Suggestions in/near Ibaraki Prefecture

[tigermilk]

I'm headed to Japan again next month, which will be something like my 19th or 20th time in the last 5-6 years. After all those trips, I think I'm FINALLY ready to tackle some driving there. I've taken my bike many times so I have a general feel for the rules (i.e., traffic laws) of the road over there.

I'll be based in Tsukuba and was wondering about good spots within 1-2 hours. I've ridden hundreds of miles over there on the bike, so I know many of the roads already out in the countryside around Tsukuba. Off-hand I was already planning on driving the narrow roads up Mt. Tsukuba and down to Yasato to give my wife (who's mostly only seen the larger towns/cities) a look at the smaller Japanese towns. Perhaps also go to Fukuroda Falls in the northern part of the prefecture. Perhaps Ushiku Daibutsu as well. Any other suggestions?

[Emoni]

I believe I passed by Fukuroda Falls, and it was quite nice.

I don't know the prefecture well at all, but when passing through there seemed to be plenty of tourist set ups in various areas. Your best bet might be to check the information there, or any hotels if they have hiking or biking paths.

[uchimizu]

Hi,

from Tsukuba, why not drive up to the Nikko region. You could base yourself in Kinugawa onsen (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/06/romantic-week-end-in-onsen.html) (there are cheap hotel plans), and explore the region, which includes the beautiful Nikko temples, and some outstanding scenaries (lakes, falls).

I believe I passed by Fukuroda Falls, and it was quite nice.

I don't know the prefecture well at all, but when passing through there seemed to be plenty of tourist set ups in various areas. Your best bet might be to check the information there, or any hotels if they have hiking or biking paths.

[tigermilk]

Been to Nikko 2-3 times now. Am just looking for something off the beaten path - someplace perhaps known as special by Japanese but not visited by western tourists.

Hi,
from Tsukuba, why not drive up to the Nikko region. You could base yourself in Kinugawa onsen (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/06/romantic-week-end-in-onsen.html) (there are cheap hotel plans), and explore the region, which includes the beautiful Nikko temples, and some outstanding scenaries (lakes, falls).

[uchimizu]

You may want to try to Boso Peninsula in Southern Chiba. It is certainly not very touristy, a little bit run-down and there is a nice landscape with small hills. Not sure there are major sights though...
Been to Nikko 2-3 times now. Am just looking for something off the beaten path - someplace perhaps known as special by Japanese but not visited by western tourists.

[Ichiro614]

I recommend Mashiko, a charming pottery village in neighboring Tochigi Prefecture that is famous for the works of renown ceramic artist Shoji Hamada, a living national treasure (while he was alive). I think it's about an hour's drive or so from Tsukuba.

[Fel1city]

I agree, Mashiko was fun, especially if you like pottery: the 2 museum places are fascinating: the one up the top of the hill at the back of the village on the right has Shoji Hamada's home and climbing kiln as well as a modern gallery with amazing pieces: the traditional village museum on the left as you come in from Utsunomiya has a wonderful display of Hamada's personal collection spread over 5 or 6 buildings: the big house at the very back, up the hill, even has a vintage English antique desk: ? Bernard Leach's???

[tigermilk]

Ended up driving to Mt. Tsukuba, then up to Kasama (like Mashiko it's also famous for pottery), then to the coast. Wife liked the backroads traveled on, where she got a glimpse of traditional homes. Kasama had a very nice museum and some fantastic examples of Japanese pottery. Came home with a vase from there.

[Ichiro614]

I've never been to Kasama; will have to keep it in mind next time I'm in the area.

When I lived in Tsukuba (as a university student) my friend and I rode our bikes to the base of Mt. Tsukuba and then climbed up the mountain. The rural landscape along the way was fascinating, with many traditional (and large!) homes to view along the way.