Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki, Japan — nemophila flowers on Miharashi Hill

Photography · Travel · Ibaraki, Japan

Ibaraki, Japan
through the lens.

In collaboration with
Nihon Travel Guide

Location

Ibaraki, Japan

Camera

Sony A7 IV

Locations

9 locations

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About this project Ibaraki, Japan — photography by Tessa Leong for Nihon Travel Guide

10 locations across Ibaraki — shot for Nihon Travel Guide's editorial articles.

I spent time traveling across Ibaraki Prefecture with Nihon Travel Guide, photographing each location for their travel articles. We visited coastal shrines, mountain waterfalls, flower parks and fish markets. These are a selection of my favourite frames from the project.

Location Ibaraki, Japan
Camera Sony A7 IV
Category Photography
01
Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachinaka, Ibaraki

A vast seaside park famous for its seasonal blooms — rolling hills of blue nemophila in spring and fiery red kochia in autumn. One of Ibaraki's most iconic landscapes.

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Hitachi Seaside Park — nemophila fields
Hitachi Seaside Park — couple with dog
Hitachi Seaside Park — yellow rape blossoms
Hitachi Seaside Park — eggs forest tulip garden
Hitachi Seaside Park — windmill and tulips
02
Kairakuen Garden & Kobuntei
Mito, Ibaraki

One of Japan's three great gardens, Kairakuen is best known for its plum blossoms in early spring. The historic Kobuntei villa sits within the garden, offering panoramic views over Lake Senba.

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Kairakuen Garden — Kobuntei exterior with red azaleas
Kobuntei — panorama view from third floor
Kobuntei — momiji no ma maple tree room interior
Kobuntei — veranda garden view
Kairakuen Garden — walking path with red azaleas
03
Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Oarai, Ibaraki

A coastal shrine perched above the Pacific Ocean, famous for the Kamiiso no Torii gate standing dramatically on the rocks below. One of Ibaraki's most striking and photogenic spots.

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Oarai Isosaki Shrine — Kamiiso no Torii with crashing waves
Oarai Isosaki Shrine — observation deck torii view
Oarai Isosaki Shrine — stairs view to torii and sea
Oarai Isosaki Shrine — Zuishinmon gate with komainu
Oarai Isosaki Shrine — long staircase to torii
04
Fukuroda Falls
Daigo, Ibaraki

One of Japan's three most celebrated waterfalls, Fukuroda cascades down four tiers of rock deep in the Kuji River gorge. A dramatic and peaceful spot in the mountains of northern Ibaraki.

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Fukuroda Falls — suspension bridge over gorge
Fukuroda Falls — upper deck angled view
Fukuroda Falls — view from suspension bridge
Fukuroda Falls — from first observation deck
Fukuroda Falls — entrance ticket 500 yen
05
Ibaraki Flower Park
Sakuragawa, Ibaraki

A sprawling hillside park bursting with seasonal blooms year-round. The Hanayasatoyama sky cycle offers panoramic views over the flower fields — one of Ibaraki's most colourful and underrated spots.

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Ibaraki Flower Park — Hanayasatoyama sky cycle view
Ibaraki Flower Park — yellow kerria flowers
Ibaraki Flower Park — ajuga purple spikes
Ibaraki Flower Park — Hanayasatoyama bench view
Ibaraki Flower Park — Hanayasatoyama panorama
06
Nakaminato Fish Market
Hitachinaka, Ibaraki

One of Japan's most lively and authentic fish markets, Nakaminato is a sensory experience — fresh catches straight off the boat, bustling street stalls, and a real behind-the-scenes glimpse of coastal life.

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Nakaminato Fish Market — street stalls and visitors
Nakaminato Fish Market — fresh clams and shellfish
Nakaminato Fish Market — shops and buildings overview
Nakaminato Fish Market — fresh fish on ice display
Nakaminato Fish Market — worker with forklift behind the scenes
07
Peony Garden
Tsukuba, Ibaraki

A charming garden famous for its spectacular spring blooms — peonies, azaleas, roses and more. A quiet and colourful escape tucked away in Tsukuba, best visited in April and May.

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Peony Garden Tsukuba — pink azalea blooms
Peony Garden Tsukuba — yellow rambler roses
Peony Garden Tsukuba — garden shop with potted cacti and succulents
Peony Garden Tsukuba — herbaceous peony field path in spring
Peony Garden Tsukuba — elderly visitors on stamp rally walk
08
Aqua World Ibaraki
Oarai, Ibaraki

One of Japan's largest aquariums, Aqua World sits right on the Oarai coastline. Home to sharks, jellyfish, penguins, seals and puffins — a fascinating and visually rich experience for all ages.

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Aqua World Oarai — jellyfish tank with moon jellies
Aqua World Oarai — puffin swimming at the surface
Aqua World Oarai — blacktip reef shark closeup
Aqua World Oarai — penguin swimming underwater
Aqua World Oarai — South American fur seal sleeping
09
Doho Park
Tsukuba, Ibaraki

A peaceful urban park in the heart of Tsukuba, known for its beautiful ginkgo promenade, duck pond and seasonal blooms. A quiet and unhurried spot perfect for an easy afternoon walk.

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Doho Park Tsukuba — ginkgo promenade in spring
Doho Park Tsukuba — pond view in spring
Doho Park Tsukuba — red tulips in spring
Doho Park Tsukuba — duck pond in spring
Doho Park Tsukuba — tree lined path in spring

Ibaraki, Japan — in collaboration with Nihon Travel Guide

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Photos shot in collaboration with Nihon Travel Guide