12 Things to Do in Ibaraki in Winter
North Kanto
Fukuroda Falls (Frozen falls)
In winter, all of the falls are frozen white and look mysterious.
Access: 20 min. by bus from JR Fukuroda Station.
Omoide Roman-kan
Relax your body and mind by bathing in a mountain ravine in the Oku-Kuji district.
Access: 20 min. walk from JR Fukuroda Station.
Kiuchi Brewery
One of the longest-standing breweries in the prefecture. Its products include Hitachino Nest Beer, enjoyed around the world.
Access: 5 min. walk from JR Hitachi-Konosu Station.
Crafthills Kasama
A facility offering workshops on Kasama-yaki pottery production and a permanent exhibition of pottery works. Also equipped with a café lounge.
Access: 15 min. by bus from JR Kasama Station.
Oarai Isosaki Shrine
This shrine attracts worshippers to the guardian deity for households and marine transport. At sunrise and sunset the torii gate standing in the sea creates a wonderful view.
Access: 15 min. by bus from Oarai Station on the Kashima Rinkai Railway.
Oarai Hotel (Anglerfish)
Try anko-nabe (anglerfish hotpot), an Ibaraki specialty. You can see an anglerfish-cutting demonstration in winter.
Access: 5 min. by taxi from Oarai Station on the Kashima Rinkai Railway.
Kanefuku Mentai Park Oarai
A theme park featuring mentaiko (seasoned cod roe), with a factory tour, a gallery and a shop.
Access: 2 min. by taxi from Oarai Station on the Kashima Rinkai Railway.
Tsumugi no Yakata
Here you’ll find a museum of textiles, an exhibition hall for rolls of cloth, a store with Yukitsumugi textile products and a workshop about dyeing and weaving.
Access: 6 min. by taxi from JR Yuki Station
Shuroku
A facility that integrates tradition with modernity, offering experiences with glass working, wood working, pottery making and 3-D printing.
Access: 40 min. by bus from Moriya Station on the Tsukuba Express Line.
Namegata Farmers Village
Japan's first theme park featuring sweet potatoes. The complex consists of a sweet potato plant, a roasted sweet potato museum, a restaurant and more.
Access: 40 min. by bus from JR Itako Station.
Choshoji Temple
This Buddhist temple was first built by Minamoto no Yoritomo and later rebuilt by local lord Mitsukuni Tokugawa. Savor a matcha (powdered tea) experience in this refined building.
Access: 12 min. walk from JR Itako Station.
Kagami Crystal
Japan's first plant specializing in crystal glass, where you can have a close look at the highly refined techniques.
Access: 15 min. by taxi from JR Sanuki Station.
