Mito

Mito is a good place to enjoy plum blossoms in early spring, though mornings and evenings are still rather cool.

Mito is the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture. The city is not large, and its pace is much more relaxed than Tokyo or Osaka. It combines Edo-period historical sites, famous garden scenery, and nearby coastal views, making it well suited to a 1–2 day stay.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: A Walk Through Mito’s Culture and Gardens
  • Morning: Travel from Tokyo to Mito Station, store your luggage first, then visit Kairakuen, one of Japan’s three great gardens. After that, go up to Kobuntei for an elevated view over the garden.

• Afternoon: Walk around the Lake Senba area, then visit the nearby Art Tower Mito. This building is one of Arata Isozaki’s representative works and is worth taking your time to appreciate for its spatial and structural design.

• Evening: Return to the area around Mito Station for dinner. You can choose the local specialty ankō hot pot made with monkfish, or try distinctive dishes made with Mito natto.

• Day 2: Coastal Scenery and a Seafood Feast
  • Morning: Take a bus to Oarai Isosaki Shrine to see the torii gate facing the sea. Then continue on to the Oarai Aquarium to view exhibits such as schools of sardines.

• Afternoon: Head to Nakaminato Fish Market and enjoy dishes such as seafood rice bowls and sashimi at a market restaurant, while taking in the everyday atmosphere of a fishing port market.

• Evening: Return to Mito Station, or continue on to Tokyo to end the two-day trip.

Recommended Must-See Attractions

Attractions within Mito mainly focus on historical buildings, cultural facilities, and gardens. In the surrounding area, you can also extend your trip to the Pacific coast.

• Kairakuen: One of Japan’s three great gardens, known for its plum blossom scenery. The garden has more than 3,000 plum trees. A plum blossom festival is held in early spring, and it is also a pleasant place for a scenic walk in other seasons.

• Kodokan: The largest domain school in Edo-period Japan, founded by Tokugawa Nariaki, the lord of the Mito Domain. It reflects both Confucian educational traditions and the spirit of bushido, with architecture that is dignified and simple.

• Art Tower Mito: Designed by architect Arata Isozaki, it features a silver spiral tower and a triangular atrium with a strong modern feel, making it a representative example of postmodern architecture.

• Oarai Isosaki Shrine: About 40 minutes by bus from central Mito. The torii gate in the sea beside the shrine faces the Pacific Ocean, and the view is especially impressive at sunrise.

• Nakaminato Fish Market: A seafood market popular with locals. Inside are several restaurants serving sashimi, seafood rice bowls, grilled oysters, and other dishes, making it a good place to plan lunch.

Local Food and Restaurants

In Mito, you can try monkfish and natto dishes, and in nearby fishing ports you can enjoy fresh seafood. The following restaurants can be used as dining references.

• Sansui: A long-running, well-known restaurant in Mito specializing in monkfish hot pot. The monkfish liver has a delicate texture, and the miso-based broth has a clear savory flavor. It is especially good in winter.
• マルカドール（marcador）: Selected as one of Japan’s top 100 Spanish restaurants. Popular dishes include shrimp in garlic oil and beef tongue stewed in red wine. The atmosphere is well suited to dinner.

• Kaisen Ryori Takimoto: A dining spot often visited by local diners. The sashimi boat is generous, with thick-cut tuna and sweet shrimp, and the prices are relatively reasonable.

• Jizakana Shokujidokoro Kobune (Nakaminato Branch): Located inside the seafood market, it offers sashimi set meals and chirashi sushi with vinegared rice and seafood that are notably fresh. The side dishes are also carefully prepared.

Transportation and Practical Tips

• Getting there: From Tokyo’s Ueno Station, take a Joban Line limited express train to Mito Station; the journey takes about 75–90 minutes. If departing from Narita Airport, you can also choose a direct bus.
• Getting around the city: Mito has no subway, so travel within the city mainly relies on buses and walking. At the Mito Station bus counter, you can buy the “Mito Manyu 1-Day Pass” (500 yen), which allows unlimited rides on city buses and offers discounts on admission to some attractions. Some bus routes, such as those operated by Ibaraki Kotsu, may not accept standard Suica cards, so it is advisable to prepare cash or the appropriate transit card.
• Best time to visit: Late February to mid-March is good for plum blossoms, while November is good for autumn leaves. Weekends tend to be more crowded, so travel on less busy days if your schedule allows.
• Where to stay: Staying near JR Mito Station is recommended for convenient transport connections, with plenty of dining options and supermarkets nearby. The budget-friendly Mito Hotel Season is one common choice.