2026 Mito Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Beautiful Autumn Foliage Season｜Nikko Is the Hidden Champion💯 When visiting Japan for autumn leaves, don’t just crowd into Kyoto! This underrated foliage hotspot is definitely worth a special trip!✨ 🏆 Best Time to See Nikko Autumn Leaves: Early October to mid-November (varies slightly each year) 📸 Top 5 Must-Visit Autumn Foliage Spots: 1️⃣ Kegon Falls 📍 Address: Near Chugushi Rainbow Bridge, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture ⏰ Open: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 💰 Admission: 550 yen Limited to the autumn foliage season, the stunning combination of the waterfall and colorful leaves is breathtaking—every shot looks like a masterpiece! Don’t forget to bring a wide-angle lens📸 2️⃣ Lake Chuzenji 📍 Address: 2482 Chugushi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture The lake is crystal clear like a mirror, surrounded by mountains covered in autumn leaves. Renting a small boat to immerse yourself in this autumn painting is highly recommended🚣‍♀️ 3️⃣ Toshogu Shrine 📍 Address: 2301 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture ⏰ Open: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 💰 Admission: 1300 yen Overflowing with history! The golden, magnificent shrine paired with fiery red maple leaves sparkles under the sunlight🌟 It’s best to visit before 9 AM to avoid crowds~ 4️⃣ Irohazaka 📍 Address: Town area, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture Known as the "Maple Leaf Tunnel"! The maple trees lining this winding mountain road are stunningly beautiful. It’s recommended to drive yourself or take the special autumn foliage shuttle bus🚌 5️⃣ Futarasan Shrine 📍 Address: 2307 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture Ancient trees, red maples, and stone lanterns make this spot perfect for kimono photoshoots! Nearby soba noodle shops are also delicious🍜 📌 Practical Tips: ✔️ Late October to early November is peak season, book hotels at least 2 months in advance! ✔️ Large temperature difference between morning and evening, remember to bring a jacket🧥 ✔️ Highly recommend purchasing the Tobu Nikko Pass for great transportation deals🎫 Already booked my flight for next year! Such a beautiful autumn foliage season—you’d really be missing out if you don’t come see it～😍

Beautiful autumn scenery, a must-see in this lifetime!✨ The autumn leaves in Nikko, Japan are absolutely stunning! If you want to experience a unique autumn view, you must come to Nikko to see the autumn leaves waterfall～🍂 🌿 Recommended places to enjoy autumn leaves in Nikko: ✅ Nikko National Park: This area gathers several top-level autumn leaf viewing spots～ 📍 Kegon Falls Address: Hosoocho, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture Opening hours: Open all day Best viewing period: Early October to early November The waterfall cascades down from a height of 90 meters, surrounded by mountains dressed in layers of orange, yellow, green, and red leaves, creating a dynamic painting with the rushing water!📸 📍 Lake Chuzenji Address: Chugushi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture Opening hours: Open all day The lake water is as clear as blue glass, and the entire lakeside is lined with fiery red maple leaves. Every photo looks like a postcard! Not taking pictures here is a wasted trip!🤳 📍 Toshogu Shrine Address: 2301 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 (until 16:00 from November to March) Admission: 1300 yen A national treasure shrine with over 400 years of history, the magnificent ancient buildings paired with colorful autumn leaves create a perfect classical aesthetic!🏯 📍 Irohazaka Address: Hosoocho, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture Best viewing period: Mid-October to mid-November This mountain road, known as "Japan's most beautiful winding road," is breathtaking when the maple leaves bloom on both sides! Driving through the red leaf tunnel is so romantic～🚗 ❣️ Extra surprise check-in spots: 📍 Nikko Futarasan Shrine 📍 Rinnoji Temple Both are secret autumn leaf spots with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery! 💡 Tips: Hotels are extremely busy during the autumn leaves season!! It is recommended to book at least 2-3 months in advance～ Best viewing period: Mid-October to early November Outfit suggestion: Light-colored clothes look better in photos👗

Where is the best place to see autumn colors? Nikko is definitely on the list!✨ 🍁 Want to experience something different during the red leaf season? Come to Nikko to see the maple waterfall, it will absolutely amaze you! 📸【Must-Visit Spots for Maple Viewing in Nikko】 ✅Nikko National Park (Address: 2301 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture) 📍Kegon Falls: ⭐Best viewing period: Early October 🎨Autumn exclusive colors: The waterfall is surrounded by orange-red and lush green, a true visual feast! It’s recommended to come in the morning to avoid crowds~ 📍Lake Chuzenji: ⏰Open all day 📸Perfect for photos! The lake paired with surrounding red leaves makes every shot a masterpiece! 📍Toshogu Shrine: 🕘Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 🎫Admission: 1300 yen 🏯A century-old shrine + gradient-colored red leaves = stunning compositions, come and snap away! 📍Irohazaka (around Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture): 🚗Recommended to drive, the maple leaves along the road are as beautiful as a fairy tale! 🌈【Other Amazing Maple Viewing Spots】 📍Nikko Futarasan Shrine: ✨Extremely mystical! Red leaves + ancient trees give a transcendent feeling~ 📍Rinnoji Temple: 🏮Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 🚶Stroll along the maple forest trail, perfect for wearing a kimono and taking photos! ⚠️Important Tips: 🔔Hotels fill up instantly during red leaf season! It’s recommended to start planning your trip now 🎯October is the best viewing period, book your tickets early~

#OverseasTravel #ExpatCouple If you're planning a trip to Ibaraki, join a Japanese travel expert, an expat couple! 🚶♀️ This place is about an hour by bus from Ibaraki Airport and a 10-minute walk from Mito Station. 🚞 I happened to stumble upon a place open early in the morning, and found it run by two baristas who are passionate about coffee. 🇯🇵 They brewed delicious coffee with their advanced coffee knowledge. I was so satisfied, I plan to visit again! 🎀 This place was so satisfying, thanks to a genuine review from a non-Korean guest!〰️ 🇯🇵 Mito Station #trip #travelplan #overseastravel #japantravel #emotionalaccommodation #emotionalcafe #outdoordate #timetotravel #japanesesentiment #placestovisitinjapan #japansmallcitytravel #ibaraki

📍Howaen 13-19 Matsumoto-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture 《Access》 Bus stop: Howaen Iriguchi/About 3 minutes on foot from Ibaraki Kotsu ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ A garden adjacent to Daihi-san Howain Keiganji Temple It is said that Tokugawa Mitsukuni loved the temple garden so much that he named it "Howaen." Nowadays, in early summer, about 6,000 plants of about 100 species bloom and compete with each other. Hydrangeas float on Myojogaike Pond, making it a great spot for taking photos with the fountain. It's a "pond-center strolling garden" that you can walk around in a circle, so it's recommended to enjoy it while taking a leisurely stroll. A photo contest and collaborative sweets were also held. #Ibaraki #Mito #Hydrangea Festival #Hydrangea #Walking Garden #Photo Spot #0 Yen Trip

One of Japan's three great gardens, Kairakuen, has been hosting the Plum Festival since February 11. Thanks to the warmth of March, the plum blossoms are nearly in full bloom. Many people have also visited Senba Lake and Senba Park, which are adjacent to Kairakuen. The plum blossoms have a very pleasant fragrance, making you feel that spring is just around the corner. Although it snowed on March 3, it seems that the scenic beauty could still be enjoyed. Since Senba Lake has a circumference of 3 km, it might be nice to take a walk around it.

A Winter Rhapsody at Senba Lake Stepping into Senba Park in Mito, Japan, is like walking into a winter symphony composed by nature itself. Senba Lake is the soul of this performance. In December, time seems to speed up. By 4 pm, the dusk is already spreading. I rush out of the camera shop, as if heading to a time-limited feast, and make my way to Senba Lake. Senba Park is next to Kairakuen, but it has a completely different vibe. It's not a quiet lullaby, but a lively march. Walking along the winding path to the lake, I see energetic walkers everywhere. Some are in groups, their laughter echoing in the air; others walk alone, their steps light, perfectly in sync with the rhythm of winter. Finally, Senba Lake comes into view. It's not cherry blossom season, but the lake still amazes me with its vibrant beauty. The lake surface glows golden in the setting sun, not with gentle golden specks, but with countless dancing notes, playing an exhilarating melody. The water seems alive, with ripples chasing each other like a joyful race. The pavilions and towers by the lake stand like loyal listeners, witnessing every moment of Senba Lake's joy. The distant mountains form a natural backdrop, adding depth and mystery to this winter rhapsody. I stroll along Senba Lake, the cold wind like a playful musician, occasionally playing a high note, brushing my cheeks with a chill, yet making me more awake and immersed in this unique atmosphere. Every step is in tune with the dynamic melody, every breath mingles with the lake's scent. At Senba Lake, I feel the unique passion and vitality of winter. This trip to Mito, the melody of Senba Lake will forever echo in my memory, becoming the most unique symphony of my journey.

👭 If you're planning a trip to Japan, besides popular cities like Tokyo and Kamakura, why not visit this low-key but super interesting city - Mito City! 🌟 As an important city in the Kanto region of Japan, Mito City not only has a rich history and culture, but also many beautiful natural landscapes that will make you linger! 😍 History and culture: Mito City has a rich historical heritage, as it was once the residence of the Mito Tokugawa family and has a wealth of cultural heritage. Kairakuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, and the plum blossoms in the garden are breathtaking in spring! 🌸🌿 In addition, Kodokan is a great place to learn about Mito studies, and this historic educational institution showcases the educational philosophy and history of the Mito domain. 🎓 Art and culture: Mito City also has a wealth of art and cultural activities, with various exhibitions and music festivals held every year. The Mito Art Tower showcases the works of local and international artists, and art lovers should not miss it! In addition, the Mito International Film Festival is an important cultural event in the area, with various film screenings and exchange activities during the event, making it a lively event! 🎉 Food and markets: The food in Mito City is also worth a try! The famous Mito Natto is a traditional Japanese fermented food that is unique in taste but rich in nutrients and well worth a try! 😋 In addition, the Mito Market is a great place to experience local food and culture, with a variety of food stalls and restaurants where you can taste the most authentic Mito flavors! 🍡 Nature and outdoors: Mito City is surrounded by many beautiful natural landscapes, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! We recommend taking a walk or bike ride around Senba Lake, where the scenery is beautiful and a great place to relax. 🌿 In addition, Oarai Coast is a great place to enjoy the sea view and sunset, and the beach is perfect for swimming and surfing, making it a great place to cool off in the summer. 🏊♀️🏄♀️ Shopping: There are many interesting stores and markets in downtown Mito City, where shopping lovers can find many unique souvenirs and handicrafts. In addition, the Mito Handicraft Market is a must-visit place every weekend, with a wide variety of handicrafts and creative items! 🎨 Must-see attractions: 1. Kairakuen Garden: Enjoy the beautiful plum blossoms and traditional Japanese gardens. 🌸 2. Kodokan: Learn about Mito studies and educational history. 📚 3. Mito Art Tower: Enjoy art and feel the artistic atmosphere. 🎨 4. Senba Lake: Walk or bike and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the lake. 🚴♀️ 5. Oarai Coast: Enjoy the sea view and sunset, and experience beach activities. 🌊

Do you know this place? ? I'm r e i n a, and I search for photogenic places while traveling 📷 This time, I'd like to introduce a very stylish cafe I found in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It's called "Kasho Niitsuma Hanare". It's a cafe where you can spend a relaxing time in a quiet, modern Japanese space that is irresistible for Japanese sweets lovers 🍰 The interior of the store is based on plain wood, and it's a stylish, modern Japanese space that seems to have jumped out of an interior magazine. There are counter seats, table seats, and tatami seats, so you can relax in any seat. Seasonal high-quality sweets and light meals are also served, and there are a variety of beautiful Japanese sweets that are a feast for the eyes 🍡🌿 I ordered a set of anmitsu and tea tasting 🍵 Takeout is also available, so you can enjoy it at home. Please come to "Kasho Niitsuma Hanare" and enjoy the charm of Japanese sweets to the fullest🌸 📍Address: 2160-3 Horimachi, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture 🕒Business hours: 9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30) 📅Closed: Mondays (occasionally closed) #Domestic travel record #Ibaraki sightseeing #Ibaraki trip #Ibaraki gourmet #Ibaraki cafe

1-1-1 Miyamachi, Mito City, Mito Station Building 029-297-7179 Business hours: 10:00-22:00 Ibaraki Prefecture is said to have many sake breweries in the Kanto region, and there is a local sake bar in the Mito Station building that has sake from all over Ibaraki Prefecture. You can drink one cup for just ¥300. The map of Ibaraki Prefecture has a map of the sake breweries and the manufacturing process, so it's easy to understand. I personally recommend Tsukinoi Sake Brewery. I recommend it before or after sightseeing. #Mito #Ibaraki #Sake #SakeBar

Decided to head to Kairakuen so we drove and parked next to the park. It was a lovely day, sunny and windy. Lovely swan posing elegantly next to the cherry blossom tree. During the season, all you need to do is just find a park and walk in, you will find yourself surrounded by lovely flowers. Anyway it was until the very end of the walk that we realized we have not entered the Kairakuen which requires entrance fee. We have thought the park that we walked was Kairakuen. 😅 Blur me who did not do the research well. Hoping I will get another chance to visit Japan in the cherry blossom season and go back to Kairakuen!#japan

Mito Plaza Hotel . . An antique hotel with a city feel, like a European guest house. Enjoy afternoon tea and a hotel stay at Mito Plaza Hotel 🍰☕️ . We had afternoon tea in a lovely courtyard filled with greenery ♡ It's a covered greenhouse, so it's great that you can enjoy it regardless of the weather or season. The space is just too comfortable...! . When we visited, it was just the beginning of spring, so the menu was centered around strawberries 🍓 We recommend visiting on an empty stomach 🤤◎ #luxuryhotel #hotelroyalpark

A trip to Ibaraki for gourmet food and scenic spots 🌱 Kairakuen, famous for its plum blossoms, and cafes 🌸☕️ . Kairakuen, the pride of Ibaraki Prefecture, is famous for its plum blossoms. It was a while ago, but it was in full bloom and it was so beautiful!! We went into the plum garden and took pictures and walked around surrounded by plum blossoms. 📸 . After getting tired from walking, we went to the cafe inside Kairakuen! The sweets served in mortars were so delicious 🤤 The classic tiramisu and something that gave us a Japanese and spring feeling. We enjoyed the look of it too ♡ #hotelroyalpark#photogenic spot

Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Staying at the Mito Plaza Hotel. Introducing a wonderful room!!! The bathroom was also very nice♡ A stylish space that makes you want to take a mirror selfie. There were plenty of amenities, which was helpful. I recommend taking a long soak in the bathtub. #hotelroyalpark #luxuryhotel

Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. I found a wonderful hotel! Mito Plaza Hotel. It's a place reminiscent of Taisho era romance, like a guest house in the forest. When you step inside, it's like a different world. It was a wonderful place with lots of photo spots. #luxuryhotel#hotelroyalpark

Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. I stayed at the Mito Plaza Hotel. It was a wonderful hotel, so I'd like to introduce the room! The room had a calm atmosphere. It was Western-style and elegant!! The bed was fluffy and extremely comfortable!! For dinner, I had the hotel's special bento box. #luxuryhotel#hotelroyalpark

TeamLab has decorated Kairakuen Garden. It's a fantastical world that both adults and children can enjoy. I think you can view it all in about an hour.

I went to the Mito Plum Festival at Kairakuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. ✨ The Plum Festival is an early spring event held every year from mid-February to late March at Kairakuen and Kodokan. It was mid-March, so the plum blossoms were in full bloom, the weather was good, and it was crowded with tourists! There are about 100 kinds of 3,000 plum trees planted, and the plum blossoms in various colors were blooming, which was very beautiful. 💕 There were also many food stalls at the entrance to the garden, so I was able to enjoy a festival atmosphere for the first time in a while. ♫ 📍1-6-29 Sannomaru, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture #IbarakiTourism #PlumBlossoms #AmazingView

One of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan" along with Kanazawa's Kenrakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. It is a very large Japanese garden, about the size of 64 Tokyo Domes. The busiest time of the year is the "Mito Plum Festival" season from mid-February to late March. 🌸 About 100 kinds of 3,000 plum trees are planted, and the beauty of the pink is a must-see. ♪ Apart from the plum season, we also recommend the magnificent Japanese house "Kobuntei" and the place of literary and martial arts training "Kobunkan"! 📍1-1251 Mikawa, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture #flowerviewing #plumgarden #Ibarakitourism #girlstrip #trip2022

Address: 2-1-15 Midoricho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0034 Atmosphere/Facilities: Early November was a little early for the autumn leaves, but the green and yellow ginkgo trees were beautiful! I'd like to go next year when they're even yellower☺️ It's located near Kairakuen and Tokiwa Shrine! It's a lovely row of ginkgo trees, so please be sure to stop by😸 #ginkgo #shrine #autumn leaves

Address: 2-1-15 Midoricho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0034 Atmosphere/Facilities: The bamboo was lovely, like that of Arashiyama in Kyoto! It was a rare opportunity to take a walk while enjoying the calming atmosphere! From Kairakuen, you can see Senba Park and Senba Lake! This is a view that can only be seen here, so please come and visit 🦢 #Shrine #Autumn leaves

Address: 1-1251 Mikawa, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 310-0912 Atmosphere/Facilities: If you go to Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this is a place you should definitely visit! The plum blossoms are not in bloom in autumn and winter, but the picturesque scenery is soothing! It is especially recommended during the plum and cherry blossom seasons! It is a great walking course! The entrance fee was 300 yen 🍁 Tokiwa Shrine is right next door!! The air was clear!! #Shrine #Autumn leaves

Address: 1-2-1 Mikawa, Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture Atmosphere/Facilities: This shrine is right next to Senba Park! The Chrysanthemum Festival was held at this time, so I was soothed by the many chrysanthemums! The autumn leaves were beautiful and it was the perfect place for a walk! You can also get a goshuin (stamp), so be sure to bring your goshuin book! If you go to Mito, be sure to stop by 🍁🍁 #Shrine #Autumn leaves

Address: 8-18 Kyoei-cho, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0043 Atmosphere/Facilities: The interior had a beautiful and stylish atmosphere with sunlight filtering through the trees! You could choose two types of bread from several available! I chose French bread and whole wheat bread! They were all delicious and I was very satisfied!! If you're visiting Ibaraki, be sure to stop by! #cafe#retro streetscape

Address: 2160-3 Horimachi, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 310-0903 Atmosphere/Facilities: The interior of the store is decorated with precious wood, creating a relaxing atmosphere! There is a wide variety of Japanese sweets, and they are just the right amount of sweet and delicious! They go perfectly with matcha!! If you visit Mito, please stop by! 😸 #cafe#retro streetscape

[Leisurely Japanese Stroll | Lake Mito Chiba] #I miss my leisurely days in Japan Mito City is not believed to be a popular tourist attraction, but sometimes go to these places. It is a good choice to feel the local atmosphere. There is a big shopping mall right outside Mito Station. After walking around the shopping mall, you can also visit the famous local attraction, Lake Chiba. Lake Chibo is about 3 kilometers long, the lake is in the shape of a gourd, and there are many different animals on the lake. You can also row a boat and ride a jet ski. Many people jogged around the lake. It is recommended to come in the afternoon. It's a good half-day trip to take photos while walking here and watch the carp #I miss #picnic spots

This time I went to Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture! Mito is famous for Kairakuen Garden. Kairakuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, along with Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa and Korakuen Garden in Okayama. Kairakuen Garden was built by Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth lord of the Mito Domain. Everyone knows Mito Komon. Kairakuen Garden is very famous for its plum blossoms, and since the best time to see them has passed, I recommend going next year when they are in their best condition. You can also enter Kobuntei. The view from Kobuntei was also very nice! It is a 30-minute walk from JR Joban Line Mito Station, and when there are events, the temporary Kairakuen Station is open, so it is about a 5-minute walk from Kairakuen Station. #Ibaraki #Mito

There are many wonderful places around Mito Station. Among them, Kairakuen, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, is well worth seeing. If you visit in the fall, the autumn leaves are spectacular!! Lake Senba is also lovely. #Couple trip #Historic site