Things to Do in Mito

Things to Do in Mito, Japan - Mito Attractions

Things to Do in Mito


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Top Attractions in Mito

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What travelers are saying

  • grey_88
    Vancouver, Canada96 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went during the plum blossoming season, maybe it's towards the end? On the 6th of March. But it's not as full and impressive as, say Hitachi Seaside Park close by for sheer spectacle. It's still a great park for viewing plum blossom, at this time of the year, in this cold, this is probably the place to go for parks and flower viewing. The food stalls outside serving plum tea plum wine plum souvenirs are a great vibe.
    Written March 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sheep
    14 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Semba lake is a wonderful place surrounded by beautiful nature.
    The lake is three kilometers around. There are two types of tracks, one for jogging and an ordinary path. It’s a good place to stroll or jog. There are a few facilities such as a café, playground equipment and boats. At the café, you can enjoy a taste of Ibaraki’s famous shop foods while looking at the beautiful view. All generations will have a good time there.
    You’ll be able to enjoy Semba lake in all seasons. I especially think spring and summer are the best times to visit, but you should avoid going there on rainy days. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a place out of the rain at the park. Also, there are too many birds. They can sometimes bother you. In spring, a lot of cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Also, it is lit up at night, so it looks completely different at night from how does in the daytime. In July or August, a fireworks display is held around the lake. Various kinds of events are also held throughout the year. Before visiting, you should check the event schedule online. If you have enough time to visit other nearby places, I recommend going to Kairakuen-park. This park, which right next to Semba lake, is one of the three most outstanding gardens in Japan. The view of the lake from Kairakuen-park is also beautiful!
    Written June 7, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PaulSiow
    Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,731 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Many people who visited Kairakuen also visited this building where you can get a good view of the lake and surrounding park. We only looked at the external architecture and didn't go inside as we were more interested in exploring the park and view the plum and cherry blossoms up close. There is an entrance fee if you wish to enter this building and have the time.
    Written February 26, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • olafoomes
    Amstelveen, The Netherlands1,671 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A spectacular 100 meter high tower which is visible around the area and landmarks the actual modern museum site. If you want to go up you do not have to visit the museum itself. You can pay inside the tower building just to go up solely in the tower. On top floor (elevator only) you have great views over Mito city from all directions. Photographs inside gives you a clear indication (in English) what you actually can see. On the entry floor there is a small TV room where you can see its history and building process.
    Written January 25, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sue T
    Canberra, Australia951 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were shown the building by a volunteer Japanese guide with some basic English, enough to name the purposes of the rooms. This did add to our appreciation of the building. The grounds are gorgeous too, with the massed plums (albeit was autumn and pretty bare.)
    Written October 14, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yuui Sagawa
    Mito, Japan8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Forest Park is a very natural place located in the town of Abokke in Mito city. First of all, there are many playgrounds for children there. It is also a place where you can come in contact with animals. Because the park is so large, it is not only for children but also elderly people can stay healthy by walking there.

    But, it’s very inconvenient to get this far. Also, each square is very far away, so I get tired of going to the next square. And, you can touch goats and rabbits, but they stink tremendously.

    The spring and fall are the best times to visit Forest Park. It is a place you have to walk a lot, so it’s better to come in easy-to-move clothes and shoes. Also, there are no vending machines or restaurants, so it’s better to bring them yourself. If you forget your drink, you will surely die.
    Written June 7, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter Choy
    Hong Kong, China5,514 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Leaving the hotel, we drive to Kairakuen 偕楽園, which is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, together with Kenrokuen 兼六園 in Kanazawa and Korakuen 後楽園 in Okayama. But before going to the garden, we first visit Tokiwa Shrine 常磐神社, outside the east gate of Kairakuen.

    Tokiwa Shrine was founded in 1874. But before then, at Kairakuen, there was already a small shido, or hall of worship, that enshrined the two great feudal lords, Giko and Rekko. The old feudal retainers continued to pay their homage at this small shrine, and they petitioned that an official shrine worthy of the deities should be built.

    In 1873, this was sanctioned by the Government, naming it Tokiwa Jinga. The shrine, in that year, was graded also as a National Shrine. Shortly after, a site of the official shrine buildings was chosen, and the construction started.

    This project proved so popular for people, not only in Mito itself, but in all the outlying villages, with many making contributions in money, or in kind, or in labour. Thus, in the following year, the buildings had been constructed.

    The Senzasai, or ceremony for removing the divine spirits from their temporary abode to the new shrine, was held. Nowadays, it is still commemorated annually as the Reisai, or annual festival.

    After paying homage to the deities, I get the goshuin stamp of the shrine.
    Written January 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 930keit
    San Francisco, CA86 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are interested in Japan history, this place is not a bad place. Though Japan is not very big islands, it has long and complex history. Every place has every history. I had not known history in Ibaraki, but learned a lot in details. This kind of details about local history is still difficult to find even though the Internet has a lot of information.
    Written May 1, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • travelmartin
    Munich, Germany252 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    While visiting Kodokan I saw this beautifully shaped water tower, but did not specially walk over to get a better view still enjoyed having seen it.
    Written November 18, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kiwii
    Mito, Japan7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Howaen is a nice place located in the city of Mito. When I went to the Howaen by bus, I saw seasonal flowers such as hydrangeas and azaleas. They were very beautiful. Howaen is surrounded by flowers, so that you can enjoy taking photos and feel the fresh air. Also, there are many facilities at Howaen. An observation deck, the bird house, and the beautiful garden are just a few. I had never been there, so I didn’t know about such facilities. You can enjoy seeing the two peacocks and take photos in the garden. Moreover, there is a park there where children can play on the playground equipment. I think it’s good for families.

    The road going up to Howaen is too narrow for two cars to pass and is dangerous. The area is also very crowded during events. If you scared of that or if you want to avoid traffic jams, you should use the bus to get there. It takes 15 minutes from Mito station. Also, it is cheaper to take the bus than to use a parking place. So, you can save money, too.

    I think that summer in June and July are the best time to go to Howaen because you can see various flowers such as hydrangeas and azaleas. Also, It’s free and you can join some events such as the Hydrangea Festival. If you go when an event isn’t taking place, I think 40 minutes is plenty of time to see everything.
    Written July 12, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • gharu
    Mito, Japan4 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is easy to spend it relaxing very much.

    It is not a sightseeing spot, but a city coexists with nature
    Written January 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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