Things To Do
in Omitama

Omitama is a charming city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, known for its rich history and serene landscapes. The city offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for travelers. Visitors can explore beautiful parks, historic temples, and experience local festivals throughout the year.

Omitama's close proximity to other cities in the Kanto region makes it an excellent base for further exploration.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Omitama
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Omitama Shrine, a peaceful site surrounded by lush gardens, ideal for a morning stroll.

afternoon
:

Head to the local park for a picnic lunch and enjoy the seasonal flowers before visiting the nearby historical museum to learn about the area's rich heritage.

evening
:

Finish your day with dinner at a traditional izakaya, where you can sample local dishes and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

day 2
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit the Omitama City Art Museum to appreciate local artistry and exhibitions.

afternoon
:

Explore the nearby historic town of Sawatari, famous for its old streets and traditional wooden houses.

evening
:

End your trip by enjoying a local sake tasting experience at a nearby brewery, learning about the brewing process and the various types of sake.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍣Sushi Meal$15
Coffee$3
🍜Ramen Bowl$8
🏨Hotel Night$70
🚄Train Ticket$5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage with historic sites.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes and parks.
  • Friendly and welcoming locals.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Public transportation can be less frequent.
  • Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとう" - Thank you
  • "すみません" - Excuse me
  • "はい" - Yes
  • "いいえ" - No

Places to Visit in Omitama

Visit one of these nice places.

Omitama Shrine

A picturesque shrine surrounded by cherry blossom trees, perfect for capturing seasonal beauty.

Lake Omitama

A serene lake offering stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Sawatari Historic District

Charming streets lined with traditional wooden houses, ideal for capturing the essence of old Japan.

Culinary Guide

Food in Omitama

Omitama offers a delightful culinary scene rich in local flavors and traditional dishes, perfect for food enthusiasts.

Omitama Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hitachi Beef

A premium beef known for its marbling and tenderness, often served as steak or in sukiyaki.

Must-Try!

Soba Noodles

Buckwheat noodles served cold or hot, often accompanied by a dipping sauce or in a broth.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Omitama Food Market

A local market offering fresh produce, seafood, and handmade snacks, perfect for sampling local delicacies.

Climate Guide

Weather

Omitama experiences a humid continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters (December to February) are cold, with occasional snowfall and temperatures ranging between -2°C to 10°C (28°F to 50°F). Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them ideal seasons for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Tradition

Always show respect when visiting shrines and temples; bow slightly upon entering and maintain a quiet demeanor.

Shoes Off Indoors

It is customary to remove your shoes before entering homes and certain traditional accommodations.

Politeness and Humility

Use polite language and a humble demeanor; saying 'thank you' (arigatou gozaimasu) is important.

Safety Guide

Safety

Omitama is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. Standard safety precautions should be observed, such as being aware of your surroundings and securing personal belongings. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 110 for police and 119 for medical emergencies.

Tipping in Omitama

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be considered rude; excellent service is expected as standard.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, but credit cards are increasingly used in larger establishments; be sure to carry yen for smaller shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom, especially around Omitama Shrine, making it a perfect time for hanami (flower viewing).

Summer

Expect warm temperatures and occasional festivals; be prepared for humidity and pack light clothing.

Autumn

Witness the beautiful fall foliage, particularly in parks and temples, offering vibrant colors and great photography opportunities.

Winter

Temperatures can drop, bringing light snowfall; visit hot springs to warm up and enjoy seasonal festivals.

Nightlife Guide

Omitama at Night

Omitama's nightlife is relatively quiet compared to larger cities, offering a selection of cozy izakayas and bars where locals gather after work. While there are not many nightclubs, you can enjoy live music at some venues and seasonal festivals that offer night events, particularly in the summer. Visitors can also find karaoke bars, which are a popular entertainment choice among locals.

Hiking in Omitama

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mt. Tsukuba Trail

A scenic hiking trail leading to the summit of Mt. Tsukuba, offering panoramic views of the Kanto region.

Kitaibaraki Coastal Trail

This coastal trail features stunning ocean views and is perfect for a leisurely hike along the shore.

Airports

How to reach Omitama by plane.

Ibaraki Airport

Located approximately 30 km from Omitama, Ibaraki Airport serves both domestic and limited international flights, making it a convenient access point for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Omitama is moderately walkable, with key attractions located within walking distance of each other in the city center. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and pedestrian crossings are available. However, some areas may be less accessible, particularly outside the urban center, where public transport is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Families

A significant demographic in Omitama, young families often engage in community activities and local festivals.

Retirees

Many retirees are drawn to Omitama for its peaceful environment and proximity to nature, contributing to the local community.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is a highly popular sport in Japan, and local teams often attract enthusiastic crowds during the season.

Martial Arts

Various forms of martial arts, including judo and kendo, are widely practiced in the region, reflecting Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Omitama is generally light, making it easy to navigate by car or bicycle. Public transportation includes buses and trains that connect to nearby cities, although service may be less frequent during off-peak hours. Consider using bicycles for short distances as an eco-friendly option.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Omitama.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes; however, it's advisable to clarify that you do not want fish or meat products as they are commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Gluten-Free Options

Finding gluten-free dishes can be challenging; be sure to ask for alternatives and avoid soy sauce unless it's gluten-free.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare services in Omitama are accessible, with several clinics and hospitals providing quality care. Emergency medical services are available, and many healthcare professionals speak basic English. Visitors are advised to have travel insurance to cover any medical expenses during their stay.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide