5 relaxing things to do in Ibaraki to get away from the crowds

Set in the middle of a lush forest, Oiwa Shrine offers a reverent experience that might remind visitors of the animated film 'Princess Mononoke'. Situated at the base of Mount Oiwa, considered the oldest sacred mountain in Hitachi Province (present-day Ibaraki prefecture), Oiwa Shrine is a revered site within Ibaraki and is celebrated as one of the prefecture's ‘Hundred Scenic Views’.

A brief walk within the shrine grounds reveals the remarkable Three Cedar Trees, the tallest in the municipality of Hitachi, distinguished by their inclusion in the Forestry Agency's ‘100 Forest Giants of Japan’. These towering cedars, which split into three distinct trunks from about 3 metres off the ground, add to the shrine’s atmosphere of vitality and resilience.

Further exploration leads to the shrine's main hall, where 26 deities including Kunitokotachi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, and Okuninushi-no-Mikoto are venerated. The entire Mount Oiwa area is a spiritual haven, hosting 188 deities in total, making Oiwa Shrine a focal point for those seeking a connection with the divine in a tranquil natural setting.

Ibaraki is renowned for its exquisite Japanese paper lanterns, which serve not only as practical lighting solutions but also as decorative masterpieces and essential elements in traditional festivities. The town of Mito, in particular, has a long history of making lanterns by hand using washi paper.

Kageyama Rihei Shoten, a 16-minute bus ride from Mito Station, has been in this business since 1798. Not only does the shop still make lanterns the traditional way; it also offers workshops where staff will teach you how to create your own lantern and decorate it to help keep this age-old tradition alive.

The workshops are open to all ages and take between an hour to an hour and a half. Each ¥3,000 session begins with the assembly of the lantern frame, followed by the pasting of the washi paper. After drying, the creative phase begins, where participants are free to paint their lanterns, drawing on their artistic flair, whether in calligraphy or illustration.

While some Japanese proficiency is advantageous for the workshop, keen observation can also guide non-Japanese speakers through the process.

Japan is home to several popular waterfront shrines, with Hiroshima's Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic ‘floating’ red torii gates often capturing the spotlight. Ibaraki's Oarai Shrine, however, remains an underrated gem.

Established circa 856 AD, this venerable sanctuary boasts three torii gates along an approach that stretches from a hilltop to the ocean's edge. The standout Kamiiso Torii gate, perched on a small rock amidst the sea, endures the relentless dance of the waves against its sturdy pillars.

This gate, captivating at any time, reveals its true splendour at dawn. Those who rise early to visit the coastal shrine are rewarded with the sight of the first light bathing this transient structure in a golden glow.

The Hitachinokuni Long Trail, formerly known as the Ibaraki-Kenpoku Long Trail, is a captivating 320km trail that weaves through six cities and towns in the northern part of Ibaraki prefecture. Though it’s obviously a long trek, the trail isn’t about merely covering distances but about connecting with the rich tapestry of rural culture, community values, and environmental beauty along it.

The trail's design also allows you to choose your own starting point, enabling both brief excursions and more extended explorations. On the trail each season brings its own allure, from spring's blossoms to winter's clear vistas. Hikers are advised to prepare for challenging sections with significant elevation changes and to plan meticulously due to limited refuelling stops.

The trail promises a holistic experience, blending natural splendour with historical intrigue and geological wonders, inviting a deeper appreciation of Ibaraki's northern reaches​​​​​​. For more detailed information, you can visit the official site of the Long Trail.

Ibaraki’s Mattary Village offers a unique homestay experience for travellers looking to spend more than a day in this stunning satoyama landscape. Satoyama are traditional rural landscapes made up of farmland, grasslands and forests, where people live sustainably with the natural environment. This small farming village provides an authentic local experience for those looking to immerse themselves in rural Japanese life and heed the call of nature.

The accommodation is part of a broader local initiative to share and enhance the value of satoyama life, inviting guests to participate in various activities like maintenance of the mountainsides, home and garden upkeep, bean cultivation, natural poultry farming and traditional farmhouse renovations. 

For rates and details, those interested are encouraged to reach out directly to Mattary Village. This immersive experience promises a meaningful retreat into the heart of Japan's countryside, ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature and learn about sustainable living.