생활 Ibaraki

Ibaraki Prefecture is located in the Kanto region of Japan, and it's capital is Mito City, located near the coast. Ibaraki's population is on an upward trend due to the growth of Tokyo's Metropolitan Area, and many people commute from Ibaraki to Tokyo each day. Kairakuen Garden, in Mito City, is one out of three of Japan's most celebrated gardens, and sees many visitors each year, especially during late February, when more than 150 different types of plum trees blossom. Kashima Shrine, another popular destination, sees around 600,000 New Year pilgrims each year. Natto and watermelons are Ibaraki's most famous produce, and Mito City even has a museum solely devoted to the favorite fermented soybean dish.