Everyone should visit Ibaraki at least once

Pre-trip Preparation - Visa: Prepare personal information, employment certificate, financial proof, and other materials to apply for a Japanese tourist visa. - Flights: Book round-trip tickets in advance. You can fly to Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo, then travel to Ibaraki. - Others: Prepare Japanese yen in cash, exchange an international data SIM card or rent a portable Wi-Fi, and download useful apps like Google Maps. Recommended Attractions - Natural Scenery - Hitachi Seaside Park: Features vast fields of nemophila, tulips, and rapeseed flowers, along with magnificent ocean views—perfect for strolling and picnics.  - Mount Tsukuba: Standing at 877 meters, you can hike or take a cable car to enjoy the natural scenery and surrounding views while experiencing the joy of mountain climbing.  - Okukuji Park: Rich in vegetation with waterfalls and valleys, ideal for camping, hiking, and fishing, allowing you to immerse in nature's beauty.  - Historical & Cultural Sites - Kairakuen Garden: One of Japan's Three Great Gardens, home to over 3,000 plum trees. During the Mito Plum Festival, the blooming plums create a breathtaking sight.  - Mito Castle: Built in the 13th century, it was once an important military fortress. Some structures have been restored, offering insights into Edo-period history.  - Kasama Inari Shrine: Established around the mid-7th century, it enshrines the deity Inari. The shrine features exquisite architecture with carvings of dragons and peonies on its walls.  - Science & Education - Tsukuba Space Center: The headquarters of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), featuring space exhibitions, real spacecraft displays, and simulation activities.  - Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History: Showcases art and crafts from prehistoric times to the modern era, providing a glimpse into the region's history and culture.  Food Recommendations - Anko Nabe (Monkfish Hot Pot): A winter delicacy with tender monkfish rich in collagen, served with vegetables and tofu in a flavorful broth. - Hitachi Beef: A premium wagyu brand known for its fine texture and even marbling, delicious as yakiniku, shabu-shabu, or steak. - Mito Natto: A specialty of Mito City, fermented for a long time with a strong bean aroma, sticky texture, and rich nutrients. - Kasama-yaki: A traditional snack from Kasama City, similar to a crispy pancake with a soft interior, sweet but not cloying. - Tsukuba Soba: Made from high-quality buckwheat flour, hand-kneaded and stone-ground, served with special dipping sauce for a refreshing taste. Accommodation Options - Mito City: Offers a wide range of accommodations with convenient access to attractions like Kairakuen Garden and Ibaraki Museum of Modern Art. Options include Hotel Mito Plaza and Sannomaru Hotel. - Hitachinaka City: Close to coastal attractions like Oarai Isosaki Shrine. Consider Hotel Route-Inn Hitachinaka. - Tsukuba City: Ideal for visitors to Mount Tsukuba and Tsukuba Space Center. Options include Tsukuba Grand Hotel. Transportation Guide - External Transport: Take the JR Joban Line from Ueno Station in Tokyo or the Hitachi Limited Express to Mito. The Tsukuba Express connects Akihabara Station in Tokyo with Tsukuba. - Local Transport: Most attractions in Mito are accessible on foot or by bus. For farther destinations, use JR trains or rent a car.