Journey is commonly a sport of expectations vs. actuality, which ought to imply that a spot like Mito has a bonus. The oft-forgotten capital of Ibaraki (which is thought, amongst Japanese, because the nation’s least-loved prefecture), most individuals count on nothing of town, assuming they even comprehend it exists.
However, so many vacationers in Japan are wedded to the nation’s vacationer path (and locations in shut proximity to it) that locations really off the crushed path elude them. And so, Mito usually fails to enter both realm: Of expectations, or actuality.
So, is Mito price visiting? Completely, at the least when you can handle to place it in your radar, and to filter at the least a day in your schedule to go.
Tips on how to Get to Mito
Getting from Tokyo to Mito is straightforward. Hourly Restricted Categorical trains (branded as both the Hitachi or the Tokiwa) take round 70-90 minutes to achieve Mito Station, relying upon whether or not you originate at Tokyo Station or Ueno Station. For those who’re coming from Chiba prefecture, in the meantime, Mito could be reached by automotive from Kashiwa or Narita Airport in about as a lot time. Upon arrival in Mito, native buses can take you wherever it’s essential to go.
I personally choose taking the practice, in order that I can decompress en route. In some instances, that is by enjoying on-line on line casino video games with no deposit free spins, which gamers can get pleasure from by way of FreeSpinsTracker. In different instances, I wish to write or course of photographs. For the reason that trains I discussed above have reserved seats and free Wi-Fi, they make a snug place to stretch out, whether or not you’re employed, play or one thing in-between these actions.
What to Do in Mito
Go to Kairaku-en
It may appear unusual, given the low profile retains, but it surely’s really house to one among Japan’s high three gardens. I’m talking after all of Kairaku-en which, alongside Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and Okayama’s Koraku-en, make up a proverbial holy trinity. It’s well-known for the Kobuntei villa, in addition to quite a few seasonal flower blooms.
(In a number of seasons, if attainable)
Which is to say issues to do in Mito, as they do in lots of locations in Japan, differ relying on what time of yr we’re speaking about. For instance, whereas I first found Kairaku-en in April, when the tsutsuji (azaleas) had been blooming, its ume (plum) grove can be well-known throughout Japan.
Make an tour to Hitachi Seaside Park
One other seasonal spectacle within the neighborhood of Mito is Hitachi Seaside Park. One of the best time to return right here is in mid-to-late April, when the nemophila (colloquially generally known as “child blue eyes”) create a spectacle that makes the ocean, sky and earth mix collectively. It’s really spectacular!
(Or Ushiku Daibutsu)
Need to add one thing architectural to your Mito itinerary? Look no additional than Ushiku Daibutsu, which is likely one of the tallest standing Buddha statues in Japan. Getting right here is best when you have a automotive, although as an added bonus it’s about midway from Mito to Narita Airport, which makes it a lovely place to see in your approach out.
Take into account staying in a single day
The dangerous information? As I’ll clarify in a few paragraphs, accommodations in Mito go away one thing to be desired. The excellent news? When you have your personal set of wheels, you may keep in adjoining cities (equivalent to Ibaraki’s personal Hitachinaka, or Kashiwa, Chiba), affording you much less missing lodging choices.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep in Mito?
For those who merely plan to go to Kairaku-en—and let’s face it, that’s what many vacationers plan to do—then you may most likely simply come up for the day from Tokyo. One of the best mild hits the backyard within the morning, so I’d recommend leaving at round 8 or 9, having lunch within the metropolis after which heading again within the early afternoon. For those who plan to see a number of locations in Ibaraki, then again, it would make extra sense to remain the night time.
However, the dialog about what number of days in Mito you want typically hits a wall—specifically, the truth that there merely aren’t many good accommodations right here. With out naming names, I stayed on the “finest” lodge in Mito, and located that it nonetheless stunk from many years of cigarette smoke, regardless that it’s now ostensibly a non-smoking property, and has been for someday. So that you’ll wish to maintain this in thoughts.
Different FAQ About Visiting Mito, Japan
What’s there to do in Mito?
Mito is house to Kairaku-en, one among Japan’s high three gardens, and a serious draw for vacationers. Past this, different well-liked sights within the neighborhood of Mito embody Hitachi Seaside Park and Ushiku Daibutsu, one among Japan’s most spectacular standing Buddhas.
Tips on how to get to Mito from Tokyo?
The best method to attain Mito from Tokyo is to take one of many frequent Hitachi or Tokiwa Restricted Categorical trains from Tokyo or Ueno Station to Mito, the place it arrives in 70-90 minutes. You might additionally take a neighborhood JR Joban Line practice, however this takes for much longer, and is considerably much less comfy.
What’s Mito well-known for?
Mito really isn’t particularly well-known. Nevertheless, to the extent that individuals know Mito, it’s due to Kairaku-en, one among Japan’s “three nice gardens.” Adjoining Hitachi Seaside Park, which has gone viral for its Nemophila flowers, can be a serious vacationer draw.
The Backside Line
Is Mito price visiting? As is commonly the case with “sure” or “no” journey questions, the reply is a little more complicated. Sure sights in and round Mito are among the many most charming in Japan, from Kairaku-en (one of many high three gardens in Japan) to Hitachi Seaside Park, at the least in mid-April when its “child blue eyes” make the land and sky seem as one. Plus, Mito is barely round 80 minutes from Tokyo by practice, which makes it a straightforward day journey, to not point out a tranquil various to crowded Nikko or Kamakura. Want extra assist integrating Ibaraki’s capital into your itinerary? Take into account hiring me to plan your Japan journey!