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

(5 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

(5 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

Alvina L.

5 / 5

Oct 7, 2025

Discover Nikko: A Journey Through History and Nature

Oct 7, 2025

Nikko

7 hours 30 mins

“Amazing day with Keiichiro even with bad weather. ”

We booked the night before and he answered our booking very quickly. We didn’t pick anything for an itinerary and went with his plan for the day. We visited many nature spots and ended with seeing the shrine and temples at the end. He is incredibly kind and his English is great. We had an amazing time even if the weather wasn’t good. The car was comfortable and he pivoted plans to give us the best day. He was easy to converse with and was knowledgeable about the area. He gave many recommendations for the rest of our trip in Japan. Overall we really enjoyed his service.

Keiichiro I.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was truly a pleasure guiding you in Nikko, and I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour despite the weather. I really appreciate your kind words about my English and guiding — it means a lot to me. I hope the rest of your journey in Japan will be just as memorable, and please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime if you need travel advice or wish to explore more of Japan.

Elaine C.

5 / 5

Sep 19, 2025

Discover Nikko: A Journey Through History and Nature

Sep 19, 2025

Nikko

8 hours

“The best day of our trip”

We had the most wonderful day with Keiichiro-san. He communicated with us well before the tour so expectations were very clear. Keiichiro-san was waiting for us at Tobu-Nikko station with a gift of a local delicacy! So kind! He drove us to the various places we wanted to see- Jizo statues, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, the mountainous marshlands area (which he recommended), and of course the large Toshigi shrine complex. At each point he shared interesting insights and historical facts (in perfect English) , enabling us to understand both the history and culture. Keiichiro-san took us to a wonderful restaurant for lunch where we tasted the local yuba noodles specialty, which was delicious. Keiichiro-san was a wonderful guide and exceptionally patient - my daughter needs to linger everywhere to get the best photos and videos for instagram! and he took things at our relaxed pace. We were thrilled with this day - both the awe-inspiring natural landscapes and cultural heritage of Nikko, and also our kind, knowledgeable and patient guide.

Keiichiro I.

Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review. I myself truly enjoyed guiding you both around Nikko, and it was a very fulfilling and joyful day for me as well. I am sincerely grateful for the time we shared together, and it was such a pleasure to see your interest in both the history and nature of Nikko. Thank you again, and I hope our paths will cross once more in the future.

Ak G.

5 / 5

Jul 7, 2025

Nikko Half Day Tour

Jul 7, 2025

Nikko

4 hours

“Arigato Nikko with our guide Keiichiro! ”

Keiichiro is a knowledgeable, diligent, and patient person. He helped to host our family, recommended an excellent place for lunch, and showcased the wonders of Nikko. I would recommend asking him questions, as he is full of great suggestions when you are planning and working out your booking.

Keiichiro I.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m truly happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the tour and the time we spent together in Nikko. It was a pleasure guiding you and sharing the beauty and history of this special place. I’m also grateful for your kind words and recommendation — they mean a lot to me. I hope we’ll have the chance to meet again on your next visit to Japan!