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Car Tour (driving guide)
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Central Ibaraki Tour

Hirachi seaside park

Oarai isosaki shrine

Oyster at Nakaminato fish market

Lunch at Nakaminato fish maeket

Senbako lake

Hitachi seaside park(Middle to the end of April)

Nemophilla(April to May)

Kochia(September to October)

Nakaminato fish market

Lunch at Nakaminato fish market

Nakaminato fish market

Torii gate of Oarai isosaki shrine

car

Central Ibaraki Tour

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2024

Keiichiro I.

5.00 / 5

(15 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Ibaraki

English, Japanese (Native)

7 hours

Private tour (only you and Keiichiro I.)

Up to 2 people

Enjoy a scenic day in central Ibaraki, starting with colorful blooms at Hitachi Seaside Park, followed by fresh seafood at Nakaminato Fish Market. Discover marine life at Aqua World Oarai Aquarium, then visit the coastal Oarai Isosaki Shrine, famous for its oceanfront Torii gate.

Unwind with a coffee break at a local Mito café, and end your day with a peaceful stroll around Senbako Lake and the Sakuragawa River, known for their seasonal beauty.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

JR Mito station, JR Katsuta station, or hotels around Mito city or Hitachinaka city

- *JR Joban line Mito station or Katsuta station: I will meet at the kaisatsu gate of the station *Hotels in Mito city or Hitachinaka city: I will meet at the lobby of the hotel

09:30 AM

Hitachi seaside park

Hitachi Seaside Park (ひたち海浜公園) is a vast flower park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, known for its stunning seasonal blooms. The park is especially famous for its blue nemophila flowers in spring, covering Miharashi Hill in a breathtaking sea of blue, and red kochia bushes in autumn, creating a vibrant landscape. Visitors can also enjoy tulips, sunflowers, and cosmos throughout the year. The park features walking trails, cycling paths, a small amusement park, and beautiful coastal views, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.

12:00 PM

Lunch at Nakaminato Osakana fish market

Nakaminato Fish Market (那珂湊おさかな市場) is a lively seafood market in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. Located near the coast, it offers a wide variety of freshly caught fish, shellfish, and seafood products at reasonable prices. Visitors can enjoy sushi, sashimi, and grilled seafood at the market’s restaurants or buy seafood to take home. The market is popular among both locals and tourists looking to experience Ibaraki’s rich seafood culture.

01:10 PM

Oarai aquarium

Oarai Aquarium (Aqua World Oarai) is a renowned aquarium in Oarai, Ibaraki, famous for its impressive collection of marine life. It houses one of Japan’s largest shark exhibits, featuring various species, including the massive sand tiger shark. The aquarium also showcases sea lions, penguins, jellyfish, and deep-sea creatures. Visitors can enjoy entertaining dolphin and sea lion shows, hands-on touch pools, and educational displays about marine ecosystems. With its stunning oceanfront location, Aqua World Oarai offers a fun and immersive experience for all ages.

03:00 PM

Oarai isosaki shrine

Oarai Isosaki Shrine (大洗磯前神社) is a historic Shinto shrine in Oarai, Ibaraki, known for its stunning Torii gate standing on a rocky outcrop in the ocean. Founded in 856, the shrine enshrines Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, deities believed to bring good fortune, safety, and prosperity. The "Kamiiso Torii", especially beautiful at sunrise, symbolizes the shrine’s sacred connection to the sea. The main shrine complex, located on a hill, offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular spot for both spiritual visitors and photographers.

04:00 PM

Coffee break at the local cafe

Enjoying a coffee break at a local café in Mito offers a relaxing escape with a cozy atmosphere and delicious brews. Whether you prefer a trendy specialty coffee shop or a charming traditional kissaten, Mito has a variety of cafés to suit different tastes. Many cafés serve locally roasted coffee, handcrafted lattes, and seasonal sweets, often featuring Japanese and Western-style desserts. It’s the perfect way to unwind after sightseeing, chat with friends, or simply enjoy a quiet moment while savoring the rich flavors of Ibaraki’s coffee culture.

04:40 PM

Senbako lake and Sakuragawa river

Senbako Lake (千波湖) is a scenic urban lake in Mito, Ibaraki, located near Kairakuen Garden. It is a popular spot for leisurely walks, jogging, and swan boat rides, with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. The lake is home to swans and ducks, adding to its tranquil atmosphere.

Sakuragawa River (桜川) flows through Ibaraki, known for its picturesque cherry blossom-lined banks, especially in spring. The river has historical significance and offers peaceful riverside paths perfect for strolling or cycling. Its natural beauty and seasonal scenery make it a charming destination for nature lovers.

Ending Point

JR Mito station, JR Katsuta station, or hotels around Mito city or Hitachinaka city

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

*Guide fee

*Transportation type of car: Volvo V60, toll fees, and gasoline expenses.

*parking fee

What‘s not included

*Drinks, street foods, souvenirs, and your personal expenses

*Traveler's insurance

*Lunch at local restaurant (Japanese).

*Entrance fees(if applicable)

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.

* This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

* Lunch is included in the tour, please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

*This tour is closed on June 24th & 25th.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2024

Keiichiro I.

5.00 / 5

(15 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Keiichiro I.

Hello everyone, and welcome to North Kanto area, the land where tradition meets tranquility!

I am Keiichiro Izawa, your dedicated tour guide for today's adventure through this culturally rich and naturally stunning prefecture.

Born and raised right here in Ibaraki, I have developed a deep connection to its history, heritage, and hidden gems. With a background as an English teacher and translator, I'm here to ensure that every step of our journey is not just informative, but also enjoyable.

One of my passions lies in exploring historical sites such as shrines, temples, and castles, where the echoes of the past resonate through time. But don't worry, our exploration won't be limited to just the ancient wonders. I'm also a nature enthusiast, drawn to the majestic mountains and serene beaches that adorn our landscape.

And what's a trip without savoring the flavors of the local cuisine? I'll be your culinary guide, leading you to the best-hidden eateries where you can indulge in authentic dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

So buckle up and get ready to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of North Kanto. Let's embark on a journey filled with history, nature, and delicious discoveries!

Reviews

Dirk S.

5 / 5

Dec 2, 2025

Nikko Half Day Tour

Dec 2, 2025

Nikko

4 hours

“Discover Nikko with a local!”

It was a real pleasure to spend the day with Keiichiro. Born and raised in the region, he has an outstanding knowledge about its history, can tell you many interesting stories and bring you to stunning places which you would otherwise miss if you discover Nikko and surroundings on your own. Getting around by car made everything very accessible. We particularly enjoyed the personal conversations which really open up the path to a different culture. Last but not least, Keiichiro accommodated our later arrival time without any problem and even spent 1.5h more with us than actually booked. We had a great time and absolutely recommend him as a guide.

Keiichiro I.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It truly means a lot to me. I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring Nikko together, and I’m grateful that you appreciated the local stories, hidden spots, and our conversations throughout the day. Spending time with you felt more like sharing time with friends rather than guiding guests — I genuinely enjoyed it. I hope Nikko will remain a special memory for you, and if you ever return to Japan, it would be my pleasure to welcome you again.

Jean-yves F.

5 / 5

Nov 21, 2025

NIkko Tour on November 21st

Nov 21, 2025

Nikko

4 hours

Customized

“Pleasant, professional and very knowledgeable guide.”

Keiichiro-san is a wonderful guide. Attentive and professional, he knows all the details about Nikko, its history and uniqueness. His speaks a perfect English and is a great and friendly individual. We will definitely recommend his services to all friends who will be lucky enough to visit this marvelous place.

Keiichiro I.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I am truly honored by your kind words. It was a great pleasure guiding you in Nikko, and I’m very glad to hear that you enjoyed the history, culture, and unique atmosphere of this beautiful place. Your warm feedback means a lot to me and encourages me to continue improving my tours. I sincerely appreciate your recommendation to your friends as well. If you or your loved ones visit Nikko again in the future, I would be delighted to guide you once more. Thank you again for spending your valuable time in Nikko with me. Wishing you all the best in your future travels.

Maya T.

5 / 5

Nov 13, 2025

Nikko Half Day Tour

Nov 13, 2025

Nikko

4 hours

“Kei was great!”

Our day with Kei turned out beyond our expectations as he was very attentive to selecting what he felt was appropriate for our interests. From the beginning of our contact he was responsive in addressing our questions and when the day came was flexible to how the timing eventually played out. His English skills are excellent and had much knowledge about the sites we visited. Thank you, Kei, for making our limited time in Nikko amazing!

Keiichiro I.

It truly means a lot to me that you took the time to share your experience. I’m very happy to hear that the day in Nikko exceeded your expectations and that the itinerary matched your interests. From our first messages to the tour day itself, it was a pleasure communicating with you and making sure everything went smoothly. I’m also grateful for your kind words about my English and knowledge of the area. Your flexibility, warm personality, and genuine curiosity made guiding you an absolute joy. Thank you again for spending your limited time in Nikko with me. I hope our paths will cross again someday — you are always welcome back!