7 Recommended Tourist Spots for a Cozy and Relaxing Time in Kita-Ibaraki

Kita-Ibaraki is located at the northernmost tip of Ibaraki Prefecture, adjacent to Fukushima Prefecture. The area is home to various tourist spots, including famous places for autumn leaves, historic fishing ports, filming locations for movies, and memorial halls dedicated to the children's songwriters born and raised in Kita-Ibaraki. One of the charms of Kita-Ibaraki is its family-friendly attractions, such as camping and beach activities that children can enjoy. Additionally, there are many relaxing tourist destinations and facilities, making it a great spot for couples to visit.

Kita-Ibaraki is easily accessible, just a little over two hours by car from the city center, making it an ideal place for a day trip on the weekend. You can spend a leisurely, peaceful time in Kita-Ibaraki.

In this article, I will introduce 7 lesser-known tourist spots and facilities in Kita-Ibaraki. I hope this will help you plan your visit to Kita-Ibaraki.

1. Hanazono Keikoku (Hanazono Valley)

Located in Kita-Ibaraki, Hanazono Keikoku is a tourist spot where you can enjoy the changing natural beauty throughout the four seasons. While the green in summer is beautiful, it is especially popular in autumn as a famous spot for autumn leaves, drawing many tourists to Kita-Ibaraki. The beauty of the valley and the autumn leaves create a picturesque scene, like a painting.

A highlight of the area is the Nanatsu Falls. The waterfall cascades in seven stages, from Ichinotaki to Shichinotaki, with a 60-meter drop, creating a dynamic and impressive view. In addition to Nanatsu Falls, there are other falls in the area, such as Yoshirou Falls, Rakumon Falls, and Hakodaki Falls. You can take in the negative ions and experience a relaxing atmosphere, making it one of the recommended tourist spots in Kita-Ibaraki.

At the foot of the valley, you will find Hanazono Shrine, surrounded by 600-year-old cedar trees, creating a majestic atmosphere. In spring, the rhododendrons cover the grounds. The vermilion-colored Niomon gate, Haiden (worship hall), and Honden (main shrine) stand out against the lush natural surroundings, creating a mystical scene.

Visit the mysterious beauty of Hanazono Keikoku when you’re in Kita-Ibaraki.

2. Rokkakudo (Six-Sided Pavilion)

Rokkakudo, a tourist spot in Kita-Ibaraki, is known as "The Sacred Place of Japanese Painting." Designed by the famous Okakura Tenshin, the pavilion was built to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his birth. It was also the filming location for the movie "Tenshin," starring Naoto Takenaka. The pavilion is located in the Gotsu Cape Park in Kita-Ibaraki. It is now open to the public for free from Friday to Monday.

Although you can’t enter the film set, you can reflect on the life of Okakura Tenshin through the set that faithfully recreates the scene of life during his time. The pavilion is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Asset, and there is also the Tenshin Memorial Hall where you can view various materials related to him.

The Rokkakudo in Kita-Ibaraki is a small building, shaped in a hexagonal form, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of its design. It is said that Okakura incorporated three elements into the pavilion’s construction: the design of the hexagonal pavilion from the Du Fu’s Grass Hut, the vermilion-colored exterior walls and roof finials from Buddhist temple architecture, and elements of a tea room, including a hearth and a tokonoma. It’s a meticulously designed building that’s worth a visit.

The pavilion stands on a rock protruding into the Gotsu Coast, offering a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing dramatically.

Rokkakudo in Kita-Ibaraki, bathed in the majestic atmosphere of Japanese painting, is a must-visit spot during your trip.

3. Otsu Fishing Port

Otsu Fishing Port in Kita-Ibaraki is a historic and large harbor. It is said that during the late Edo period, many foreign ships visited this port in Kita-Ibaraki. Today, the port is still bustling with ships coming and going, making it an active and significant fishing port. The white ships entering and leaving the harbor create an impressive and beautiful scene, especially with the sunrise and sunset.

At this port, you will find the "Otsu Port Yousoro Shopping Center," where fresh seafood and processed products directly from Otsu Fishing Port are sold. There are seven stores selling local seafood such as whitebait and nearby fish, processed foods like the local specialty kamaboko, and agricultural products delivered by local farmers every morning. Next door, you will also find eateries serving meals made with ingredients sourced from the Otsu Fishing Port, as well as the Kita-Ibaraki Fisheries History Museum "Yō-Sorō," making it a perfect spot to enjoy all day long.

At the market's affiliated restaurant, you can enjoy seasonal ingredients caught right from the port. One of the most popular dishes among tourists is the "seafood rice bowl," which is topped with various seasonal seafood.

In addition, you will find shops offering items perfect for souvenirs, such as dishes made with the local delicacies like monkfish hot pot and salted squid, as well as homemade dried fish and tsukudani. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Otsu Fishing Port in Kita-Ibaraki!

4. Noguchi Ujo Memorial Hall

The Noguchi Ujo Memorial Hall in Kita-Ibaraki is dedicated to Ujo Noguchi, a famous children's song writer born and raised in Isohara, Kita-Ibaraki. He is known for works like "Shabondama" (Soap Bubbles). The museum displays his works, writings, and other memorabilia. This museum also houses the History and Folk Museum, which offers insights into the history of Kita-Ibaraki. It is highly recommended to visit before exploring other tourist spots in the area.

In the memorial hall’s rotary, you’ll find a statue of Noguchi Ujo, and as you approach, the melody of his famous song "Shabondama" plays, with soap bubbles floating around, creating a fun atmosphere for visitors. Inside the museum, there are two floors. On the first floor, you can see valuable items such as Ujo Noguchi’s early manuscripts, handwritten color paper, and personal belongings. The exhibits highlight his remarkable works over the three periods: Meiji, Taisho, and Showa.

The second floor features exhibits related to Kita-Ibaraki's key industries, including coal mining, and farming, forestry, and fishing. It’s a great place to learn more about the region’s history. There is also a mini-shop on the first floor, where you can buy CDs of children's songs and various goods inspired by the song "Akaikutsu" (Red Shoes), making for great souvenirs.

Learn about the charm of Kita-Ibaraki and the life of Ujo Noguchi at the Noguchi Ujo Memorial Hall during your visit.

5. Isohara Nitsushima Beach

Located along the Isohara Coast in Kita-Ibaraki, Isohara Nitsushima Beach offers a beautiful spot for swimming with a view of "Nitsushima," the symbol of the sea. The contrast between the white sandy beach and the blue sea creates a refreshing and expansive atmosphere. Nitsushima, formed by erosion over many years, gives the area a majestic and solemn feeling.

The Isohara Nitsushima Beach is family-friendly with free parking, simple showers, and private shower rooms for families. The prefab changing rooms are spacious, offering comfort. Lifeguards are present, ensuring safety while you enjoy your time at the beach. The beach is easily accessible, about a 10-minute drive from the Kita-Ibaraki Interchange, making it a popular destination for tourists.

At sunrise, you can see the beautiful Kita-Ibaraki scenery, which is different from the daytime. During sunset, the light of the sun colors Nitsushima, creating a magical atmosphere. After a swim, you can enjoy the nearby hot springs and fresh seafood. Spend an unforgettable time at Isohara Nitsushima Beach in Kita-Ibaraki.

6. Glass Studio Silica

At Glass Studio Silica in Kita-Ibaraki, you can experience handmade glass making, making it one of the popular tourist spots in the area. Located in Akanehira, it offers a beautiful view of Kita-Ibaraki’s cityscape. The studio focuses on letting visitors experience the charm of glass through various workshops and exhibitions.

The name "Silica" comes from the fact that most of the raw materials used in glass production are silica sand. Inside the studio, you’ll find an "Exhibition Room" where works by contemporary glass artists are displayed. Entrance to the exhibition room is free, so you can visit at your leisure. In the "Lounge," you can enjoy a 180-degree panoramic view of Kita-Ibaraki's landscape, and the soft-serve ice cream is a popular treat.

The highlight of the studio is the hands-on experience in the "Workshop." You can try making items such as glasses or vases with "Glass Blowing Experience," or try "Sandblasting" and "Tombodama Bead Weaving." There is also a "Gel Candle Experience" available. Reservations are required in advance, so be sure to book before your visit to Kita-Ibaraki.

Don’t miss out on a glass-making experience at Glass Studio Silica during your visit to Kita-Ibaraki!

7. Hanazono Auto Campground

Located in Kita-Ibaraki, Hanazono Auto Campground offers a wonderful camping experience surrounded by mountains in an exceptional location. The campground has five cabins, 60 individual sites, 10 free sites, and a shower building. There are also cooking facilities and a barbecue house available.

The highlight of this campsite is definitely the "Barbecue House." It can accommodate large groups and is roofed, so you can enjoy it even on rainy days. It is equipped with lighting and ducts, and each grill station has its own wash area, providing a comfortable and convenient environment.

The luxurious cabins are made with warm wooden interiors and are fully equipped with dishes, bedding, a refrigerator, a bath, and a TV, ensuring a comfortable stay. As it is a municipal campsite, the prices are also affordable, which is a nice bonus.

The campground also features a clean jacuzzi-style bath, which is available for use at any time. There is a small stream and pond, and you can enjoy insect catching on the large grassy field, making it a great spot to relax and unwind. Nearby, you can visit popular tourist spots in Kita-Ibaraki such as Hanazono Keikoku (Hanazono Valley) and Jōrenji Temple.

If you're looking for a place to have a fun time with friends and family, make sure to visit Hanazono Auto Campground in Kita-Ibaraki.

◎ Summary

I have introduced seven recommended tourist spots in Kita-Ibaraki.

Kita-Ibaraki offers wonderful places where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday. From the great outdoors to unique buildings, it’s a place where you can reflect on those connected to the area.

There are plenty of tourist destinations in Kita-Ibaraki that cater to a wide range of visitors, from children to seniors. Attractions like beaches, glass experiences with panoramic views of Kita-Ibaraki, and many more make it an appealing place to visit.

Additionally, Kita-Ibaraki boasts impressive tourist spots like the largest hydrangea garden, "Ajisai no Mori" (Hydrangea Forest), and the thatched-roof temple "Jōrenji."

Use the tourist spots introduced here as a reference to plan your visit to Kita-Ibaraki!

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7 Recommended Tourist Spots for a Cozy and Relaxing Time in Kita-Ibaraki