12 Culture Kairakuen Garden in Spring Susan Tumanon Kairakuen garden was built by Nariaki Tokugawa, the 9th lord of Mito. The name Kairaku means to share pleasures with people.
6 Activities Kairakuen: Plum Blossoms and More Hana Joy Kairakuen is one of the most famous gardens in Japan. It is most well-known for its plum blossoms, which bloom in March.
Food Quiche Niche in Kasama Elysse Hurtado If you’re looking for a cool place to eat in Kasama, look no further than the mysteriously named Wasugazen Cafe nestled in the..
Culture Fukuda Kilns Elysse Hurtado Fukuda Kiln is one of Kasama’s many intrepid solo kilns, currently run by the 12th generation of the family and covering a spr..
Culture Hitachi Seaside Park in October Yu Nakao A perfect day outside Tokyo at Hitachi Seaside Park, a seaside park with gardens and an amusement park. It is a great place to see..
Food An Urban Oasis in Mito Elysse Hurtado Hidden in the back of a building, with only a very simply sign advertising it, is one of Mito’s best-kept secrets. Rin is an e..
Culture Mito's Plum Blossom Festival 2025 Mid Feb - Mid Mar Every year during the second last week of February, Mito’s Kairakuen plays host to the Mito Plum Festival. Thanks to its long ..
Activities Kairakuen Park, Mito Elysse Hurtado Each garden has its own different set-up and selection of flora, but behind Kairakuen’s beauty lies a twist: beyond simply ple..