Book Activities in Ibaraki: Refined Dining, Hiking, and Artisan Studio Visits

Enjoy Japanese Culture in Ibaraki

Photo by Pixta
Famous for the ocean sunrise spot at Oarai Isosaki Shrine and the endless baby-blue fields of nemophila in Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki is one of the most exciting destinations near Tokyo. The region offers much more than just scenic sites, however.

Ibaraki is renowned among those who seek fine dining; the bounty of the ocean is exquisitely complemented by flavorful fruit and vegetables. Moreover, the rich natural environment makes it the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities and traditional crafts.

We introduce five activities in Ibaraki that you can book online to make the most of your trip to Japan.

Cultural Activities to Enjoy in Iabaraki

1. Cycling and Lotus Root Harvesting by Lake Kasumigaura
2. Kaiseki Cuisine Lunch and Tea Ceremony at Restaurant Hana Miyako
3. Lacquerware Studio and Gallery Visit in Daigo
4. Mt. Tsukuba Guided Hiking Tour
5. Pairing Exquisite Japanese Sake and Cuisine at Sudo Honke

1. An Immersive Activity! Cycling and Lotus Root Harvesting by Lake Kasumigaura

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Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest in Japan, is famous as a cycling destination. There is a cycling course right by the lakeshore, offering breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings. Lotus root farming is one of the major industries in this region. In fact, Ibaraki ranks number one in Japan in lotus root production.

This activity gives you the chance to enjoy cycling by Lake Kasumigaura and take part in a lotus root harvesting experience at one of the local farms!

Because lotus root can be harvested mainly in the fall and winter months, this activity can only be enjoyed between September and March.

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel

The participants meet their guide at Kasumigaura Exchange Center in the morning at 10:30; you’ll hear an explanation of the tour and then rent the bicycles (*only basic English support is available).

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After one hour of cycling by the lake, you’ll come back to Kasumigaura Exchange Center for lunch. We especially recommend the Kohan Lunch Plate menu available at Kasumi Kitchen (Japanese).

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After lunch, you’ll ride your bikes to a local field nearby for the lotus root harvesting session. Here, you’ll put on special suits and dive into the marsh with the support of the staff from a nearby farm. They’ll show you how to find lotus roots and assist you in pulling them out.

Lotus root harvesting is a rare and extremely fun experience. Time will fly while you're immersed in this activity.

Due to its holes and canals, lotus root is associated with “seeing what the future brings.” Photo by Pixta

This experience takes about one hour and 15 minutes. Once back at Kasumigaura Exchange Center, your guide will show you how to prepare and cook the lotus root, and you’ll even taste it on the spot! (*The photo above is just for illustrative purposes. The actual dish cooked during the activity will differ.)

Lotus root is treasured in Japanese cuisine as an auspicious ingredient; it is associated with the Buddhist faith, in which lotus flowers are celebrated as symbols of rebirth in paradise.

This six-hour activity by Lake Kasumigaura will give you deep insights into Japanese cuisine, as well as the chance to enjoy the fresh air and scenic lake views. (*1) Click on the link below for details.

Book the Lake Kasumigaura Cycling Tour & Lotus Root Harvesting Experience

*1 The activity fee includes the bicycle rental service, the lotus root harvesting session, the lotus root dish tasting, and the guide fee, but does not include the lunch, shower, and accommodation fees.

2. Kaiseki Cuisine Lunch and Tea Ceremony Experience at Restaurant Hana Miyako

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The city of Hitachinaka is home to one of the finest restaurants in Ibaraki. Hana Miyako specializes in kaiseki cuisine made with high-quality ingredients grown in Ibaraki.

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel

By booking this activity, you’ll enjoy a luxurious kaiseki lunch course, followed by a tea ceremony held by the owner himself. Moreover, there will be a short workshop at the beginning, in which the proprietress will teach you how to handle chopsticks with grace and offer details on the exquisite ware used at Hana Miyako.

In kaiseki cuisine, every dish is a small work of art that reflects seasonal features. Seafood, Hitachi beef, and locally grown fruit and vegetables are cooked in such a way that guests can relish the subtle flavors of the season. With every bite, you’ll be able to acknowledge why traditional Japanese cuisine has been registered as UNESCO world heritage.

As an option, you can also enjoy pairing alcoholic beverages with the menu for an additional fee. The owners will prepare a selection of beverages, mainly Japanese sake and wine, that perfectly complement the meal.

At Senshin’an, the tea room within the restaurant, the owner will treat you to a delicious bowl of green tea and Japanese confections. The tranquil ambiance of this room with its solemn calligraphy, seasonal flowers, and artistic tea utensils will surely leave a lasting impression.

Book the Kaiseki Lunch & Tea Ceremony at Kyoyuzen Hana Miyako in Hitachinaka

3. Lacquerware Studio and Gallery Visit in Daigo

Ibaraki is a major producer of lacquer, ranking second only to Iwate Prefecture. The town of Daigo and its surroundings, in particular, are renowned for the exceptional quality of the lacquer produced here.

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel

This activity gives visitors the chance to meet an active lacquerware artisan and visit their studio and gallery. Not only will you be able to actually experience one of the stages of making a lacquerware item (*2), but you will also be able to taste tea, soup, or a sip of Japanese sake from lacquerware vessels. By holding an authentic item in your hands, you'll be able to notice the true charm of lacquerware.

*2 Depending on the production schedule of the studio, the procedure that visitors get to experience differs each time.

The gallery offering this activity is Kijiian, a facility acclaimed for its high-quality products. The owner of the gallery, Mr. Toru Tsuji, will guide you throughout the tour and explain the outstanding features of Daigo lacquer. You’ll learn to appreciate the value of good quality lacquerware and see how its luster enhances with use.

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel

If you visit in October or November, you can also enjoy lacquer collecting for an additional fee. Mr. Tsuji will take you to a grove of lacquer trees and show you the traditional method of collecting lacquer in Japan.

At the gallery, there are splendid lacquerware items on display, from bowls and cups for everyday use to lacquered tea utensils that are one of a kind. Do consider purchasing a memento from your visit.

Book the Lacquerware Workshop and Gallery Tour in Daigo

4. Discover the Legends of Mt. Tsukuba Through a Half-Day Guided Hiking Tour

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Mt. Tsukuba, with its two peaks - Nyotaisan and Nantaisan, is one of the most famous hiking destinations in Japan, particularly popular among beginner and medium-level climbers. Considered a sacred mountain since ancient times, Mt. Tsukuba has many spiritual spots and small altars that enshrine local deities.

This activity consists of a customizable half-day hiking tour of Mt. Tsukuba with an experienced guide who has climbed the mountain more than 400 times. This course can be enjoyed by hikers of any skill level, from beginner to advanced, and can be adapted according to the wishes of the participants.

The English-speaking guide is a local resident who is very knowledgeable about Mt. Tsukuba. He can show you lesser-known trails and locations with panoramic views. You can also learn about myths and legends related to Mt. Tsukuba. In other words, you'll be able to get information that would not available if you chose to climb the mountain on your own.

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For instance, after meeting your guide at the Mt. Tsukuba Tourist Center, you could visit Tsukuba Shrine, which is dedicated to the guardian deities of the mountain. Afterward, you'll head to the summit by cable car and explore the areas around the Nantaisan and Nyotaisan peaks on foot.

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel

Even if you ascend by cable car, if you head to the Nyotaisan peak, you can still enjoy mountain climbing. Nyotaisan is quite challenging, with some areas that require climbing while clinging to chains. The views from the top are extremely rewarding, however.

Regardless of whether you choose hiking or climbing by cable car, there are steep inclines and rock formations on the way, so please make sure to be wearing proper hiking shoes.

The tour takes less than three hours. The breathtaking views from the top after the climb will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had in Japan.

Book the Guided Mt. Tsukuba Hiking Tour (Half-Day)

5. Pairing Exquisite Japanese Sake and Cuisine at Sudo Honke

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Sudo Honke prides itself on being one of the oldest active sake breweries in Japan as it was established in the Heian period (795 - 1185). The brewery is renowned for its award-winning sake varieties, including rare unpasteurized sake, winter-brewed sake (*3) that is aged over the summer, and vintage varieties.

By booking this activity, you’ll be able to enjoy a pairing of high-quality sake with traditional Japanese cuisine for lunch or dinner. The sake varieties are selected by the brewery owner, Mr. Sudo, himself.

Made with rice and clear water, under strict temperature control, the sake varieties made by Sudo Honke have sophisticated flavors with distinctive individual traits that will make you remember them for a long time after tasting them.

*Unpasteurized sake is a type of rice wine that is not treated at high temperatures. Winter-brewed sake is a type of sake prepared in the spring, heated, and then left to mature over the summer.

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel

The meal consists of Japanese cuisine featuring the best local ingredients such as seafood, Hitachi beef, and vegetables such as potato, pumpkin, and mushrooms, which Ibaraki is famous for.

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As a guest, you’ll be tasting three types of sake made by Sudo Honke and specially selected for the occasion. You’ll be able to notice how the flavors change in combination with the Japanese sake - an experience that will bring inspiring insights into the depths of Japanese cuisine.

At the end of the meal, participants will also enjoy pairing sake with exquisite cheese and chocolate confections.

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel

Activity participants will enjoy the meal in the tasting room of Sudo Honke, which is adjacent to the brewery. Because they handle unpasteurized sake, which requires strict hygiene and temperature control, the brewery facility cannot be visited.

Nonetheless, the refined sake itself will leave the strongest impression. If you haven’t found your favorite Japanese sake yet, then you might just encounter it at Sudo Honke!

Book the Sake Pairing Experience at Japan's Oldest Sake Brewery Sudo Honke

Make Your Trip to Ibaraki Unforgettable!

While there are plenty of beautiful places to see in Ibaraki, nothing compares to the wealth of culture that you can actually experience in this region. From exquisite Japanese cuisine and sake to exciting outdoor activities, there is so much to enjoy in this region with all senses.

Most of the cities and towns where these activities take place can be easily accessed so do take the opportunity to discover lesser-known but wonderful aspects of Japanese culture in Ibaraki.

Written by Ramona Taranu
Sponsored by Ibaraki Prefecture and Rakuten Travel