Ibaraki Prefecture occupies the northeastern corner of the Kanto region, stretching from the Pacific coastline inland to volcanic highlands and forested river valleys. It is home to Kairakuen, one of Japan's three great landscape gardens and an annual pilgrimage for plum-blossom season, and to Hitachi Seaside Park, whose hillsides turn electric blue with nemophila each spring. The world-class research city of Tsukuba, the colossal Ushiku Daibutsu statue, and ancient Kashima Jingu shrine round out a destination that balances rural tradition with scientific modernity.
Best time to visit
Recommendation
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None