Hitachi Seaside Park
Miharashi-no-Oka Hill commands a wonderful view of the park and its flowers all throughout the four seasons. There are facilities for sports and even an amusement park. This is a park that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The Great Garden Kairakuen
Kairakuen is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Unusually, Nariaki opened this garden to the public because, true to Ibaraki philosophy, he believed in equality among lords and commoners. Nariaki designed the garden in harmony with yin and yang principles, so visitors could reflect on both the darkness and lightness of life.
Entering the Kobuntei Front Gate, you will find yourself shrouded in the shadows of the bamboo forest. Historically, Nariaki harvested the bamboo for food, as well as to make archery bows. The winding path then takes you to another forest of cedar trees that stretch taller than houses.
Ami Premium Outlets
It is a prominent outlet mall in the northern Kanto region with plenty of sightseeing spots in the surrounding area. There are lots of high quality products, many of them of American brands.
Ushiku Daibutsu
The “Ushiku Buddha” is designated by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest bronze statue. It is well known by many as a symbol of the garden cemetery, “Ushiku Jouen”, where many people gather and relax.
Fukuroda Falls
There are a lot of waterfalls in Japan and they all seem to be on a top 3 or top 100 list. What is great about this waterfall is that you approach it via a 276m-long tunnel so you are getting closer to it without actually seeing it. Then when you round the corner to the First Observatory Deck, you get this sudden assault on your senses, first the intense sounds of the water and then as you step closer out onto the deck an understanding of the sheer scale of this natural phenomenon.
Senba Lake Walking Trail
The trail is ideal for jogging and walking as it winds around the lake in 3km, surrounded by plenty of nature. After getting that workout while sensing the passing of the seasons through the cherry blossoms of spring and the fireworks of summer, take a break at one of the cafés or restaurants in the area.