Things to Do in Ibaraki
Hand-picked sights and experiences across Ibaraki.
When to catch the colours in Ibaraki?
Average red maple, golden ginkgo and cherry blossom dates for Ibaraki, from the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 normals — the fortnight to aim for, not a promise for any particular year.
- Red maples
- Leaves turnNov 20
- Peak viewingNov 20 – Dec 4
- Golden ginkgo
- Leaves turnNov 21
- Peak viewingNov 21 – Dec 5
- Cherry blossom
- First flowersMar 30
- Full bloomApr 6
Where to look next?
The prefectures we've mapped so far, nearest to Ibaraki first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hitachi Seaside Park — the blue nemophila hills of spring and crimson kochia of autumn — plus Kairakuen in Mito, one of Japan's three great gardens, and the giant Ushiku Daibutsu buddha. Most of it works as easy Tokyo day trips.
Mid-April to early May, when Miharashi Hill turns solid sky-blue; the kochia bushes burn red in mid-October. Both windows are short and busy — go on a weekday morning if you can.
Yes — limited expresses reach Mito in about 80 minutes, with buses on to the park; direct seasonal buses also run in bloom season. Kairakuen is best in late February–March during the plum festival.