Ibaraki Prefecture might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to Japan, but it’s a treasure trove of authentic experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots. Here, you’ll find immersive nature walks, traditional sake breweries, and historic shrines that showcase Japan’s cultural and natural richness. We particularly love the Trekking Tour to Faith, Ancient Paths and the Falls from Hitachi for its combination of spirituality and outdoor beauty, and the Hitachi Seaside Park and Mito Highlights Tour for a taste of vibrant seasonal flowers and local flavors. These tours demonstrate Ibaraki’s appeal for those seeking both adventure and cultural depth. If you’re curious about Japan’s spiritual side, the Private Sake Brewery Tour and Shinran Temple Visit offers a unique peek into the craftsmanship and religious history of the region.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of tours suited for different interests and activity levels. From two-day trekking adventures exploring waterfalls and shrines (Trekking Tour from Hitachi) to short cultural walks through ancient temples and sake breweries (Private Sake Brewery Tour), each offers a different window into Ibaraki. For a deeper dive into the region’s natural beauty, the North Ibaraki Tour takes you through impressive geological sites (North Ibaraki Tour). And if you want a full-day experience that combines flowers, food, and local industry, the Hitachi Seaside Park and Mito Highlights Tour provides a well-rounded taste of Ibaraki’s highlights (Hitachi Seaside Park and Mito Tour).
1. Trekking Tour to Faith, Ancient Paths and the Falls from Hitachi
Just a couple of hours from Tokyo, Hitachi offers a compelling mix of spiritual sites, lush forests, and dramatic waterfalls. This two-day tour is perfect if you want to escape the city and connect with nature while exploring Japan’s deep-rooted religious traditions. It starts at JR Hitachi Station, where you’ll be greeted with ocean views before heading to the Oiwa Shrine, a place of ancient faith that’s been revered for centuries. The walk into the forest trails is peaceful, and you’ll receive a special blessing that adds a spiritual dimension to your trip. The tour continues with a stay in a hot spring onsen, giving you a chance to relax after a day of walking.
On day two, you’ll marvel at Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, where hiking along scenic paths offers stunning vistas. The nearby streets of Daigo provide a nostalgic look at rural Japan, with cozy cafés and local shops. This tour is rated 5.0/5 with rave reviews for its authenticity and varied experiences. The price of around $833 per person reflects the comprehensive nature of this adventure, which combines outdoor activity, cultural insight, and relaxation.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want a multi-day experience that blends nature, spirituality, and local culture, especially attractive for active travelers who enjoy immersive outdoor adventures.
2. Private Sake Brewery Tour and Shinran Temple Visit
For just about $28.55 per person, this three-hour walking tour offers an intimate glimpse into Japan’s sake-making traditions and religious heritage. Starting at Inada Station, your guide will lead you through Inada’s sacred sites—the Inada Shrine and Sainenji Temple—both steeped in history. The thatched-roof Sanmon gate of Sainenji, dating from the 14th century, is a highlight, and you’ll learn how Shinran, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect, lived and preached here.
The star of this tour is the visit to Isokura Sake Brewery, established in 1868. You’ll see traditional sake brewing in action, using Inada granite water and locally grown rice. Tasting the rich, flavorful sake directly from the brewery offers a taste of regional craftsmanship that’s hard to match. Visitors consistently praise the tour for its friendly guides and authentic experience, making it ideal for those interested in Japan’s cultural and culinary history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers on a budget who want an authentic, hands-on experience of Japanese sake making combined with spiritual sites.
3. North Ibaraki Tour
If you prefer a customized private day trip, the North Ibaraki Tour is an excellent choice. This seven-hour exploration takes you through Fukuroda Falls, one of the top three waterfalls in Japan, impressive in every season. You’ll cross the Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge, 375 meters long, for sweeping views of the valley below. The Hanazono Gorge offers a relaxing hike amid flowing streams and colorful foliage, perfect if you’re into outdoor walking.
Rounding out the day is a visit to the Oiwa Shrine, a spiritual sanctuary with over a thousand years of history, set amid a scenic landscape. The tour’s flexibility means you can customize the day to focus on your interests, whether that’s more nature, cultural sites, or local food stops. The group size is small, making for a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who want a flexible, private day exploring natural wonders and historical sites away from crowds.
4. Hitachi Seaside Park and Mito Highlights Tour
For a full-day excursion with a focus on scenery, food, and local industry, this seven-hour tour is a winner. It kicks off at the Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for its seasonal flower displays—in spring, millions of blue nemophila bloom, creating a mesmerizing landscape, and in autumn, the bright red kochia bushes are equally spectacular. It’s ideal for photos and leisurely walks.
Next, the tour visits the Kurosawa Soy Sauce Shop, a family-run business where you’ll learn traditional soy sauce brewing techniques and enjoy tastings. The aroma alone makes it worth the stop. Afterward, the lively Nakaminato Fish Market offers a glimpse into Ibaraki’s seafood industry, with stalls full of fresh catches and local snacks.
While this tour doesn’t have reviews yet, it’s designed for travelers who want a variety of experiences in one day—flower viewing, culinary exploration, and a taste of local life. It’s suited for those who want a well-rounded, hassle-free day.
Bottom Line: A good pick for visitors who want to combine natural beauty with culinary and cultural experiences in a single trip.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Ibaraki, consider your interests, fitness level, and time constraints. If outdoor activity and spirituality appeal to you, the Trekking Tour from Hitachi offers a balanced mix of both. For those eager to learn about Japan’s sake traditions, the Sake Brewery and Temple Tour provides an authentic, hands-on experience. Budget travelers might find the Sake Brewery Tour most appealing, while those seeking a comprehensive day exploring flowers, seafood, and local crafts should look at the Hitachi Seaside Park and Mito Highlights Tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like spring and autumn, to secure spots in these popular tours. Think about what specific experience excites you most—whether it’s hiking waterfalls, tasting sake, or wandering through flower fields—and choose accordingly.
To sum it up, Ibaraki offers a surprising variety of tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. If you love outdoor adventures mixed with cultural insights, the Trekking Tour from Hitachi is hard to beat. For a more relaxed, cultural, and culinary experience, the Sake Brewery and Shinran Temple Tour is perfect. And if you want a well-rounded day with natural beauty and local flavors, the Hitachi Seaside Park and Mito Tour delivers just that. Booking early and planning around your specific interests will help you make the most of your trip to this often-overlooked part of Japan.