[Ibaraki] Let's explore Oarai's scenic spots and exquisite gourmet food by bicycle!
The seaside of Oarai Town in Ibaraki Prefecture is dotted with scenic spots such as the Kamiiso torii gate and Matsukawa, the village of the sunset. There are also restaurants where you can enjoy exquisite gourmet foods such as whitebait and monkfish hot pot. If you want to explore Oarai slowly, we ...
Oarai Isosaki Shrine
It is said that it was founded in 856, making it a shrine with a history of over 1100 years. The view overlooking the ocean from the temple grounds is wonderful. Along with the "Kamiiso Torii" floating in the Pacific Ocean, it is famous as a photo spot on social media.
Torii of Kamiiso
This is one of the torii gates of Oarai Isosaki Shrine, which stands on a rock on the coast. It is a popular photo spot. The combination of the early morning sunrise and the torii gates is especially beautiful and spectacular.
Oarai Isosaki Shrine/Kamiiso Torii: https://www.oarai-isosakijinja.net/
Sunset Village Matsukawa
This is an exchange experience facility located in Hinuma, which is registered under the Ramsar Convention, and is known as a spot where you can see breathtakingly beautiful sunsets. In addition to a barbecue area and a campsite, there is also a store selling local specialties.
Sunset Village Matsukawa: https://uhimatsukawa.wixsite.com/matsukawa
Oarai Marine Tower
Along the coastline, you can enjoy the pleasant sea breeze and enjoy the retro scenery of the shopping street. Please enjoy the scenery unique to Oarai, such as the calm lakeside.
Oarai Marine Tower: http://www.oarai-mt.jp/
Umimachi Terrace
You can rent bicycles with electric assist function at ``Umimachi Terrace'' at Oarai Station. You can run on flat ground and uphill easily, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can feel at ease.
Umachi Terrace: https://www.oarai-info.jp/page/page000533.html
"Mitsu Dango" Takahashi Taste Shop
A popular restaurant that created a legend with long lines after being introduced on TV. Dumplings made from flour are sprinkled with special honey and soybean flour and ready! The chewy texture is addictive.
Takahashi Takahashi: https://www.oarai-info.jp/page/page000061.html
Oarai specialty “Raw Shirasu-don”
Whitebait is a young anchovy. If the whitebait is freshly caught, it can be eaten raw. On fishing days, it is also served at restaurants and inns in Oarai. It's full of flavor and perfect for rice!
Monkfish hotpot, a representative winter flavor of Oarai
Monkfish is a high-class ingredient that was presented to the shogun family by the Mito domain during the Edo period. Monkfish that live in the cold waters of the north are firmer and taste better, which is why monkfish landed north of Ibaraki are highly regarded. The most popular way to eat it is "monkfish hotpot."
Start cycling in Oarai Town at “Umimachi Terrace”
"Umimachi Terrace" is a tourist information center located next to Oarai Station. We also rent bicycles and sell souvenirs, so please feel free to stop by when you come to Oarai.
301 Sakuramichi, Oarai-cho, Higashiibaraki-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture 311-1307
Business hours 9:00-18:00 Regular holidays 12/29-31 (Business hours and regular holidays are subject to change due to circumstances.)
Oarai, located almost in the center of the Pacific coast of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a wonderful town full of attractions with a mild climate that is comfortable all year round, rich nature, beautiful scenery, and fresh seafood. The Oarai Isosaki Shrine, which enshrines the gods who reigned over the reef, is famous as a SNS spot together with the torii of Kamiiso floating in the Pacific Ocean. In addition, Japan's top-class aquarium "Aqua World Ibaraki Prefecture Oarai Aquarium", two attractive beaches "Oarai Sun Beach" and "Oarai Kaigan" where you can swim and play on the seashore, Oarai where you can see a large panorama from a height of 55m. There are plenty of sightseeing spots that you can fully enjoy, such as the symbol "Oarai Marine Tower"! You can enjoy fresh seafood such as Oarai specialties such as "raw whitebait" that can only be tasted in the production area, "monkfish" that was loved by the shogun, rock oysters, and clams.
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