Kanto, Japan · Sea / Beach, Town / small city
A coastal town with the Oarai Isosaki Shrine torii standing directly on the rocks in the sea (Kamiiso no Torii), the large Aqua World aquarium (one of Japan's most complete shark collections), Oarai Sun Beach, ocean-view hot spring ryokan, and a working fish market right at the port.
Train — Limited express Hitachi/Tokiwa Tokyo-Mito + transfer to the private Kashima Rinkai Railway (Oarai Kashima Line) to Oarai, ~1h40min, ¥4,420 with a reserved seat. The JR leg dominates the distance (about 117km) versus the final Kashima Rinkai stretch (11.6km, not covered by any JR pass).
A torii gate standing directly on the rocks in the sea in front of the shrine, one of the most photographed sunrise spots on the Kanto coast.
One of Japan's largest aquariums, with one of the country's most complete shark collections.
Oarai is the setting of the anime 'Girls und Panzer' and has built half its tourist economy around it: some 50 life-size panels of the characters, each one 'adopted' by the real shop in town that hosts it, spread along the Magarimatsu shopping street.
Monkfish stew is the winter dish of this coast; dobu-jiru is the fishermen's version, thickened with the liver of the fish itself.
Beyond the famous torii on the rocks: the shrine was founded in the year 856 and its current buildings, rebuilt between 1690 and 1730 by Tokugawa Mitsukuni, are a prefectural cultural property.
In November, some 130,000 people fill the port to watch the 'tsurushigiri' (butchering of the monkfish hung from a hook, because its flesh is too soft for the board) and to eat hot stew.
A working fish market next to the fishing port, with stalls selling fresh seafood to eat on the spot.
Camping area next to the sand and clam digging in spring; Sun Beach was also a pioneer in Japan as a barrier-free beach, wheelchair accessible since 1997.
Ibaraki produces almost all of Japan's hoshiimo (sweet potato boiled and dried in the sun); it is bought alongside fish and vegetables at the Maiwai market in the port.
Some 20,000 fireworks launched over the Pacific in September, outside the high pyrotechnic season of the rest of the country.
Thermal bath of fossil seawater with a rotenburo looking out over the open ocean, also accessible to day visitors.
Free room in the ferry terminal with dioramas, fan illustrations and objects from the series, plus a themed café in the port tower.
August festival with mikoshi, floats and the Isofushi dance, tied to the myth of the deities arriving by sea.
Spring festival at which real Self-Defense Forces tanks are displayed in the middle of the street, the physical extension of the anime phenomenon.
A 60-metre lookout over the port, with views as far as Mount Tsukuba and, on very clear days, Mount Fuji.
A wide, family-friendly beach with marine activities in summer and views of the Isosaki Shrine torii from the shore.
Surf and SUP schools on the beach; in July the Ibaraki Surfing Classic is held here, along with beach volleyball tournaments.
Tell us how many days you have and what you are interested in, and the planner builds a realistic itinerary with real train times.
Open the planner