Local Guide
[2025 Edition] 9 Autumn Foliage Spots in Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture is a place where history, art, and the latest science and technology coexist in a vibrant way. Ibaraki is close to the mountains, the sea, and the city, and is filled with diverse cultures, from spots where you can feel the history of the place to places where you can get some exercise and refresh yourself. We will introduce you to some of Ibaraki's most beautiful autumn spots, from parks you can easily visit while walking around the city to views you can see by going a little further.

Experience the magnificent scenery sung about in the Manyoshu

From the summit you can see the whole of Tsukuba city. If the weather is good you can even see Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji.
From the summit you can see the whole of Tsukuba city. If the weather is good you can even see Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji.

The majestic mountain towering over the Kanto Plain is also featured in the Man'yoshu, a collection of poems about the mountain that has long been loved by people. From the peak onwards, the trees begin to change colour in autumn in late October, and the best viewing time is in November.

Tsukuba-san Shrine, located midway up the mountain, is a historic shrine that enshrines Mount Tsukuba itself as its sacred object, and continues to convey the faith from ancient times to the present day. If you take the cable car from nearby Miyawaki Station, you can Direction the summit in about 8 minutes while admiring the splendid autumn leaves from the train window. There are also ropeways and multiple climbing courses, so you can easily enjoy the journey to the summit according to your purpose and physical condition.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early to late November
[Types of trees] Ivy, oak, Japanese lacquer tree, maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
Mount Tsukuba has two peaks, Mount Nantai and Mount Nyotai. From the base of the mountain, there is a cable car to Mount Nantai and a ropeway to Mount Nyotai. There are also hot hot spring you can visit for a day trip after climbing, so it is recommended to wash off the sweat before heading home.
Mount Tsukuba
  • 住所Tsukuba 1, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 43 minutes by car from JR Tsuchiura Station (near Miyawaki Station on Mount Tsukuba Cable Car)
  • 営業時間Mount Tsukuba Cable Car 9:00-17:00
    *Extra service may be available during peak times
  • 定休日Tsukuba Cable Car Irregular holidays (may be closed for maintenance in winter)
  • 入場料Mount Tsukuba Cable Car Adults: One-way 590 yen, round-trip 1,070 yen
    Children: 300 yen one way, 540 yen round trip (free for children under 6)
  • TEL029-866-0611（筑波観光鉄道株式会社）
  • 駐車場Paid
  • メモPlease check the operating hours and fares of the cable car and ropeway on the Tsukuba Scenic Railway Co., Ltd. website (https://www.mt-tsukuba.com/)

A popular ginkgo tree-lined street in Gakuen Toshi

Located close to commercial Property, it is a popular spot for locals to relax and unwind, bustling with families and young people.
Located close to commercial Property, it is a popular spot for locals to relax and unwind, bustling with families and young people.

This park was created on the site of the Tsukuba Expo '85, which was held in 1985 (Showa 60). The park is open and spacious enough to relax in. The ginkgo trees surrounding the square turn yellow in mid-November every year, and people can be seen walking and running early in the morning to enjoy the golden tree-lined path.

The symbol of the park is the "Gate of Science." Depending on the direction you look at it, the faces of four scientists - Edison, Archimedes, Newton, and Galileo - will appear in the center of the gate. Be sure to check out the reflection of the trees in the silver-shining gate.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Mid to late November
[Type of tree] Ginkgo, etc.

Comments Local Guide
The park has a large lawn, a pond, an iris garden, an all-weather tennis court, etc. We recommend bringing a packed lunch and some play equipment and spending some time relaxing there.
Expo 2007 Memorial Park
  • 住所Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Miyukigaoka 6 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 20 minutes on foot from Banpakukinenkoen Station on the Tsukuba Express
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from Tsukuba Express Banpakukinenkoen Station and get off at "Kagaku Banpakukinenkoen"
  • TEL029-856-1005（つくば市公園施設課）
  • 駐車場free

Experience the autumn colors in an urban oasis

If you sit on a bench, you can relax and enjoy the yellow carpet beneath the rows of ginkgo trees.
If you sit on a bench, you can relax and enjoy the yellow carpet beneath the rows of ginkgo trees.

A comprehensive park covering an area of 20 hectares. The area around Doho Swamp in the center of the park is particularly lush with greenery, and the trees show different expressions depending on the season. In autumn, visitors are greeted by a row of golden ginkgo trees stretching from the park entrance to Doho Swamp, and you can enjoy a picnic in the park's plaza while enjoying the beautiful contrast with the red autumn leaves that appear in various places in the park.

The spacious park also has sports Property such as an adventure plaza with field athletics and combination play equipment, as well as an indoor heated pool, so you can spend the whole day there no matter the season.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Mid to late November
[Type of trees] Ginkgo, maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
There are three walking and jogging courses paved with soft rubber chip urethane around Doho-numa. Each course has a different length and route, so you can choose one that suits your walking time.
Doho Park
  • 住所2-20 Ninomiya, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 9 minutes by car from Tsukuba Station on the Tsukuba Express
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from Tsukuba Station on the Tsukuba Express and get off at "Doho Park"
  • 定休日Paid Property within the park are closed on the first Wednesday of every month (or the following week if that Wednesday falls on a public holiday), December 31st, and January 1st.
  • TEL029-852-1432
  • 駐車場Paid
  • メモPlease check the park's website for Property opening hours and fees.

Reflect on history as you walk through a carpet of ginkgo trees

The illuminated ginkgo trees floating in the night sky have a different charm to the ginkgo trees seen during the day.
The illuminated ginkgo trees floating in the night sky have a different charm to the ginkgo trees seen during the day.

This history museum functions as both a museum and archive that conveys the history of Ibaraki Prefecture. It also houses many documents and art pieces related to the Hitotsubashi Tokugawa family, and some of these valuable documents are open to the public.

In autumn, the 60 or so ginkgo trees lining the main building turn a beautiful yellow, creating a carpet of yellow leaves. Every November, the History Museum Ginkgo Festival is held, featuring various events and illuminations. The illuminated ginkgo trees create a fantastical sight, and many visitors come to take photos.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early to mid-November
[Type of tree] Ginkgo, etc.

History Museum Ginkgo Festival
Period: November 1st (Sat)- 24th (Mon) 2025

Comments Local Guide
Nearby is Kairakuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. The main gate, Kairakuen Main Gate, which has been there since the gardens first opened, is just a few minutes' walk from the Prefectural History Museum, so why not take a trip there as well?
Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History
  • 住所2-1-15 Midoricho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 7 minutes by car from JR Mito Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Mito Station, get off at "Rekishikan Kairakuen Iriguchi" and walk for about 2 minutes
  • 営業時間Garden opening hours: February 20th to September 30th 6:00-19:00, October 1st to February 19th 7:00-18:00
    Main building: 9:30-17:00 (entry until 16:30)
  • 定休日Mondays (If Monday is a public holiday, the hall will be closed the following day)
  • 入場料Free admission to the garden, paid admission to the main building exhibition (check the website for details)
  • TEL029-225-4425
  • 駐車場free

A traditional garden and a vibrant valley of maples

As its name suggests, Kairakuen is a daimyo garden that has been open to the public since the Edo period.
As its name suggests, Kairakuen is a daimyo garden that has been open to the public since the Edo period.

This garden was built in 1842 (Tenpo 13) by feudal lord Tokugawa Nariaki. From Kobuntei, which stands on high ground, you can see not only the garden itself, but also the colorful maples and ginkgo trees along Senba Lake. If you walk further into the extension of the garden from the main garden where Kobuntei is located, you will find the brilliant red leaves of Momiji Valley, which is also spectacular. The area is usually lit up from mid- to late November.

To get to Momiji Valley, go through the garden from the Togakusen exit, cross the footbridge, and enter from "Tokugawa Museum Street." You can also Direction to Momiji Valley directly by taking a bus from Mito Station and getting off at "Sakurayama."

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early to late November
[Type of tree] Maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
In addition to the view from Kairakuen, the autumn leaves of Kairakuen seen from the neighboring Lake Senba are also worth a look. If you have time, take a stroll around Lake Senba and see the sunset-colored Kobuntei.
Kairakuen
  • 住所1-3-3 Tokiwacho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Mito Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Mito Station, get off at the "History Museum/Kairakuen Entrance" stop, and walk for about 7 minutes
  • 営業時間Mid-February to September 30th: 6:00-19:00, October 1st to mid-February: 7:00-18:00
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Adults: 320 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 160 yen
  • TEL029-244-5454
  • 駐車場Free, Paid
  • メモFor details about Kobuntei's opening hours, the nearest bus stop, and the entrance, please check the website.

Viewing autumn leaves in a time-traveling landscape

As you pass through the front gate, you will be greeted by the stately thatched main building reminiscent of the Edo period and colorful autumn leaves.
As you pass through the front gate, you will be greeted by the stately thatched main building reminiscent of the Edo period and colorful autumn leaves.

This was the mansion of a wealthy farmer, also known locally as "Daijin Yashiki." The site, which spans one hectare, includes the main house, which has been restored to its mid-19th century appearance, a shoin study that was remodeled in the Taisho era, and a magnificent garden and bamboo grove that have been recreated to look just like they did back in time.

From the second floor of the Shoin "Gekkanbaro" built on the west side of the main house, you can look down at the garden, which turns red in the autumn leaves season. The view seen through the glass doors from the Taisho period gives a slightly different impression. The main house, front gate, and attached wall are also registered as important cultural properties designated by the government.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early to late November
[Types of trees] Maples, Enkianthus campanulatus, ginkgo trees, etc.

Comments Local Guide
The Sakano Family Residence is also known as a location for TV dramas, commercials, and movies. In addition to the main house and shoin study, the bamboo grove on the premises is also a famous filming spot that is frequently used in period dramas.
Mizukaido Folklore Museum Sakano Family Residence
  • 住所2037 Oseigocho, Joso City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from Kanto Railway Mizukaido Station
  • 営業時間April to October: 9:00 to 18:00 (reception until 17:00), November to March: 9:00 to 17:00 (reception until 16:00)
  • 定休日Mondays (open if Monday is a public holiday, closed the following day), New Year's holidays
  • 入場料Adults: 300 yen; elementary, middle and high school students: 100 yen
  • TEL0297-24-2131
  • 駐車場free

A water mirror reflecting the colorful mountain scenery

In autumn, the entire park changes color and the colorful trees are reflected in the lake.
In autumn, the entire park changes color and the colorful trees are reflected in the lake.

This park is covered in broadleaf forest and turns red and orange in November. Lake Swan in the park is a scenic spot that has been selected as one of the 100 best tourist spots in Ibaraki Prefecture, where you can enjoy the contrast between the autumn leaves reflected on the water and the blue sky.

The nearby promenade takes about 25 minutes to go around, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. In addition to viewing the autumn leaves in the city from the observation deck, another way to enjoy the autumn leaves in Kasama is to run through the vividly colored trees on the 161m long "Roller Slide," a famous attraction of Kitayama Park.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early to late November
[Type of tree] Maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
There is a slope from the base of the mountain to the center of the park, so if you are worried about your physical strength or are short on time, we recommend Direction the park by car. From the car window, you can enjoy the scenery colored by maples all the way to Parking.
Kitayama Park
  • 住所1416-1 Tairamachi, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Tomobe Station
  • バスアクセスTake the "Kasama Tourist Bus" from JR Tomobe Station, get off at "Kitayama Park Entrance" and walk for about 20 minutes
  • 営業時間April to September: 9:00 to 18:00, November to February: 9:00 to 16:00, March and October: 9:00 to 17:00
  • TEL0296-78-3911（北山公園管理事務所）
  • 駐車場free

A park at the foot of Kasama Castle watching over the castle town

The bell tower and the statue of Oishi Kuranosuke are indicative of the fact that this place was close to the political center during the Edo period.
The bell tower and the statue of Oishi Kuranosuke are indicative of the fact that this place was close to the political center during the Edo period.

This park is located at the foot of Mount Sashiro, close to the downtown area where Kasama Inari Shrine is located. It was originally the site of the Kasama clan's lower residence, and the city-designated cultural property, the "Toki-no-To Tower," recalls those days. Stepping inside, you'll see the majestic ginkgo and maple trees with their thick trunks and magnificent branches, befitting a historic place.

From the park, there is a hiking trail leading to the top of Mt. Sashiro, and you can also extend your trip to the ruins of the old Kasama Castle near the top. You can enjoy viewing the autumn leaves while thinking about history.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early to late November
[Types of trees] Maple, ginkgo, etc.

Comments Local Guide
It is about a 15-minute walk to Kasama Inari Shrine, one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan. There are many restaurants on the street in front of the shrine, so you can enjoy visiting the shrine and walking around the town.
Sashiroyama Park
  • 住所1015-2 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 5 minutes by car from JR Kasama Station
  • バスアクセスTake the "Kasama Tourist Bus" from JR Tomobe Station, get off at "Nichido Museum of Art" and walk for about 1 minute
  • TEL0296-72-9222（笠間観光協会）
  • 駐車場free

The overwhelming presence of a large ginkgo tree that is over 1,000 years old

The two large ginkgo trees at Sairenji Temple are also designated as a prefectural natural monument.
The two large ginkgo trees at Sairenji Temple are also designated as a prefectural natural monument.

Its history dates back to the 8th century, and it is an ancient temple said to have been founded in 782 (the first year of the Enryaku era). If you go further in from Parking through the Niomon Gate, a nationally designated important cultural property, you will be greeted by two gingko trees over 1,000 years old, standing side by side.

Affectionately known as the "Sairenji Great Ginkgo," these ginkgo trees are said to have been planted by Saisen Shonin, the founder of Sairenji, himself, and in autumn, their magnificent trunks, each over 6m and 8m, become covered in leaves, painting the whole area a beautiful yellow. This is a spot where you can be overwhelmed by the quiet power of the large ginkgo trees when viewed from below.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Late November to early December
[Type of tree] Ginkgo, etc.

Comments Local Guide
Namegata City is one of the cities adjacent to Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan. The 1,015m long Kasumigaura Ohashi Bridge spanning Lake Kasumigaura is a popular driving course.
Sairenji Temple
  • 住所504 Sairenji, Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 60 minutes by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • TEL080-8731-1772（行方市観光協会）
  • 駐車場free

MAP

Tsukuba area
Mito area
Joso area
Kasama area
Namegata area
Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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