Enjoy nature, scenery, and culture in Narita and Mito - Narita Kaido, Mito Kaido, GREEN Trip -

This content was produced by JTB Corporation under contract with the Kanto Regional Transport Bureau.

There are many different ways to travel in Japan, but this time we will introduce you to a travel route that combines history, culture, and nature.
This trip not only connects you to history, but also allows you to relax in the countryside and enjoy the beautiful scenery around the Kanto region, making it the perfect trip for travelers who want to explore the local culture and enjoy nature.

• Table of Contents
• Introduction to the Edo Kaido - Narita Kaido and Mito Kaido
• Narita-Mito model route

Introduction to the Edo Kaido - Narita Kaido and Mito Kaido

The five main roads starting from Nihonbashi and their side roads such as the Mito Kaido and Narita Kaido (collectively known as the "Edo Kaido") played an important role as roads connecting various regions.

Narita Highway

Narita Kaido is a pilgrimage route that runs from Nihonbashi to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, and was built by the devout people of Edo. As the pilgrimage culture developed, shops and post towns developed along the route, and you can still feel the atmosphere of the Edo period.

Mito Kaido

The Mito Kaido was the main road leading from Edo to the Mito Domain (present-day Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture). The Mito Domain was one of the three main branches of the Tokugawa clan, and is a place with a deep history. Numerous cultural assets and historical buildings remain on this road, making it well worth a visit.

Narita-Mito model route

On this trip, you will get to know the area on a deeper level through a variety of natural and cultural experiences.

Narita: From Farms to Temples

Mito: Traditional crafts and the beauty of the seasons

Narita area

JAL Agriport

Narita is not only home to an international airport, but also has rich agricultural resources. At JAL Agriport, you can experience strawberry picking in an area modeled after an airport runway, where you can pick fresh, sweet and juicy strawberries with your own hands. It's a perfect experience to enjoy with your family or friends.

Address : 245-219 Kawakami, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture
Access : About 15 minutes by taxi from Narita Airport

Boso Village

This is a historical and cultural experience facility themed on castle town streets and rural scenery from the Edo period, where life at that time is recreated. Here, you can experience making candles using chiyogami paper and traditional papermaking techniques, allowing you to experience the charm of traditional Japanese crafts firsthand.

Address : 1028 Ryukakuji, Sakaemachi, Inba-gun, Chiba Prefecture
Access : 20 minutes by taxi from Narita Airport

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple has a history of over 1,000 years. After worship, you can try copying sutras, participate in a goma ceremony, and even stroll through Naritasan Park to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

Address : 1 Narita, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture
Access : 20 minutes by taxi from Narita Airport or 10 minutes on foot from Keisei Electric Railway's Narita Station

Mito area

Before heading to Mito, here are some recommended spots to stop by along the way.
Hitachi Seaside Park - Known for its flowers that bloom with every season, the spectacular views of the nemophila flowers in spring and the kochia flowers in autumn are particularly notable.

Below are photos of nemophila from mid-April to early May.

Photo by AdobeStock

Address : 605-4 Onuma, Umadori, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access : About 15 minutes by bus from JR Katsuta Station

We will introduce some recommended spots in Mito.

Experience making Suifu lanterns (Suzuki Mohei Shoten)

If you come to Mito, you should definitely try making a Suifu lantern. This is one of Japan's traditional handicrafts, where you can make a lantern out of washi paper and choose your own pattern. It's a special experience that will leave you with a unique memory.

Address : 1-7-5 Hakamzuka, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access : About 15 minutes by taxi from JR Mito Station

Kodokan and Kairakuen

Kodokan

Photo by Adobestock

Kodokan is also a famous plum blossom spot, and unfortunately the plums were not in full bloom on the day we visited, but the best time to see them is as shown in the photo below.

Photo by AdobeStock

Kairakuen (Kobuntei)

The view from Kairakuen (Kobuntei)

Plum blossoms at Kairakuen

Photo by AdobeStock

Kodokan was used as a school for the children of local samurai in the late Edo period. It was a place to learn both the arts and martial arts.

On the other hand, Kairakuen, which was established as a pair with Kodokan as a "place to have fun," is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and is especially known as a famous spot for plum blossoms. Many tourists visit the plum blossom festival every spring to enjoy the magnificent plum blossoms.

Kodokan Address : 1-6-29 Sannomaru, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access : About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Mito Station

Kairakuen Garden Address : 1-3-3 Tokiwacho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access : About 15 minutes by taxi from JR Mito Station

This route is especially recommended for travelers who have visited Japan multiple times, as it allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy Japanese culture and scenery in the laid-back atmosphere of Narita and Mito.

For those who want to enjoy nature : Enjoy nature near the city at a farm experience in Narita or Kairakuen in Mito.

For those who love culture : experience the traditional crafts of Boso Village and samurai culture at Kodokan.

For those who want to refresh their mind : Experience copying sutras and praying at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple to calm your mind.

Also in the Kanto area, the International Horticultural Expo 2027 (GREEN×EXPO 2027) will be held in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture in 2027. Please see below for details.

2027 International Horticultural Exposition

This content was produced by JTB Corporation under contract with the Kanto Regional Transport Bureau.