Things to do in Oarai

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Ibaraki Prefecture

Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium

Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium houses most shark species found in Japan. In addition to native marine life, it features global zones like the Red Sea and Caribbean Sea, where visitors can enjoy the romantic and joyful atmosphere created by diverse marine creatures.

No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Ibaraki Prefecture

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, facing the Pacific Ocean to the east. It is just a 1-hour drive from Tokyo, making transportation very convenient. The site was formerly a military area and was only converted into a park after 1973. The park is often referred to as Hitachi Seaside Park in Chinese, which is a slight misunderstanding. In Japan's old administrative division system, Ibaraki was known as Hitachi Province. The Japanese kana for "Hitachi" is written as ひたち (Hitachi), which is the same as the word for "Hitachi" (the brand/name), so it is often translated as "Hitachi Seaside Park" domestically. In fact, the officially confirmed translation should be Hitachi Seaside Park. The park has 4 entrances: the West Gate, South Gate, Central Gate, and Seaside Gate. It is divided into the Flower Area, West Entrance Area, South Entrance Area, Forest Area, Grassland Area, Dune Area, and Amusement Area, each with its own unique features. This coastal dune landscape is gently rolling and vast, blooming with different flowers throughout the year. In spring, tulips, daffodils, and nemophila compete in beauty; in summer, zinnias, lavender, and sunflowers are in full bloom; in the fall, cosmos and kochia are the undisputed stars; and in the depths of winter, ice tulips and plum blossoms bring vitality to the snow-white world. The park is perhaps most famous for its Flower Area (Miharashi no Oka). From late April–late May, over 4.5 million graceful blue and white nemophila bloom here. You can also see the deep blue sea in the distance—the sky, the sea, and the sea of flowers are all blue, making you feel as if you have fallen into the blue world of Pandora from Avatar. In summer, this flower field is planted with round, petite kochia. They start out green, gradually turn a mix of green and pink, and by the fall, they turn a vibrant deep red. At this time, you can capture the beautiful scenery of cosmos blooming on the red hills. Local residents also bring their families here to enjoy the flowers and have picnics. If you want to experience the local lifestyle, why not bring some light snacks and a picnic blanket, sit on the grass, and enjoy this beautiful scenery. The West Entrance Area is a great place to enjoy tulips and daffodils in the spring, with a tulip exhibition held every year. Near the Seaside Gate is the vast Dune Area, which features the Fragrance Valley, where over 100 types of spice crops such as mint, lavender, and rosemary are planted. The Grassland Area, located in the center of the park, is filled with colorful zinnias in the summer and fall. With the tall Ferris wheel in the Amusement Area as a background, you can take vibrant and colorful photos here. Entering from the Central Gate brings you to the Amusement Area, which features a popular Ferris wheel, a Kappa House, a carousel, a forest roller coaster, and more. Both children and adults can have a great time here all day. The Sea Side Cafe in the Dune Area is also a must-visit attraction. This is an oceanfront cafe located in the Glass House. As the name suggests, its exterior features floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Sit at the outdoor cafe seating facing the Pacific Ocean, order a cup of aromatic coffee with a Western-style light meal, and gaze at the sea and sky merging in a space that blends brightness and tranquility. Because the park is so vast, walking the entire way is very tiring, so many visitors choose to take the park's seaside train or rent a bicycle to explore. The seaside train has stops in every area and at the park's 4 main gates. The train generally departs from the Central Gate and stops at 10 stations in sequence: Rose Garden Station, South Gate Station, Desert and Sea Forest Station, Seaside Terrace Station, Seaside Gate Station, Grassland Station, Flower Area (Miharashi no Oka) Station, Memorial Forest Station, and West Gate Station. Bicycle rental points in the park are located at the 4 main gate entrances, and bicycles must be returned to the rental location.

Oarai Isosaki Shrine

Oarai Isosaki Shrine is a historic shrine located in Oarai, Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, facing the Pacific Ocean. Dedicated to Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, it sits on a coastal highland surrounded by lush trees. The worship hall and main hall retain their Edo-period architectural style, creating a solemn and tranquil environment that showcases the unique atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shrine. A famous view here is the Kamiiso Torii Gate, which stands on the reefs of the Pacific coast. The vermilion torii gate faces the vast ocean directly, with no tall buildings to obstruct the view, while waves constantly crash against the rocks, creating a spectacular coastal scene. Visitors can pray within the grounds, admire the traditional architecture, or head to the seaside viewing area to experience the atmosphere woven together by the sea breeze, crashing waves, and natural scenery. It integrates Japanese Shinto culture, mythology, and coastal scenery, making it a representative cultural and tourist attraction in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Mentai Park Oarai

No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Ibaraki Prefecture

Kairakuen

Kairakuen is located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is one of the three famous gardens in Japan, along with "Kenroku-en" in Kanazawa and "Korakuen" in Okayama. The name "Kairakuen"was chosen by Tokugawa Nariaki, the lord of the Mito Domain, based on his wish to create a place that could be enjoyed by everyone together with the people of his domain. In July 1999, the adjacent Senba Park was merged into "Kairakuen", becoming the second largest urban park in the world, second only to Central Park in New York. It is famous for the plum blossoms in the garden. There are more than 3,000 plum blossoms in 100 species in Kairakuen. Every February and March, Kairakuen attracts tourists from all over the world who come to appreciate the plum. There are many famous landscapes in the park, such as "Koubutei" and "Togyokusen" where clear water flows from a well of Kansui stone (marble) with a diameter of 2 meters. In addition, Azaleas and Bush Clover, autumn chrysanthemum and other seasonal flowers and plants are planted. It is very popular with young lovers and tourists traveling with the whole family. It has become a place for citizens to relax and entertain.

Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine

Kamiiso no Torii

Kamiiso no Torii features a torii gate where you can listen to the sound of the waves while enjoying the beautiful ocean view.

Miharashi no Oka

No. 3 of Hot Springs Attractions in Ibaraki Prefecture

Shiosai Hot Spring

Shiosai Hot Spring attracts many visitors who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature, thanks to its unique seaside environment, natural hot spring resources, and tranquil vacation atmosphere. Its charm lies in combining the hot spring experience with ocean views. Many visitors come here to soak in the warm spring water while admiring the vast ocean view and listening to the sound of waves crashing against the shore. In the morning, enjoy the open-air hot spring with soft sunlight and feel the tranquility of nature. In the evening, admire the sunset reflecting on the sea, adding a touch of romance and relaxation. The hot spring features complete facilities and a comfortable layout, full of the refinement and warmth of a Japanese-style bath. The changing area is spacious and bright with ample lockers, and the shower area is clean and tidy with a full range of amenities.

Oarai Marine Tower