Boats)

Hobikisen are a hallmark of summer on Lake Kasumigaura. These boats use wind power to drag nets, a fishing method that is said to have stabilized the livelihoods of local fishers. This unique method of fishing, using the principles of a kite to move the boat laterally, is one-of-a-kind in the world. While it disappeared in the 1960s, hobikisen are now recognized as a vital cultural heritage for understanding the traditional fishing methods of Lake Kasumigaura. Revived as a tourist attraction, these sail-pulled boats now add to the charm of Kasumigaura as a sightseeing destination.
The sight of a hobikisen sailing across the lake with its white sails fully spread is truly magnificent. You can even photograph these boats from accompanying vessels, making it a perfect experience for photography enthusiasts. While three cities along Kasumigaura’s coast operate tourist hobikisen, each has different operating periods, so it’s best to check in advance.
The beauty of hobikisen was acknowledged in 2001 when it was selected as one of the "100 Scenic Spots to Preserve for the 21st Century." The Kasumigaura Hobikisen and Net Fishing Preservation Society also hosts the "Kasumigaura Hobikisen Photo Contest," offering a chance to capture the stunning Kasumigaura scenery and test your photography skills.

2. Ayumizaki Park

Ayumizaki Park is a scenic spot recognized as one of Ibaraki's Top 100 Natural Attractions. Overlooking the stunning Lake Kasumigaura, it’s one of the best sightseeing spots in the area. The park features various tourist facilities such as the Kasumigaura City Aquarium and the Kasumigaura City Local History Museum. Additionally, Ayumizaki Forest Park is located on the hilltop within Ayumizaki Park.
The spacious grounds, surrounded by forest, include seven types of athletic facilities. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as babbling brooks, ponds, and walking trails that make the most of the park’s natural terrain.
The Ayumi-an tea house, known for its elegant sukiya-style architecture, is another highlight. Here, you can enjoy matcha tea in a tranquil atmosphere. The facility also offers assistance with traditional kimono dressing, making it a perfect spot for hosting an authentic tea ceremony.

3. Ayumizaki Observatory

Ayumizaki Observatory is located atop a cliff by Lake Kasumigaura, within the grounds of Ayumizaki Kannon Temple. The view from Ayumizaki is said to be the best on Lake Kasumigaura and has even been designated as an intangible cultural property of Ibaraki Prefecture.
Visitors flock to this spot to admire its stunning scenery. From the observatory, you can see Tennozaki to the left, Mitsumata-oki directly ahead, and Ukishima and Oyama to the right. The view of Mitsumata-oki, where the west-facing Tsuchiura inlet meets the north-facing Takahama inlet, is particularly breathtaking. It has been selected as one of Ibaraki’s Top 100 Scenic Spots and Top 100 Natural Attractions.
The harmony between the lake’s waterfront and the greenery of Ayumizaki Kannon makes the scene look like a painting. The observatory is also equipped with a pavilion, making it an ideal spot to take a break during sightseeing.

4. Yukiiri Furusato-no-Sato Park

Yukiiri Furusato-no-Sato Park is a nature park designed to enjoy interactions with the environment, utilizing the unique terrain of Mount Yukiiri. It features four ponds, walking trails, and a nature center, allowing visitors to observe a variety of creatures such as birds, small animals, reptiles, and fish.

The park also serves as the starting point for hiking courses. These trails range from a 10 km route to shorter options as brief as 600 meters, catering to purposes from light nature walks to more vigorous exercise.

At the nature center, you can learn about Mount Yukiiri’s ecosystem through dioramas, special visual equipment, and taxidermy displays. The facility also features specimens, photographs, and books. A 200-inch high-definition theater screen shows the natural environment of the mountain and the local history. The park also hosts interactive events like insect watching and moss ball crafting, making it a great choice for family outings.

5. Kasumigaura Fureai Land

Kasumigaura Fureai Land is an interactive tourist spot themed around water. Its iconic feature, the Rainbow Tower, stands 60 meters tall and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Lake Kasumigaura, Mount Tsukuba, and even Mount Fuji on clear days. The tower’s second floor houses the "Ball Museum."
The museum explores the fundamental shape of water—“balls”—and teaches about their mysteries using monitors and models.
The Water Science Museum provides a detailed explanation of water, exploring its connection with life on Earth, its history in Kasumigaura, and its role as an energy source. The museum's KASUMI exploration submersible is especially popular with children, offering a close look at life in the lake. During the summer, visitors can enjoy water play in the "Zabu-Zabu Stream" of the waterfront park. There’s also a large picnic area called "Yuyu Hiroba," making it an excellent spot for family outings.

6. Kasumigaura City Aquarium

Kasumigaura City Aquarium is a charming small aquarium with distinctive pointed roofs. It houses about 110 species and 1,500 creatures, ranging from fish native to Lake Kasumigaura to freshwater species from around the world, including amphibians, reptiles, and insects.

The aquarium offers creative exhibits that showcase the behavior and habitats of these creatures. For example, its cylindrical tanks allow for 360-degree views of the animals, and the large fish tanks feature majestic Amazonian fish. There’s also a touch tank where visitors can directly interact with creatures like crucian carp, koi, and bitterlings.

As the centerpiece of Ayumizaki Park, the aquarium is an ideal place to learn about and observe Kasumigaura's ecosystem. Highlights include displays of famous Japanese freshwater species like the Biwa giant catfish, redfin fish, and Japanese giant salamanders. The aquarium is child-friendly, with step stools provided to align their view with the tanks. It’s a perfect destination for families to explore the world of aquatic life together.

7. Ayumizaki Kannon (Hoshou-in Ayumizaki-san Chouzen-ji Temple)

Nestled quietly within deep woods and surrounded by a striking vermillion Nio Gate, Ayumizaki Kannon is formally known as Hoshou-in Ayumizaki-san Chouzen-ji Temple. Its principal deity, the Eleven-Faced Kannon, has long been worshipped as a guardian of safe childbirth and waterway safety. The temple's origin dates back to the Tenpyo period (729–749). It is said that a traveling monk enshrined an Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue carved by the famous Buddhist monk Gyoki.

The blessings for childbirth and waterway safety stem from two legends. In the first, a dragon maiden prayed for safe childbirth and successfully gave birth to her child. She later offered a golden weaving machine in gratitude. In the second, the deity is said to have saved a boat from sinking. When the sailor chanted “Namu Kanzeon Bosatsu,” the deity descended from the mountain, pulling the ship to safety at the mountain’s base. The name “Ayumizaki” (meaning “Walking Cape”) is said to have originated from this story. The temple, steeped in legend, is well worth a visit.

8. Kasumigaura City History Museum

The Kasumigaura City History Museum boasts a unique exterior inspired by traditional Japanese castles. Inside its three-story turret-style exhibition hall, visitors can view locally crafted hobikisen (sail-pulled boats), fishing tools, and artifacts documenting the history of the region. A notable feature is the museum’s emphasis on “living cultural heritage,” where citizen curators and student volunteers guide visitors, explaining the significance and appeal of the exhibits.

From the observation deck on the fourth floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Kasumigaura, Mount Tsukuba, Ushiku Daibutsu, and even Mount Fuji on clear days. The museum also hosts special nighttime light-ups at the start of the year, allowing visitors to witness the stunning sight of Mount Fuji silhouetted against the setting sun.

The museum collects and researches materials related to archaeology, history, and folklore. Its findings are shared through special exhibitions and outreach programs, so it’s worth checking for updates before your visit.

9. Kasumigaura City Chiyoda District Tourist Orchards

Kasumigaura City is home to a variety of fruit orchards, offering visitors the chance to enjoy fruit-picking experiences. Popular fruits grown here include pears, persimmons, chestnuts, grapes, blueberries, and strawberries, with seasonal flavors waiting to delight visitors throughout the year.

The Chiyoda District boasts dozens of tourist orchards, each cultivating different fruits. The Chiyoda Fruit Tourism Association provides information on the orchards in the area, so visitors can choose based on their preferred fruit or season. Pear cultivation, in particular, has been a local tradition for over a century, making the city one of Ibaraki’s leading pear-producing regions. Known for their juicy sweetness, these pears are a must-try delicacy.

10. Kasumigaura Bridge

The Kasumigaura Bridge is the only bridge spanning Lake Kasumigaura, stretching an impressive 1,015 meters. On clear days, the bridge offers views of Mount Tsukuba and sail-pulled boats, making it a popular destination for photography and walking enthusiasts.
The area around the bridge is also known for its excellent bass fishing spots. On the Namegata City side of the bridge lies the roadside station “Tamatsukuri.” Here, visitors can enjoy a local specialty burger made with Kasumigaura’s American catfish, known as “Name Packun,” as well as purchase famous Kasumigaura simmered dishes. After a day of sightseeing, walking, or fishing, the roadside station is the perfect place to relax and savor Kasumigaura’s culinary delights.

11. Ami Premium Outlets

For shopping around Lake Kasumigaura, Ami Premium Outlets is the perfect destination. Inspired by the West Coast of the United States, the mall is stylish and surrounded by lush greenery. It features approximately 150 stores, including fashion brands, household goods, and gourmet food outlets. The facility also includes nursing rooms and a playground equipped with child-friendly equipment, making it convenient for families with young children.
Additionally, the outlets offer a paid childcare program where instructors engage children in nature-based activities, allowing parents to enjoy shopping without worry. Check the website’s calendar for various events held throughout the year.
On clear days, you can even spot the towering Ushiku Daibutsu from the mall’s stylish, West Coast-inspired buildings.

12. Sairenji Temple

Formally named Manju-in Sairenji, this temple was established in 782 (Enryaku 1) under the orders of Emperor Kanmu. Though a fire during the Meiji era destroyed much of it, the Nio Gate and the Sorin Pagoda survived and are now designated as important cultural properties of Japan.

The Nio Gate, originally called the Sakura Gate, is surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring, offering a picturesque scene. Sairenji’s Sorin Pagoda is one of Japan’s three great Sorin Pagodas. As an ancient type of Buddhist tower, its historical significance highlights its rarity and value.

The temple grounds also feature a massive ginkgo tree designated as a prefectural natural monument. By late November, the vibrant autumn foliage reflects beautifully in the pond on the temple grounds. At the entrance to the temple road, there is a sign for "Yamayuri-no-Sato." During early summer, the blooming lilies spread their fragrance across the area, offering a captivating seasonal experience.

13. Osugi Shrine

The vibrant and elaborate shrine buildings of Osugi Shrine have earned it the nickname “Nikko Toshogu of Ibaraki.” Affectionately known as "Anbasama," it is the main shrine for Osugi Shrines throughout Kanto and Tohoku. The shrine is named after its sacred cedar trees, which are worshipped as divine. It is also said to be the birthplace of the "Anba Hayashi," a chant for warding off demons, now a designated intangible cultural heritage of Japan.

As the only shrine in Japan dedicated to "Yume-Musubi Daimyojin" (the deity of dream fulfillment), Osugi Shrine is famous as a power spot. It attracts visitors from all over the country seeking blessings for protection against misfortune, traffic safety, and dream fulfillment.

Within the precinct, there is a unique sub-shrine, Katsuma Shrine, which offers a rare charm called the “Kachiuma Mamori” (Victory Horse Amulet). It is a popular spot for jockeys and horse trainers from the nearby JRA Miho Training Center. Visitors may also spot granite stones donated by lottery winners. It’s truly a place to seek blessings.

14. Choshouji Temple (Itako City)

Choshouji Temple is one of Japan’s rare temples with a thatched roof. Established before the Kamakura Shogunate, it was founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, who prayed for success in battle. The temple houses numerous nationally, prefecturally, and municipally designated cultural properties.
The grounds include a stone monument inscribed with a haiku by Matsuo Basho, composed during his return from the Kashima pilgrimage. Visitors can also view the bronze bell, said to have been donated for Yoritomo’s memorial, which is designated as an important cultural property of Japan. The temple gate and Buddha Hall are also treasured cultural assets of Ibaraki Prefecture. History enthusiasts will find much to explore.

Summary

The areas around Lake Kasumigaura are filled with attractions that utilize the unique terrain of the lake and mountains. From breathtaking views and leisure activities to learning opportunities and historical sites, Kasumigaura offers diverse ways to enjoy its natural beauty.
Additionally, the region is rich in historical temples and seasonal scenery, offering a unique charm throughout the year. Visitors can also enjoy local specialties, including fresh produce and traditional dishes, making Kasumigaura a destination that satisfies all five senses. Consider exploring Kasumigaura for an enriching and unforgettable experience.

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14 sightseeing spots around Lake Kasumigaura: Enjoy Japan’s second largest freshwater lake