8 must-see spots in Ushiku! It’s not just the Ushiku Daibutsu!

Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture. When it comes to sightseeing, the Ushiku Daibutsu is famous. The massive Great Buddha, visible even from afar, is the symbol of Ushiku and a must-visit tourist destination. But stopping there would be a waste! Ushiku has many more wonderful sightseeing spots to explore!

From delicious local produce unique to Ushiku’s thriving agricultural industry to sightseeing spots linked to the legend of the kappa, lush natural scenery surrounded by flowers and marshes, and even wineries that will delight alcohol lovers—Ushiku’s charm knows no bounds. Make the most of your trip and enjoy it to the fullest! Here are some must-visit tourist spots to explore alongside the Ushiku Daibutsu!

1. Ushiku Daibutsu

When it comes to sightseeing in Ushiku, many people visit with the Great Buddha as their main destination. And for good reason—the Ushiku Daibutsu is the largest bronze standing statue in the world, even listed in the Guinness Book of Records! Standing at an impressive 120 meters, you’ll be awestruck when you see it up close.

But the charm of the Ushiku Daibutsu isn’t just in its exterior. Surprisingly, this massive statue, completed in 1992, is relatively new. Inside, there’s an elevator that takes visitors through five different floors, each offering unique experiences. There are exhibits related to the Ushiku Daibutsu and even a space where visitors can practice shakyo (Buddhist sutra copying). The fifth floor serves as an observation area, where on clear days, you can see landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree and even Mt. Fuji. While the observation windows are small due to the structure’s design, they help you fully grasp the statue’s immense scale.

If you’re visiting as a tourist, don’t miss out on one of Ushiku’s signature events! Every year, during the Obon season and on New Year’s Eve, the Ushiku Daibutsu is illuminated with a spectacular light-up display and fireworks. Enjoy a stunning show at the base of the brilliantly colored Great Buddha.

2. Ushiku City Iris Garden

When people think of flower viewing, cherry blossoms often come to mind, but there are plenty of other beautiful flowers to enjoy. One of the best places in Ushiku to admire seasonal flowers is the Ushiku City Ayame Garden. The Japanese iris (ayame) is so deeply ingrained in Japanese culture that there's even a saying, "Izure ayame ka kakitsubata," referring to the difficulty of choosing between equally beautiful things.

From early to late June each year, around 200 varieties of irises, hanashobu (Japanese water irises), and kakitsubata (rabbit-ear irises) bloom in a spectacular display. The flowers come in shades of purple, yellow, and white, creating a breathtaking and peaceful scene.

As a city-run park, admission is free, and there are no restrictions on entry hours, allowing visitors to take their time enjoying the flowers. Nearby, you’ll find Ushikunuma (Lake Ushiku), which makes for a perfect stroll. Keep an eye out for a small statue modeled after the kappa (a mythical water creature) painted by Ogawa Usen, a Japanese artist closely associated with Ushiku.

(Information as of October 24, 2016.)

3. Yamaichi Miso

Miso soup is a staple of Japanese cuisine, a true soul food for the Japanese people. If you're interested in a sightseeing spot centered around this beloved ingredient, check out Yamaichi Miso! Established in 1962, this miso shop has been a part of Ushiku’s local culture for over half a century. They produce traditional miso using time-honored methods while also offering innovative miso-based sweets that appeal to younger generations.

One of their signature products is Kappa Rice Miso, made from special rice grown in Ushiku—an agricultural product designated for special cultivation in Ibaraki Prefecture. This miso has a mild and slightly sweet taste. They also offer miso made from Ibaraki-grown soybeans, showcasing their deep connection to the local region.

If you're curious about their miso-based sweets, try their amazake milk ice cream, miso chiffon cake, rusks, or hiyashi amazake (a chilled sweet sake drink perfect for summer). Packed with nutrients and known for its health benefits, miso makes a fantastic souvenir from your Ushiku trip!

4. Pocket Farm Dokidoki Tsukuba Ushiku Store

Ibaraki Prefecture is a powerhouse of agriculture, ranking among Japan’s top producers of vegetables such as lotus root, Chinese cabbage, and green peppers. If you're sightseeing in the area, why not take the opportunity to taste or purchase some of Ibaraki’s delicious produce? If you’re looking for fresh vegetables in Ushiku, Pocket Farm Dokidoki is the place to go! This facility, with two locations in Ibaraki, is an agricultural experience-based leisure center.

The Ushiku store features a farmers’ market stocked with freshly harvested vegetables, a rice mill for processing Ibaraki-grown Koshihikari rice, and a deli section selling prepared foods.

For those who want to enjoy Ibaraki’s delicious food to the fullest, visit the on-site Dokidoki Restaurant. This buffet-style restaurant offers around 60–70 different dishes and beverages, including fresh vegetables, locally sourced meats, and seasonal fruits.

Additionally, visitors can participate in a hands-on sausage-making workshop or enjoy a hassle-free BBQ experience at the facility’s barbecue area. With so much to offer, this is a sightseeing spot in Ushiku you’ll want to visit again and again!

5. Ushiku Numa Kappa Path

The best way to experience a sightseeing spot is to explore it on foot! Walking through an unfamiliar place while taking in its scenery and atmosphere is always an exciting experience.

Ushiku offers a perfect walking course for just that. The Kappa Path is a promenade built along Ushikunuma (Lake Ushiku), which has even been selected as one of the Top 100 Scenic Spots in Ibaraki. Ushiku has many legends related to kappa (mythical water creatures), and as you take in the lush greenery, serene landscapes, and beautiful lake views, you’ll understand why these legends came to be.

Along the path, you’ll find not only Ushikunuma but also spots where you can see Mt. Fuji, as well as Inarigawa Outer Bank, a well-known cherry blossom viewing site. Additionally, nearby attractions include Ushiku City Ayame Garden, Ungyotei (a former residence of a famous Japanese painter), and the remains of Ushiku Castle. Strolling through Ushiku while enjoying the tranquil scenery and historical sites is a wonderful way to experience the city!

6. Ishijima: A long-established restaurant

Did you know that Ushiku has an unexpected specialty product? Ibaraki Prefecture ranks second in Japan for peanut production, and Ushiku is particularly famous for its peanuts! If you're visiting Ushiku and want to try its peanut-based delicacies, the specialty shop Ishijima is the perfect place to go.

As a dedicated peanut store, Ishijima offers an impressive variety of products, including classic roasted peanuts, peanut-based sweets coated with miso or cheese, peanut cream, and even peanut ice cream. With so many delicious options, choosing what to buy can be difficult!

Located on the same premises is Rakkatei, a dining establishment specializing in soba, udon, and rice bowl dishes. Whether you're looking for a souvenir or a place to take a break, this spot is incredibly convenient. The restaurant also serves unique peanut-based dishes, including peanut takikomi gohan (seasoned rice cooked with peanuts), giving you a true taste of Ushiku’s specialties.

7. Ungyotei

If you're interested in history and art, consider visiting Ungyotei. This residence was the home and atelier of Ogawa Usen, a renowned Japanese painter active from the 19th to the 20th century. Today, it is a designated cultural property of Ushiku City.

Usen spent most of his life in Ushiku and is famous for his many paintings featuring kappa, earning him the affectionate nickname Kappa no Usen. In addition to kappa, his artworks depict foxes, otters, and various other creatures, reflecting his deep love for nature in Ushiku and beyond.

This charming historical building is open to the public on weekends and national holidays, allowing visitors to explore its interiors. Inside, you’ll find sketches, personal art supplies, and other exhibits showcasing Usen’s artistic journey. In front of Ungyotei, there is a plum tree that blooms beautifully in spring, welcoming visitors with its delicate flowers.

8. Chateau Kamiya

For those who love alcohol, Château Kamiya is a must-visit sightseeing spot in Ushiku. This was Japan’s first full-scale winery, established in 1903 by Denbei Kamiya, the founder of Kamiya Bar in Asakusa. Modeled after a French winery, Château Kamiya is a Western-style brick building with a charmingly retro atmosphere. It has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The expansive grounds offer plenty to explore! In addition to a restaurant and wine shop where visitors can sample fine wines, the site also features a wine museum and scenic vineyards, making for an enjoyable tour even if you don’t drink.

Beyond wine, Château Kamiya also produces beer, which is another highlight. Their original products, Ushiku Winery Budou no Shiro and Ushiku Château Beer, make for perfect souvenirs for adult travelers.

◎ Summary

Did this guide help you discover the many attractions of Ushiku beyond just the Ushiku Daibutsu? Despite being located in the Kanto region, Ushiku boasts lush greenery and beautiful landscapes, making it a great destination to visit in any season! Many sightseeing spots, such as Kappa Path, Ungyotei, and Ayame Garden, are located close to each other along Ushikunuma, making it a perfect area for a scenic stroll.

Additionally, Ushiku is known for its thriving agricultural industry, offering a variety of delicious local foods. Whether you choose to enjoy fresh produce at a local restaurant, buy souvenirs, or have a barbecue, there are plenty of ways to savor the flavors of Ushiku. On your next holiday, take a relaxing trip to explore Ushiku’s many hidden gems!

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8 must-see spots in Ushiku! It’s not just the Ushiku Daibutsu!