RENT & RIDE JAPANIbaraki (Oarai, Hitachinaka, Kitaibaraki)
Ibaraki Coast & Seafood: A 2-Day Pacific Touring Adventure
A two-day round-trip from Tashilog Garage in Hachioji, tracing Ibaraki's Pacific coast from the port towns of Oarai and Nakaminato up to the dramatic Izura cliffs. Expect torii gates rising from the sea, ultra-fresh seafood bowls, and sweeping ocean views.
- DISTANCE
- 420 km
- DURATION
- 18 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
This two-day round-trip starts and ends at Tashilog Garage in Hachioji, Tokyo, and heads north along Ibaraki's Pacific coastline. The Kashima-nada and Joban offshore waters, where warm and cold currents meet, form one of Japan's richest fishing grounds, so the port towns of Oarai, Nakaminato, and northern Ibaraki overflow with just-landed seafood. It's the ideal route for riders who want to soak up both the sea and the seafood.
Day 1: Hachioji to Oarai & Hitachinaka
- Lively harbor-town lunch at Nakaminato Fish Market — seafood bowls, sushi, and local catch.
- The mystical Kamiiso Torii at Oarai Isosaki Shrine, rising from the surf-battered rocks.
- Sea breezes and seasonal flower fields at Hitachi Seaside Park.
Day 2: Northern Ibaraki, Izura Coast & Return
- Dramatic cliffs and coves at the Izura Coast & Rokkakudo.
- Return to Hachioji via the Joban Expressway.
Rider Tips
The fish market and aquarium areas get crowded on weekends, so arriving early in the morning is best. Spend the night in the Mito/Oarai area on Day 1 to savor the sea air and harbor-town cuisine at a relaxed pace.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point (Hachioji, Tokyo)
TIPSFill up before departure; head toward Ibaraki via the Joban Expressway.
- 2FOOD~75 min
Nakaminato Fish Market
A popular seafood market in the harbor town of Hitachinaka.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsBrimming with seafood landed straight from the port, with eateries serving seafood bowls, sushi, and Ibaraki's famous anglerfish (anko) hot pot. It gets very busy on weekends, so arrive early.
- 3SPOT~40 min
Oarai Isosaki Shrine (Kamiiso Torii)
An iconic Oarai shrine famous for its torii gate standing in the sea.
HISTORYSaid to have been founded in 856 during the early Heian period, the shrine enshrines Onamuchi-no-mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-mikoto. The Kamiiso Torii, standing on rocks battered by the waves, marks the legendary spot where the deities descended, and has been revered for over 1,100 years as a guardian of maritime safety. It is also one of Japan's most celebrated sunrise spots.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsTake care not to get too close to the torii, as waves can splash over the rocks. A long stone stairway leads up to the main shrine. Allow about 40 minutes.
- 4VIEW~120 min
Hitachi Seaside Park
A vast national park facing the Pacific Ocean.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsThe roughly 215-hectare park offers seasonal flowers year-round, with spring nemophila and autumn kochia being especially famous. The sight of about 5.3 million nemophila blanketing Miharashi Hill is breathtaking. A seasonal surcharge applies during nemophila and kochia peak periods, and crowds form early, so arriving at opening is best.
- 5VIEW~60 min
Izura Coast & Rokkakudo
A scenic spot of cliffs and coves in Kitaibaraki City.
HISTORYA scenic coastline of five coves carved by the Pacific surf and cliffs about 50 meters high, selected as one of Japan's 100 finest beaches. Beloved by Meiji-era art thinker Okakura Tenshin, it is a sacred site of modern Japanese art; the Rokkakudo at the water's edge was rebuilt after being washed away in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The adjacent Tenshin Memorial Museum is also worth a visit.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsRestaurants nearby serve fresh local fish and anglerfish dishes landed at neighboring ports. Izura Cape Park offers a sweeping overhead view of the Rokkakudo and coastline — a great photo spot.
- 6GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return (Hachioji, Tokyo)