A vast national park famous for its breathtaking seasonal flowers. In spring, millions of sky-blue nemophila blossoms cover the Miharashi Hills, and in autumn the hills turn brilliant red with kochia bushes. Tulips, poppies and roses bloom in other seasons. Enjoy gentle walking paths, a Ferris wheel and wide ocean views.

A scenic seaside shrine on the Oarai coast, famous for its striking Kamiiso-no-Torii gate standing on the rocks in the sea. Waves crash dramatically around the gate, especially beautiful at sunrise. The main shrine on the hill has a long history and lovely ocean views.

One of Japan's three great landscape gardens, created in 1842 in Mito. It is most famous for around 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties that bloom in late winter to early spring. Stroll through tranquil grounds, a bamboo grove and the elegant Kobuntei wooden villa with views over Senba Lake.

One of Japan's three most beautiful waterfalls, cascading 120 meters down four tiers of rock. The volume of water and the surrounding forest change dramatically with the seasons - fresh greenery in summer, vivid foliage in autumn and frozen ice walls in winter. Viewing platforms and a tunnel bring you close to the falls. **Please note that Fukuroda Falls is located some distance from the other sightseeing destinations, so visiting it will require additional travel time.

At 120 meters tall, this bronze standing Buddha is one of the tallest statues in the world - three times the height of the Statue of Liberty. An elevator takes visitors up inside the statue to an observation deck. The grounds feature seasonal flower gardens, a small zoo and peaceful walking paths. **Please note that Ushiku Daibutsu is located some distance from the other sightseeing destinations, so visiting it will require additional travel time.

A lively local fish market near the port where fishing boats land their daily catch. Browse stalls piled high with fresh seafood and try a generous kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), grilled scallops or sushi at very reasonable prices. A great place to taste the flavors of the Ibaraki coast.

Japan's largest domain school of the late Edo period, founded by the Mito clan in 1841. The elegant wooden buildings and tranquil grounds teach about samurai education and the history of the Tokugawa Mito family. Plum trees bloom across the site in early spring, complementing nearby Kairakuen.