Top Ibaraki Prefecture Art & Culture

・You will have the chance to try "tehineri"(clay forming by hand), a traditional technique handed down from the Jomon period(about 3,000 years ago), at a kiln that was established in 1796. ・Make your choice of bowls, plates, cups etc. After learning from and seeing an example from your instructor, you will get to make a piece with your own hands. ・After you're done making your piece, we will glaze and fire it for you, which will take about two months to complete. We will then send you your finished Kasama-yaki piece by SAL(Surface Air Lifted) mail.

In Inada area of Kasama city, you can feel and learn Japanese traditional culture with my guiding. Will guide you to Inada Shrine, Sainenji Temple, and Isokura Sake Brewery by 3-hour walking. Sainen-ji is a temple that has its roots in the "Inada no Souan" where SHINRAN, a founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect, lived for about 20 years during his missionary work in eastern Japan. The thatched-roof Sanmon gate was built in the 14th century and is a valuable item that survived the fire. You can enter the main hall of the temple and see a wonderful view of a statue of Amida Buddha, SHINRAN, and his wife Eshinni. In front of the main hall, you can see an 800-year-old ginkgo tree with leaves that SHINRAN planted . Since 1868, Isokura Brewery has produced Japanese sake "Inasato" using local water and rice. You can enjoy and learn how to make sake with traditional methods during the tour and try sake tasting at the shop.

Just two hours from Tokyo, Hitachi is your gateway to nature and tradition. Start at JR Hitachi Station, a seaside stop with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Visit the sacred Oiwa Shrine, walk peaceful forest trails, and receive a special blessing. Relax afterward in a soothing onsen. On day two, marvel at Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s three great waterfalls, as you hike serene paths and admire its cascades. Stroll through Daigo’s nostalgic streets, visiting cozy cafés and shops. Finally, ride a local train along the Kuji River, enjoying mountain views on your way to Mito—the perfect end to this 2-day escape. Data: The itinerary can be flexibly adjusted depending on the physical condition and experience of the guests and the weather on the day. Cancelled if more than 2 mm of precipitation is expected. The course may be changed due to the weather on the day or if the guide deems it necessary.　 Total walking distance:10.5km Ascent:759m Descent:761m Total walking time: 8 hours

Easy Kimono Experience: Many people find ordinary kimonos painful because they are tied with strings and layered. This kimono is an original kimono developed to make it possible to look perfect and beautiful without layering. It can be put on over Western clothes in about 5 minutes. It is not painful because it uses elastic and Velcro (hook and loop fastener). *Sorry, there is no wheelchair access route to the venue.

You can make brooches (and clips) simply by folding colorful crape cloth, gluing and attaching. Once you learn how to make them, you can make many of them in your own country, and they make great gifts.

Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the famous National Hitachi Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the four seasons with nemophila and kochia.　 The experience venue is located almost halfway between Katsuta Station and the seaside park, so it is possible either on the way to or from sightseeing. Would you like to experience the Japanese culture of “Shodo” (calligraphy) with a brush pen? A former art teacher and Iromusubi Sho(Colorful calligraphy) instructor will teach you in an easy-to-understand and detailed manner, so beginners will not have to worry. Let's write your name or favorite word in Kanji characters! Combine the kanji you have written with traditional Japanese paper or origami, frame it, and you have a piece of brush calligraphy art! You can take it home as a souvenir and display it in your room as a wonderful memory of your trip to Japan. We hope you will try it for yourself!

Kairakuen, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, invites exploration into its rich history and design philosophy. Created during the Edo period, this guided tour reveals how Tokugawa Nariaki envisioned a space for both ruler and people, emphasizing harmony and contrast throughout the landscape. Wander through moso bamboo groves, plum orchards, and shaded woods while discovering the garden's roles in diplomacy and intellectual life. Visit Kobuntei, an elegant pavilion with views that once graced the elite, and enjoy a break at the café with light food and traditional sweets. This immersive experience uncovers the cultural significance of Kairakuen, making it a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts. - Discover the historical and cultural significance of Kairakuen - Explore diverse landscapes including bamboo groves and plum orchards - Visit the elegant Kobuntei structure for unique interior insights - Enjoy light refreshments at the café while taking in stunning views

Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the famous National Hitachi Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the four seasons with nemophilas and kochias.　 The experience venue is located almost halfway between Katsuta Station and the seaside park, so it is possible either on the way to or from sightseeing. SDGS “Mottainai”! PET bottle caps that you used to throw away after drinking can be turned into wonderful handmade works if you have the right materials and ideas. Transform them into your favorite hats in your favorite colors, including colorful twine and ribbons! The teacher, a former art teacher and accessory artist, will teach you in an easy-to-understand and detailed manner, so beginners will not have to worry. You can take home as a souvenir as a wonderful memory of your trip to Japan. We hope you will try it!

Kumihimo Experience: Kumihimo has a long history in Japan, dating back more than 1,000 years to the Nara period (710-794), and was used for armor. This time, we will make either charms or bracelets that are easy for children to make.

Ushiku Daibutsu, one of the tallest statues in the world, invites visitors to explore its vast spiritual significance. This guided tour provides an in-depth understanding of the monumental bronze Buddha and its surrounding sacred space. Guests will walk through carefully designed pathways and gardens, each symbolizing stages of spiritual progression, while learning about key Buddhist concepts. Inside the statue, multiple levels reveal aspects of Buddhist cosmology, culminating in breathtaking views from the observation deck. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the essence of Buddhist devotion and appreciate the architectural marvel of Ushiku Daibutsu. - Discover the spiritual and architectural significance of Ushiku Daibutsu - Walk through symbolic gardens and pathways representing Buddhist concepts - Explore multiple interior levels of the statue, learning about Buddhist cosmology - Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck at the statue's summit

Ibaraki is one of Japan’s most underrated prefectures—home to some of the country’s most scenic and spiritual landmarks. With your guide, visit the towering Ushiku Daibutsu, one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. Explore the coastal beauty of Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for its seasonal flowers and open skies. Walk through the peaceful grounds of Kairakuen, one of Japan’s top three gardens. Discover local seafood culture in Nakaminato Fish Market and learn about regional heritage in Mito. This tour provides a refreshing and authentic look into Japan's countryside—ideal for those seeking something different.

Visit a rural guardian shrine and learn how faith shapes daily life in Satomi. Harvest seasonal vegetables and cook a farm-to-table lunch with a local farmer. Access to the meeting point is only 1.5 hours from Tokyo. Enjoy hands-on cultural exchange with people living in a mountain village. Carve your own pair of chopsticks using locally sourced wood. Discover a hidden satoyama area rarely visited by international travelers.

The Art of Fire: Discover the warmth of charcoal and wood through the "Irori" hearth and "Kamado" stove. Dedicated Host Support: From lighting the fire for your bath to sharing local delicacies, your host ensures a smooth and welcoming experience for first-time visitors. Vintage Nostalgia: Relax among antique furniture and traditional architecture, complemented by a modern private sauna. Private Dog Run: A rare, pet-friendly traditional retreat with plenty of space for your furry friends to explore.

Authentic UNESCO Heritage Experience: This is one of the few places in Japan here you can experience the full cycle of Yuki Tsumugi production, a craft so rare it is protected by UNESCO. The "Hand-Spinning" Secret: Learn the unique "te-tsumugi" technique. Unlike other silks, Yuki Tsumugi yarn is spun by hand without twisting, resulting in the softest, most durable silk in the world. From Cocoon to Loom: You don't just weave; you start from the very beginning by extracting thread from the cocoon, giving you a profound appreciation for the material. Artisan Observation: Gain exclusive access to watch master craftspeople at work. Seeing their focus and skill firsthand provides context and inspiration for your own weaving session. Take Home a Piece of History: The coaster you weave is made of genuine silk and serves as a functional piece of art and a lasting memory of your visit to Ibaraki.