Mito

Tuesday, July 28, 2020 Updated

Ibaraki Mito | The Town of Natto

Mito is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo. The city is most famous for Kairaku-en Garden, which is known as one of the three great gardens of Japan. Kairakuen was built relatively recently in 1841 by the local lord Tokugawa Nariaki and different from the other two gardens Kenrokuen and Korakuen, Kairaku-en was not only served for the enjoyment of the ruling lord but was also open to the public for enjoyment. Hence, Kairakuen means "park to be enjoyed together". With more than 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties and other seasonal plants including rare blossoms and cosmos, it is a place of relaxation for local people of all generations, from young couples to families. While worth a visit throughout the year, Kairakuen is most attractive during the plum blossom season, which usually takes place in late February and March. The Mito Plum Festival is held annually from February 20 to March 31. Kairakuen also features a bamboo grove, cedar woods and the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese style building. A nice view of Kairakuen and nearby Senba Lake can be enjoyed from the building's top floor. Besides Kairakuen, Mito has more to offer. One can freely enjoy all sorts of fine arts at the Ibaraki Museum of Modern Art, Mito Geijutsu-kan (Art Tower Mito) and the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History.