Ibaraki with Kids — What to Do and Where to Stay
Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Kay
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Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, might not be on the radar for most parents traveling with kids in Japan. However, it’s definitely worth visiting for a day trip if you have time as it only takes about an hour to reach from Tokyo.
My husband used to live in Ibaraki and I visited him there often when we were dating (ah, young love). During this time, I not only fell in love with him but I grew to love Ibaraki as well! Located on the coast, it’s a lovely prefecture with lots of nature and history.
In this article, I’ll share some family-friendly spots in Ibaraki that you may want to put on your list of places to visit in Japan.
Table of Contents
What to Do in Ibaraki with Kids
Sylvanian Park
If you or your child are a fan of Sylvanian Families, then you’ll want to visit Sylvanian Park. It’s like a place where Sylvanian Families come to life as there are child-sized replicas of the houses that kids can explore and life-sized characters!
Sylvanian Park is not only picture-worthy but your child can engage in tons of activities. Kids also have a chance to get a free Sylvanian Families doll at the end!
The park is fairly close to Boso-no-Mura in Chiba Prefecture so if you’re traveling by car, you might want to include this on your itinerary as well.
Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is a place I have visited with my husband multiple times. Although we never got the chance to take our child, I think it’s a great place for kids (especially as I saw many little ones running around when I went).
I mean, just take a look at my husband having the time of his life on this panda ride.
There is a seaside train that kids might enjoy riding, a small splash park in the summer, giant egg-shaped trampolines, a playground, as well as a small area to play golf.
Hitachi Seaside Park has a small amusement park as well called Pleasure Garden with different rides for toddlers and small children.
You can also see different kinds of flowers depending on the season. The nemophila in the spring are especially beautiful, but this also means that it becomes quite crowded since everyone wants to take in these blue fields!
For those who want a more relaxed and no-fuss trip, there are tours to Hitachi Seaside Park that include transportation from Tokyo and stops at other famous sightseeing spots. But you can easily travel on your own from Tokyo — it takes about 2 hours one way by bus from Tokyo Station and 1 hour by train from Shinagawa Station.
Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium
If your child likes marine creatures, then it’s likely they’ll have fun at Aquaworld Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium. It boasts over 500 different marine species and has the most species of sharks in Japan!
Ushiku Daibutsu
Believe it or not, the Ushiku Daibutsu is the tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. It blew my mind when I first saw it! You can go inside as well, and one of the rooms contains thousands of small gold Buddha statues.
Tsukuba Expo Center
This is a great place to take budding scientists. The Tsukuba Expo Center has a planetarium, one of the world’s largest in fact, and many exhibits about space, the deep sea, and energy that kids can interact with through sight and touch.
It also has a full-scale model of a rocket, which is pretty cool.
Kids might also visit JAXA, which is nearby and provides English tours when booked in advance.
Fukuroda Falls
Fukuroda Falls is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls, next to Nachi Falls in Wakayama and Tochigi’s Kegon Waterfall.
There are some restaurants and souvenirs near the falls and kids can enjoy sweets like dango and ice cream.
Note that the falls get very busy in autumn due to the colorful autumn foliage.
Ibaraki Nature Museum
The Ibaraki Nature Museum is another educational spot for kids where they can learn about the past, present, and future of the Earth. Exhibits include an exploration of the universe, Earth’s ecosystems, the prehistoric past (dinosaurs!), animals, and geology.
They also have special exhibits and events.
Kasama Geijutsu No Mori Park
If you’re looking for an outdoor playground for kids, consider taking them to Kasama Geijyutsunomori Park. This park is expansive, with plenty of playground equipment including super-long roller slides and bouncy domes for kids.
This park also contains the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum.
Kamine Park
Kamine Park offers a ton of things for kids to do. There’s a zoo, an amusement park with rides for all ages, and a simple pool. It’s also a lovely place to see cherry blossoms in the spring.
Where to Stay in Ibaraki Prefecture with Kids
If you decide to stay overnight (or even for a few days!), here are my top picks for family-friendly accommodation in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Oarai Hotel Annex Gyoraian
This hotel in Oarai has stunning ocean views, including a white torii gate perched on rocks on the water from your room. Many people rave about the beauty of the sunrise with this view.
Popular with families, breakfast is included in the price and cribs are available upon request.
Isozaki Onsen Hotel New Hakuaki
Toshimaya Tsukihamanoyu
Located in Kitaibaraki City, this is an award-winning ryokan with ocean-view hot spring baths. Meals consist of food local to Ibaraki, including pufferfish (if you choose to have it).
Wrap-Up: Ibaraki with Kids
I hope this look at what to do and where to stay in Ibaraki with kids has been helpful to you. It’s truly a wonderful place to visit if you want to escape the busyness of Tokyo and enjoy nature with your family.