[2025 Mito Attraction] Travel Guide for Kodokan Park (Updated Apr)

The area around Kodokan is lit up to coincide with the Kairakuen Plum Festival. The second floor of the restored gate was open to the public. March 1st was a very warm day, so the plum blossoms should have started to bloom toward full bloom. It's a great place to enjoy many different kinds of plum blossoms, but it also has a different look at night, which is quite nice. The event is only held on weekends and holidays, so make time to go and see it, and you'll appreciate how good it is. It looks like it's going to get colder from next week... #MitoCity #Kairakuen #Kodokan

At the ruins of the Mito Kodokan Bunkan, I took three photos to record the appearance of this important historical site. The Bunkan ruins were once an important cultural and academic center in the Mito domain, witnessing the exchanges and learning of countless literati and scholars. Each photo shows the ancient architecture and historical atmosphere of the site, making people feel as if they have returned to an era full of wisdom and academic atmosphere. Every detail here makes people feel the profound cultural heritage. If you are interested in history and literature, Wenguanji is undoubtedly a place you cannot miss.

I took three photos at the racecourse training grounds of Mito Kodokan to capture the unique features of this historical site. This was once an important place for equestrian training by Tokugawa Saaki, the lord of the Mito domain, and today's ruins can still bear witness to the busy activities back then. Each photo shows the historical traces and remaining scenes of the training ground, giving people a sense of that vibrant and historical time. If you are interested in historical relics and traditional culture, the racecourse training ground is undoubtedly an excellent choice to explore Mito’s past.

At Kashima Shrine within Mito Kodokan, I captured six photos that showcase the serene beauty of this ancient shrine. Nestled inside the historic educational site of Kodokan, Kashima Shrine adds a sacred atmosphere to the area. Known for its traditional architectural style and exquisite shrine facilities, it is an ideal place for worship and experiencing tranquility. Each photo highlights the main features of the shrine, including the beautiful torii gate and the quiet approach path, allowing one to feel the unique charm of Shintoism in Japan. If you are interested in traditional shrines and historical architecture, Kashima Shrine is a must-visit spot.

At Mito Kodokan Confucius Temple, I took four photos to record this culturally rich place. As part of the Hongdao Museum, the Confucius Temple is dedicated to commemorating Confucius, the great thinker in ancient China. The architecture here combines the cultural characteristics of China and Japan, showing the influence of Confucius' teachings. When you walk into the Confucius Temple, you will be attracted by its solemn atmosphere and feel the profound influence of Confucianism. The four photos capture the main structures and details of the Confucius Temple, from ancient carvings to the tranquil courtyard, showing the unique charm of the Confucius Temple. This is a quiet and reflective place for those interested in Confucianism and East Asian culture. If you come to Mito, the Confucius Temple is worth a visit.

At Mito Kodokan, I took thirteen photos to explore this historic educational institution. Kodokan was built in the mid-19th century as a school for the Mito Domain and now serves as a history museum to display its cultural heritage to the public. The buildings are well preserved and reflect the educational philosophy and architectural style of the time. Here, I admired the antique classrooms and traditional study rooms, and felt the atmosphere of education in the Meiji period. Each photo shows the exquisite details of Hongdokan, including ancient lecture halls, books and decorative arts, making people feel like they have traveled back to that historical period. If you are interested in Japan’s modern educational history and ancient architecture, Kodokan will be a surprising destination.