Fukuroda Falls
📍 Address: 3-19 Fukuroda, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki 319-3523, Japan
Regarded as one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls, Fukuroda Falls boasts an impressive scale, standing 120m high and 73m wide. Its water cascades down a massive rock face in four tiers, earning it the nickname ‘Yodo no Taki’ (Waterfall of Four Tiers). Saigyo Hoshi, a Heian period poet, famously praised it, saying ‘One cannot truly appreciate the beauty of this waterfall without visiting it once in each of the four seasons.’ True to his words, it reveals completely different faces throughout the year, from the contrast of autumn leaves and water in fall to the ‘Hyobaku’ (ice falls) in winter when the entire waterfall freezes solid white.
To experience the falls up close, first pay the entrance fee and proceed into the observation tunnel. From the first observation deck, you can feel the immense power of the waterfall roaring and splashing directly in front of you. Don’t miss the direct elevator at the end of the tunnel. This modern elevator, cutting through solid rock, offers a surprising contrast—visitors say it’s ‘like being guided by a department store elevator attendant.’ Stepping out at the second observation deck (approx. 44m above ground), an overwhelming panoramic view of the four-tiered waterfall unfolds.
A practical tip for visiting is regarding parking. Free parking is located over 1km away from the falls, so it’s more convenient to use one of the private parking lots closer by (typically around 500 yen). Some parking lots operated by souvenir shops offer discounts or free parking if you spend a certain amount (e.g., 2000 yen) in their store, making it a good deal if you plan to buy souvenirs on your way back. After seeing the falls, we recommend taking the route back to the parking lot via the scenic suspension bridge instead of the tunnel, allowing you to soak up plenty of negative ions amidst nature.
Hitachi Seaside Park
📍 Address: 605-4 Onuma, Mawatari, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0012, Japan
Hitachi Seaside Park attracts global attention with its vast fields of blue nemophila in spring, creating a sky-like expanse, and fiery red kochia in autumn. Covering a total area of approximately 350 hectares, with about 215 hectares open to the public, this sprawling park is an absolute must-visit scenic spot for Ibaraki tourism.
The main highlight, ‘Miharashi Hill,’ becomes a breathtaking carpet of blue from mid-April to early May, with approximately 5.3 million nemophila flowers in full bloom. The scale is even more impressive than in photos, making it a guaranteed Instagrammable spot from any angle. The park is incredibly vast, making it impossible to cover entirely on foot. The most enjoyable and efficient way to explore is by renting a bicycle (single or tandem options available) and riding along the dedicated cycling paths, feeling the breeze. If you get tired, you can also use the ‘Seaside Train’ that runs throughout the park.
During Golden Week and peak flower seasons, queues can form even before opening, but a little planning can ensure a comfortable visit. For instance, following your car navigation system directly to the nearest ‘Hitachi Seaside Park IC’ often leads to heavy traffic. A local’s secret is to exit at an earlier interchange and take an alternative route, or access the West Parking from the next interchange, ‘Hitachinaka Port IC.’ The park also has numerous cafes and food stalls, offering popular local treats like ‘Nemophila Soft Serve’ and ‘Choco Mint Ice Cream.’ You can spend a full day picnicking on the vast lawns and never get bored.
Ryujin Suspension Bridge
📍 Address: 2133-6 Tenkacho, Hitachiomiya, Ibaraki 313-0351, Japan
Spanning the V-shaped Ryujin Gorge in Hitachiomiya City, the Ryujin Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge boasting a length of 375m and a height of 100m above the lake surface. As you walk across, there are three transparent ‘peep windows’ on the floor, offering a thrilling, see-through view of Ryujin Lake directly below, a sight that might make your knees tremble. Throughout the year, the bridge offers seasonal beauty: around 1,000 carp streamers flutter across the valley in spring, and breathtaking autumn leaves blanket the area in fall.
What truly put this bridge on the national map is the ‘Ryujin Bungee,’ a 100m dive. As one of Japan’s highest bungee jumping spots, it’s hugely popular among thrill-seeking youngsters and travelers looking for a test of courage. Even if you don’t plan to jump, watching others take the plunge from the bridge itself is a gripping spectacle (complete with screams!). A unique feature here is that after jumping, instead of climbing down, you are automatically pulled back up to the bridge by a winch.
At the end of the bridge, you’ll find the ‘Mori no Kane’ (Tree Spirit Bell), which is said to bring happiness when rung, along with a playful touch: a card might pop out, offering a free soft-serve ice cream if you’re lucky. For access, the path from the closest First Parking Lot to the bridge entrance is a bit steep uphill, so it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes. This is truly one of Ibaraki’s premier experiential tourist spots, where stunning scenery and thrilling adventures coexist.
Ushiku Daibutsu
📍 Address: 2083 Kuno-cho, Ushiku, Ibaraki 300-1288, Japan
Suddenly emerging from Ibaraki Prefecture’s plains and radiating an extraordinary presence visible from afar is the ‘Ushiku Daibutsu’ (officially: Ushiku Amida Buddha). Standing an astonishing 120m tall, its overwhelming scale, which dwarfs even America’s Statue of Liberty and Nara’s Great Buddha, was certified as the ‘World’s Tallest Bronze Standing Buddha’ by Guinness World Records in 1995. In recent years, it has attracted numerous international tourists, offering a cross-border spectacle of awe.
The true essence of Ushiku Daibutsu lies not just in admiring it from the outside, but in the ability to embark on a ‘Tainai-meguri’ (womb tour) inside. The Buddha’s interior is divided into five levels, and you can ascend by elevator to the chest observation deck at 85m above ground. On a clear day, you might even spot Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree, but the interior’s artistic presentations are actually the deepest highlight. From the ‘World of Light,’ where a single ray of light pierces through darkness, to the ‘Lotus World,’ where approximately 3,400 golden miniature Buddha statues line the walls, a futuristic and fantastical space unfolds, reminiscent of an SF movie or theme park attraction.
A practical tip for visitors: shoes are prohibited inside, so you’ll need to carry them in a plastic bag. Since you’ll be walking on hard floors for an extended period, it’s highly recommended to bring thick socks or slippers if you’re prone to sore feet. Additionally, at the base of the Buddha, there’s a vast garden blooming with seasonal flowers, a petting zoo where you can interact with goats and rabbits, and a Nakamise-dori (shopping street). It’s a comprehensive tourist destination where families and couples can easily spend half a day enjoying not just the Buddha, but also the surrounding attractions.
Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium
📍 Address: 8252-3 Isohama-cho, Oarai, Higashiibaraki-gun, Ibaraki 311-1301, Japan
Situated in an excellent location facing the Pacific Ocean, Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium is one of the Kanto region’s largest aquariums, showcasing approximately 580 species and 68,000 marine creatures. Its greatest strengths are ‘sharks’ and ‘sunfish’ (mola mola). Boasting Japan’s largest variety of shark species, about 60 types, the sharp teeth and powerful presence of sand tiger sharks swimming gracefully in their giant tank are impactful enough to make both children and adults gasp. Furthermore, the sight of multiple sunfish leisurely swimming in one of the largest dedicated tanks in Japan offers a strangely calming experience.
Another highlight of the aquarium is the ‘Ocean Live’ show, featuring a joint performance by dolphins and sea lions. The high-quality show, combining the sea lions’ comical acts with the dolphins’ dynamic jumps, is a must-see. However, if you sit near the front, be prepared for splashes from the dolphins’ jumps; if you prefer to stay dry, choose seats further back or bring a leisure sheet or poncho (available for purchase at the venue).
The facility has been renovated, and its cafes and food courts are clean and well-stocked. You’ll find adorable, photo-worthy menu items like the popular ‘Shark & Penguin Float.’ However, if your schedule allows for an afternoon visit, a great way to enjoy Oarai tourism is to extend your lunch to the ‘Oarai Seafood Market’ or other popular local seafood restaurants nearby, where you can savor fresh tuna bowls and raw whitebait.
Tips for 120% Enjoyment of Ibaraki Tourism
Ibaraki Prefecture’s tourist attractions are individually vast and expansive. Therefore, wearing ‘comfortable sneakers’ is a golden rule common to all spots. Whether it’s the Ushiku Daibutsu’s inner tour, the sprawling grounds of Hitachi Seaside Park, or the uphill walk to Ryujin Suspension Bridge, comfortable footwear directly impacts your travel satisfaction.
Additionally, Ibaraki’s tourist spots are geographically spread out across different areas: northern Ibaraki (Fukuroda Falls, Ryujin Suspension Bridge), central Ibaraki (Hitachi Seaside Park, Oarai Aquarium), and southern Ibaraki (Ushiku Daibutsu). If traveling by car, it’s difficult to visit all in one day. We recommend planning your route by focusing on specific areas, such as a ‘Northern Ibaraki Scenic Nature Course’ or a ‘Central to Southern Ibaraki Classic Coastal & Buddha Course,’ allowing you to thoroughly enjoy 2-3 spots per day. Combine your journey with local gourmet delights (seafood from Nakaminato/Oarai, Hitachisoba noodles, etc.) and fully savor the highly charming Ibaraki trip!
