Toride City in Ibaraki Prefecture began heavily developing during the Edo Period as a strategic town on the Mito Kaido road. The symbol of the town is the Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence, designated as a prefectural cultural property and historic site. This stunning building will now be open to the public starting June 3, 2022! 

In Japan, fans of temples and shrines often collect Goshuin. These are beautiful handwritten shrine seals collected in a special book, and they have recently become popular with younger generations. The first ‘honjin goshuin’ in Japanese history will be available at the Former Toride Inn!

A honjin was an inn for government officials, generally located in post stations during the later part of the Edo period. In Toride, the Someno Family Residence was designated as the main honjin for use by the Mito Tokugawa family in 1687. Since then, successors of the Mito Tokugawa family and many other feudal lords and samurai traveling between Edo and Mito used the location as a place to rest.

Of the three remaining honjin on the Mito Kaido road, the Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence is the oldest and largest in scale. Today, it is also the only one with both the grounds and interior open to the public. With deep ties to the Mito Tokugawa family and Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the last shogun of the Edo Shogunate, it remains an incredible historical site.

Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence Information (Released October 1, 2021)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKHGJsztC0Q

Visitors can obtain two honjin goshuin: one features an illustration of the main building, while the other features the seal of the Someno Family Residence. 

If you love adorable animal-inspired glassware, head to Keisei Department Store in Mito, Ibaraki from June 8 until June 14, 2022! Goodglas Japan will be selling a selection of over 30 unique pieces during this brief period.

The MyStraws collection has been incredibly popular to those more environmentally concious. Rather than use plastic straws, why not grab one of these glass straws decorated with an adorable penguin, sea otter, or polar bear? These straws come with a carrying case and a special cleaning brush.

Goodglas / MyStraw Glass – Penguin

Goodglas / MyStraw Glass – Penguin, Sea Otter, Polar Bear

Straw, Case, Brush (3-piece set)

Goodglas – Shiba

Goodglas – Rabbit Mug

These glasses are handmade by skilled artisans and are sure to make anyone smile!

Mobile Police Patlabor is celebrating 30 years with a special exhibition in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture from January 14 until February 13, 2022. 

The exhibition has traveled to four locations so far, starting in Osaka in 2019, then Tokyo, Nagoya, and Niigata soon after. It has been extremely well-received by fans, and this new iteration will exhibit original drawings and cells from Mobile Police Patlabor 2: The Movie, along with poster and cels. 

Other production materials from the 47-episode TV series broadcast on NTV from 1989 until 1990 will also be available to peruse for the first time. 

1. Exhibition of Original Drawings and Cels from the Original Time of Production on Display for the First Time
The original jacket illustrations for the TV anime version and Mobile Police Patlabor 2: The Movie drawn by character designer Akemi Takada, as well as celluloid images discovered by the editorial department of KADOKAWA Newtype, and valuable original art owned by the animation production company Production I.G will all be on exhibition.

2. Exhibition of New 3-D Works
The exhibition will feature new sculptures created by sculptor Hideki Kawabata.
Especially noteworthy is the 1.2-meter tall Griffon statue.

3. New Merchandise on Sale
New booklets featuring the anime and movie will be available for purchase prior to the start of the exhibition.
Also, new Griffon goods, still very popular among fans, will be available.

4. Commemorative Stamp Rally
To commemorate the opening of the exhibition, a stamp rally will be held around the city.
Those who visit every spot will receive a clear folder decorated with the main visual of the exhibition drawn by Yukio Kitta.

5. AR Audio Guide Exclusive to the Venue
As with the previous Niigata exhibition, guests can listen to AR voice guidance by Miina Tominaga (Noa Izumi) and Yoshiko Sakakibara (Shinobu Nagumo) while at the venue. 

Interactive digital art collective TeamLab will hold the Kairaku-en (Japanese Garden) Festival of Light at one of Japan’s three most beloved gardens located in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture from February 1 until March 31, 2022. A total of eight creative works showcasing the ‘longevity of life’ will be on display, utilizing the greenery of the surrounding 180-year-old garden itself. One work will illuminate over 1,500 plum trees, while another will see giant cedars interacting to guests’ presence. During this period, the Mito Ume Festival (February 11 – March 21) will also take place at the gardens. The festival has been held continuously for over 120 years.

Kairakuen is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan and was built by Tokugawa Nariaki during the Edo period (1842). The other two gardens are Kenroku-en in Ishikawa Prefecture and Koraku-en in Okayama Prefecture. In 1922, Kairaku-en was designated a National Historic Site and also a National Place of Scenic Beauty. In 2022, the garden will celebrate its 180th anniversary, and features over 3,000 plum trees of over 100 varieties. 

TeamLab’s ‘Digitized Nature’ art project utilizes technology to ‘turn nature itself into art in its natural state’ without destroying or uprooting any of the plants or trees. It can be difficult for humans to imagine the world that will exist after their particular life ends, and this installation hopes to show the beauty that is possible even after a hundred or a thousand years. Through the combination of human creations and nature itself, TeamLab wants to remind people what is possible when we live side by side in harmony with one another. 

The Oarai Tourism Omotenashi Promotion Council opened Cafe Amayadori, a rain and healing themed coffee shop, on September 18 2021. The shop was opened as a challenge and is located in the Umimachi Terrace Tourist Information Center.

Cafe Amayadori

Cafe Amayadori Menu

Cafe Amayadori Tote Bag

You can clearly hear the sound of the rain from inside the store, while the served cream soda changes based on both the weather and the time. On clear days where the sun is shining, you can order the traditional green-color  ‘Blue Sky Cream Soda,’ while on rainy days you can order the blue ‘Rain-color Cream Soda.’

The cafe also serves a wide variety of Japanese and Western meals and desserts, each cooked using local Oarai produce. Morning and lunch specials are also available, meaning you can easily work your visit around your own schedule.

The concept of the cafe is “Rain.” You can dash into the cafe as if you’re looking for shelter from the weather before sitting down to eat and drink in the calm space, emphasized by the soothing music that plays in the background. While the soundtrack depends on the day, the sound of rain is often played. However, the sounds played on rainy days are a little different to the usual. True to its name, the cafe can create a comfortable Amayadori (lit. rain shelter) no matter what the weather!

‘rain coat studio’ is a group of creators who have been working on ‘rain’ themed events and designs since 2016. The group was formed with the idea that “when it rains, our activities are limited due to the dull weather. On the other hand, the rain represents the season and soothes those who listen to it’s sound.” 

The group aims to create music, events, artwork, and more, that are cool like the rain but still convey a kindness. The ‘rain coat studio’ came up with the idea of a coffee shop as a way to try creating a restaurant business that followed their ideals.

The signature item on Cafe Amayadori’s menu is the ‘Weather Cream Soda.’ The flavor depends on whether the weather is clear, rainy, and after-rain, but can also depend on the time – They even offer special drinks for ‘Morning Fog’ and for drinking in the evening, along with a limited-time ‘Seasonal Cream Soda. 

The cafe doesn’t just serve Cream Soda! Customers who would like a full meal can also order from a selection of Japanese food, Western food, and desserts. A limited edition tote bag is currently on sale to commemorate the opening of the cafe.

Why not try relaxing on a rainy day at Cafe Amayadori?

The marvel that is the 375m-long Ryujinotsuri Bridge in Ibaraki, is a must-see this autumn season as maple trees, sawtooth oaks, and other autumnal spectacles dye the area in breathtaking reds from mid to late November.

Ryujinotsuri Bridge: Japan’s biggest suspension bridge

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is located in Okukujichanosato Park in Ibaraki Prefecture’s city of Hitachiota. From atop the towering bridge one can overlook at the expansive gorge 100m down below where the misty Ryujin Lake flows. Trees stretch to a horizon in this incredible breathtaking environment, offering beautiful vistas throughout all four seasons.

Bungee jump over Ryujin Lake

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is the biggest suspension bridge in Japan, and so of course it has to offer something special to visitors. And that would be bungee jumping which is sure to excite thrill-seekers travelling to Japan.

Outdoor activities galore

Visitors can enjoy the surrounding nature by taking a canoe or boat on top of Ryujin Lake.

BBQ and camping facilities

There are also BBQ and camping facilities in the area for people to enjoy the outdoors and see the stars at night.

A full hiking autumn experience at Ryujinotsuri

There are several hiking courses on offer that cater to both beginners and pros. Get close with nature and see the autumn colours, hear the birds sing, and breathe in that fresh air.

Ibaraki Prefecture has been promoting the areas of Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura with a variety of events and programs since 2018. For 2020, one of the programs the prefecture has announced is ‘Mount Tsukuba PLAY 2020’ which invites people on a trial tour around Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura.

About Mount Tsukuba

Mount Tsukuba is the doorstep to tourism in Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its iconic double peaks which has it listed officially as one of the “100 Most Beautiful Mountains in Japan.” The mountain offers 10 different courses for climbers, all of which boast gorgeous views and scenery throughout all four seasons. It also has a famous shrine halfway up the mountain known as Tsukubasan Shrine which is considered the physical enshrinement of the mountain itself. The shrine has long been a place of worship for people.

About Lake Kasumigaura

Lake Kasumigaura is the second-largest lake in Japan after Shiga Prefecture’s Lake Biwa. It is loved by locals and tourists for its beautiful natural environment and the expanse of its breathtaking view. It also has its own cycling route, Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road, which is an official National Cycling Route that has become a popular route with cyclists in recent years.

During the autumn season on weekends, the area offers a special long-ride cycling tour as an opportunity for people to soak up the local area, as well as kids programs, concerts for parents and their children, and other activity programs and guide tours. Bookings are now available online.

A Look at Mount Tsukuba PLAY 2020

Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura – 2 Day 1 Night Sports Experience Tour

Mount Tsukuba PLAY 2020 is offering a special sports tour for elementary school kids where a guide will take them to climb Mount Tsukuba and canoe around Lake Kasumigaura, amongst other activities.

A Photogenic Tour in the Small Town by the Lake Shore

atacamaki, a ‘slow photographer’ and resident of Kasumigaura, will be taking photographers on a two day trip around the lake and surrounding area with rental bicycles to teach them how to shoot photos like a pro.

Concert in Tsukuba Forest

A concert will be held for children in the forest where they can lay down on the grass and be at one with nature as they enjoy the performance. The performance will be played by Akashi Yamada, the forest instructor and a singer-songwriter.

Cycling Along the Kokai River and Near Chikusei With Tsukuba Mounta in the Background

A local guide will give parents and children a tour of Tsukuba and all the must-see spots. The 37km cycling tour will offer plenty for people to see and encourages beginners to cycling.

A Long Cycling Tour Around Lake Kasumigaura, Kitaura, and Tsukuba

The program also offers a two-day long distance cycling tour of 100km.

Hoshino Resorts is set to open Japan’s biggest cycling resort, named Hoshino Resort BEB5 Tsuchiura, at PLAY atré TSUCHIURA on March 19, 2020. The establishment will open right when PLAY atré TSUCHIURA celebrates its 2nd anniversary―after having opened back in 2018―and will be the fourth cycling hotel by Hoshino Resorts to open. It will act as a “base camp” to enjoy cycling, and the start point to the 180km Tsukuba Lake Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road cycling course.

PLAY atré TSUCHIURA is a 49-minute train ride from Tokyo and is directly connected to the station, making access very easy. It is home to Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road, one of Japan’s prominent cycling courses that runs past many gorgeous natural landscapes, including Lake Kasumigaura and Mount Tsukuba. It is becoming one of Japan’s foremost cycling facilities, catering to the needs of all cyclists.

1F BIKE BASE / Ring Ring Square Tsuchiura

2F & 3F

This cosy and casual hotel is the perfect choice for travellers looking to cycle and go sightseeing in Japan.

Aqua World Oarai, Ibaraki is collaborating with the world’s favourite childish penguin Pingu. This summer, Pingu will feature in the special event: Penguin-tachi no fushigina sekai Pingu summer festival (Pingu summer festival: Enter the curious world of penguins). The event will run from July 13 to September 1.

Located just a 1.5 hour bus/train ride away, Aqua World Oarai, Ibaraki is in easy reach from Tokyo. It takes just 1 hour 15 minutes to reach by car. 

Pingu Photo Spots

Enter the aquarium and you will find numerous Pingu-themed photo spots. Take a photo next to statues of Pingu and friends, or with an original design photo panel. This is the perfect place to create lots of good summer memories with your family or friends and take lots of fun pictures.

Chat with Pingu

You can also enjoy a fun conversation with Pingu by watching fun videos. Come play with the characters and enjoy their cute animations and unique voices. This venue is full of unique and fun experiences.

Uchiwa Fan Stamp Rally (Weekday-limited)

Explore the aquarium to locate the three stamp spots. There is a Pingu, Pinga and Robby stamp spot where you can collect your stamps to complete the picture on your uchiwa fan. Completing the picture on your fan will be as fun as completing a colouring book!

Running: Weekdays (Not running between August 13 ー 16)

※ This event will finish early if all Uchiwa fans are given away before the end of the event. 

Pingu Greeting

Pingu will visit the aquarium himself, so enjoy interacting with him!

Running: July 14, 15, 20, 21, 27, 28, August 3, 4 (8 days total).

Times: 11 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, (lasts approx. 30 mins).

Besides the above, there is so much Pingu-tastic fun to be had. Come create some special summer memories with Pingu at Aqua World Oarai, Ibaraki 

© 2019 The Pygos Group / (C)MATTEL, NHK, NEP, PPI

Namegata Farmers Village is an experience-based agricultural theme park located in the city of Namegata in Ibaraki Prefecture. The site is currently holding a strawberry picking event where you can get your hands on Japan’s best strawberries. You can also have a go at making your own strawberry daifuku, a popular Japanese confection, until April 8^th.

At the “strawberry picking” event, you get 20-minutes max to pick and eat all of the strawberries you can, and you can enjoy making your own strawberry daifuku using your freshly picked strawberries. You have a choice of 2 anko pastes to fill your daifuku with: the classic red b ean ‘tsubuan’ and the sweet potato ‘imoan’. Pick your favourite to make a daifuku that you love.

Get involved in this special event which you can only experience at Namegata Farmers Village.

When you think of staple food in Japan you think rice, but the land of the rising sun also has a lot of delicious bakeries. In this article, we’d like to show you the winners of “Bread of the Year 2016” (Japanese: パン・オブ・ザ・イヤー２０１６) which were announced by the editorial team “Pan Suta” (translation: “Pan Star” or “Bread Star”), the country’s biggest bread specialist community website. These rankings were compiled based off the posts, number of likes, number of shares, tasting by the Pan Suta team on the day of the event, and more. 10 different breads were selected from as the best from this year’s bread mania.

■Baguette Category　Gold Prize
david pain・Ibaraki Prefecture / Tsukuba-shi

“david pain” is a popular location in Tsukuba-shi, the bread battleground town. The bread made by the owner, who is from Corsica Island in France, is praised for having a delicious scent, and for the flavour of the wheat which develops in your mouth the more you chew. The bread is made with wheat from Japan and the yeast is homemade, as is the rest of the ingredients. It’s a popular shop which brings in people from other prefectures who go to buy the delicious baguettes.

david pain

7-11 Makizono, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture

Telephone: 029-871-1214

■Bread Loaf Category　Gold Prize
Koukyuu “Sei” Kuu Pan Senmon-ten Nogami　Osaka/Osaka-shi Tennōji-ku ※This shop is established in other locations too

The lines at this Kansai bread shop never end. This bread is given the name “raw” as it is served as it is instead of being toasted. Since the bread is so soft and delicate the shop does not slice it. The loafs are ample in moisture and the texture is fine all the way through. The bread will melt in your mouth as you eat it “raw”, and you will love sweet aftertaste.

Koukyuu “Sei” Kuu Pan Senmon-ten Nogami (Japanese: 高級「生」食パン専門店 乃が美)
Official Website: http://nogaminopan.com/

■Croissant Category
GONTRAN CHERRIER TOKYO　Tokyo / Shibuya-ku

Gontran Cherrier is a famous French baker and pastry chef who owns a number of shops, including one in Tokyo. Croissants, which are popular in France, are loved by Japan, and GONTRAN CHERRIER TOKYO has plenty of them. They are served deliciously crispy and you will be hit by the tantalizing scent of butter the moment you hold one in your hands.

GONTRAN CHERRIER TOKYO
1-Chome-14-11 BC Salon, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Official Website: http://gontran-cherrier.jp/

■Focaccia Category　Gold Prize
LE PAIN de Joël Robuchon　Tokyo / Shibuya-ku

This shop is run by Joël Robuchon, an internationally famous French chef and restaurateur who is a prominent figure in French cuisine. This first-class shop is always packed with people as you can enjoy delicious bread at a reasonable price. Its popular focaccias are fresh and dipped in olive oil. With just one bite the fruity scent will hit your nose immediately. The focaccias flexibility in going well with so many different dishes is one reason for its popularity.

LE PAIN de Joël Robuchon
2-Chome-21-1 Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs B2F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Official Website: http://www.robuchon.jp/lepain

■Bagel Category　Gold Prize
Pomme de terre　Tokyo / Suginami

Pomme de terre should be called the first place that made an original Japanese style bagel, introducing bagels that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and rolled bagels. You can feel that the menu was made by an owner who was originally a pastry chef, with its wide-range of options and amazing combinations of fillings. You will most definitely enjoy the crispy outsides and soft insides which are sprayed and rebaked.

Pomme de terre
4-Chome-8-2 Beihaimu Nishiogi Dai-San 101, Nishi-Ogikita, Suginami, Tokyo
Official Website: http://www.pomme-de-terre.net/

There are many more from the list of winners from this year’s Bread of the Year, from curry bread to cream bread.

When you’re in Japan and want to try some delicious bread, be sure to check this article again!

■Information
Pan Sta
Official Website　http://pansta.jp/
Bread of the Year 2016　 http://pansta.jp/poty/2016/

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