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🕓 2025/3/17
＃観光地
Table of Contents
- Ushiku Daibutsu | One of the World's Tallest Buddha Statues
- Oarai Isosaki Shrine | A Scenic Shrine by the Sea
- Hitachi Seaside Park | A Paradise of Seasonal Flowers
Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Ibaraki
ー What is Ibaraki Prefecture? ー
Ibaraki Prefecture, located in the Kantō region of Japan, is a captivating area where rich nature and deep history beautifully intertwine. Since ancient times, this region has been blessed with fertile farmland and abundant marine resources. During the medieval period, it flourished with the presence of significant Shinto shrines, such as Kashima Jingu and Kasama Inari Shrine.
Ibaraki is a land of stunning natural beauty throughout the four seasons. The breathtaking landscapes of Lake Kasumigaura and Mount Tsukuba, along with the elegance of historical gardens like Kairakuen Garden in Mito, which is recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, offer exceptional visual charm.
Each season transforms the scenery, making every visit a unique experience. Spring welcomes cherry blossoms, summer brings lush greenery, autumn is adorned with vibrant foliage, and winter blankets the region in serene snow. No matter the time of year, Ibaraki showcases an ever-changing, mesmerizing beauty.
1. Ushiku Daibutsu | One of the World's Tallest Buddha Statues
● The Magnificence of Ushiku Daibutsu
Standing tall in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the largest bronze standing Buddha statues in the world. With an impressive height of 120 meters, it holds a Guinness World Record for being the tallest bronze statue of Buddha. The statue was built by the Jōdo Shinshū Higashi Honganji sect and enshrines Amida Nyorai (Amitābha Buddha) as its principal deity.
The interior of the statue consists of five levels, each designed to educate visitors about Buddhist teachings. The “World of Light” introduces visitors to a transition from worldly desires to compassion. In the “Chamber of Chanting”, guests can experience the serenity of copying Buddhist sutras. The “Lotus Sanctuary” houses approximately 3,400 small Buddha statues, creating an awe-inspiring sacred atmosphere. Finally, the “Vulture Peak Room” enshrines relics of Shakyamuni Buddha, providing insight into his life and teachings.
One of the highlights of Ushiku Daibutsu is the observation deck located at 85 meters above ground, offering a panoramic view of the Kantō Plain. On clear days, visitors can see as far as Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji, making it a breathtaking scenic spot.
● The History of Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu, standing 120 meters tall, is an Amida Nyorai (Amitābha Buddha) bronze statue located in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Completed in 1993, it was constructed by the Honzan Higashi Honganji Temple of the Jōdo Shinshū sect. The decision to build this grand Buddha statue in Ibaraki stems from the historical connection of Shinran Shōnin, the founder of Jōdo Shinshū, who preached Buddhism in this region during the Kamakura period.
The planning for Ushiku Daibutsu began in 1983, with construction starting in 1986 and reaching completion in 1993. In 1995, it was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. The 120-meter height was chosen to symbolize the twelve lights of Amida Buddha, a key aspect of Jōdo Shinshū belief.
● How to Access Ushiku Daibutsu
- Address: 2083 Kuno-cho, Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 300-1288, Japan
- By Train & Bus: Take the JR Jōban Line to Ushiku Station (East Exit) and board the Kantō Railway Bus bound for Ushiku Jōen or the direct bus to Ushiku Daibutsu & Ami Premium Outlets.
- By Car: From the Ken-Ō Expressway (Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway), take the Ami-Higashi IC exit, then drive approximately 3 minutes.
- Google Maps Link: 牛久大仏
● The Allure of Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Oarai Isosaki Shrine, located in Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine renowned for its breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. One of its most famous landmarks is the Kamiiso Torii, a sacred torii gate standing on the rocks within the sea. This torii is especially popular as a sunrise viewing spot, attracting numerous worshippers and visitors who come to witness the magnificent scenery where the ocean and sky create a stunning natural backdrop.
The shrine grounds feature traditional Shinto architecture, including the haiden (worship hall) and honden (main hall), offering a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Surrounding the shrine, a lush pine forest enhances the peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature while praying. Additionally, Oarai Isosaki Shrine has gained recognition among anime fans, as it has been featured in popular works, making it a popular destination for anime pilgrimage tours.
● The History of Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Oarai Isosaki Shrine is a historically significant Shinto shrine established in 856 AD during the mid-Heian period. According to the Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku (The Official Chronicle of Emperor Montoku of Japan), the shrine's origins trace back to the divine descent of Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto (Ōkuninushi) and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, who appeared on the Kamiiso (sacred shore) and proclaimed their return to aid humanity.
Following this event, the shrine was granted the honorific title “Oarai Isosaki Yakushi Bosatsu Myōjin” by the Imperial Court and was later classified as a "Great Shrine (Taisha)" in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, an ancient registry of Shinto shrines. However, during the Sengoku period, the shrine was destroyed in a fire caused by warfare. It was not until the Edo period that Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the second feudal lord of the Mito Domain, initiated its reconstruction. The rebuilding process began in 1690, and by 1730, the present shrine buildings were completed. These structures, dating back to the early Edo period, have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Ibaraki Prefecture due to their historical and architectural significance.
● How to Access Oarai Isosaki Shrine
- Address: 6890 Isohama-cho, Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture, 311-1301, Japan
- By Train: The shrine is located approximately 2.5 km from Oarai Station on the Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai-Kashima Line. It takes about 40 minutes on foot, but a taxi is recommended for convenience.
- By Car: From the Kita-Kantō Expressway, exit at Mito-Oarai IC and drive approximately 5.5 km (about 10 minutes) to reach the shrine.
- Google Maps Link: 大洗磯前神
3. Hitachi Seaside Park | A Spectacular Park with Seasonal Flower Blooms
● The Allure of Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park, located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a vast national park renowned for its breathtaking scenery, where seasonal flowers bloom in abundance throughout the year. In spring, over 5.3 million baby blue eyes (Nemophila) cover Miharashi Hill, creating a mesmerizing sea of blue. This awe-inspiring sight attracts visitors from all over Japan and beyond. In autumn, the park transforms again as Kochia (burning bush) turn a brilliant shade of red, painting the entire hill in a striking crimson hue.
Beyond its stunning flower fields, the park also features cycling paths, an amusement area called "Pleasure Garden", and expansive lawns perfect for picnics and outdoor activities. These facilities make Hitachi Seaside Park an ideal destination for families, couples, and nature lovers alike. The park’s open grasslands offer a great place to relax, enjoy sports, or simply reconnect with nature, making it one of the most picturesque parks in Japan.
● The History of Hitachi Seaside Park
The history of Hitachi Seaside Park dates back to the pre-war period. In 1938, this area was developed as the Mito Airfield for the Imperial Japanese Army. After World War II, from 1946 onwards, the land was taken over and used by the United States military as a bombing range.
Thanks to persistent efforts by local residents, the Japanese government successfully reclaimed the land on March 15, 1973. With the goal of transforming the area into a symbol of peace, plans for the national park were initiated.
The park’s urban planning area was officially designated on August 9, 1984, followed by the groundbreaking ceremony on November 26 of the same year. On October 5, 1991, the first phase of the park (70 hectares) was opened to the public. Since then, continuous expansion efforts have increased the park’s total area to approximately 350 hectares, with 215.2 hectares currently open for visitors.
● How to Access Hitachi Seaside Park
- Address: 605-4 Onuma, Mawatari, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 312-0012, Japan
- By Train & Bus: Take the JR Jōban Line to Katsuta Station, then board the Ibaraki Kotsu Bus bound for Hitachi Seaside Park (about 15 minutes).
- By Car: From the Kita-Kantō Expressway, exit at Hitachi Seaside Park IC, then drive approximately 5 minutes to reach the park entrance.
- Official Website：明治神宮公式ウェブサイト
- Google Maps Link：明治神宮の位置
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