Reviews, Local food , Transportation Information, and Map Information of Fukuroda Falls, Kairakuen, and Oarai

1.Basic Information

Kairakuen

Located in Mito City, Kairakuen is counted as one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens, alongside Korakuen in Okayama City and Kenrokuen in Kanazawa City. Known for its plum trees, Kairakuen hosts over 3,000 plum trees of 100 different varieties in the main garden area alone. It is bustling with tourists in the spring. The garden was created by the ninth lord of the Mito Domain, Tokugawa Nariaki, during the Edo period. Nariaki desired Kairakuen to be a place enjoyed together with his citizens, an aspiration encapsulated in its name. Moreover, Kairakuen was positioned as an educational facility alongside Koudoukan, serving as complementary entities where one could refresh both body and mind.

Koudoukan

Koudoukan was an educational facility in the former Mito Domain, targeting domain warriors and their children. Established primarily by lord Tokugawa Nariaki, the extensive 10.5-hectare grounds housed various educational buildings and facilities where not only academia but also martial arts and medicine were taught. With an admission age range of 15 to 40 and no graduation system, it essentially served as a lifelong learning space. The grounds are also known for their numerous plum trees.

Fukuroda Falls

With a height of 120 meters and a width of 73 meters, Fukuroda Falls is recognized as one of Japan’s three great waterfalls. Also known as “Yodo no Taki,” the waterfall is renowned for cascading down a large rock face in four stages. Legend has it that the name originated from the famous monk Saigyo Hoshi proclaiming that one could not comprehend its true beauty without visiting in all four seasons. Fukuroda Falls offers diverse, stunning vistas with autumn leaves in the fall and a frozen, white spectacle in the winter.

Oarai

Oarai attracts approximately 4.4 million visitors annually, boasting tourist and commercial facilities such as Aqua World Oarai, Oarai Isosaki Shrine, and Oarai Seaside Station. It is also home to Oarai Sun Beach, the largest beach in northern Kanto, bustling with people in the summer. Furthermore, Oarai gained attention as a pilgrimage site for fans as it was featured in the 2012 anime “Girls & Panzer.”

2.Reviews

Senbako

Senbako Lake, located southeast of Kairakuen, has a circumference of about 3km. The lake is surrounded by a walkway lined with cherry blossoms, providing a pleasant environment for walking and jogging. Boats and bicycles are available for rent, making it a relaxing and recreational spot for tourists. To the west of the lake stands a statue of Tokugawa Mitsukuni, known as Mito Komon, and nearby establishments such as “Kobun Chaya” and “Kobun cafe” allow visitors to unwind and enjoy refreshments.

3.Local Food

Introduction to hot pot dishes using seafood from all over Japan

Japan boasts a wealth of fresh seafood and mountain produce, with each region having its own signature hot pot dishes made from these ingredients. Hokkaido is renowned for its seafood hot pots, while Miyagi and Hiroshima prefectures are famous for their oyster hot pots. These are specialty regional dishes that highlight the unique features of each area.

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Introduction to Eastern Japan’s  Ramen: Part 2

In Eastern Japan, particularly in the Kanto region, ramen based on chicken bones and soy sauce has traditionally been favored. Below, we introduce the representative ramen of the Tohoku, Kanto, Nagano, and Niigata regions.

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Introduction to Japanese Home-Cooked Side Dishes: Part 1

In Japan, traditional local cuisine includes simmered dishes. These dishes are characterized by being simmered in broth made from seafood. Representative dishes include "oden" and "jiebu-ni." Especially "oden" is a popular dish often enjoyed with sake or other alcoholic beverages.

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4.Transportation Information

■How to get to Kairakuen, Koudoukan, and Senbako
Mito Tourist Convention Association Official Site (Available in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese)
https://mitokoumon.com/facility/

■How to get to Fukuroda Falls
Daigo Town Hall Official Site (Available in English, Korean, and Simplified Chinese)
https://www.town.daigo.ibaraki.jp/page/page001474.html

■How to get to Oarai
Oarai Tourist Association Official Site (Available in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese)
https://www.oarai-info.jp/page/page000229.html

5.Map Information