Things To Do
in Itako
Itako is a charming town located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is best known for its annual Itako Ayame Flower Festival, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful blooming flowers along the waterways. The town also has a historic district with traditional buildings and a serene atmosphere.
Itako offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to experience a slice of Japanese countryside life.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the beautiful Itako Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café nearby.
Explore the unique Itako River by renting a kayak and paddling along the serene waters. Stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant serving fresh seafood.
Head to the charming Itako Traditional Craft Museum to learn about local crafts and artwork. Wind down with dinner at a local izakaya, sampling regional specialties.
Begin the day with a visit to the famous Itako Sakutaro Memorial Hall, honoring the beloved writer. Take time to stroll through the beautiful gardens nearby.
Participate in a traditional tea ceremony experience at a local tea house, learning about Japanese customs. Enjoy a light lunch at the tea house to complete the experience.
Visit a local onsen for a rejuvenating hot spring soak. End your day with a peaceful evening walk along the riverside, enjoying the quiet of nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, particularly in traditional arts.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including views of mountains and lakes.
- Access to various outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
- Friendly and welcoming community environment.
- Unique local cuisine and traditional food experiences.
- Limited access to large urban amenities and services.
- May have a lower pace of life, which might not suit everyone.
- Transport options may be limited compared to larger cities.
- Some parts may experience harsh weather conditions in winter.
- Limited job opportunities in specialized fields.
Best Activities in Itako
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore of the tranquil and picturesque Lake Kasumigaura, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Explore the scenic surroundings of Itako by renting a bicycle and pedaling along the designated cycling paths near the lake, soaking in the natural beauty.
Experience the serene waters of Lake Kasumigaura by renting a boat or joining a guided tour, allowing you to fully appreciate the peaceful and idyllic setting.
Tours
Uncover the best of Itako with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Itako
Visit one of these nice places.
Located on the east bank of the Tone River, this shrine offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding nature.
A picturesque bridge spanning the Tone River, providing great photo opportunities of the river and its surroundings.
A beautiful natural area with cliffs and rock formations that offer breathtaking views and great photo opportunities.
Food in Itako
Itako Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled eel served over rice, typically enjoyed with a special seasoning and dashi broth. A popular dish in Itako, best enjoyed at traditional restaurants like Hitsumabushi Inoue.
Must-Try!
A hot pot dish featuring anglerfish and assorted vegetables, perfect for winter warmth. Try it at local establishments such as Ankou Nabe Kikugawa.
Salted and fermented crucian carp, a local delicacy with a unique savory flavor. Look for it at Itako's fish markets or specialty shops like Hamon-no-Ie.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Itako better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the lively stalls at Itako's Omatsuri Hiroba for a taste of crispy, savory rice crackers offered in various flavors, a perfect street snack.
Try the regional style of fermented sushi at street stalls or the local market, where vendors offer a selection of freshly made narezushi.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with skewered rice dumplings glazed in a rich soy-based sauce, commonly found at food festivals and markets throughout Itako.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Itako, Japan, it is important to show respect for elders through polite language and gestures, such as bowing.
Itako has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to observe and respect traditional customs and rituals, such as tea ceremonies and flower arranging.
In Itako, it is customary to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor in public spaces, and to be mindful of others' personal space.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Itako with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Itako
Ensure a smooth experience
In Itako, Japan, tipping is not a common practice. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or taxis.
Payment in Itako, Japan is typically done in cash. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger establishments, but it's always good to have some yen on hand for smaller businesses and local shops.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Itako.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Itako, Japan is during spring, which is from March to May. During this time, you can expect to see cherry blossoms in full bloom, which is a popular and beautiful sight in Japan.
In summer, from June to August, you can expect hot and humid weather in Itako. This season is known for traditional summer festivals and fireworks displays.
Autumn, from September to November, brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. It's a great time for outdoor activities and enjoying the autumn scenery.
Winter, from December to February, is cold in Itako. It's a quieter time for tourism, but you can still enjoy winter illuminations and hot springs to warm up.
Itako at Night
Hiking in Itako
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail around the historic Katori Shrine, offering beautiful views of the surrounding nature and easy access from Itako.
Located a bit further away, this mountain offers various trails ranging from easy to challenging, with stunning vistas from its peak.
A park with walking trails featuring cherry blossoms in spring, making it a popular spot for leisurely hikes.
This park features various trails and pathways leading to the historic Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple, surrounded by lush greenery.
A local park that offers gentle trails ideal for short hikes and family strolls, with beautiful flower beds and picnic spots.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Itako through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Itako by plane.
Located approximately 60 kilometers from Itako, Narita International Airport serves as a major international gateway to Japan and handles a large volume of international flights.
Approximately 80 kilometers from Itako, Haneda Airport is one of the two primary airports serving Tokyo, offering numerous international and domestic flights.
Located about 220 kilometers from Itako, Chubu Centrair International Airport serves the Nagoya area and provides access to various international destinations.
Situated around 400 kilometers from Itako, Kansai International Airport serves the Osaka area and is a key hub for international flights in western Japan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Itako, consisting of ethnic Japanese residents.
Includes individuals from various countries living in Itako, contributing to cultural diversity.
A significant demographic in Itako, reflecting the overall aging population in many parts of Japan.
Youth demographic, including school-aged children and teenagers, making up a smaller proportion of the population.
The Soul of Itako
Discover the essence of Itako through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Itako, with many local clubs and youth teams fostering talent and community engagement.
Basketball enjoys a significant following in Itako, with local tournaments and school teams actively participating in competitions.
Baseball is a traditional favorite in Japan, and Itako is no exception, with local teams and a passion for the game among residents.
Tennis has a growing community in Itako, with facilities available for both children and adults to play recreationally and competitively.
Volleyball is popular in schools and communities throughout Itako, with both indoor and beach volleyball options available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Itako.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Itako traditionally leans towards seafood and meat-based dishes, many restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian-friendly choices featuring local produce and culinary creativity.
Though less common, some establishments in Itako provide vegan dishes, particularly in select cafes that emphasize plant-based ingredients and inventive cooking.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can inquire about gluten-free alternatives at accommodating restaurants in Itako, which may offer rice-based dishes and gluten-free substitutions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Itako with these cultural adventures.
