Things To Do
in Ōarai
Ōarai is a charming coastal town located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, known for its picturesque beaches and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The town is also famous for its thriving fishing industry, with many fresh seafood markets and restaurants offering delicious local dishes. Ōarai is home to the Kairaku-en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, featuring beautiful landscapes and historic architecture.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, and hiking, making Ōarai a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
- "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 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along the beautiful Ōarai beach and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Take some time to watch the sunrise and capture stunning photographs.
Head to the Ōarai Aquarium to learn about local marine life and enjoy interactive exhibits. Have a delightful lunch at a seaside café while soaking in the scenic views.
Visit the Ōarai Marine Tower for breathtaking views of the coastline at sunset. Dine at a local restaurant specializing in fresh seafood for a true taste of the area.
Start your culinary adventure at the Ōarai Fish Market, where you can sample fresh sashimi and other seafood delights. Get an early start to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Japanese seafood dishes. This hands-on experience will equip you with new skills while you savor your creations.
Enjoy dinner at a popular local izakaya, pairing your meal with regional sake. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals in this bustling setting.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic coastal views and beautiful beaches
- Rich cultural heritage and historical sites
- Local seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine
- Strong sense of community and friendly locals
- Opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities
- Some amenities and services may be less accessible
- Can be less vibrant and lively than urban areas
- Seasonal weather variations may affect tourism
- Potential language barriers for non-Japanese speakers
Best Activities in Ōarai
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the iconic shrine located near the seaside, known for its beautiful torii gate that stands in the water, providing a picturesque spot for photography and exploration.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding areas from this observation tower, which is a great spot for sightseeing and taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Located nearby, this park is famous for its seasonal flowers and offers beautiful walking paths, cycling routes, and scenic picnic areas, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Experience the thrill of surfing or simply relax by the beach. With its waves and beautiful sands, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Engage in fishing activities at Ōarai Port, where you can experience local fishing culture and enjoy fresh seafood caught right off the coast.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ōarai with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ōarai
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can also enjoy the picturesque torii gate at the water's edge, creating a perfect photo opportunity.
A beautiful sandy beach offering a panoramic view of the ocean. It's a great spot for capturing sunset or sunrise photos.
A lookout tower providing a bird's-eye view of the surrounding area, including the harbor and coastline, making it an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Ōarai
Ōarai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory dish made of squid stuffed with seasoned rice, a local specialty. Can be found at local seafood restaurants like Ika Meshi Kamaboko.
Must-Try!
Grilled sardine crackers, a popular snack sold at stalls near the Ōarai Isosaki Shrine and local markets.
A flavorful rice dish mixed with fresh local oysters, available at restaurants along the waterfront such as Oarai Fukuju.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ōarai better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where visitors can sample and purchase local seafood, snacks, and souvenirs. Various street food stalls offer freshly prepared delicacies like grilled seafood skewers and Iwashi Senbei.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ōarai and throughout Japan, bowing is a common form of greeting. A gentle bow can show respect and politeness. It’s important to understand the depth of the bow can indicate the level of respect.
When entering homes, traditional inns, or certain restaurants, it is customary to remove your shoes. Look for signs or follow the lead of locals to know when it’s appropriate to take off your footwear.
Public displays of affection, such as hugging or kissing, are generally frowned upon in Japan. It’s best to keep your interactions discreet to respect local customs and values.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ōarai with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ōarai
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ōarai, as in many parts of Japan, tipping is generally not practiced and may be considered rude. Instead, excellent service is considered standard and is built into the cost of goods and services. Customers show appreciation through polite behavior, not monetary tips.
Payments in Ōarai can be made using cash, which is still widely accepted, although card payments are becoming more common, especially in larger establishments. Many restaurants, shops, and hotels accept major credit cards. It's also common to see the use of electronic payment apps, but cash remains predominant, particularly in smaller businesses.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ōarai.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms in bloom and enjoy mild weather
Ideal for beach activities and water sports due to warm temperatures
Great for enjoying fall foliage and participating in harvest festivals
Perfect for visiting hot springs and experiencing winter illuminations
Ōarai at Night
Hiking in Ōarai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
While primarily a fishing port, the area around Oarai features coastal trails that provide scenic views and opportunities for light hiking along the beaches.
This park offers walking paths and trails perfect for hiking while enjoying views of the ocean and natural landscapes.
Located just a short drive from Ōarai, these trails offer hiking routes through beautiful nature settings, suitable for all levels.
A small mountain close to Ōarai, it features hiking routes where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
These picturesque river trails are ideal for hiking and walking, providing a peaceful environment surrounded by nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ōarai through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Ōarai by plane.
Located approximately 80 km east of Ōarai, Narita is one of the major international airports serving Tokyo and surrounding areas.
Situated about 100 km southwest of Ōarai, Haneda is closer to central Tokyo and is one of the busiest airports in the world.
Located approximately 30 km northwest of Ōarai, Ibaraki Airport serves as a regional airport with some international flights.
Although farther away, about 500 km west of Ōarai, Kansai International Airport is a major international gateway to the Osaka region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in Ōarai, consisting mainly of native Japanese citizens.
Visitors from different regions of Japan and abroad, usually during vacation seasons, contributing to local economy and culture.
A smaller group of long-term residents from various countries residing in Ōarai for work or family reasons.
Older adults, making up a significant portion of the demographic, often involved in community activities.
Young people, including students and working-age individuals, typically representing a smaller percentage of the population.
The Soul of Ōarai
Discover the essence of Ōarai through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ōarai is known for its beautiful beaches and surfing spots, making it a popular activity among locals and tourists.
Beach volleyball is a common sport played in the sandy areas of Ōarai, particularly during the summer months.
Baseball is widely popular in Japan, and Ōarai is no exception, with local teams and school competitions.
Soccer has a strong following in Japan, and Ōarai hosts various local matches and youth leagues.
Given its coastal location, fishing is a beloved pastime in Ōarai, attracting both experienced anglers and beginners.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ōarai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While the local cuisine primarily focuses on seafood, vegetarian and vegan options can be found at some restaurants and cafes. Cafe Nakanoshima, for instance, offers a selection of plant-based dishes and beverages.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary requirements may find suitable options at seafood restaurants and izakayas by communicating their needs to the staff who can often accommodate such requests.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ōarai with these cultural adventures.
