Top Ibaraki Prefecture Historical Tours

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.

・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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.