20 Museums in Ibaraki worth your time

A free museum in Hitachi dedicated to composer Tadashi Yoshida featuring a video theater, outdoor stage, and live music cafe.

What it is

• A memorial facility exhibiting materials about the famous Japanese composer Tadashi Yoshida.
• The museum includes a video theater, an outdoor stage, and a music shop.
• Entry to the entire memorial museum is free of charge for all visitors.
• The facility remains open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM with no scheduled closing days.

What to see

• A video theater broadcasting hit songs throughout the day until 6 PM.
• The Kanade Garden which serves as an outdoor stage for various performances.
• A museum shop selling exclusive merchandise and a collection of music CDs.
• An on-site cafe that hosts live music performances for visitors to enjoy.

When to go

• Visit on the fourth Saturday of the month to catch live music at the cafe.

Getting there

• Take a ten minute bus ride from Hitachi Station to reach the museum.
• The facility is a seven minute taxi ride from Hitachi Station.
• Drivers can reach the site in five minutes from the Hitachi Chuo Interchange.

Official site

www.yoshidatadashiongakukinenkan.org

Read more about Yoshida Tadashi Memorial Museum of Music

Explore science and technology at this museum, commemorating the 1985 Science Expo.

What it is

• A science museum in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Commemorates the 1985 International Science and Technology Exposition.
• Managed by the Tsukuba Science Expo Memorial Foundation.

What to see

• Exhibits on various science and technology topics.
• Model of the deep-sea research vessel Shinkai 6500.
• Section dedicated to the 1985 Science Expo.
• Life-size model of an H-II rocket outdoors.
• Planetarium with a 25.6m dome and 232 seats.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Tsukuba Station.
• 15-minute drive from Joban Expressway Sakura-Tsuchiura Interchange.

Address

茨城県つくば市吾妻二丁目9番地 Map

Official site

www.expocenter.or.jp

Read more about Tsukuba Expo Center

Explore Ibaraki's history, from ancient times to modern, in a museum with historic buildings.

What it is

• A prefectural history museum in Mito City.
• Established on September 3, 1974.
• Consists of an archives and a museum division.
• Collects and preserves Ibaraki Prefecture's history.

What to see

• Former Mito Agricultural High School main building.
• Hitotsubashi Tokugawa Family Memorial Room.
• Former Mitsukaido Elementary School Main Building.
• Elementary school building designed by Jinzo Hada in 1881.
• Exhibits educational materials from Meiji to early Showa.
• One of Japan's oldest grand pianos, a 1865 Steinway & Sons.

Address

茨城県水戸市緑町2-1-15 Map

Official site

rekishikan-ibk.jp

Read more about Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History

Explore Koga's literary heritage and a historic residence at this unique museum.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to writers connected to Koga.
• Opened in 1998, the first literary museum in Ibaraki.
• Built on the former grounds of Koga Castle's Suwa Kuruwa.

What to see

• Exhibits on writers associated with Koga.
• A 1930 EMG Mark Xb phonograph.
• Exhibition rooms, a salon, and lecture rooms.
• Nagai Michiko's former residence, 500m north.

When to go

• Attend regular appreciation sessions for SP records.

Getting there

• A 12-minute walk from JR Koga Station.

Address

〒306-0033　茨城県古河市中央町3-10-21 Map

Official site

www.city.ibaraki-koga.lg.jp

Read more about Koga Museum of Literature

Explore Hitachi's history, folklore, and industry for free at this city museum.

What it is

• A museum in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the history, folklore, and industry of Hitachi.
• Opened a 'Family Roots Research Consultation Room' in 2004.

What to see

• Permanent exhibitions on Hitachi's history on the first floor.
• Exhibitions on Hitachi's folklore and industry on the second floor.

When to go

• Open 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Closed on the last Monday of each month.

Getting there

• 10-minute bus ride from JR Joban Line Hitachi Station.

Address

〒317-0055　茨城県日立市宮田町5-2-22 Map

Official site

www.city.hitachi.lg.jp

Read more about Hitachi City Museum

Japan's only engraving museum, housed in a historic building, offers unique art and workshops.

What it is

• Japan's first and only specialized museum for engraving.
• Opened in March 1991.
• Housed in a renovated stone storehouse from 1920.
• Building registered as a tangible cultural property in 1998.

What to see

• Exhibits works by Koga engraver Shika Ikui.
• Displays works by other famous engravers.
• Engraving originated in China about 500 years ago.

When to go

• Open from 9:00 to 17:00.

Getting there

• 8-minute walk from Koga Station.

Official site

www.city.ibaraki-koga.lg.jp

Read more about Engravings Museum

Japan's first map and survey museum, featuring a giant globe and aerial exhibits.

What it is

• Japan's first facility for map and survey exhibitions.
• Located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Total floor area is 5,464 square meters.

What to see

• Two-story exhibition hall and an outdoor 'Earth Plaza'.
• 3D aerial map of the Japanese archipelago in the entrance hall.
• Permanent exhibition room with 30 sections.
• Outdoor ceramic tile globe model, 21.5 meters in diameter.
• Survey aircraft named 'Kunikaze' on display.
• Shop sells maps, books, and map-related goods.

Official site

www.gsi.go.jp

Read more about Science Museum of Map and Survey

This museum preserves and exhibits the history of Yokaren and war records.

What it is

• A museum in Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Opened on February 2, 2010.
• Designed by Professor Yasutaka Yoshimura.
• Preserves history of Yokaren and war records.

What to see

• Seven exhibition themes.
• 42 works by photographer Domon Ken.

When to go

• Open 9:00 to 17:00.
• Closed on Mondays.

Getting there

• 15-minute drive from Joban Expressway Sakura Tsuchiura IC.
• 15-minute drive from Ken-O Expressway Ami-Higashi IC.

Official site

www.yokaren-heiwa.jp

Read more about Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum

A modern art museum and cultural center, worth visiting for its architecture and diverse offerings.

What it is

• A complex cultural facility opened on June 2, 1990.
• Includes an art museum, library, and multi-purpose hall.
• Ars Hall is a multi-purpose hall for 150 people.
• The name "Ars" means art in Latin.

What to see

• The building has an S-shaped design.
• Three art exhibitions are held annually.
• A museum shop sells catalogs and goods.
• Cafe Ohana faces an outdoor exhibition area.

Getting there

• A 4-minute walk from Tsukuba Station A2 exit.

Official site

www.tsukuba.museum.ibk.ed.jp

Read more about Tsukuba Museum of Art, Ibaraki

This art museum showcases Western and Japanese modern art, including unique palette paintings and outdoor sculptures.

What it is

• Art museum in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Established in November 1972.
• Founded by Hitoshi and Rinko Hasegawa.
• Houses over 3,000 items in its collection.

What to see

• Western modern and Japanese modern/contemporary masterworks.
• Over 340 palette paintings.
• France Hall displays European Impressionist art.
• Outdoor Sculpture Garden displays 19 sculptures.

When to go

• Museum holds 4-5 special exhibitions annually.

Official site

www.nichido-museum.or.jp

Read more about Kasama Nichidō Museum of Art

Explore Japan's soccer history and the 2002 World Cup at this dedicated museum.

What it is

• A soccer exhibition facility.
• Opened on April 6, 2004.
• Dedicated to Kashima Antlers' history.
• Also exhibits 2002 FIFA World Cup items.

What to see

• Past uniforms and goal scenes in the Antlers Zone.
• Uniforms of competing nations in the World Cup Zone.
• Championship trophies and stadium models in the Stadium Zone.
• Items from Antlers' award winners in the Hall of Legend.

When to go

• Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00.

Official site

www.antlers.co.jp

Read more about Kashima Soccer Museum

Explore Koga's history and cultural heritage, including a castle model and historic residences.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Koga City's history and culture.
• Opened on November 3, 1990.
• Houses materials related to Takami Senshi.
• Built on the former site of Suwa Kuruwa of Koga Castle.

What to see

• Exhibits a 1/350 scale model of Koga Castle town.
• Takami Senshi's late residence is open as a memorial hall.
• Okuhara Seiko's studio, Shusui Sodo, is open to the public.
• Medical history materials related to the Kawaguchi family.

Address

茨城県古河市中央町3-10-56 Map

Official site

www.city.ibaraki-koga.lg.jp

Read more about Koga History Museum

Tsuchiura City Museum showcases local history and culture, including samurai swords, on a former castle site.

What it is

• Public museum in Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Exhibits history and culture of Tsuchiura.
• Opened in 1988, first large museum in southern Ibaraki.
• Main theme: life nurtured by Lake Kasumigaura.

What to see

• Swords owned by the Tsuchiya family, former lords.
• Collection includes one National Treasure sword.
• Four Important Cultural Properties are also displayed.
• Located on the site of Tsuchiura Castle Ninomaru.

Address

茨城県土浦市中央1-15-18 Map

Official site

www.city.tsuchiura.lg.jp

Read more about Tsuchiura City Museum

Explore a Jomon period shell mound and archaeological museum in Tsuchiura City.

What it is

• A museum in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Opened in 1995 as a registered museum.
• Consists of a shell mound and an archaeological museum.

What to see

• Kamitakatsu Shell Mound, a Jomon period site.
• A restored Jomon period pit dwelling.
• A restored Jomon period forest.
• Permanent exhibition room in the museum.
• Special exhibition room in the museum.
• Mushazuka Kofun's preserved stone chamber.

Address

茨城県土浦市上高津1843 Map

Official site

www.city.tsuchiura.lg.jp

Read more about Tsuchiura Archaeology Museum

A free environmental science center dedicated to Lake Kasumigaura's water quality.

What it is

• A museum and research facility.
• Opened in 2005.
• A base for purifying Lake Kasumigaura's water quality.

What to see

• First floor has zones for general visitors and research.

When to go

• Closed every Monday.

Getting there

• About 15 minutes by car from JR Tsuchiura Station.
• About 20 minutes by car from Tsuchiura-Kita Interchange.

Official site

www.pref.ibaraki.jp

Read more about Ibaraki Kasumigaura Environmental Science Center

Explore natural history exhibits and outdoor spaces at this Ibaraki museum.

What it is

• A prefectural natural history museum.
• Opened in 1994.
• Located in Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Built on the west bank of Sugao Marsh.

What to see

• Five exhibition rooms and a video hall.
• Meteorites, minerals, fossils, and taxidermy.
• A skeleton of a Mammuthus sungari.
• 15.8 hectares of outdoor facilities.
• Natural observation areas, a lawn, and flower gardens.

Official site

www.nat.museum.ibk.ed.jp

Read more about Ibaraki Nature Museum

This free museum showcases local history and folk culture, including a unique horse-shaped Haniwa.

What it is

• A museum in Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Opened on January 31, 1979.
• Collects and exhibits archaeological materials.
• Materials are donations from townspeople.

What to see

• Exhibits of folk materials.
• A horse-shaped Haniwa.
• The Haniwa is a designated cultural property.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays.
• Closed during New Year holidays.

Official site

www.town.ibaraki-sakai.lg.jp

Read more about Sakai Historical Folklore Museum

Explore the reconstructed Takeda clan residence, a free museum showcasing the origins of a powerful samurai family.

What it is

• A public museum dedicated to the Takeda clan.
• Founded by Minamoto no Yoshikiyo.
• Current residence built in November 1991.

What to see

• A wooden single-story building.
• Building style is shuden-zukuri.
• Exhibits on the Kai Takeda clan's origin.
• Displays armor, weapons, and historical documents.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays.

Official site

www.city.hitachinaka.lg.jp

Read more about Takeda clan residence

Explore Japan's geological history and research at this free, two-story earth science museum.

What it is

• A museum specializing in earth science.
• Opened to the public in 1980.
• Displays research from the Geological Survey of Japan.
• Admission is free.

What to see

• Two floors of exhibits.
• Earthquake meter in the entrance hall.
• 3D geological map of Japan.
• Displays on marine geology.
• Cross-section model of Mt. Fuji.
• Mineral and fossil specimens.

Official site

www.gsj.jp

Read more about Geological Museum

Explore Japan's largest han school, a historic site with beautiful plum trees and bullet-marked gates.

What it is

• Japan's largest han school, founded in 1841.
• Built by Tokugawa Nariaki, 9th lord of Mito Domain.
• Closed in December 1872.

What to see

• The preserved Old Kōdōkan, a Special Historic Site.
• Seichō, Shisendō, and Seimon are Important Cultural Properties.
• Seimon has bullet marks from the 1868 Kōdōkan War.
• Many plum trees on the grounds.

Address

茨城県水戸市三の丸1-6-29 Map

Official site

www.koen.pref.ibaraki.jp

Read more about Kōdōkan