If You Want to Fully Enjoy the Charm of Ibaraki! 7 Sightseeing Spots to Visit

Ibaraki City is conveniently located about 20 minutes from Osaka Station by JR or private railway, and is full of attractive spots featuring nature, history, and stylish shops. There are also many places that can heal both body and mind, while satisfying your appetite with delicious food. Let’s introduce some of them.

1. Peach Tree Café

If you get tired of walking and crave something sweet while sightseeing in Ibaraki City, this is a shop you’ll definitely want to stop by. Conveniently located within walking distance from Hankyu Ibaraki-shi Station, it sits quietly in a residential area with a charming atmosphere that naturally draws you in.
Inside, the café has a calm, retro feel with a touch of cuteness that appeals to women. The most popular menu item is the soufflé. In addition to cheese and chocolate bases, you can also enjoy seasonal flavors unique to Ibaraki City. Freshly baked and fluffy, the soufflé delivers an even greater thrill the moment you taste it.
If you missed lunch while sightseeing, the café also offers sandwiches, doria, and other light meals. For women, half-size portions are available, making it easy to enjoy both a meal and dessert. This café is highly recommended for breaks, meals, or tea time during your Ibaraki sightseeing.

2. Salon de Thé Jamin

Located right outside Hankyu Ibaraki-shi Station, this is a wonderful spot where you can casually stop by even in the middle of sightseeing. A restaurant and café offering French cuisine and sweets are divided between the first and second floors, with the upstairs space devoted to sweets. Just looking at the showcase filled with colorful cakes will lift your spirits.
The recommended item is the shortcake “Fraisier,” though their Mont Blanc is also highly praised. On weekends and holidays, the café offers a popular and affordable cake set, which includes not only drinks but also jelly, ice cream, and fruits—making for a beautifully arranged plate perfect for photos.
This shop is great for girls’ gatherings and is popular with both locals and tourists. Since the café space often fills up, it is recommended to call and reserve before your visit.

3. Madama Village

Hearing the name Ibaraki Chiteiji may only ring a bell for those well-versed in history. The area became known when a portrait of the missionary Francis Xavier was discovered there. It is believed that hidden Christians once lived in the surrounding area, and many tourists now visit throughout the year.
Within this slightly mysterious area of Ibaraki City, you’ll find a thatched building standing quietly among bamboo groves. Its unique appearance clearly sets it apart from modern homes. Upon closer look, it is a pit-style dwelling, modeled after ancient residences, built using timber from about 20 old houses more than 200 years old.
The semi-underground structure of the building provides a soothing atmosphere. With a maximum capacity of 180 people, it offers a relaxing space where visitors can refresh themselves. It also serves as a multipurpose venue for events and lectures.

4. Saito Natural Hot Spring Sumire-no-Yu

If you get tired while sightseeing in Ibaraki City, this hot spring bathhouse is a must-visit. It is one of Ibaraki’s signature attractions, famous for its wide variety of baths and numerous stone saunas. Despite being a popular super sento (large-scale bathhouse), it uses natural spring water drawn from 1,000 meters underground, which is said to leave skin smooth—especially popular among female visitors.
In the open-air bath, you can even relax while watching TV, making it hard to leave. There are also four types of jet baths and pot baths, allowing you to fully enjoy hot spring hopping. The facility’s pride is its jjimjilbang, Korean-style stone saunas, offering multiple rooms with different atmospheres and effects for detox.
After bathing, you can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine, making it a satisfying spot to refresh your body and spirit during your sightseeing.

5. Oiwa Sweet Potato Digging Garden

One highly recommended experience during autumn sightseeing in Ibaraki City is sweet potato digging. Held from September to November, it lets you enjoy the flavors of autumn even if your trip comes a little late in the season. Visitors harvest a sweet, delicious variety called “Beni Azuma.” Gloves and tools are provided, so you can casually stop by and experience it during your travels.
Another highlight is the barbecue space. Just bring your own meat, and you can purchase vegetables and drinks on-site. Of course, you can grill and taste the freshly harvested sweet potatoes too. The flavor of potatoes you dig up yourself is truly unforgettable.
If you feel chilly, you can even order oden, giving the place a cozy, pub-like atmosphere. This is a great spot where you can connect with the earth, experience the joy of harvesting, and enjoy local flavors during your Ibaraki sightseeing.

6. Daimonji Temple

Widely known as a sightseeing spot in Ibaraki City, this Shingon Buddhist temple is loved for its beautiful collaboration of ancient architecture and nature. Within the temple grounds, there is a hall called “Sōdō,” which enshrines the main image carved from aromatic wood along with wooden statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
From the moment you step onto the grounds, the atmosphere changes, enveloping you in a solemn and tranquil world. Simply strolling around the temple grounds calms the heart. In early summer, bright sunlight, blue skies, and lush greenery create a vibrant scene, while autumn brings breathtaking views of colorful leaves.
The red, yellow, orange, and green leaves blend in perfect harmony, as though decorating the temple itself, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. It’s a wonderful spot to add to your sightseeing list, whether you plan to visit for the scenery or simply to take a relaxing detour.

7. deAi Hokkori Miyama-no-Sato

This spot is highly recommended for those seeking peaceful scenery and delicious local cuisine during their visit to Ibaraki City. Located in the city’s northernmost mountainous area at an elevation of over 300 meters, it offers views of nearby Mount Ryuo. The secluded village has a remote atmosphere, blessed with beautiful seasonal nature and clear water, making it ideal for safe and reliable farming.
The facility sells rice and vegetables grown with reduced pesticides and fertilizers, along with processed goods such as miso and rice bread. It also serves unique local dishes that can only be enjoyed here, making it popular with tourists visiting Ibaraki.
The dashi broth made from kelp and bonito is entirely natural, and all ingredients, including the rice, are carefully selected for safety and taste. Local specialties include udon and soba noodles with mountain vegetables, kayaku rice, and other simple yet flavorful dishes. It is a sightseeing spot in Ibaraki that heals both body and soul.

◎ Summary

Just a short distance from downtown Osaka, such as Umeda, Ibaraki City offers many beautiful natural and relaxing sightseeing spots. From gourmet food and hot springs to hands-on experiences, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy. Be sure to refresh both body and mind and discover something new on your sightseeing trip to Ibaraki City.