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[Ibaraki vs. Tochigi] A Battle of Stunning Scenic Spots Between Two Prefectures Competing in the Attractiveness Ranking!
[Ibaraki vs. Tochigi] A Battle of Stunning Scenic Spots Between Two Prefectures Competing in the Attractiveness Ranking!

[Ibaraki vs. Tochigi] A Battle of Stunning Scenic Spots Between Two Prefectures Competing in the Attractiveness Ranking!

Mar 21, 2025
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The "Prefectural Attractiveness Ranking" garners significant attention every year. Until 2019, Ibaraki Prefecture held the 47th position—the lowest—for seven consecutive years. However, last year, it made a remarkable jump to 42nd place, breaking free from its long-standing last-place ranking. Taking its place at 47th was Tochigi Prefecture. While both prefectures are often said to struggle in conveying their charm, they are actually home to numerous breathtaking scenic spots that captivate visitors. This time, we have carefully selected and will introduce some of the most stunning locations from both prefectures.

If you're planning to explore North Kanto, renting a car is highly recommended!

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[Ibaraki vs. Tochigi] A Battle of Stunning Scenic Spots Between Two Prefectures Competing in the Attractiveness Ranking!

Stunning View in Ibaraki①Kamiiso Torii at Oarai Isosaki Shrine

Located in Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, Oarai Isosaki Shrine is a sacred site that stands along the Pacific Ocean.
One of its most breathtaking sights is the Kamiiso Torii, a torii gate standing on a rocky outcrop along the coast.
This mystical location is renowned for its spectacular sunrises over the Pacific, so mesmerizing that even Tokugawa Mitsukuni—better known as Mito Kōmon—once composed a poem in admiration of its beauty.
While the early morning scenery is the most popular, visiting during the day or at sunset also offers a stunning experience.

Name: Oarai Isosaki Shrine (Kamiiso Torii)
Address: 6890 Isohama-cho, Oarai Town, Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Access: [By Train] From Oarai Station on the Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai-Kashima Line, take the local loop bus and get off at "Oarai Isosaki Shrine-shita," then walk for 3 minutes
[By Car] About 20 minutes from the Mito-Oarai IC on the Kita-Kantō Expressway

Ibaraki's Breathtaking Scenery② Hitachi Seaside Park

Located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi Seaside Park is a vast national park where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers and outdoor activities throughout the year. The park is especially famous for its breathtaking Nemophila (baby blue eyes) fields in spring, which have been featured in numerous media outlets. In Japanese, Nemophila is called "Rurikaragusa" (瑠璃唐草), meaning "lapis lazuli grass," perfectly describing the mesmerizing blue scenery it creates.

Best Time to See Nemophila

Mid-April to Early May

Name: Hitachi Seaside Park
Location: 605-4 Mawatari Aza Onuma, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
(Hitachi Seaside Park Management Center)
《How to Get There》
【By Car】
• Located right off the Hitachi Seaside Park IC on the Hitachinaka Toll Road.
• From Joban Expressway Hitachi-Minami Ota IC, take Route 6 / Prefectural Route 31 (approx. 30 minutes).
• From Joban Expressway Tokai Smart IC, take Route 6 / Prefectural Route 31 (approx. 25 minutes).
•*Parking: Three main parking areas – West Parking (2,000 spaces), South Parking (2,000 spaces), and Seaside Entrance Parking (350 spaces). The park is vast, so choose parking according to your destination.
【By Train / Bus】
• From JR Joban Line - Katsuta Station (East Exit, Bus Stop No. 2): Take the Ibaraki Kotsu Bus bound for "Chuo Kenshujyo" or "Kaihinkoen Minamiguchi" (approx. 20 minutes).
• From JR Joban Line - Tokai Station (East Exit, Bus Stop No. 1): Take the Ibaraki Kotsu Bus bound for "Kaihinkoen Nishiguchi" (approx. 30 minutes).

Official Website: https://hitachikaihin.jp/

Ibaraki's Breathtaking Scenery ③ Takado Kohama Coast

Located in Takahagi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Takado Kohama Coast is a stunning seaside area featuring two scenic inlets. This coastal destination is particularly beloved by photography enthusiasts for its breathtaking summer night skies. On clear nights from midnight until dawn, lucky visitors can witness the magnificent Milky Way stretching across the sky, making it a must-visit spot for stargazing.

Name: Takado Kohama Coast
Address: 848-8 Takado, Takahagi City, Ibaraki Prefecture 318-0002, Japan
Access: About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Joban Line Takahagi Station
About 10 minutes by car from Joban Expressway Takahagi IC
Official/Related Website: http://www.takahagi-kanko.jp/page/page000022.html

Tochigi's Stunning Scenery① Ashikaga Flower Park

Located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, Ashikaga Flower Park is home to the breathtaking "Miracle Wisteria", a wisteria trellis that captivates visitors with its beauty. This iconic wisteria tunnel has gained popularity as a real-life inspiration for the hit anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Fans have pointed out its resemblance to Fujikasane Mountain, the site of the Final Selection where demon slayers undergo their ultimate test. Social media is abuzz with comparisons, and when you see it alongside anime screenshots, the similarity is striking! If you're a Demon Slayer fan, this is a must-visit destination in Japan.

Name: Ashikaga Flower Park
Address: 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga, Tochigi 329-4216, Japan
Official Website: https://twitter.com/k0101_keiko/status/1257990798559281153?s=20
Access:
【From Tohoku Expressway】
From Sano Fujioka IC, take Route 50 towards Maebashi/Ashikaga (Approx. 18 min)
【From Kita-Kanto Expressway】
From Ota-Kiryu IC, take Route 122 → Route 50 towards Ashikaga/Oyama (Approx. 20 min)
From Ashikaga IC, take Route 293 → Prefectural Road 67 towards Sano (Approx. 15 min)
From Sano Tanuma IC, take Prefectural Road 16 → Prefectural Road 67 towards Ashikaga (Approx. 12 min)
*Free parking available (Capacity: 6,000 cars)
《By Train》JR Ryomo Line: Get off at "Ashikaga Flower Park Station" – just a short walk away!

Official/Related Website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/

Tochigi's Stunning Scenery② Hacchōdejima

Located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Lake Chūzenji is one of the region’s top scenic spots. Among its most stunning features is Hacchōdejima, a small peninsula that juts out dramatically into the lake.
During autumn, this area transforms into a vibrant display of fall foliage, as more than 30 different tree species paint the landscape in brilliant hues. For the best panoramic view of this natural wonder, head to Hangetsuyama Observatory. From the parking lot at the end of the Chūzenji Lake Skyline, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the viewpoint.

Name: Hacchōdejima
Location: Chūgūshi, Nikkō City, Tochigi Prefecture
Access: About 50 minutes by car from JR Nikkō Station, then a 30-minute walk from the second parking lot.
About 50 minutes by car from Nikkō IC on the Nikkō-Utsunomiya Road.
Official Website:https://www.tochigiji.or.jp/spot/7220/

Breathtaking Scenery in Tochigi③ Yakimoriyama Mitsumata Colony

At the foot of Yakimoriyama in Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture, a mesmerizing field of Mitsumata blossoms in full bloom. Used as a raw material for traditional washi paper, these delicate flowers create a magical sight each spring, forming charming, round blossoms that fill the air with a sweet fragrance.

Name: Yakimoriyama Mitsumata Colony
Address: 362-1 Ii, Motegi-machi, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Access: 30 minutes from Tomobe IC on the Kita-Kantō Expressway

Ibaraki vs. Tochigi – Which Would You Choose?

We've introduced stunning landscapes from Ibaraki and Tochigi—which destination captures your interest? Embark on a journey to uncover the hidden beauty of these lesser-known Japanese gems!

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