Ibaraki

Tsukuba is widely recognised as Japan’s science center. Just a short 45 minutes away from Tokyo, Tsukuba houses many research institutes such as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Geographical Survey Institute, and many of these places come with their own planetariums and museums for visitors.

Hitachi is a city in Ibaraki prefecture by the Pacific Ocean that is great for viewing flowers all year round.

The city of Koga is tucked in Ibaraki prefecture’s south-western corner, surrounded by cities of other prefectures. Its current population is estimated to be 140,800.

Tucked away in a small street a few blocks from Tsuchiura Station is a restaurant that specializes in local, regional and seasonal cuisine. This traditional Japanese fine dining establishment (also known as ryotei) opened in 1889 and is extremely proud of its more than 120 year history.