The old Mito Feudal Clan School, founded in 1841, is a special state historical site. The front gate, front hall, and Shizendo in the existing building have together been designated nationally important cultural property. In its time the Mito feudal clan school was one of the largest schools of its kind and was well known in Japan. It offered a wide range of both sport-oriented and academic lessons, from commerce to Western sciences introduced into Japan by the Dutch, including medicine and astronomy. The library in the corner of the hall displays books and paintings of the time. The site of the Mito School has been incorporated into Kodokan Park, where about 800 plum trees of 60 varieties can be seen in early spring. Traffic: 8 minutes' walk from Mito Station on the JR Joban Line

Reportedly founded in 660 B.C., this is one of the three major shrines of Togoku (Eastern Japan). The shrine halls contributed by Hidetada Tokugawa are characterized by the vivid colors of the architecture of the Momoyama Period. The shrine is composed mainly of a main hall and a worship hall and is designated a Nationally important cultural property. In the washroom in front of the rear palace contributed by Ieyasu Tokugawa is the famous "Long Life" spring, which attracts numerous believers. The treasure hall displays a 270-cm-long straight sword allegedly made in the Nara Period. Traffic: about 10 minutes' walk from Kashima Jingu Shrine Station on the JR Kashima Line

One of the country's three biggest Inari shrines. The main hall is designated a nationally important cultural asset. Inari is widely known as the deity of bumper crops, business prosperity, and family well-being. Also famous is the 400-year-old giant wisteria tree that stands in the grounds of the shrine. The annexed Kasama Inari Museum has on display jars and other items of historical or artistic value.