Kairakuen Park, one of the three most famous parks in Japan and known for its plum blossoms, was built by Mito's ninth feudal lord, Nariaki Tokugawa, in 1842. In the plum blossom viewing season, from the end of February to March, about 3000 plum blossoms bloom in succession, receiving an endless stream of visitors. With azalea in May and bush clover in September, the park presents different styles of natural beauty as the seasons change. The Kobuntei Pavilion and the Togyokusen Springs in the park are also good destinations for walkers. Traffic: about 15 minutes by bus from the Mito Station on the JR Joban Line

In the boat tour of Itako's Twelve Bridges, including the Maekawa Suimon (Watergate) Bridge and the Ujo Bridge, starting from the Hitachi-Tonegawa Ferry, you can enjoy the historical outlook and atmosphere of the waterside town of Itako. At the iris festival held in every June, irises of many different colors - white, purple, yellow - are in full bloom along the river. The lively festival consists of a number of activities such as bridal boats (a boat carrying a bride). It takes about 30 minutes to finish the cruise. Traffic: about 3 minutes' walk from Itako Station on the JR Kashima Line

Fukuroda Falls are one of the three famous waterfalls of Japan. At 120 meters high and 73 meters wide. Their energy is thunderous. Because the water cascades down a giant rock cliff in four sections, they are also called "Four-section Falls". Visitors enjoying the natural landscape around the falls, which changes with the seasons, are often overwhelmed by the water's majestic power. Traffic: 7 minutes by bus from the Fukuroda Station on the JR Suigun Line