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

Here are some spots in the Kanto region you can enjoy during Golden Week. [Kasama Inari Shrine] Address: 1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture Access: About a 21-minute walk from Kasama Station exit About a 61-minute walk from Inada Station exit Visiting hours: 6:00 - 16:00 Parking🅿️ There are several paid parking lots (300 to 500 yen) in front of the shrine. A short distance away, there is a free public parking lot. 1014 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture Recommended points: · The 400-year-old wisteria trellis in front of the main hall The "O-fuji" (Giant Wisteria) with flower clusters reaching up to 1 meter in length, and the "Yae-no-fuji" (Double-flowered Wisteria), which blooms in grape-like clusters and is a designated prefectural natural monument, are both at their absolute best right now!! · Wisteria flower-motif paper-cutting goshuin (shrine seal) available. · One of Japan's three major Inari shrines with magnificent grounds. · During the autumn Chrysanthemum Festival, the grounds are decorated with colorful chrysanthemums. · Plenty of great food and souvenirs along the approach. [Yoshidaya] Address: 1341 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture Access: About a 19-minute walk from Kasama Station exit About a 59-minute walk from Inada Station exit Business hours: 8:30 - 17:30 Recommended points: · You can eat freshly steamed walnut buns (kurumi manju). · They open early, so even if you visit the shrine when it's uncrowded, you can still enjoy their steamed buns. · The brown sugar fried buns (karinto manju) and the storefront rice crackers are also delicious. [Kimuraya] Address: 1351 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture Access: About a 20-minute walk from Kasama Station exit About a 60-minute walk from Inada Station exit Business hours: 9:00 - 16:00 Recommended points: · Nostalgic, sweet, and richly flavored inari sushi. · Available for purchase starting from 150 yen each. · Packed full of fillings!! · You can choose from classic inari, soba (buckwheat noodles), bamboo shoots, seasoned rice, and more to your liking. · I had some for lunch, and the fried tofu pouches were deeply flavorful, and the fillings inside were incredibly delicious. [Kasama History Exchange Center Izutsuya] Address: 987 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture Access: About a 20-minute walk from Kasama Station exit About a 62-minute walk from Inada Station exit Business hours: 9:00 - 21:00 Recommended points: · An exchange facility renovated from a long-established inn. · The 1st floor is a tourist information center, the 2nd floor is an exhibition corner introducing local history focusing on Kasama Castle, and the 3rd floor is used as a rental space. · Cafe and souvenir corner available. · They even have a Kasama ware gacha (capsule toy) machine.

While sightseeing in Hitachi and Kasama, I stopped by a cafe called "Kuri no Ie"🌰 in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, which boasts the largest chestnut production in Japan!!! I happened to come across this cafe, and was drawn in by their delicious-looking Mont Blanc.🍽️ Both eat-in and takeout are available, but since it's a very popular cafe, the overflowing Mont Blanc for eat-in was sold out.🥲 They still had some overflowing Mont Blanc for take-out, so I enjoyed that inside.✨ ~ ... Please check with the store to see what flavor of iced tea is available that day!!! This Mont Blanc was made by shaving chestnuts instead of squeezing them to preserve the chestnut flavor. It was fluffy, and the sweet, delicious chestnut flavor spread throughout my mouth. It was absolutely delicious...🤤 It was the best Mont Blanc I've ever had!! At the bottom was something like almond-flavored meringue? The crunchy texture and nutty flavor were just amazing. The store is apparently famous for its overflowing Mont Blanc served on a plate, but apparently there's a limited number available without a reservation, so I'll definitely make a reservation next time! This is a must-visit restaurant for your trip to Ibaraki! 🌰 ---- 📍Access 🚝 Hitachi/Tokiwa Limited Express: Ueno to Tsuchiura Station (approx. 40 minutes) 🚃 Joban Line: Tsuchiura Station to Iwama Station (approx. 25 minutes) 👣 Approx. 23-minute walk from Iwama Station or 🚕 Approx. 5 minutes from Iwama Station 🌰Price ・Atago Kobore Mont Blanc ¥950 ・Coffee, Tea ¥800 🕰️Hours 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Dine-in available from 10:30 AM. · Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. · --- #JapanTravel #KuriNoie #MontBlanc #IbarakiGourmet #IbarakiTourism

Izumo Taisha Shrine in Ibaraki ⛩️ I went to Hitachi Izumo Taisha Shrine!!! This shrine was built by dividing the spirit of Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane 🌲 The impressive shimenawa ropes that are the image of Izumo Taisha Shrine can also be seen here at Hitachi Izumo Taisha Shrine!!! 〜〜〜〜〜〜 🙏How to worship 〜〜〜〜〜〜 The ancient method is "2 bows, 4 claps, 1 bow". There are two more claps than the usual way to pray, and I felt a special atmosphere different from other shrines⛩️ 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 ✔️Recommended points 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 ⚫︎Of course there are various benefits such as matchmaking, good luck, business prosperity, and protection from misfortune⛩️ ⚫︎If you come around 4:00 p.m., just before closing, there are fewer people and it is easier to pray🫶 ⚫︎There is also a restaurant called "Izumokan" in the precincts, so I recommend having lunch in addition to praying🥢 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 Since I visited here, I have won two accommodation vouchers, so I personally think the benefits are great🥹 If you are interested, please go and check it out!!! · --- 📍Access 👣About 7 minutes on foot from Fukuhara Station on the JR Mito Line ⛩️Price Free ※Goshuin 500 yen, fortune slip 200 yen 🕰️Business hours Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 Stamps and charms: 9:00-16:30 · --- #Domestic travel record #Izumo Taisha Shrine in Hitachi Province #Izumo Taisha Shrine #Stamps #Shrine

Kasama is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. 🏛 · *The highlight of Kasama is the famous pottery city in Japan.**📣📣🌟🌟 Today, our family and I went to the Loi Krathong tradition at Metta Dharma Temple in Kasama City.😊😊 · *Coordinates** 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 847 Ikenobe, Kasama, Ibaraki 309-1602 · *Getting there** It is more convenient to drive by private car, it takes about 2 hours from Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture. 🚙🚙 #LoiKrathong2565

A glamping facility in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. We went to Etowa Kasama! We stayed at FOREST CABIN, a lodge surrounded by forest. The interior is also carefully designed, giving it a hideaway feel. Made of wood, it was a relaxing place with a warm feel. #hotelstay

A glamping facility in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. We went to Etowa Kasama! The weather was very nice that day and it was refreshing. We stayed at FOREST CABIN, a lodge surrounded by forest. It was made of wood and had a warm exterior. #hotelstay

Kasama Craft Village is located in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture. Here, you can make your own original Kasama ware. It was my first time experiencing pottery! I was a bit nervous, but the teacher looked over me very carefully so I didn't have to worry!! The works I made were also on display, which was wonderful. #photogenicspot

ETOWA KASAMA is a glamping facility located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. This time, we'll show you what it was like in the morning!! We had breakfast on the terrace. We made hot sandwiches. It was a really lovely morning. It was a really lovely place to relax and take a walk around the grounds. #CostPerfectHotel

ETOWA KASAMA is a glamping facility located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Let me introduce the room I stayed in this time! The room was a lodge type. The interior is Scandinavian-style and relaxing. There is also a terrace where you can relax 🙆‍♀️ #Cost-effective hotel

We went to ETOWA KASAMA in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture. This is a stylish glamping facility on top of a mountain! We checked in at a small lodge, which was super cute! ♡ It had the feel of a villa overseas. We took lots of photos 📸 #cost-performance-hotel

Kirarakan is a select shop for Kasama ware in Kasama City. It exhibits and sells works by 650 potters selected from around the country, with a focus on Kasama ware. They also sell other items besides Kasama ware, and they say they have the largest number of artists in the country✨ When you enter the store, it's very colorful♫ The colorful pottery, such as coffee cups, catches your eye. The store also regularly holds exhibitions of works by artists. Many items are also reasonably priced, so it might be a good idea to get your everyday tableware here☺️ 📍 2258-1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture #Pottery #Ceramics #Gallery #IbarakiTourism #trip2022

Kasama ware from Ibaraki Prefecture has been loved as a tool for daily life since the Edo period. Kasama Gallery Road is lined with various Kasama ware shops. First, head to the Corridor Gallery Gate. As the name suggests, there is a corridor at the back of the store that surrounds the courtyard, and Kasama ware works are lined up all around. All of them are unique and look good both as practical items and as interior decorations♫ Most of the products can be purchased, so they are perfect as souvenirs for yourself💡 📍2230-1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture Corridor Gallery Gate #pottery #gallery #Ibarakitourism #trip2022

Kasama Inari Shrine is the most popular first shrine visit in Ibaraki Prefecture. It is said that 3.5 million people visit every year, but in December there were few people and I was able to visit at a leisurely pace. Founded in the Asuka period, it is a prestigious shrine that is considered one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan, along with Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Yutoku Inari in Saga. If you go deeper, you can see the sacred walnut tree. On the approach to the shrine, there is a fox, which is a messenger of the Inari god 🦊. There are also cafes and shops lined up, so it is recommended to eat while walking around! 📍1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 309-1611 #shrine #power spot #Ibaraki sightseeing #trip2022

Kasama Inari Shrine is a shrine located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and is one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan! The deity worshipped is "Uka no Mitama no Kami", the guardian deity of all industrial development and also the god of fire prevention. It was founded in 651 and boasts a history of over 1,360 years. It is a popular shrine that is visited by over 3 million worshippers every year from all over Japan, including the Kanto region. The street in front of Kasama Inari is also bustling, and there are several restaurants, so it's fun. #Kasama Inari Shrine #Shrine #Ibaraki Prefecture #Ibaraki #Ibaraki Tourism #Retro Townscape #Summer Trip

Address: 2230-1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 309-1611, In front of Art Forest Park Atmosphere/Facilities: There are lots of Kasama wares! There are works by many different people, It's a feast for the eyes! Try choosing while imagining the meal you'll have! Be sure to stop by as one of your souvenirs! ◎It's a 4-minute drive from Kasama Station!! 🫐🫐 #Couple trip #Souvenir

Address: 4260-1 Inada, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 309-1635 Content: The mountain area known as the "Ishikiri Mountains" is a rock belt that stretches 10km east to west, 5km north to south, and 1.5km underground. It is said to be one of the largest mining sites for "Inada stone" in Japan, which has been going on for over 100 years since 1899! It is also said to be a lake without a map, but you can get to your destination with a navigation system! Lol. When you think of Kasama, you think of chestnuts! You can eat Mont Blanc! Please come and visit us! ◎ It is an 8-minute drive from Kasama Station! 🌰 #Ishikiri Mountains #A trip to enjoy spring #A summer resort you want to keep secret #Amazing view

Address: 309-1611 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture Atmosphere/Facilities: Colorful, cute, and delicious dumplings! Located on the way to Kasama Inari Shrine, it's a convenient place to stop by! The interior is retro, reminiscent of the Showa era, making you feel like you've traveled back in time! Be sure to check it out! ◎Located a 5-minute drive from Kasama Station! 🍡 #cafe #souvenirs #secretsummerresort

This liquor store is housed in a rowhouse renovated from a Taisho-era rice granary, surrounding a Japanese garden. It offers a liquor store where you can taste and purchase sake, brewery tours, a sake bar, a cafe, a crafts gallery, an event space, and more... 【Sake Culture Rowhouse Iso Kura】 Address: 2281-1 Inada, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture Access: Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ ・Brewery of the Japanese sake "Inasato." A traditional artisan sake brewery. Brewery tours are available. (Advance reservation required) ・[Sake] Liquor Store "Chokkura" A shop selling sake ware and miscellaneous goods carefully selected by the brewery staff. Sake tasting is also available. ・[Drink] Saryo "Kiraku" A cafe and bar where you can enjoy "Inasato" sake by the glass, sake cocktails, coffee, tea, and light meals. ・[Vessel] Shuki Suki A venue featuring a permanent exhibition of Kasama-yaki (Kasama ware) sake vessels, along with solo and special exhibitions by craft artists. ・[Space] Free Space An hourly rental space that can be used freely. (Advance reservation required) ・[Banquet] Hanare A traditional tatami room where you can host a banquet with products purchased at the liquor store. I was able to purchase sake in such a stylish space.

Here is a perfect spot for your Golden Week where the whole mountain is vividly colored with beautiful azaleas. [Kasama Tsutsuji Park] Address: 616-7 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture Access: Approx. a 14-minute walk from the Nichido Museum of Art Bus Stop (Kasama City, Ibaraki) Approx. a 16-minute walk from the Nichido Museum of Art Entrance Bus Stop (Ibaraki Kotsu) Approx. a 17-minute walk from the Kasama Inari Shrine Bus Stop (Kasama City, Ibaraki) April 11 (Sat) - May 6 (Observed Holiday), 2026 Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Admission: Adults ¥500 Junior High students & under: Free Highlights: · The entire mountain is painted with gorgeous azaleas. · The Kasama Azalea Festival started in 1967, originating from a local citizens' movement where each person donated a single azalea plant. · The vast park features around 8,500 azaleas of various species, including Kirishima, Hinode, Kurume, Ryukyu, and Japanese mountain azaleas. · During the festival, there are plenty of events such as tree climbing on the fir trees of Azalea Mountain, traditional Japanese monkey performances, and the Kasama tea ceremony, which you can enjoy while admiring the beautiful azaleas! · The observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of the azaleas and the cityscape. · Electric wheelchairs are available for rent as some of the paths are quite steep. · Potted azaleas are for sale at very affordable prices. · You can grab a bite at the summit shop, serving up udon noodles, soft-serve ice cream, and more!

Although it's already famous for Kasama ware, this town has really developed in recent years. In the past, there were only a few galleries scattered around, but now a "Gallery Road" has been built, making it super easy to navigate. There is also a "Kasamashiko Map" designed so you can explore both Mashiko and Kasama as a combo. If you've only ever visited Mashiko, you should definitely extend your trip out to Kasama! It's just a 30-minute drive from Kasama to Mashiko. My top recommended spots are: ・Kairo Gallery Mon → The space itself is absolutely stunning. The corridor and garden offer breathtaking views. You can browse pottery from a variety of artists all in one place and find your new favorite piece. Be sure to check out their exhibitions too! ・Geijutsu no Mori Park (Art Forest Park) → It features Kasama ware exhibits and is a fantastic place for the whole family to enjoy!

If you're visiting for the spring Azalea Festival, Kasama Inari Shrine is an absolute must-visit spot to add to your itinerary. While it boasts a charming Nakamise shopping street and has even been featured on TV, it remains a hidden gem for its stunning wisteria trellises. The wisteria trellis here is supported by two massive trees. As of April 25th, it was in full bloom. The view capturing both the wisteria and the shrine is absolutely breathtaking. Best of all, it's completely free to enjoy! I visited on a Saturday morning and it wasn't too crowded, allowing me to fully appreciate the beautiful wisteria. There are also plenty of spots to grab a bite as you stroll along the approach to the shrine, so be sure to try the local specialty, Soba Inari!

The Azalea Festival at Kasama Azalea Park runs from April 11 to May 6, 2026. Kasama is famous as a pottery town, but who knew it had such a stunning floral spot? You can look down at dozens of azalea varieties from above or wander right underneath them—offering a unique perspective you just won't find with everyday city azaleas. Food stalls are also set up, so you can enjoy some food and drinks. There are several parking lots, but Parking Lot 2 offers the gentlest path to the summit. Parking Lot 1 is recommended for those who want to visit the nearby shrine as well. Admission is 500 yen. Parking is free. I highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning at 8 AM when it's less crowded. Photogenic spot

Wisteria is now entering its best viewing period nationwide, with cascading purple flower curtains resembling waterfalls and clouds, creating the most enchanting spring scenery: Kanayago Suijin Shrine in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, features ancient wisteria vines entwined around the torii gate, exuding tranquility and solemnity; Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture boasts 350 wisteria plants, including the "Great Wisteria" over 150 years old, with flower clusters stretching several meters; Fuji no Saki Hill and Fuji Exchange Hall in Fujioka City, Gunma Prefecture, offer professional wisteria tours and variety explanations; Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture presents a charming contrast between its red walls and wisteria; Ushijima Wisteria Garden in Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture, together with Fuji Street, is known as the "Wisteria Town," where the entire street is draped with hanging flower corridors resembling tunnels; Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Koto Ward, Tokyo, is famous for its "Wisteria Trellis Tea Ceremony," where you can enjoy matcha while admiring the hanging wisteria; Yokosuka Iris Garden in Kanagawa Prefecture cleverly combines wisteria and irises, with two seasonal landscapes blooming in succession; Mandaraji Park in Konan City and Tenno River Park in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture, feature waterside wisteria trellises reflecting in the water, maximizing romantic vibes. Come and join a purple spring rendezvous and start your unique journey!

Since its inception in 1967, the Kasama Azalea Festival has been celebrated with local residents donating azalea plants, adorning the entire mountain with vibrant blooms. The park sits at an elevation of 143 meters and covers an area of about 70,000 square meters, featuring approximately 8,500 azalea plants of various varieties including Kirishima, Hinode, Kurume, Ryukyu, and mountain azaleas. In spring, the red, pink, and white flowers decorate the hill like a poetic painting, presenting a breathtaking spring scene. During the festival, visitors can not only enjoy the flowers but also participate in various entertainment activities. Tree climbing events are held on the spruce trees of Azalea Mountain, offering both challenge and fun; traditional Japanese performing arts such as monkey theater and Kasama tea ceremony performances immerse visitors in a rich cultural atmosphere. The must-visit spot is the observation deck at the summit plaza of Kasama City Azalea Park, where you can overlook the entire city of Kasama and behold the spectacular mountain flowers that resemble a red carpet, refreshing the mind and soul. Join this springtime floral feast and create unforgettable memories!

The Kasama Azalea Festival is a long-standing annual event in Ibaraki Prefecture, held at Kasama Azalea Park. Since the late 1960s, this festival has showcased the community’s dedication by planting approximately 8,500 azalea bushes across seven hectares of land. Visitors can enjoy a variety of azaleas, including Kirishima azaleas, Hinode azaleas, Kurume azaleas, and mountain azaleas, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape. The festival’s main highlight is the blooming azaleas, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience seas of flowers in different shades and forms. The park’s spacious layout is perfect for leisurely strolls and photography, making it an ideal place to relax and appreciate nature. Ticket prices vary depending on the blooming status, with lower prices before peak bloom and higher prices during the best flowering period. Visitors are advised to check the official event website for the latest information on bloom times. Kasama Azalea Park is accessible by a 5-minute Kasama Loop Bus ride or a 25-minute walk from JR Mito Line Kasama Station. If driving, it takes about 15 minutes from the Kasama Nishi IC exit on the Kita-Kanto Expressway or about 20 minutes from the Iwama IC exit on the Joban Expressway. 📍Kasama Azalea Park 📅April 11 - May 6, 2026

Located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this sweets shop operates in a 130-year-old former village chief's residence. It offers a unique Mont Blanc dessert that preserves the rich aroma of chestnuts without compromising its flavor. The owner-chef, originally from Kasama City, boasts an impressive career, having worked as a pastry chef for many years at Michelin three-star restaurants in Paris and luxury hotels in Macau. Unlike typical Mont Blanc desserts, which feature chestnut cream piped into noodle-like shapes atop sponge cake or meringue, this Mont Blanc is designed to enhance the chestnut aroma. It features grated chestnuts layered over chestnut paste. The grated chestnuts have a crumbly texture, while the chestnut paste is incredibly rich, delivering an irresistible chestnut fragrance that lingers in your senses. · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · Access 📍1285-25 Haji, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 319-0204

Day 1: Spectacular Views and Sweets in Kasama Start with a trip to the Ishikiri Mountains, a scenic spot in the Inada area of ​​Kasama City. From the public viewing area, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and rock cliffs from the observation deck. If you're lucky, you might even experience the atmosphere of a location used for special effects and music videos. If you have time, we recommend taking a premium tour in a private car to the mining site in the distance, experiencing the rock face and the impressive "lake not on a map" up close. The on-site cafe also offers sweets like Mont Blanc made with Kasama's famous chestnuts, so you can fully enjoy the spectacular stone scenery and a sweet break. Day 2: Ocean and Power Spots in Hitachi We recommend traveling to the Hitachi Station area the day before and staying overnight. Watch the sunrise from the Hitachi Station Coast Exit, where you can see the Pacific Ocean through the glass-walled station building. If you have time, we also recommend stopping by Oiwa Shrine to soothe yourself in the deep forest and sacred "Sanbonsugi" (three cedars). Before Noon: Seafood Lunch in Nakaminato Head to Nakaminato Fish Market by train or car. The vibrant atmosphere of this port town will instantly lift your spirits. Inside the market, you'll find a lineup of renowned seafood bowls and nigiri sushi restaurants using local fish, offering hearty sushi topped with fatty tuna, sea urchin, and even salmon roe at reasonable prices. Recommended Restaurants ・Nakaki ~Yorokobi MINATO Bistro~ ・Minato-ryu Takoyaki Souhonke ・Confectionery Workshop SAKABA (Sakaba Seika) Afternoon: Art Stroll in Mito Mito city is home to many art-related facilities, so you can enjoy a short art stroll around the museums and modern architecture. In the evening, enjoy monkfish dishes, a local specialty. While hot pot is famous, I personally recommend the fried chicken. Recommended Restaurants ・Tenmasa Restaurant Day 3: A Historical Stroll in Mito On your final day, experience Mito's history. Early mornings at Kairakuen Garden are quiet and offer a relaxing time. The area around Kodokan and the Mito Castle ruins is perfect for a leisurely stroll around historical sites connected to the Mito domain, while enjoying the changing nature of the seasons. ★ Recommended Shops ・MOOD COFFEE&ESPRESSO #DomesticTravel

#hellohalloween Looking for a peaceful and charming temple experience in Japan? Make your way to Shofukuji Temple (正福寺) in Kasama City, Ibaraki. Though modest in size, this temple offers a truly unique experience—especially for goshuin (temple stamp) collectors! To my surprise, the temple offers around 40 different types of goshuin—from traditional red seals to colorful, artistic versions and even ones featuring Sanskrit characters (bonji). It’s a paradise for stamp lovers and one-of-a-kind keepsake seekers. Even more memorable was meeting the friendly female head priest, who welcomed visitors warmly and answered questions with genuine kindness. The personal touch made the visit feel even more special. If you’re exploring Ibaraki and love quiet, hidden gems with cultural depth, Shofukuji is a must-visit! 📍Shofukuji Temple, Kasama, Ibaraki #hiddenjapan #templestamps #ibarakiadventures #shofukuji #localexperiences