4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture – Nurtured by History and Nature

Ami Town (Amimachi) in Inashiki District, Ibaraki Prefecture, is known as a place where people have lived since ancient times, with Paleolithic ruins and Jomon-era shell mounds discovered there. In the Taisho era, the Kasumigaura Naval Air Corps was established in Ami, and in the Showa era, the Navy Flight Training Preparatory School “Yokaren” was founded, making it famous nationwide as a “naval town.”
Another characteristic of Ami Town is that it has many excellent medical and educational institutions, such as Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, the Faculty of Agriculture at Ibaraki University, and the Prefectural University of Health Sciences. Blessed with rich nature, Ami Town has in recent years also gained attention as a tourist destination. Here, we introduce some recommended sightseeing spots in Ami Town.

1. Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum

“Yokaren” is an abbreviated name for “Naval Flight Training Preparatory Trainees” or the system itself. It was a program started in 1930 by the former Imperial Japanese Navy to increase the number of skilled pilots by training young boys early, so as not to fall behind the powerful Western nations.
Boys aged 14 and a half to 17 were selected from all over Japan. From the start of the system until the end of the war, about 240,000 youths enlisted in Ami, and 24,000 of them actually became pilots sent to the battlefront.
This memorial museum was established in Ami, once home to the Kasumigaura Naval Air Corps—praised as the largest air base in the Orient—to remind us never to forget Japan’s wartime history. It is a valuable tourist spot that provides an opportunity to reconsider the countless precious lives lost in the war.

2. Megmilk Snow Brand Ami Factory

Megmilk Snow Brand dairy products are probably something everyone has tasted at least once. The factory that produces these familiar products is located in Ami Town. Completed in 2014, it manufactures dairy items such as processed cheese and margarine.
The factory produces about 200 types of products and also has a logistics center. As one of the largest factories in the Megmilk Snow Brand network, it offers factory tours that attract many visitors. During the tours, you can easily learn about the manufacturing process on a large screen, and there are also tastings to enjoy.
You might even receive special limited items as souvenirs from the tour! It’s a tourist attraction that both adults and children can enjoy, and a landmark of Ami Town. Tours are by reservation only and must be booked at least seven days in advance, so plan ahead if you intend to go.

3. Ami Premium Outlets

Conveniently located right near the Ami-Higashi Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, Ami Premium Outlets is a stylish, resort-like shopping space inspired by the U.S. West Coast. You can enjoy shopping to your heart’s content here. Major brands such as Edwin, Coach, and T-fal line the outlet, and you can purchase items at reasonable outlet prices.
Nearby is the Ushiku Daibutsu, recognized by the Guinness Book as the tallest statue in the world. Why not extend your trip to Ushiku and visit the Daibutsu as well? Dogs are also allowed inside, making it a recommended spot for travelers with pets.

4. Horse Riding Square Evolvulus

Located about 3 km from the Ami-Higashi Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, this is another convenient sightseeing spot in Ami. It is run with the motto of conveying the “true charm of horseback riding” to as many visitors as possible.
Here, you can casually try horseback riding, and there are also full riding school courses. With practice, it’s not just a dream to freely gallop around the large riding ground. For those who want to interact with horses or try riding for the first time, this is the perfect place.
Whether you just want a horseback riding experience as a tourist or are serious about learning, both are available here. There’s also a space where you can interact with animals, making it a memorable part of your trip.

◎ Summary

With factory tours, horseback riding experiences, and shopping at outlets, sightseeing in Ami Town is sure to be an unforgettable trip. Add a visit to the nearby Ushiku Daibutsu, and your travel plan will be even more fulfilling. Ami Town is a hidden gem packed with must-see tourist attractions, so be sure to visit!

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4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture – Nurtured by History and Nature