Just a two-hour trip from Tokyo, Ibaraki Prefecture offers more than beautiful landscapes and seasonal delicacies; in this special land, you can also discover how the Japanese perceive nature and spiritual traditions.
At Hitachi Seaside Park, sweeping fields burst into color with flowers that change throughout the year, while at Fukuroda Falls, you can grasp the deep respect Japanese people have for the power of nature. From autumn foliage to winter icefalls, the changing seasons are sure to move you.

Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine is among Japan’s most important ancient shrines and attracts many visitors as a spiritual destination. Mount Tsukuba has been revered for ages, holding a special place in Japanese faith and folklore. It is so cherished by locals that the saying “Fuji in the West, Tsukuba in the East” was created.
Visiting Ibaraki offers more than sightseeing; it is a chance to connect with the history of a people who have lived in harmony with nature. And with easy day-trip access from Tokyo, it’s the perfect way to add a unique Japan experience to your trip.

Private tours are a favorite among travelers, offering a more relaxed and personal experience than standard bus tours. With no strangers to worry about, you can simply enjoy special moments with family or friends. Plus, the flexibility to choose your own dates makes it easy to fit into any travel plan.

They’re also perfect for families with young children or travelers who prefer a slower pace, ensuring comfort without missing out on the sights. If you’re looking for a trip that feels truly your own, Ibaraki’s private tours are the ideal choice.

Up next, we’ll introduce five handpicked tours that showcase the best of Ibaraki.

This tour is packed with Ibaraki’s must-see spots and is the most recommended for first-time visitors. Each stop features a different side of the region, offering a deeper look into Japan’s nature and culture.
The first stop is the Nakaminato Fish Market, beloved by locals. Here, rows of fresh seafood line the stalls, and you can even enjoy sushi or hearty kaisendon seafood bowls on the spot. The market’s unique energy offers a glimpse into Japanese culinary culture.
Then, visit Oarai Isosaki Shrine, famous for its torii gate standing dramatically in the waves. This breathtaking view captures the harmony of spiritual faith and the raw power of the sea, leaving a quiet yet lasting impression.

At Hitachi Seaside Park, flowers paint the vast land each season. The spring baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii) and autumn kochia (Bassia scoparia) are particularly well known and continue to captivate visitors each year. A private tour allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
This tour combines seafood delicacies, historic shrines, and vibrant flowers, making it ideal for exploring the diversity of Ibaraki. You can get a taste of the harmony of Japanese culture and nature in just one day. It promises to be an unforgettable trip.

Autumn is the best season to visit Ibaraki, when vibrant fall foliage paints the landscape in colors that define Japan’s changing seasons. November is especially stunning, offering a tranquility and natural beauty you will not find in big cities.
Fukuroda Falls is known as one of Japan’s three great waterfalls. In autumn, the surrounding mountains blaze in shades of crimson and gold, creating a striking contrast with the cascading water. From the viewing platforms or the suspension bridge, the scene is nothing short of unforgettable.

Hananuki Gorge is another can’t-miss spot. The scenery of the autumn leaves from the suspension bridge going across the gorge represents the beauty of Japan’s four seasons. The harmony between the peaceful atmosphere and nature will soothe your soul.
With just a short trip from Tokyo, this full day tour lets you leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn foliage.

This tour offers a special itinerary only available in autumn. The dramatic landscape of Ishikiri Mountain Range will remind you of the Grand Canyon. Its sheer rock walls and dramatic formations showcase the raw power and beauty of Japan’s natural scenery.

At the same time of year, the Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival sees temple grounds filled with brilliant displays of Japan’s most celebrated autumn flower. Chrysanthemums have held special meaning in Japan since ancient times, making this festival a unique window into tradition. The venue, Kasama Inari Shrine, is one of Japan’s three great Inari Shrines.
This tour also includes a stop at Kiuchi Brewing Yasato Distillery, where you can enjoy local craftsmanship and even pick up a bottle of their small-batch whisky. With its mix of seasonal beauty, cultural heritage, and local flavors, the tour offers a well-rounded taste of Ibaraki.
Available only from October 25 to November 24, this private tour can be booked on the dates that best fit your schedule, making it easy to include it in your travel itinerary.

This tour will take you to Japan’s most iconic spiritual sites, offering a glimpse into the country’s spirituality and beliefs, which have long been cherished by its people.
The Ushiku Great Buddha is the world’s tallest bronze Buddha statue, recognized by Guinness World Records. Standing 120 meters tall, it surpasses the Statue of Liberty in New York and is a breathtaking sight. You will be amazed by its overwhelming presence and feel a peculiar sense of peace.

Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest and most storied shrines, often regarded as a powerful spiritual site. Walking through its forested grounds, you’ll feel the embrace and serenity of nature and the sacred ambiance of the shrine, which seems to cleanse the spirit. The kaname-ishi inside the shrine is a mystical spiritual stone from Japanese mythology that has garnered a lot of attention after recently being featured in an animated film.
This trip, which includes the majestic Great Buddha, the tranquil shrine, and the legendary stone, promises a unique and memorable experience that nourishes both heart and mind.

Mount Tsukuba, at the origin of the saying “Fuji in the West, Tsukuba in the East,” is a sacred mountain that has attracted many worshippers since ancient times. The summit is accessible by cable or ropeway and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kanto Plain. In November, the colors of the leaves are particularly vibrant, with gradients of red and gold covering the entire mountain.

This itinerary combines a visit to Mount Tsukuba with Ushiku Great Buddha, offering insight into the spiritual traditions that have shaped Japan. In one trip, you will have the opportunity to experience both majestic nature and a symbol of spiritual culture.
By allowing you to experience both the vast natural beauty of Mount Tsukuba and the solemn grandeur of Ushiku Great Buddha, this trip transcends typical sightseeing and offers a unique chance to experience the balance of culture and nature that defines Japan.

Ibaraki Prefecture combines stunning natural scenery with a rich cultural heritage, making it an easy and rewarding day trip from Tokyo. In just one visit, you can enjoy seasonal flowers, brilliant autumn foliage, fresh seafood, traditional sweets, and spiritual sites that offer a sense of calm. With a private tour, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace—creating a relaxed, memorable journey to share with family and friends.
In addition to private tours, train tours are also available. For example, a railway tour to famous autumn foliage spots like Fukuroda Falls and Hananuki Valley is a convenient plan that lets you make the most of sightseeing while using public transportation.

A journey to see the Great Buddha, sacred shrines, and stunning seasonal scenery offers more than sightseeing. It becomes a chance to feel the harmony of Japanese culture and nature. Take a short trip beyond Tokyo and discover the unique charm that only Ibaraki can offer.