Ibaraki Prefecture occupies the northeastern corner of the Kanto region, stretching from the Pacific coastline inland to volcanic highlands and forested river valleys. It is home to Kairakuen, one of Japan's three great landscape gardens and an annual pilgrimage for plum-blossom season, and to Hitachi Seaside Park, whose hillsides turn electric blue with nemophila each spring. The world-class research city of Tsukuba, the colossal Ushiku Daibutsu statue, and ancient Kashima Jingu shrine round out a destination that balances rural tradition with scientific modernity.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Kasama-yaki pottery – handcrafted ceramic bowls, cups, and plates from local kilns; from 1,000 JPY (~$7 USD)
Mito natto products – dried natto snacks, natto rice crackers, natto furikake (rice seasoning); from 300 JPY (~$2 USD)
Ibaraki sweet potato products – sweet potato chips, jam, cake; from 500 JPY (~$3 USD)
Ibaraki nashi (Asian pear) – available August–October; fresh or processed; from 500 JPY (~$3 USD)
Anko (monkfish) products – dried anko skin, anko hot pot seasoning packs; from 800 JPY (~$5 USD)
Kashima Jingu charms (omamori) – sold at Kashima Jingu; from 500 JPY (~$3 USD)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Oarai Salmon Center
Fresh seafood, dried fish, and Oarai marine souvenirs
Where: Oarai
Hours: 10:00–18:00 daily
Kaneju Honten (Natto Flagship Store)
Mito natto in all varieties, natto sweets, and fermented food products
Where: Mito
Hours: 10:00–18:00; closed Wednesdays
Kasama Craft Galleries
Kasama-yaki pottery – local ceramic tradition with 300-year history
Where: Kasama
Hours: 10:00–17:00; most closed Mondays
Mito Keirokai / Excel Shopping
Department store with Ibaraki food gift floor, clothing, cosmetics
Where: Mito
Hours: 10:00–20:00 daily
Michi-no-Eki Kasama (Road Station)
Local produce, Kasama pottery, Ibaraki chestnuts (kuri), and natto snacks
Where: Kasama
Hours: 9:00–18:00 daily
Iias Tsukuba Shopping Centre
Large modern mall with fashion, electronics, and food court near Tsukuba Station
Where: Tsukuba
Hours: 10:00–21:00 daily
Ibaraki Farm Stands (Roadside)
Direct-from-farm seasonal produce: lotus root, sweet potato, strawberries (spring), nashi pear (autumn)
Where: Rural Ibaraki (various)
Hours: Typically 9:00–17:00; seasonal
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
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Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Items:
- Tax-free shopping is available at department stores and major retailers for foreign visitors spending over 5,000 JPY (~$33 USD); present your passport at the tax-free counter.
- Cash is widely preferred; carry 10,000 JPY (~$67 USD) notes for road-station and farm-stand purchases.
- Kasama pottery galleries typically allow haggling on large purchases or multiple-piece buys; at smaller kilns a polite inquiry is acceptable.
- Gift wrapping (tsutsumi) is offered free at department stores; select 'omiyage' if buying gifts for someone in Japan.