Ibaraki Prefecture, located in northeastern Kanto region, combines rich nature with historical culture. While lacking World Heritage sites, it houses numerous attractions including one of Japan's three great waterfalls and one of Japan's three great gardens.

Fukuroda Falls, cascading down Takigawa River (Kuji River tributary), ranks among Japan's three great waterfalls with 120-meter height and 73-meter width. Called "Four-Stage Falls" due to four-tier drops, the name allegedly derives from poet-monk Saigyo's praise: "This waterfall must be visited once each season to truly appreciate its beauty." Autumn foliage and winter ice formations are particularly spectacular.

Kairakuen Garden, opened in 1842 by ninth Mito Domain lord Tokugawa Nariaki, ranks among Japan's three great gardens alongside Kanazawa's Kenrokuen and Okayama's Korakuen. About 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties attract nationwide visitors during late February to March plum festivals. Kobuntei pavilion, designed by Nariaki himself, offers excellent plum grove viewing.

Mount Tsukuba, a beautiful 877-meter mountain comprising Nantaisan and Nyotaisan twin peaks, is called "Purple Peak." Long revered as sacred mountain, it appears in numerous Manyoshu poems. Tsukuba Shrine, with about 3,000 years history, is beloved for matchmaking. Cable car and ropeway access provides Kanto Plain panoramic views.

Hitachi Seaside Park, featuring seasonal flowers, is famous for spring nemophila and autumn kochia. Miharashi Hill's approximately 5.3 million nemophila create blue carpet-like spectacular scenery. Autumn brings 32,000 kochia plants turning the hill bright red.

Oarai Coast, facing the Pacific Ocean, features Oarai Isosaki Shrine's ocean torii. This torii standing at water's edge creates popular photography spots with sunrise collaborations. Oarai Aquarium (Aquaworld Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium) exhibits approximately 580 species and 68,000 marine creatures.

Ibaraki's food culture centers on natto, most famously comprising about 50% of national production. Beloved as Mito natto, it features small beans with strong stickiness. Anko hot pot, winter delicacy using angler fish meat, skin, liver, creates dishes where liver deliciousness earns "Eastern foie gras" praise.

Melon production ranks first nationally, particularly Arus-type musk melons as premium products. Hoshiimo (dried sweet potato) production comprises about 90% nationally, known as birthplace of dried sweet potatoes. Lotus root production also ranks first nationally, widely cultivated around Lake Kasumigaura.

Hitachi beef, Ibaraki's pride brand beef, represents quality wagyu raised in rich natural environments. Additionally, Ibaraki has produced many literary figures, serving as hometown to renowned artists including painter Yokoyama Taikan, Ogawa Usen, and Sesshū Shūkei.