Ibaraki

Exploring Ibaraki with Mio

Mito

1. Kairakuen Garden:
   Mio visited Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most famous gardens, known for its plum blossoms. “The garden is beautiful and serene, especially during plum blossom season,” she said.
2. Mito Castle Ruins:
   Mio explored the ruins of Mito Castle and learned about its history. “The ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s past,” she noted.
3. Art Tower Mito:
   Mio visited Art Tower Mito, a complex featuring contemporary art and cultural events. “The modern architecture and diverse exhibitions are very impressive,” she commented.

Hitachi

1. Hitachi Seaside Park:
   Mio enjoyed the vast flower fields at Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for its seasonal blooms like nemophila and kochia. “The fields of flowers are like something out of a dream,” she remarked.
2. Hitachi Civic Center:
   Mio explored the Hitachi Civic Center, which features a planetarium and various science exhibits. “The planetarium show was both educational and entertaining,” she said.
3. Hitachi Fudoki no Oka:
   Mio visited Hitachi Fudoki no Oka, a historical park with ancient burial mounds and reconstructed dwellings. “It’s interesting to see how people lived in ancient times,” she noted.

Tsukuba

1. Tsukuba Space Center:
   Mio toured the Tsukuba Space Center, learning about Japan’s space missions and seeing real spacecraft. “The exhibits about space exploration are fascinating,” she commented.
2. Mount Tsukuba:
   Mio hiked Mount Tsukuba, enjoying the panoramic views from the summit. “The hike is refreshing and the view from the top is worth it,” she said.
3. Tsukuba Botanical Garden:
   Mio explored the Tsukuba Botanical Garden, which showcases a wide variety of plants from around the world. “The diversity of plants here is amazing,” she remarked.

Kashima

1. Kashima Jingu Shrine:
   Mio visited Kashima Jingu Shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. “The shrine has a very sacred and peaceful atmosphere,” she noted.
2. Kashima Soccer Stadium:
   Mio enjoyed a soccer match at Kashima Soccer Stadium, home to the Kashima Antlers. “The energy and excitement of the match were incredible,” she said.
3. Kashima Coast:
   Mio strolled along the Kashima Coast, enjoying the ocean views and fresh sea breeze. “The coast is beautiful and very relaxing,” she commented.

Hitachiota

1. Ibaraki Nature Museum:
   Mio visited the Ibaraki Nature Museum, which features exhibits on local wildlife and natural history. “The museum is very informative and well-designed,” she said.
2. Ryujin Suspension Bridge:
   Mio walked across the Ryujin Suspension Bridge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and lake. “The view from the bridge is breathtaking,” she noted.
3. Fukuroda Falls:
   Mio admired Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, especially beautiful in autumn. “The falls are majestic and the surrounding nature is stunning,” she remarked.