2025 Mito Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

📍Howaen 13-19 Matsumoto-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture 《Access》 Bus stop: Howaen Iriguchi/About 3 minutes on foot from Ibaraki Kotsu ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ A garden adjacent to Daihi-san Howain Keiganji Temple It is said that Tokugawa Mitsukuni loved the temple garden so much that he named it "Howaen." Nowadays, in early summer, about 6,000 plants of about 100 species bloom and compete with each other. Hydrangeas float on Myojogaike Pond, making it a great spot for taking photos with the fountain. It's a "pond-center strolling garden" that you can walk around in a circle, so it's recommended to enjoy it while taking a leisurely stroll. A photo contest and collaborative sweets were also held. #Ibaraki #Mito #Hydrangea Festival #Hydrangea #Walking Garden #Photo Spot #0 Yen Trip

One of Japan's three great gardens, Kairakuen, has been hosting the Plum Festival since February 11. Thanks to the warmth of March, the plum blossoms are nearly in full bloom. Many people have also visited Senba Lake and Senba Park, which are adjacent to Kairakuen. The plum blossoms have a very pleasant fragrance, making you feel that spring is just around the corner. Although it snowed on March 3, it seems that the scenic beauty could still be enjoyed. Since Senba Lake has a circumference of 3 km, it might be nice to take a walk around it.

A Winter Rhapsody at Senba Lake Stepping into Senba Park in Mito, Japan, is like walking into a winter symphony composed by nature itself. Senba Lake is the soul of this performance. In December, time seems to speed up. By 4 pm, the dusk is already spreading. I rush out of the camera shop, as if heading to a time-limited feast, and make my way to Senba Lake. Senba Park is next to Kairakuen, but it has a completely different vibe. It's not a quiet lullaby, but a lively march. Walking along the winding path to the lake, I see energetic walkers everywhere. Some are in groups, their laughter echoing in the air; others walk alone, their steps light, perfectly in sync with the rhythm of winter. Finally, Senba Lake comes into view. It's not cherry blossom season, but the lake still amazes me with its vibrant beauty. The lake surface glows golden in the setting sun, not with gentle golden specks, but with countless dancing notes, playing an exhilarating melody. The water seems alive, with ripples chasing each other like a joyful race. The pavilions and towers by the lake stand like loyal listeners, witnessing every moment of Senba Lake's joy. The distant mountains form a natural backdrop, adding depth and mystery to this winter rhapsody. I stroll along Senba Lake, the cold wind like a playful musician, occasionally playing a high note, brushing my cheeks with a chill, yet making me more awake and immersed in this unique atmosphere. Every step is in tune with the dynamic melody, every breath mingles with the lake's scent. At Senba Lake, I feel the unique passion and vitality of winter. This trip to Mito, the melody of Senba Lake will forever echo in my memory, becoming the most unique symphony of my journey.

Do you know this place? ? I'm r e i n a, and I search for photogenic places while traveling 📷 This time, I'd like to introduce a very stylish cafe I found in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It's called "Kasho Niitsuma Hanare". It's a cafe where you can spend a relaxing time in a quiet, modern Japanese space that is irresistible for Japanese sweets lovers 🍰 The interior of the store is based on plain wood, and it's a stylish, modern Japanese space that seems to have jumped out of an interior magazine. There are counter seats, table seats, and tatami seats, so you can relax in any seat. Seasonal high-quality sweets and light meals are also served, and there are a variety of beautiful Japanese sweets that are a feast for the eyes 🍡🌿 I ordered a set of anmitsu and tea tasting 🍵 Takeout is also available, so you can enjoy it at home. Please come to "Kasho Niitsuma Hanare" and enjoy the charm of Japanese sweets to the fullest🌸 📍Address: 2160-3 Horimachi, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture 🕒Business hours: 9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30) 📅Closed: Mondays (occasionally closed) #Domestic travel record #Ibaraki sightseeing #Ibaraki trip #Ibaraki gourmet #Ibaraki cafe

1-1-1 Miyamachi, Mito City, Mito Station Building 029-297-7179 Business hours: 10:00-22:00 Ibaraki Prefecture is said to have many sake breweries in the Kanto region, and there is a local sake bar in the Mito Station building that has sake from all over Ibaraki Prefecture. You can drink one cup for just ¥300. The map of Ibaraki Prefecture has a map of the sake breweries and the manufacturing process, so it's easy to understand. I personally recommend Tsukinoi Sake Brewery. I recommend it before or after sightseeing. #Mito #Ibaraki #Sake #SakeBar

Decided to head to Kairakuen so we drove and parked next to the park. It was a lovely day, sunny and windy. Lovely swan posing elegantly next to the cherry blossom tree. During the season, all you need to do is just find a park and walk in, you will find yourself surrounded by lovely flowers. Anyway it was until the very end of the walk that we realized we have not entered the Kairakuen which requires entrance fee. We have thought the park that we walked was Kairakuen. 😅 Blur me who did not do the research well. Hoping I will get another chance to visit Japan in the cherry blossom season and go back to Kairakuen!#japan

Mito Plaza Hotel . . An antique hotel with a city feel, like a European guest house. Enjoy afternoon tea and a hotel stay at Mito Plaza Hotel 🍰☕️ . We had afternoon tea in a lovely courtyard filled with greenery ♡ It's a covered greenhouse, so it's great that you can enjoy it regardless of the weather or season. The space is just too comfortable...! . When we visited, it was just the beginning of spring, so the menu was centered around strawberries 🍓 We recommend visiting on an empty stomach 🤤◎ #luxuryhotel #hotelroyalpark

A trip to Ibaraki for gourmet food and scenic spots 🌱 Kairakuen, famous for its plum blossoms, and cafes 🌸☕️ . Kairakuen, the pride of Ibaraki Prefecture, is famous for its plum blossoms. It was a while ago, but it was in full bloom and it was so beautiful!! We went into the plum garden and took pictures and walked around surrounded by plum blossoms. 📸 . After getting tired from walking, we went to the cafe inside Kairakuen! The sweets served in mortars were so delicious 🤤 The classic tiramisu and something that gave us a Japanese and spring feeling. We enjoyed the look of it too ♡ #hotelroyalpark#photogenic spot

Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Staying at the Mito Plaza Hotel. Introducing a wonderful room!!! The bathroom was also very nice♡ A stylish space that makes you want to take a mirror selfie. There were plenty of amenities, which was helpful. I recommend taking a long soak in the bathtub. #hotelroyalpark #luxuryhotel

Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. I found a wonderful hotel! Mito Plaza Hotel. It's a place reminiscent of Taisho era romance, like a guest house in the forest. When you step inside, it's like a different world. It was a wonderful place with lots of photo spots. #luxuryhotel#hotelroyalpark

Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. I stayed at the Mito Plaza Hotel. It was a wonderful hotel, so I'd like to introduce the room! The room had a calm atmosphere. It was Western-style and elegant!! The bed was fluffy and extremely comfortable!! For dinner, I had the hotel's special bento box. #luxuryhotel#hotelroyalpark

TeamLab has decorated Kairakuen Garden. It's a fantastical world that both adults and children can enjoy. I think you can view it all in about an hour.

I went to the Mito Plum Festival at Kairakuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. ✨ The Plum Festival is an early spring event held every year from mid-February to late March at Kairakuen and Kodokan. It was mid-March, so the plum blossoms were in full bloom, the weather was good, and it was crowded with tourists! There are about 100 kinds of 3,000 plum trees planted, and the plum blossoms in various colors were blooming, which was very beautiful. 💕 There were also many food stalls at the entrance to the garden, so I was able to enjoy a festival atmosphere for the first time in a while. ♫ 📍1-6-29 Sannomaru, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture #IbarakiTourism #PlumBlossoms #AmazingView

On a clear day, you can see Mount Tsukuba. You can also get a full view of Kairakuen. The view is great and it's free. There are students studying, so it's best to refrain from talking loudly. There are vending machines, chairs, and separate restrooms for men and women, so it's great that even people with bad legs won't have any trouble. #Amazing view

One of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan" along with Kanazawa's Kenrakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. It is a very large Japanese garden, about the size of 64 Tokyo Domes. The busiest time of the year is the "Mito Plum Festival" season from mid-February to late March. 🌸 About 100 kinds of 3,000 plum trees are planted, and the beauty of the pink is a must-see. ♪ Apart from the plum season, we also recommend the magnificent Japanese house "Kobuntei" and the place of literary and martial arts training "Kobunkan"! 📍1-1251 Mikawa, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture #flowerviewing #plumgarden #Ibarakitourism #girlstrip #trip2022

Address: 2-1-15 Midoricho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0034 Atmosphere/Facilities: Early November was a little early for the autumn leaves, but the green and yellow ginkgo trees were beautiful! I'd like to go next year when they're even yellower☺️ It's located near Kairakuen and Tokiwa Shrine! It's a lovely row of ginkgo trees, so please be sure to stop by😸 #ginkgo #shrine #autumn leaves

Address: 2-1-15 Midoricho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0034 Atmosphere/Facilities: The bamboo was lovely, like that of Arashiyama in Kyoto! It was a rare opportunity to take a walk while enjoying the calming atmosphere! From Kairakuen, you can see Senba Park and Senba Lake! This is a view that can only be seen here, so please come and visit 🦢 #Shrine #Autumn leaves

Address: 1-1251 Mikawa, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 310-0912 Atmosphere/Facilities: If you go to Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this is a place you should definitely visit! The plum blossoms are not in bloom in autumn and winter, but the picturesque scenery is soothing! It is especially recommended during the plum and cherry blossom seasons! It is a great walking course! The entrance fee was 300 yen 🍁 Tokiwa Shrine is right next door!! The air was clear!! #Shrine #Autumn leaves

Address: 1-2-1 Mikawa, Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture Atmosphere/Facilities: This shrine is right next to Senba Park! The Chrysanthemum Festival was held at this time, so I was soothed by the many chrysanthemums! The autumn leaves were beautiful and it was the perfect place for a walk! You can also get a goshuin (stamp), so be sure to bring your goshuin book! If you go to Mito, be sure to stop by 🍁🍁 #Shrine #Autumn leaves

Address: 8-18 Kyoei-cho, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0043 Atmosphere/Facilities: The interior had a beautiful and stylish atmosphere with sunlight filtering through the trees! You could choose two types of bread from several available! I chose French bread and whole wheat bread! They were all delicious and I was very satisfied!! If you're visiting Ibaraki, be sure to stop by! #cafe#retro streetscape

Address: 2160-3 Horimachi, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 310-0903 Atmosphere/Facilities: The interior of the store is decorated with precious wood, creating a relaxing atmosphere! There is a wide variety of Japanese sweets, and they are just the right amount of sweet and delicious! They go perfectly with matcha!! If you visit Mito, please stop by! 😸 #cafe#retro streetscape

[Leisurely Japanese Stroll | Lake Mito Chiba] #I miss my leisurely days in Japan Mito City is not believed to be a popular tourist attraction, but sometimes go to these places. It is a good choice to feel the local atmosphere. There is a big shopping mall right outside Mito Station. After walking around the shopping mall, you can also visit the famous local attraction, Lake Chiba. Lake Chibo is about 3 kilometers long, the lake is in the shape of a gourd, and there are many different animals on the lake. You can also row a boat and ride a jet ski. Many people jogged around the lake. It is recommended to come in the afternoon. It's a good half-day trip to take photos while walking here and watch the carp #I miss #picnic spots

This time I went to Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture! Mito is famous for Kairakuen Garden. Kairakuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, along with Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa and Korakuen Garden in Okayama. Kairakuen Garden was built by Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth lord of the Mito Domain. Everyone knows Mito Komon. Kairakuen Garden is very famous for its plum blossoms, and since the best time to see them has passed, I recommend going next year when they are in their best condition. You can also enter Kobuntei. The view from Kobuntei was also very nice! It is a 30-minute walk from JR Joban Line Mito Station, and when there are events, the temporary Kairakuen Station is open, so it is about a 5-minute walk from Kairakuen Station. #Ibaraki #Mito

There are many wonderful places around Mito Station. Among them, Kairakuen, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, is well worth seeing. If you visit in the fall, the autumn leaves are spectacular!! Lake Senba is also lovely. #Couple trip #Historic site

Ibaraki Prefecture in winter is less noisy and more quiet and poetic. It is a good time to relax. I came to Oarai Isomae Shrine leisurely. The sea breeze was blowing gently, and the vermilion torii gate was more solemn against the backdrop of the winter coastline. Listening quietly to the sound of waves hitting the rocks, feeling the vastness of the sea and sky, the mind was also broadened. Then I went to the Mito Art Museum. This unique building is a work of art in itself. Strolling through the museum, admiring various exhibitions, feeling the inspiration and tranquility brought by art, letting thoughts run freely without the pressure of time. Then, I came to Mito Castle Otemon and Kodokan. Despite the cold, the night light of winter fell on the ancient buildings, adding a warm sense of history. At Kodokan, imagine the scene of students studying here in the past. The heavy and quiet history makes people forget their worries. Ibaraki's winter is such a leisurely journey full of history, art and natural beauty, allowing people to settle their minds and enjoy a moment of tranquility and relaxation. #5月好去处2025

Address: 2 Chome-1-1 Sannomaru, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0011 Japan Atmosphere/Facilities: Comfortable Features: Close to the station, ice cubes are provided, and there is a large bath Price per person: more than 1,000 yuan

🧭 A cherry blossom time that locals also want to treasure Every year at the end of March, I always arrange a "non-follow-the-trend" cherry blossom trip for myself. This year, I unexpectedly came to Mito City in Ibaraki and walked into this ancient temple full of historical charm-Mito Daishi Rokujizo Temple. Unexpectedly, this place is not only one of the 100 views of Ibaraki, but also the most unexpected surprise of my trip. 🌸 Cherry blossoms are not noisy, only the wind quietly accompanies you What amazed me most was the pink waterfall of the whole weeping cherry blossoms. Walking all the way from the parking lot to the temple, the cherry blossoms seemed to draw soft lines in the air, hanging on both sides of the stone steps. The moment when the petals fell with the wind was like the way spring spoke quietly. There is no hustle and bustle of tourist attractions here, only the wind and the shadows of flowers, which makes people walk very slowly and think a lot without paying attention. 🏯 The ancient temple whispers, history is breathing Rokujizang Temple is a temple with a thousand-year history. The moment you enter the main hall, you will naturally lighten your footsteps. What attracts me most in the temple are the fir and ginkgo trees that are more than a thousand years old. They quietly guard this space and the hearts of everyone who comes here to pray. The six statues of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva stand peacefully on the stone seat, interweaving with the falling cherry blossoms to create a sacred and poetic picture. 🚗 The traffic is quiet, but parking is super convenient! If you are a self-driving traveler, this place really adds a lot of points. The temple has three large free parking lots, so you don’t need to worry about finding a seat. Because the location is relatively low-key and the transportation is not convenient, most of the visitors are local residents. Because of this, the process of cherry blossom viewing is more leisurely and calm. No one is crowded, only your date with spring. 📸 An angle that photographers should not miss Flower waterfall stone steps: shoot from the temple entrance to the inside, and capture the scene of weeping cherry blossoms descending along the steps Shadow of Jizo cherry blossoms: Jizo Bodhisattva and cherry blossoms are in the same frame, full of artistic conception Ancient trees and flower rain: look up to shoot the intertwined branches of ancient trees and cherry blossoms, bringing out a sense of history Afternoon light and shadow: The afternoon light shines through the petals and falls on the ground, creating the softest picture 📌 Tourism information list Item Description 📍 Location Mito Daishi Rokujizoji Temple, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture 🚉 Transportation It is recommended to drive there/there are few bus routes, and locals prefer to use their own transportation ⏰ Opening hours Open all day (the main hall is recommended to visit from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm) 🎟️ Ticket price Free worship 🚗 Parking lot There are three large free parking lots on site 🌸 Cherry blossom viewing time The best viewing period is from late March to early April every year 💬 Conclusion: A tranquility that will be remembered for a long time For me, this trip to Rokujizangji Temple is not just about cherry blossom viewing, but more like an exercise in "stealing half a day of leisure from life". Away from the hustle and bustle, without excessive commercial interference, there is only the appearance of spring - gentle, quiet, and reassuring. If you are looking for a cherry blossom spot that does not require crowds and can enjoy history and nature, I sincerely recommend you to put this place on your list. To come here, you don't need too much arrangement, just a pair of slowly walking feet and a heart that wants to watch quietly.

#springitinerary It is famous for being the filming location for Thermae Romae. It will take about an hour to take a leisurely stroll through the park. It is a park that full of water and green trees that takes advantage of the original nature. It is said to be an English landscape garden, and was designed by a British corporation using British building materials to resemble a natural landscape, making it a rare structure in Japan. I enjoyed walking around and take more photos with this breathtaking creations.