Hitachi Seaside Park’s seasonal flowers, Mito’s Kairakuen garden and Mount Tsukuba, all within reach of Tokyo.
Ibaraki makes easy day trips from Tokyo. Choose by season: nemophila in spring, kochia in autumn, plum blossoms in late winter.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesMiharashi Hill turns blue with nemophila from mid-April to early May and red with kochia in October. The park also has cycling paths and a small amusement area.
Buses run from Katsuta Station. Peak weekends are crowded; arrive at opening time.
Read this area guide →Kairakuen is one of Japan’s three great gardens, with about 3,000 plum trees that bloom from February to March. Nearby, the Kodokan was a school for samurai of the Mito domain.
Limited express trains from Tokyo (Ueno or Shinagawa) take about 70–80 minutes.
Read this area guide →The twin peaks of Mount Tsukuba are reached by cable car or ropeway, or by hiking trails. On clear days the view reaches Tokyo and Mount Fuji. Tsukuba-san Shrine sits at the foot.
Take the Tsukuba Express from Akihabara, then the shuttle bus from Tsukuba Station.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Arrive at Hitachi Seaside Park at opening time.
Lunch in the park or near Katsuta.
Train to Mito and walk Kairakuen.
Natto or anko monkfish hotpot (winter) before returning to Tokyo.
Try natto, anko monkfish hotpot in winter, Hitachi beef and dried sweet potato.
Most visitors stay in Tokyo. Mito has hotels near the station; Tsukuba has hotels for an early mountain start.
JR Joban Line limited expresses serve Mito and Katsuta. The Tsukuba Express reaches Tsukuba from Akihabara.
