In Mito, most attractions are located close to each other. The main sightseeing spots are centered around Mito Station and Kairakuen Garden, which is about a 30-minute walk from the station. You can easily explore all the highlights in these areas on foot. During the plum blossom season, some trains on the JR Joban Line stop at a special station called Kairakuen Station, located right next to the garden.
Getting around Mito is also convenient by bus. Several bus companies collaborate to offer a 1-day pass for 500 yen, which allows unlimited rides on buses within the downtown area. This pass covers Kairakuen Garden and other major tourist destinations.
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Mito Travel Tips
1 of 1 in Ibaraki Prefecture
Mito (水戸), the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture, is best known for two cultural icons: its famously sticky fermented soybeans, natto, and the stunning Kairakuen Garden. Ranked among Japan’s top three landscape gardens, Kairakuen is especially popular during late winter and early spring, when over 3,000 plum trees burst into bloom, drawing visitors from all over Japan. The garden’s seasonal beauty, paired with its serene design, makes it a must-see for nature lovers.
Beyond its modern charm, Mito holds deep historical significance. During the Edo Period (1603–1868), it was chosen by Tokugawa Ieyasu as one of the three key Tokugawa family branches, known as the Gosanke, alongside Wakayama and Nagoya. This made Mito a center of political and intellectual power, especially through the Mito School, which influenced the rise of modern nationalism in Japan. Today, Mito blends historical depth with natural beauty, offering a compelling day-trip option just 90 minutes from Tokyo.
