Sightseeing

Namegata City

Lapoppo Namegata Farmers Village

This experiential agricultural theme park was born in Namegata City, one of Japan's leading sweet potato producing areas, where nutritious vegetables grow. With the motto of "Let's make Japanese agriculture wonderful!", the facility is not just for looking or playing, but also for expanding your curiosity about agriculture and food, with a Farmers Marche, Roasted Sweet Potato Museum, Sweet Potato Factory, Agricultural Experience Facility, Handmade Experience Class, Restaurant, and Cafe. Why not try this delicious experience of learning, growing, eating, and feeling nature with your whole body?

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Kashima-shi

Kashima Shrine

Kashima Shrine is a historic shrine founded in the first year of the reign of Emperor Jimmu and enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, the god of war and the founding of Japan. It is a nationally designated historic site. The bright vermilion tower gate, donated by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito domain, is one of Japan's three greatest tower gates, along with Aso Shrine Kumamoto and Hakozaki Shrine Fukuoka. Beyond the gate sits the main hall and worship hall (both designated as important cultural properties). Near Mitarashi Pond, famous as a place of purification rituals, there are tea shops selling the famous mitarashi dango, where you can take a break. The forest within the shrine grounds, designated as a natural monument by the prefecture, is about the size of 15 Tokyo Domes and is home to many precious plants. It is also a great spot for forest bathing, such as strolling through the sunlight filtering through the trees.

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Itako-shi

Suigo Itako Iris Garden

Approximately 1 million irises of 500 varieties are in full bloom in the park, which stretches from the mouth of the Mae River that flows into the Kitatone River. The Suigo Itako Iris festival is a historic event held from late May to late June every year. The iris flowers bloom beautifully in a variety of colors including white, purple, and yellow, from early blooming to late blooming, and during the festival, you can enjoy ``wedding boats'' and rowing ``robune excursions.''

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Itako-shi

Choshoji Temple

Choshoji Temple is said to have been founded in 1185 by Minamoto no Yoritomo to pray for lasting military fortune. It fell into disrepair at one point, but was restored during the Edo period by Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the lord of Mito. This ancient temple has many cultural properties designated by the national, prefectural and municipal governments. In particular, the bronze bell, designated as an Important Cultural Property by the national government, bears an inscription reading "Kakusen yahakuhitachi no sojo" (passenger ships overnight at Hitachi sojo), suggesting that since that time (around 1330), Itako has been a prosperous water town thanks to water transport. In autumn, it becomes a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, and from late November to early December, the maples in the temple grounds turn a deep red. You can enjoy the charms of each season, such as the rows of cherry blossom trees in spring and the fresh greenery in summer.

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Itako-shi

Roadside station Itako

In addition to fresh local produce, there is a wide variety of delicious foods such as Koshihikari rice from Itako, pickles from a long-established shop, rice flour noodle pho, freshly baked dorayaki, handmade side dishes, and much more. The shop also offers a wide variety of souvenirs, so stop by for a visit when you go sightseeing or return to your hometown.

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Kashima-shi

Ibaraki Kashima
soccer stadium

The home stadium of the Kashima Antlers, which was also the venue for the 2002 World Cup. It is a full-fledged soccer stadium with a capacity of 41,800 people and is suitable for international matches. The attached Kashima Soccer Museum displays championship trophies and autographed uniforms won by the Kashima Antlers. You can learn about Kashima Antlers while playing quizzes and rhythm games.

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Itako-shi

Shiratori no Sato

A winter tradition in Itako is the Shiratori no Sato on the shores of Lake Kitaura, where many waterfowl can be found. Many swans come flying from late November to early March every year. Morning and evening are the best times to see swans. It is a popular place for families to enjoy bird watching, sketching, and interacting with nature.

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Namegata City

Sairenji Temple

When the leaves are in full bloom, the entire temple grounds are covered with ginkgo leaves, creating a beautiful landscape that looks as if a golden carpet has been laid out. The two large ginkgo trees, which are over 1,000 years old and designated as natural monuments by Ibaraki, give you a sense of their stately appearance and the vitality that has been nurtured over the years.

Photo credit: Namegata City

• Best time to see autumn leaves: late November to early December
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