🕓 2026/3/5
#Tourist Spots
Table of Contents
- Ushiku Daibutsu | An Awe-Inspiring Sacred Site Home to One of the World’s Largest Buddha Statues
- Oarai Isosaki Shrine | A Scenic Power Spot in Harmony with the Sea
- Hitachi Seaside Park | A Spectacular Park Adorned with Seasonal Flowers
- Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Ibaraki Prefecture
- – What is Ibaraki Prefecture? –
- Ushiku Daibutsu | An Awe-Inspiring Sacred Site Home to One of the World’s Largest Buddha Statues
Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Ibaraki Prefecture
– What is Ibaraki Prefecture? –
Ibaraki Prefecture, part of the Kanto region, is a charming area where rich nature and deep history beautifully merge. Since ancient times, this region has been blessed with abundant agricultural and marine resources, and during the medieval period, important shrines such as Kashima Jingu and Kasama Inari flourished.
Ibaraki Prefecture showcases beauty in all four seasons. In particular, the breathtaking landscapes created by nature, such as Lake Kasumigaura and Mt. Tsukuba, along with beautiful gardens like the Kairakuen in Mito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, maximize its visual appeal.
Its beauty changes throughout the four seasons – cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snow-covered landscapes in winter – revealing a new face with each visit.
Ushiku Daibutsu | An Awe-Inspiring Sacred Site Home to One of the World’s Largest Buddha Statues
● Appeal of Ushiku Daibutsu
The Ushiku Daibutsu, towering in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is known as one of the world’s largest bronze standing statues, with a total height of 120 meters that creates an overwhelming presence, and has been certified by the Guinness World Records. The Buddha statue was erected by the Higashi Honganji school of the Jodo Shinshu sect and enshrines Amitabha Buddha as its principal deity.
The interior of the Ushiku Daibutsu consists of a five-level structure, each level providing a space for learning about Buddhist teachings. In the “World of Light,” visitors can experience being guided from worldly desires to compassion. In the “Nembutsu Room,” they can calm their minds through sutra copying. The “Rengezou World” houses approximately 3,400 small Buddha statues, and in the “Ryojusen Room,” the remains of Shakyamuni are enshrined, where visitors can learn about his life.
Furthermore, from the observation deck at the chest level, 85 meters above ground, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain, and on clear days, they can see as far as Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji.
● History of Ushiku Daibutsu
The Ushiku Daibutsu is a 120-meter-tall bronze Amitabha Buddha statue located in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, completed in 1993. This massive Buddha was erected by the Higashi Honganji, the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Higashi Honganji school. Since Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, used Ibaraki Prefecture as a base for missionary work during the Kamakura period, this location was chosen for the construction of the Great Buddha.
The concept for its construction began in 1983, groundbreaking took place in 1986, and it was completed in 1993. In 1995, it was certified by Guinness World Records as the “World’s Largest Bronze Buddha Statue.” The height of 120 meters was set in reference to the 12 rays of light said to be emitted by Amitabha Buddha.
● Access to Ushiku Daibutsu
- Address: 2083 Kuno-cho, Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture 300-1288, Ushiku Daibutsu
- Train and Bus: From JR Joban Line Ushiku Station East Exit, take the Kanto Railway Bus bound for “Ushiku Joen” or the “Direct Ushiku Daibutsu/Ami Premium Outlets” bus.
- By Car: Approximately 3 minutes from Ami-Higashi IC on the Ken-O Expressway.
- Google Maps Link: Ushiku Daibutsu
● Appeal of Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Oarai Isosaki Shrine is a historic shrine located in Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its beautiful scenery overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In particular, the “Kamiiso no Torii” gate standing in the sea is a famous sunrise viewing spot that attracts many worshippers and tourists. This torii gate stands amidst the magnificent scenery created by the sea and sky, exuding a sacred atmosphere.
Within the shrine grounds, traditional buildings including the worship hall and main hall are arranged, allowing visitors to experience history and culture. Pine forests also extend around the shrine, offering a tranquil setting for worship amid nature. Furthermore, Oarai Isosaki Shrine is known as the setting for anime works, making it a pilgrimage spot for fans as well.
● History of Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Oarai Isosaki Shrine is a historic shrine located in Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, founded in 856 during the mid-Heian period. According to the “Nihon Montoku Tenno Jitsuroku,” its origin is traced to when the enshrined deities, Okuninushi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, descended upon what is now Kamiiso and declared, “We have returned to save the people.”
Later, the shrine received the divine title “Oarai Isosaki Yakushi Bosatsu Myojin” from the Imperial Court and was listed as a powerful “Taisha” (grand shrine) in the Engishiki Jinmyocho. However, the shrine buildings were destroyed by fire during the Warring States period. During the Edo period, reconstruction was ordered by Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the second lord of the Mito Domain. Construction began in 1690, and the current shrine buildings were completed in 1730. These structures are designated as cultural properties of Ibaraki Prefecture as valuable examples of early Edo-period architecture.
● Access to Oarai Isosaki Shrine
- Address: 6890 Isohamachi, Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture 311-1301
- Train: Approximately 2.5km from “Oarai Station” on the Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai-Kashima Line. About 40 minutes on foot; taxi is recommended.
- By Car: Approximately 5.5km (about 10 minutes) from “Mito-Oarai IC” on the Kita-Kanto Expressway
- Google Maps Link: Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Hitachi Seaside Park | A Spectacular Park Adorned with Seasonal Flowers
● Appeal of Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is a vast national park located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its beautiful landscapes where flowers bloom gloriously throughout the four seasons. In particular, approximately 5.3 million nemophila flowers paint “Miharashi Hill” in a sea of blue during spring, creating a truly breathtaking sight. In autumn, the kochia (burning bush) plants turn crimson, transforming the entire hill into a deep red – another spectacular highlight.
The park features not only flower fields but also cycling courses and an amusement park area called “Pleasure Garden,” offering a wide range of facilities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, and visitors of all ages. The expansive meadow areas are perfect for picnics and sports, making it an ideal place to refresh amid nature.
● History of Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is a vast national park located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, with a history dating back to before World War II. In 1938, the Japanese Army established the Mito Airfield on this site, and from 1946 after the war, it was used as a bombing range by the U.S. military. Following years of reversion efforts by local residents, the land was returned to the Japanese government on March 15, 1973, after which it was developed as a park symbolizing peaceful use.
The park’s urban development zone was designated on August 9, 1984, with the groundbreaking ceremony held on November 26 of the same year. The first phase covering approximately 70 hectares opened on October 5, 1991. Subsequent expansions have continued, and the current park area has reached approximately 350 hectares, with approximately 215.2 hectares open for public use.
● Access to Hitachi Seaside Park
- Address: 1-1 Kamiyogochorinkai, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Katsuta Station. During the nemophila season, direct shuttle buses are available.
- Official Website: Hitachi Seaside Park Official Website
- Google Maps: Hitachi Seaside Park Location
■ Related Articles