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

In Mogami City, the top choice for families is Yamato Hotel Mogami Ekimae, located steps from Mogami Station and offering spacious family rooms with child-safe amenities. Nearby, Mogami Central Park provides playgrounds and picnic areas, perfect for kids. For a more immersive experience, Hoshino Resorts Mogami offers Japanese-style lodgings with seasonal garden views and cultural workshops. Both hotels provide multilingual staff and easy access to local attractions like Ibaraki University and Mogami Civic Center, making them ideal bases for family exploration in Ibaraki Prefecture.

The best area for sightseeing is around Mogami Station, serving as the city’s central hub with easy access to key landmarks. From here, guests can stroll to Mogami Central Park, Mogami Civic Center, and Ibaraki University within minutes. The surrounding district also hosts several mid-range and luxury hotels, including Nikko Hotel Mogami, which features modern facilities and convenient transit links. This area combines urban convenience with natural beauty, offering an excellent base for exploring the eastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture.

Visitors should not miss the Mogami Kōdo Matsuri, an annual autumn festival celebrating local farming traditions, folk dances, and handmade pottery. The event showcases regional crafts and serves authentic dishes like black bean rice and Mogami tofu. Additionally, the Mogami Civic Center hosts regular local culture lectures on history, ecology, and sustainable living, providing insight into the community’s values. These events offer deep cultural immersion beyond typical tourist attractions.

While Mogami City has no natural hot springs, nearby destinations like Mito Onsen and Hitachi Nanako Onsen offer excellent options. A 30-minute drive from Mogami Station brings you to Mito Senbon-Yu, known for its therapeutic sulfur-rich waters. For city convenience, Nikko Hotel Mogami features a sauna and massage room, though not a true onsen. Combined with local Ibaraki cuisine, such as grilled fish and miso soup, these facilities provide a relaxing post-exploration experience.

For business travelers, Nikko Hotel Mogami stands out with its prime location directly across from Mogami Station, equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and executive concierge services. It’s close to Ibaraki University and the Mogami Industrial Support Center, ideal for academic or corporate events. Executive floors offer quiet workspaces and soundproofed rooms. The hotel also provides airport transfers and digital check-in, ensuring a seamless and productive stay.

Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the route along the Kusugawa Greenway, starting from Mogami Central Park and extending to the Mogami Forest Trail near the East Kanto Expressway. This 8-kilometer scenic path features tree-lined lanes, wetland views, and safe bike lanes. Bikes can be rented at Mogami Station Front Plaza through the public Bike Share Mogami system. Perfect for couples or families, the ride ends at a cozy café where you can savor local coffee and homemade sweets.

Must-try dishes include Mogami Tofu, renowned for its smooth texture and low-fat profile, available at Mogami Market and local eateries. Another highlight is Ibaraki Black Bean Rice, made with locally grown beans simmered slowly with rice, often served with grilled fish or miso soup. Don’t miss the Mogami Station Front Food Street, where Sanzomeya Restaurant offers the exclusive Mogami Matcha Mochi, a sweet treat perfect for souvenirs. These flavors reflect the region’s agricultural heritage and culinary craftsmanship.

Evening strolls are best enjoyed at Mogami Central Park and the Kusugawa Riverside Path, both illuminated with soft lighting and peaceful ambiance. The park features benches, seasonal sculptures, and tranquil ponds, ideal for couples or families. Walking along the riverbank toward Mogami Bridge offers views of the city lights and the night skyline. Some sections feature interactive light installations, adding a magical touch. Visit after 6 PM for fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere.

The most photogenic spots include the Mogami Station Front Sculpture Garden, especially during cherry blossom season when pink petals contrast with metallic art pieces. The Mogami Civic Center’s glass-and-wood facade creates stunning reflections and minimalist aesthetics, perfect for architectural photography. The Mirror of Seasons pond in Mogami Central Park, redesigned each season with thematic plants, draws photographers seeking dynamic compositions. Ideal times: early morning or golden hour for soft, natural lighting.

Yes, Mogami City is highly suitable for self-driving, with wide, well-marked roads and clear signage. Major highways like the East Kanto Expressway and National Route 6 connect easily to Mito, Tsukuba, and Tokyo. Most hotels, including Hoshino Resorts Mogami and Nikko Hotel Mogami, offer free parking. Car rental desks are available at Mogami Station Front, enabling short-term rentals. Use GPS navigation, avoid rush hours, and enjoy the scenic rural landscapes along the way.