Explore North Ibaraki's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin with a visit to Oiwa Shrine, a mountain shrine surrounded by majestic cedar trees, reminiscent of Nikko Tosho-gu. Enjoy a delicious lunch in Hitachi featuring local fish. Continue to Unomisaki for breathtaking cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean. Conclude your tour with a visit to Hanazono Gorge, known for its picturesque waterfalls and lush greenery.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hitachi Station
- Meet at JR Joban line Hitachi station. I will meet at the kaisatsu gate of the station
Oiwa Ginja Shrine
Surrounded by towering cedar trees, the shrine's walkway offers a tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of the famous Nikko Tosho-gu, though on a smaller scale. This shrine holds significant historical importance, closely linked to the Mito Tokugawa family, one of the three major relatives of the Edo Tokugawa lineage. Adding to its mystique, Oiwa Shrine is known for a fascinating phenomenon where astronauts have reported seeing a light from space believed to originate from this very site.
Lunch
Enjoy Japanese dishes at a restaurant beloved by the locals.
Unomisaki cliff
Unomisaki is cliff sea shore facing to Pacific ocean.
There is a walk way and you can enjoy the view of Fukushima in the north to Kashima industrial complex in the south.
Hananuki Gorge
Discover the natural beauty of Hananuki Gorge, a hidden gem in Ibaraki. Walk across the Shiomitaki Suspension Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the river and lush forests. In autumn, the gorge transforms into a stunning display of vibrant red and yellow foliage, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Ryujin suspension bridge
Experience breathtaking views from the Ryujin Suspension Bridge, one of Japan’s longest pedestrian bridges at 375 meters. Spanning across a deep gorge, it offers stunning panoramic sights of the surrounding mountains and Ryujin Dam. In autumn, vibrant foliage enhances the scenery, while thrill-seekers can enjoy Japan’s highest bungy jump from the bridge.
Fukuroda Falls
Marvel at the beauty of Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s most stunning waterfalls. Cascading down four tiers from a height of 120 meters, it offers a different charm in every season—lush greenery in summer, vibrant colors in autumn, and a breathtaking frozen spectacle in winter. Walk along the viewing platforms for up-close, panoramic views.
Ending Point
Hitachi Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
*Guide fee
*Transportation type of car: Volvo V60, toll fees, and gasoline expenses.
*parking fee
*Drinks, street foods, souvenirs, and your personal expenses
*Traveler's insurance
*Lunch at local restaurant (Japanese).
*Entrance fees(if applicable)
* 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 Mondays and Thursdays.
This tour is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
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!
Alvina L.
“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.
“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.
“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!
$336/ per group