Model Itineraries in Ibaraki

水戸市の千波湖西側に広がる「千波公園 せせらぎ広場」を主役にした、近所で1日たっぷり遊ぶコースです。せせらぎ広場は周辺の湧水を活用した浅い小川で、自然石を配した流れに足を入れて遊べます。2026年の開設期間は発表されていませんが、千波公園そのものは通年利用でき、水遊びは夏季が中心です。利用は無料で、駐車場とトイレがそろっているため、小さな子ども連れでも動きやすい場所です。同じ園内には芝生広場、少年の森フィールドアスレチック、児童広場もあり、水に飽きたら遊具や芝生に移って遊べます。午前は千波湖の北の高台にある偕楽園を歩き、湖とまちを見下ろす景色から1日を始めます。日差しが強くなる昼どきは、湖のほとりに建つ茨城県近代美術館の館内でゆっくり過ごし、体力を温存します。午後はいよいよせせらぎ広場へ移動し、木陰と水辺を行き来しながら夕方まで水しぶきをあげましょう。移動はいずれも千波湖のまわりを歩ける距離で、遠出をしなくても1日が満ちる夏のおでかけです。

"Kohari Matsushita-ryu Tsunagi-bi" held at Kohari Atago Shrine in Tsukubamirai City, starting at 19:00 on Monday, August 24, 2026. Fireworks dash along ropes strung in the shrine grounds, displaying a rare folk art passed down since the Edo period. This course is a full-day experience plan centered on this special day. By day, move your body at Yawara Comprehensive Sports Park, enjoy riverside greenery at Fukuoka Dam Sakura Park, and touch unique amulets at Itabashi Fudoson Temple. In the evening, have an early dinner at Michi no Eki Joso, and at 19:00, the Tsunagi-bi finally begins at Kohari Atago Shrine. A fantastical fire art floating in the night sky—this is the special moment your family witnesses together.

The 'Takaoka-ryu Tsunabi Fire' is held at Takaoka Atago Shrine (高岡愛宕神社) in Tsukubamirai City, starting at 7 p.m. on August 23, 2026 (Sunday). It is a rare folk performing art passed down since the Edo period, where fireworks run along ropes stretched across the shrine grounds. This course is a full-day plan to make this day the star. Enjoy greenery and flowers at Kirakuyama Hanamokuyen during the day, touch unique talismans at Itabashi Fudoson, and savor the spacious riverside scenery at Kogai River Fureaai Park. In the evening, have an early dinner at Michi-no-Eki Josho roadside station, and at 7 p.m., the Tsunabi Fire finally begins at Takaoka Atago Shrine. It's a special day spent with family, gazing up at the fantastical fire art floating in the night sky.

The 'Minato Hassaku Festival' takes place on August 30, 2026 (Sunday) starting at 3 p.m., centered around Nakaminato Honmachi-dori Shopping Street (那珂湊本町通り商店街) in Hitachinaka City. It is a traditional event unique to port towns, with large floats (yama) carrying life-size figures parading through the shopping street. This course is a full-day itinerary centered around this single day. In the morning, enjoy the summer flower fields at Hitachi Seaside Park (国営ひたち海浜公園), visit Sakatsutsu Isomae Shrine (酒列磯前神社) for a seaside prayer, and explore history at the ruins of Nakaminato Reverberatory Furnace (那珂湊反射炉跡). At noon, savor fresh seafood at Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba Market (那珂湊おさかな市場). At 3 p.m., the main festival begins on Honmachi-dori Shopping Street. It's a full day to experience summer Hitachinaka: enjoying the heat and atmosphere of the traditional float parade unique to the port town, dressed in yukata until sunset.

The 'Itako Gion Festival,' a traditional event centered at Soga Kumano Shrine, Itako's tutelary shrine, unfolds along the Maekawa downtown riverbank. In 2026, it runs August 7–9; this course spotlights August 7, opening day. Morning brings waterside walks at Suigo Itako Iris Garden (水郷潮来あやめ園) along the Maekawa River, followed by visits to historic temples—Chosho-ji Temple and Nihonmatsu-ji Temple, known for its hydrangeas, both quintessentially Itako spiritual sites. Late afternoon, enjoy an early dinner and rest at Roadside Station Itako, then at 5 PM, head to the festival grounds around Soga Kumano Shrine. Witness portable shrines and floats parading along the Maekawa riverbank downtown until 8:30 PM—all in summer yukata—a full day immersing yourself in Itako's summer festival spirit.

The "Mito Komon Festival Main Festival" takes place along Route 50 from Mito Station North to Daikusumi Intersection, from 11 AM to 9 PM on August 1-2, 2026. This course features August 1 as the starring day in a full-day immersion plan. Because floats and portable shrines parade from early morning, enjoy a morning stroll through Kairaku-en, one of Japan's three premier gardens, then visit nearby Lake Senba to see the Mito Komon, Sukesuke, and Kakusuke statues. Learn city history at Kodo-kan, the former samurai academy, then pray at Mito Toshogu Shrine for the festival's success. At 11 AM, floats and shrines emerge onto Route 50 for the main festival. As evening falls and lanterns light, the energy peaks—a full day from morning historical exploration to night's vibrant celebration that captures the essence of Mito's summer.

A full-day course centered on the Hashigata District Summer Festival, held at 7 PM on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the elementary school grounds in Hashigata, Kashima City. In the morning, visit Kashima Shrine, known as one of Japan's premier power spots, and walk among the cryptomeria avenue and around Mitarashi Pond on the back approach. In the afternoon, leisurely stroll through Shiroyama Park, developed on the site of the former Kashima Castle. In the evening, gather dinner supplies around the venue and secure your spot. From 7 PM, watch the community-rooted fireworks at the elementary school grounds with your family. This compact plan lets you enjoy both a historic shrine visit and a nearby local summer festival.

A full-day course centered around Yachiyo Town Summer Festival, held from 7 PM to 8 PM on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Yachivo Town, Yuuki District. At noon, enjoy locally produced food at Michi-no-Eki Yachiyo and quietly pay respects at Taihoo Hachiman Shrine, which is said to be the oldest in the Kanto region. In the afternoon, leisurely tour the lakeside of Sunuma Vast Park, and in the evening, prepare dinner around the venue and secure a viewing spot. From 7 PM to 8 PM, watch the fireworks that color the night sky of the rural area with your family. A traditional summer plan for Yachiyo Town where you can enjoy a historic shrine, lakeside park, and fireworks.

A full-day course centered around the Hitachi Port Festival, held on Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM in Ibaraki Port Hitachi Port District (Minato Town) in Hitachi City. In the morning, enjoy the zoo and observation deck at Kamine Park, then have lunch around Hitachi Station before heading to the venue. At the port festival venue, spend time enjoying the lively atmosphere of food stalls and events, and from 7:30 PM, about 2,000 fireworks will light up the night sky. A traditional summer plan for Hitachi where you can enjoy both the all-day bustle of a port town and the powerful fireworks that cap off the festival.

A full-day course featuring the "Hotel Lakeside Tsukuba Outdoor Pool" (営業期間: July 18–August 30, 2026; closed July 21-24). In the morning, enjoy spacious outdoor play at a green nature park, then visit a large shopping mall to pick up forgotten items and have an early lunch before heading to the pool. The 10-meter-high, 100-meter-long water slide never gets old no matter how many times you slide, and the 139-meter lazy river offers pure enjoyment just floating on an inner tube. A shallow toddler pool is provided for small children, so everyone in the family can enjoy activities suited to their age. Operating hours are 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (last admission 3:30 p.m.), and admission prices vary between weekdays and weekends/holidays/Obon period (August 1–16), so confirming your visit date in advance is recommended. The freedom and openness of an outdoor pool combined with summer sun and water play create special memories unique to this season. As Tsukuba's representative summer leisure destination, it's a perfect full-day outing for families. Arriving early on weekends and during Obon, when crowds are expected, will help you secure a good spot for a more comfortable experience.

A one-day course that tours the sights of Oarai (大洗) before heading to the sea, starring Oarai Sun Beach (大洗サンビーチ海水浴場), open from Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 9:00 to 16:00. In the morning, pay your respects at Oarai Isosaki Shrine (大洗磯前神社), known for its torii gate facing the sea, then enjoy watching spicy cod roe being made and do some shopping at Mentai Park Oarai (めんたいパーク大洗). For lunch, taste fresh seafood at Nakaminato Fish Market (那珂湊おさかな市場), and once you have eaten your fill, get up close to sharks and dolphins at Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium (アクアワールド茨城県大洗水族館). The climax is Oarai Sun Beach (大洗サンビーチ海水浴場) in the afternoon. With public restrooms, public changing rooms and showers, plus barrier-free access, it is a beach that is kind to families. Swimming is free, and use of the barbecue area is 500 yen per person. Why not pack a swimsuit and a towel and head out to Oarai (大洗) in summer?

A full-day course centered on Ishibama Beach in Hitachi, Ibaraki, which opens from July 18 (Sat) to August 23 (Sun), 2026, operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the morning, start at Juo Panorama Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a high plateau. Enjoy the vista and grassy meadows with plenty of space to move around with family. Next, venture to Kogai Beach within Ishibama Prefectural Nature Park, where rocky tidepools invite exploration—perfect for observing crabs and shells before beach swimming. For lunch, stop at the Juo Parking Area on the Joban Expressway, accessible from local roads via the smart interchange, where food court dining offers local flavors. Then finally head to Ishibama Beach in the afternoon. Swimming is free with complimentary showers and restrooms; approximately 260 public parking spaces (¥1,000/day for regular vehicles) ensure peace of mind for driving families. Surrounded by quiet pine groves, enjoy the sandy beach until evening—bring swimwear and towel, and embark on a Hitachi summer!

This full-day course centers on Ajigaura Beach, which operates from July 18 (Saturday) to August 23 (Sunday), 2026, from 8 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy the entire Hitachinaka coastal area from morning. In the morning, first savor the vast greenery and playground equipment at the National Hitachi Seaside Park, then visit Sakatsuraisosaki Shrine to pray for your trip's safety. Lunch features fresh seafood at Nakaminato Fish Market. After refueling, head to Ajigaura Beach in the afternoon. Located adjacent to the National Hitachi Seaside Park, swimming is free, and with parking and shower facilities, families can enjoy without worry. From shoreline water play to sandcastle building, fully enjoy the summer sea until closing at 4 PM. Bring swimsuit and towel - are you ready for a summer adventure in Hitachinaka?

A one-day course for enjoying the whole of Kitaibaraki City from the morning on, starring Isohara Futatsujima Beach (磯原二ツ島海水浴場), open from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, August 16, 2026. In the morning, tour the Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art (天心記念五浦美術館), which looks out over the Pacific, and Rokkakudo (六角堂), associated with Okakura Tenshin (岡倉天心), for an early taste of the picture-perfect coastline. For lunch, savor seafood at Otsu Port (大津港), starting with anglerfish dishes. The climax is Isohara Futatsujima Beach (磯原二ツ島海水浴場) in the afternoon. Its distinguishing feature is the view of the two offshore rock islets known as Futatsujima (二ツ島); the free parking lot is spacious with room for about 80 to 100 cars, and with free showers and lifeguards on duty, families can relax. Swimming is free. Enjoy water play to the fullest until evening while taking in the sea views. Why not pack a swimsuit and a towel and head out to Kitaibaraki (北茨城) in summer?

Experience a nostalgic castle town history walk in Koga (古河), often called the 'Little Kyoto of Kanto,' with your family. Visit the Koga History Museum and the former residence of Dutch scholar Takamimi Izumi to touch on the domain's heritage, then head to Japan's only seal-carving art museum. Stroll through the expansive Koga Kubo Park with its historical significance, and finish with plenty of outdoor play at Navel Park. This well-organized day is easy to walk and perfect for families.

A one-day tour of Bando traveling by car around Museum Park Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Nature—the center, where children are thrilled by moving dinosaurs—Sugo Marsh where swans migrate, Sakasai Castle Ruins Park where you can experience the Sengoku period, and two gourmet-proud roadside stations. A perfect course for dinosaur-loving families.

A full-day vehicle-filled course in Chikusei, Ibaraki, for families who love trains. Starting from Shimotate Station, the starting station for SL steam trains, head to The Hirosawa City lined with railway cars and airplanes. Enjoy lunch at one of the Kanto region's largest expressway service areas, and experience the beauty of Itaya Hazan, a master of pottery. It's an ambitious plan that combines it all.

A full-day course in Kashima and Itako following the good-fortune power from Kashima Shrine (鹿島神宮), the god of victory, to Ikisu Shrine (息栖神社), one of the three great shrines of Eastern Japan. Stroll through the iris garden overflowing with water village charm and savor Ibaraki's gourmet food at a roadside station. Cap it off with a visit to Kashima Stadium (カシマスタジアム), the sanctuary of the Antlers. A wonderfully indulgent trip that all three generations can enjoy at a leisurely pace.

A spectacular Oku-Kuji scenic course by car visiting Fukuroda Falls (袋田の滝), one of Japan's three most celebrated waterfalls, the 100-meter-tall Ryujin Great Suspension Bridge (竜神大吊橋), and Tsukimachi Falls (月待の滝) where you can walk behind the waterfall. Take a break at the roadside station's free foot bath and apple sweets, then finish with a day-trip bath at Fukuroda Hot Spring. A full day to experience the power of nature with your family.

Bite into fresh-caught seafood at Naka-Minato Osakana Ichiba market in the early morning, cross over to Oarai to savor the famous specialty dishes at the fishing cooperative's Kaachan no Mise restaurant, then visit Mentaiko Park for a factory tour and freshly made mentaiko. From the aroma of flame-grilled seafood to souvenir hunting, this seafood-filled course will satisfy the whole family's appetite all day long.

A family course that enjoys Oarai's ocean all day long, from Aquaworld Oarai (アクアワールド大洗), which has Japan's largest variety of shark species in captivity, to the Shiniso Torii Gate (神磯の鳥居) standing amid splashing waves. Gaze out at the Pacific Ocean from the observation deck of Marine Tower, and finish with sand play at the shallow Sun Beach. It's a full day that will captivate children who love sea creatures.

Enjoy the renowned National Hitachinaka Seaside Park famous for nemophila and kochia, then take a stroll along Ajigaura Beach, visit the Hoshiimo Shrine with its golden torii gates, and explore the Sakatsura Isomae Shrine with its beautiful green tunnel approach. A classic family-friendly course in Hitachinaka that combines flowers, sea, and good fortune.

例年7月中旬から8月下旬まで開かれる茨城県日立市の「久慈サンピア日立スポーツセンター 屋外プール」を主役にした1日コースです。25mプールと幼児プールがあり、宿泊者以外も利用できます。料金は大人220円、子ども50円という驚くほどの手ごろさ。午前は泉神社へ。泉が森と呼ばれる森の中に、澄んだ青色の水をたたえた湧水池があり、こんこんと湧き出す様子を間近で見られます。透明度の高い水面は写真映えもよく、真夏でも涼しさを感じられる場所です。続いて道の駅日立おさかなセンターへ。久慈漁港のそばにある海鮮の市場で、自分で具材を選ぶのっけ丼が名物。海の幸で腹ごしらえをしたら、午後はプールでたっぷり泳ぎましょう。湧水と海鮮とプール、日立の水にまつわる一日です。

茨城県久慈郡大子町頃藤、久慈川のほとりにある「上小川レジャーペンション 久慈川の川遊びエリア」を主役にした1日コースです。開設期間は通年で、水遊びの適期は水がぬるむ夏。敷地内を流れる久慈川で川遊びや魚釣りが楽しめ、茨城県公式の「いばらきキャンプ」(茨城県営業戦略部観光戦略課)も大子町の久慈川沿いの施設として「浅瀬なのでお子様も遊びやすく」と紹介しています。オートキャンプ、コテージ、グランピングを備えた施設で、日帰りでも泊まりでも過ごし方を選べるのが魅力。駐車場は200台(大型バス可)、水洗式トイレ12か所(一部ウォシュレット付き)、温水シャワー4か所と、設備が手厚く整えられています。午前は水の裏側を歩ける月待の滝と、日本三名瀑のひとつ袋田の滝をめぐり、道の駅 奥久慈だいごで奥久慈の味を。午後は久慈川の浅瀬でたっぷり水遊び。滝と清流を1日でめぐる、奥久慈らしい夏のおでかけです。