Port
Hitachinaka, Japan
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$270
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 5½ Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Begin with a visit to the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum and delve into the history of the unique local pottery that involves mixing several types of clay with pieces of granite. Peruse an array of ceramic pieces from local and global craftspeople. Purchase a piece as a souvenir if you wish.
The vermillion Kasama Inari Shrine was built in AD 651 as a place to worship the god of harvest and business. More than 3.5 million pilgrims come here to worship every year. Colorful Monzen-dori Street, which leads up to the shrine, is lined with sweet shops, cafés and souvenir stores.
Next, visit Shunpu Banri-so Villa, originally built as a private house in the mid-Edo period. Once the home of renowned Japanese artist Kitaoji Rosanjin, the villa retains its original charm and features a distinctive half-hip thatched roof.
Have a piece of Mont Blanc cake made with Japanese chestnuts -- a sweet/savory treat that perfectly encapsulates the city itself.
Please note:
Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency, as some vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). Weather and atmospheric conditions vary; no guarantee is offered with regard to visibility or views on any particular day. Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. The café at Shunpu Banri-so Villa is small; the group may sit at various tables.