Mito Travel Tips

1 of 1 in Ibaraki Prefecture

Mito (水戸) is the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture and is widely recognized today for its fermented soybeans, known as natto, and the beautiful Kairakuen Garden. Especially famous during plum blossom season, Kairakuen is one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens and draws nature lovers from across the country.

Historically, Mito played a key role in the Edo Period (1603–1868) when Tokugawa Ieyasu selected it as one of the three main Tokugawa family domains, alongside Wakayama and Nagoya. This gave Mito strong political and cultural influence at the time. Today, the city offers a unique mix of heritage, tradition, and seasonal beauty that’s easy to enjoy on a day trip from Tokyo.

Getting rond

In Mito, most places to visit are close together. The main spots are around Mito Station and Kairakuen Garden, which is about a 30-minute walk from the station. You can easily walk to all the attractions in these areas. During the plum blossom season, some trains on the JR Joban Line stop at a special station called Kairakuen Station, right near the garden.

Getting around Mito is easy by bus. Several bus companies work together to offer a 1-day pass for 500 yen, which lets you ride any bus in the downtown area. This pass covers Kairakuen Garden and other popular tourist places.