Last but certainly not least

Readers of City Cost by now have read Genkidesu’s post about the most and least attractive prefectures, according to the annual survey of the Japanese public Ibaraki Prefecture to the northeast of the capital has once again secured its dead-last position among the 47 prefectures of Japan. Well, somebody’s got to be the last pick on the list. It’s a source of notoriety for the mountainous region bordering the Pacific Ocean.

Remember last year, I told you about anticipating visits to uncrowded Ibaraki when the pandemic eased up? It’s one of my favorite places to get away as it’s replete with historical and natural beauty and easy to access.

The row of kura storehouses on the old Mito Kaido in Tsuchiura City

One of the places I adore, though not widely promoted, is Tsuchiura City for the timewarp of the Kijo Castle grounds and the gorgeous kura storehouses on the old Mito Kaido, including Machikadokura Daitoku.

Tsuchiura City has been my starting point for cycling and hiking in nearby Sakuragawa City. Don't let the word city fool you - it's mostly comprised of agricultural communities and the western edge of Mt. Tsukuba.

A monument at the Rokusho Shrine ruins on the approach to Mount Tsukuba

I recommend hiking or cycling to highlights such as Amabiki Kannon, a temple known for its cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and peacocks. One hiking route is a section of the Kanto Fureiai Nature Trail which takes you up mountain ridges, past shrines, temples, and satoyama landscapes.

Another foray into deep Ibaraki took me to Daigo Town to see waterfalls and savor expertly prepared local soba noodles at Momijien.

This autumn, I'm aiming for this underrated, uncrowded gem of a prefecture.

Have you been to Ibaraki Prefecture? What was the highlight of your trip?