Inashiki(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Ibaraki City, the best family-friendly hotel is Ibaraki Prefectural Nature Park Resort Hotel, located near Oarai Coast. This resort offers spacious family rooms, a children’s play area, and organized outdoor activities like beach scavenger hunts and marine life discovery walks. It's just steps away from Oarai Shrine and Oarai Aquarium, making it ideal for families seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion. The hotel also features a kid-friendly buffet breakfast with local seafood and seasonal fruits.

The best area for accommodations in Ibaraki City is Oarai Town, known for its scenic seaside location and proximity to major attractions. Staying here puts you within walking distance of Oarai Shrine, Oarai Aquarium, and Oarai Beach. Many guesthouses offer traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and private onsen baths. Hotels like Oarai Onsen Ryokan provide access to hot springs and local cuisine, while also serving as a convenient base for day trips to Tokyo and Mito City.

Visitors to Ibaraki City should attend the annual Oarai Tanabata Festival, where colorful handmade decorations and lanterns are hung across the town, symbolizing wishes for health and happiness. Another must-try is the Oarai Sea Fishing Experience, led by local fishermen who teach traditional techniques for catching sea bream and eel. History enthusiasts will appreciate visiting the Old Oarai Town Hall, now a local history museum showcasing post-war development and regional heritage through archival photos and artifacts.

Yes, Oarai Onsen Ryokan is a highly recommended ryokan offering authentic Japanese hot spring experiences. Its natural mineral-rich waters come from a depth of 300 meters, known for improving skin health and relieving muscle fatigue. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor open-air baths, with views of the surrounding forest and sea. Guests enjoy kaiseki dinner made with fresh local seafood and breakfast featuring rice from nearby farms. Additional amenities include tea ceremonies, kimono rentals, and seasonal flower arrangements.

Tourists must visit Umi no Yume, a direct market-to-table restaurant at Oarai Fish Market, offering fresh daily catches like sashimi-grade yellowtail, eel sushi, and grilled mackerel. Another top pick is Umayoshiya, famous for its charcoal-grilled local white shrimp served with a side of regional sake. Both restaurants are located along Oarai Port, providing panoramic ocean views. Their menus highlight seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local fishing boats, ensuring an authentic taste of Ibaraki’s coastal cuisine.

The best photography spots in Ibaraki City include Oarai Coast, especially during sunrise when golden light reflects off black rock formations and sea caves. Capture the iconic Oarai Shrine Torii gate reflected in tidal pools for dramatic compositions. The Nanboku National Park trails offer year-round beauty—spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, and autumn red foliage. Bring a tripod and polarizing filter to enhance water reflections and sky gradients. For night photography, consider the Oarai Lighthouse and the coastal promenade lit by soft street lamps.

The Oarai Shrine Line operated by East Japan Railway offers a charming local train experience. The trains feature ocean-themed interiors with wave-patterned windows and net-inspired seats. Stops include Oarai Station and Shrine Entrance Station, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and distant hills. During festivals, special themed trains run with performances, traditional crafts, and storytelling sessions. This route provides a slow-paced, immersive journey into rural Ibaraki’s culture and scenery.

At night, explore Oarai Port Night Market, where over 20 stalls serve grilled squid, takoyaki, and local craft beer. For a quieter option, walk the Oarai Coastal Path illuminated by soft ambient lights, creating a serene atmosphere. The Oarai Aquarium hosts nightly "Underwater Adventure Tours," using special lighting to reveal nocturnal deep-sea creatures. Some ryokans also offer "Stargazing Nights" with telescopes and guided astronomy talks, perfect for spotting constellations under the dark skies free from light pollution.

Seasonal highlights include the Oarai Tanabata Festival in spring, featuring elaborate paper decorations and traditional drum performances. In summer, the Oarai Beach Music Festival brings live concerts on the shore, featuring indie bands and classical ensembles. Autumn brings the Oarai Crab Festival, celebrating local specialties like nine-legged crab and true crab, with cooking contests and tasting booths. Winter features the Oarai Snow Lantern Festival, where ice sculptures and paper lanterns create a magical winter wonderland.

Travelers can easily reach major cities via the Jōban Line, connecting Tokyo Station to Oarai Station in about 1 hour. Trains stop at Tsuchiura and Mito, offering transfer options. For those driving, the Higashi-Kanto Expressway runs through the city, reaching Tokyo in approximately 90 minutes. The Oarai Bus Terminal provides shuttle services to Nanboku National Park and Oarai Aquarium. Consider purchasing the Ibaraki Prefecture Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on local trains and buses, maximizing convenience and value.