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

In Tsuchiura City, the top choice for culturally immersive stays is Tsuchiura Ryokan & Art House, a restored traditional inn featuring kaiseki dining, handcrafted washi paper lanterns, and rotating exhibitions of local pottery from the Ibaraki region. Its shoji-screened rooms and tatami floors offer authentic Japanese ambiance. Nearby, Futagawa Onsen Hotel blends modern comfort with natural hot springs sourced from underground aquifers, perfect for unwinding after exploring Tsuchiura Castle Ruins or the Ibaraki Folklore Museum. Both properties emphasize sustainability and community engagement—ideal for travelers seeking deeper connections to regional heritage.

For first-time visitors, the central district near Tsuchiura Station offers the most convenient base. This area combines easy access to JR lines, shopping streets like Futagawa Shopping Street, and cultural sites such as Tsuchiura Castle Park and the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History. Many guesthouses and budget-friendly hotels cluster here, including Hotel Sunroute Plaza Tsuchiura, which provides free Wi-Fi and shuttle services to nearby attractions. The neighborhood also hosts seasonal events like the Tsuchiura Cherry Blossom Festival, making it lively year-round while remaining safe and walkable for solo travelers and families alike.

Tourists should try handcrafting washi paper at the Ibaraki Washi Workshop, where artisans teach traditional techniques using mulberry bark. Another highlight is the Tsuchiura Night Lantern Parade, held annually during summer, featuring hundreds of handmade lanterns illuminating the Futagawa River. For food lovers, the Ibaraki Rice & Seafood Festival showcases local delicacies like fresh tuna sushi, dango dumplings, and miso-glazed eel. These events take place at Tsuchiura Civic Center or along the riverfront, offering rich opportunities to engage with local traditions and meet friendly residents.

Yes, Futagawa Onsen Hotel is highly recommended for its natural hot springs and serene setting. The mineral-rich waters originate from deep underground aquifers, known for soothing skin and easing muscle fatigue. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor baths, including a private rotenburo (open-air bath) surrounded by pine trees. Guests can enjoy a kaiseki dinner with locally sourced ingredients like Ibaraki rice, fresh fish, and mountain vegetables. Rooms are elegantly designed with tatami mats and sliding shoji screens, blending tradition with modern comfort—perfect for a restful retreat.

Key landmarks include Tsuchiura Castle Ruins, a historic site with reconstructed gates and moats, now part of Tsuchiura Castle Park. Nearby, the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History displays artifacts from Jomon-era settlements and Meiji-era industrial development. The Futagawa River Promenade is another must-see, especially during the Lantern Festival when thousands of lights float downstream. Don’t miss the Tsuchiura Water Tower, a striking 19th-century structure that now houses an art gallery. All these sites are within walking distance of the city center, making them ideal for day-long exploration.

Absolutely. Tsuchiura City is very family-friendly, with numerous child-oriented attractions. The Ibaraki Children’s Science Museum offers interactive exhibits on nature and engineering, while Tsuchiura Castle Park features open lawns and seasonal festivals perfect for picnics. The Futagawa River Park has playgrounds and paddle boats. Many hotels, such as Hotel Sunroute Plaza Tsuchiura, provide family suites, baby cots, and kid-friendly menus. Local restaurants serve mild dishes like miso soup and steamed rice cakes, catering to young palates. With low crime rates and excellent public transport, families can explore safely and comfortably.

Tsuchiura’s culinary highlights include Ibaraki rice, famed for its sweetness and firm texture, often served in rice bowls with pickled vegetables. Try tuna sushi from the local fishing port, where fresh catches are delivered daily. Another specialty is dango dumplings made with sweet red bean paste and served on skewers. Locals also enjoy misozuke eel—eel marinated in miso and grilled over charcoal. These dishes can be sampled at Futagawa Market or Tsuchiura Noodle Alley, where street vendors serve hearty bowls of udon and ramen with local broth. Pair your meal with Ibaraki craft beer for a full taste of regional pride.

Winter in Tsuchiura City brings unique charm. The Tsuchiura Night Lantern Parade transforms the Futagawa River into a glowing pathway each December. Visitors can join workshops to make their own lanterns. For outdoor fun, ice skating is available at Tsuchiura Ice Arena, while nearby Shimosa Forest Park offers snowshoeing trails. Families can visit Tsuchiura Snow Sculpture Garden, where artists create intricate ice carvings. Hotels like Futagawa Onsen Hotel offer special winter packages with hot spring access and traditional kaiseki dinners. The city’s festive atmosphere and clean air make it ideal for a peaceful winter getaway.

Transportation in Tsuchiura City is highly accessible. Tsuchiura Station is served by the JR Joban Line, connecting directly to Tokyo (approx. 1 hour) and Mito. Free shuttle buses link the station to major hotels, museums, and parks. Buses run regularly throughout the day, and bike rentals are available at the station for short trips. The city is compact and walkable, with clear signage in English. For longer excursions, rental cars are available nearby, offering easy access to Ibaraki’s countryside and beaches. Public transit is reliable, affordable, and well-integrated, making independent travel simple even for international visitors.

Photography enthusiasts will love Tsuchiura Castle Park at sunrise, where the ancient stone walls reflect in the moat under golden light. The Futagawa River Promenade, especially during the Night Lantern Parade, offers stunning long-exposure shots of floating lanterns. Capture the architectural details of the Tsuchiura Water Tower, a 19th-century landmark now housing a gallery. For urban scenes, Futagawa Shopping Street in autumn features vibrant maple trees and bustling stalls. At night, the illuminated Tsuchiura Sky Bridge creates dramatic silhouettes against the sky. Bring a wide-angle lens and tripod—these moments are best preserved in high-quality images.