Details

Day 1

① Michinoeki Okukuji Daigo

Start your journey at Okukuji Daigo, a roadside station that is home to a hot spring, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and bicycle rentals. Before starting your physical journey, enjoy lunch at the station’s restaurant, which serves Daigo specialities, including regional curry, ramen, and soba (not included in the tour price). Alternatively, you can ask the tour company to order a Shamo Bento box (1,200 yen), which is crafted using Daigo’s local chicken meat—famous for its umami rich flavor. After you are nourished and energized, rent an e-bike, and then head to your first destination.

Details:
Closed day(s): None

② Gunbeiroku Farm

Dive right into local farming culture at Gunbeiroku Farm. This husband and wife-run farm does not use any pesticides or chemical fertilizers on its produce and grows approximately 50 different kinds of vegetables annually. During your visit, learn about the facility’s farming methods, taste freshly harvested vegetables, and interact with local farmers. If you are living in Japan, you can order vegetable souvenirs, and the farm will deliver them straight to your door!

Details:
Closed day(s): Tuesday and Friday. Open on Saturday and Sunday when possible

③ Tsukimachinotaki (Tsukimachi Falls)

After getting your hands dirty, cycle to Tsukimachi Falls, and rest in a natural haven encircled by trees and the sound of running water. Here, you can observe a small waterfall and even walk behind it for a unique perspective of the woods through the cascading water. If time permits and seating is available, visit the onsite cafe—Momoji-en—to refuel with a drink and sweets.

Details:
Closed day(s): Wednesday

④ TSUNAGU

End your first day at TSUNAGU, an inn located in a renovated traditional house. Aside from its cozy, Japanese vibes, the inn also offers meal experiences where you can barbeque in the garden, cook rice in a kamado—a type of traditional earthen pot, and more. The peaceful atmosphere coupled with the cultural learning opportunities creates both a relaxing and enlightening lodging experience.

Details:
Closed day(s): None

Day 2

⑤ Okukuji Chanosato Park

After a rejuvenating rest, start your second day with a caffeine boost at Okukuji Chanosato Park. Ibaraki is one of the Kanto region’s leading tea producers, and Daigo itself specializes in Okukuji tea. At Okukuji Chanosato Park, learn how to create a delicious cup of matcha and how to properly brew green tea. Depending on the season, you can also try tea-picking and take memorable photos wearing the tea-picking attire.

Details:
Closed day(s): Wednesday

⑥ Saku Café

Next, have lunch at a stylishly renovated traditional house. Saku Café offers a host of delicious meals filled with local ingredients. Try its seasonal pasta, sandwiches, curry, rice bowls, or burgers, which feature homemade wheat buns and a variety of flavor combinations. If the weather is nice, enjoy your meal on the terrace seats and relax in the surrounding greenery.

Details:
Closed day(s): Monday and Tuesday

⑦ Junisho Shrine

After lunch, pedal to Junisho Shrine and connect with your spiritual side. This picturesque complex stands in harmony with the surrounding woods and is home to a number of traditional wooden structures, torii (gates), and stone statues. While a shrine visit any day is a wonderful experience, the shrine is most well known as the venue for Daigo’s renowned Doll’s Festival (Hinamatsuri). This festival is held annually in mid-February to early March to pray for girls’ growth and success. During the festival, Junisho decorates its 100 entrance steps with traditional Hina dolls!

Details:
Closed day(s): None

⑧ Mirando Fukuroda

Located at the entrance of Fukuroda Falls, Mirando Fukuroda is an agricultural products processing direct sales store where you can try your hand at konjac-making. Konjac is a mild-flavored, gelatin product made from the konjac plant and is a popular ingredient in oden—a type of Japanese hot pot. Ibaraki’s northern region has long had a history of growing konjac potatoes and Daigo itself is known as the birthplace of konjac, making it an excellent place to experience this cuisine!

Details:
Closed day(s): Tuesday

⑨ Fukuroda Falls

After the konjac-making experience, continue to the famous Fukuroda Falls! This impressive 73-meter wide waterfall stands 120 meters tall and is known as one of Japan’s top three waterfalls. The lush nature coupled with the four-level waterfall makes for a truly mesmerizing sight in all seasons. Follow the Fukuroda Falls Tunnel to an up-close viewing platform, and then walk along the area’s popular suspension bridge for a variety of visual perspectives.

Details:
Closed day(s): None

⑩ Fukurodanotaki Omoide Romankan

Afterwards, unwind for the night at Fukurodanotaki Omoide Romankan—an picturesque Japanese-Western fusion hotel characterized by its hot springs, nature-filled location, and countryside cuisine. The tour includes a one night stay with both dinner and a breakfast buffet. If you would like to upgrade your room to one with a riverside view, you can do so for an additional 1,100 yen. With comforting traditional vibes, rejuvenating baths, encircling nature, and nourishing meals you will feel refreshed for the tour ahead.

Details:
Closed day(s): None

Day 3

⑪ Eigen-ji (Momiji Temple)

Begin your last day at Eigen-ji. This 15th century temple is most famous for its autumn beauty—earning it the nickname Momiji Temple. During autumn, dozens of momiji, or Japanese maple trees, paint the grounds in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Apart from its seasonal beauty, the temple is also popular for its diverse collection of expressive stone statues.

Details:
Closed day(s): None

⑫ Former Uwaoka Elementary School

Next, travel back to your school days with a tour at the former Uwaoka Elementary School. This preserved wooden facility was built between the Meiji and Showa periods and epitomizes traditional Japanese school designs. Walk through the nostalgic atmosphere and observe quaint classrooms as a local guide introduces you to the school’s history. Please note that you can only visit the school on weekends.

Details:
Closed day(s): Monday-Friday

⑬ daigo cafe

Lastly, enjoy lunch at daigo cafe, located in an over 100-year old renovated Japanese-style house! The cafe serves a number of homey meals, such as omurice, curry, wasabi rice bowls made with local wasabi, and handmade hamburger steaks. Pair your meal with a refreshing beverage and sweet treat, and relax in the antique setting. The facility also sells Daigo-specific souvenirs, including black tea and apple juice.

Details:
Closed day(s): Wednesday

⑭ Michinoeki Okukuji Daigo

End your journey at Okukuji Daigo to return your e-bike. Then, peruse the roadstation’s shop to pick up any last-minute souvenirs to share with friends and family. Some popular souvenirs include okukuji tea, local beer, and oyaki (Japanese stuffed dumplings).

Details:
Closed day(s): None