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Three nights in Ibaraki: visit the waterfall too?

Give Kodokan, Kairakuen, Hitachi Seaside Park and Oarai Aquarium a day each. To include Daigo’s Fukuroda Falls, combine Kodokan and Kairakuen on day one and give park, waterfall and aquarium a day each. Both stay three nights in Mito.

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Choose a 4 days / 3 nights itinerary

4 days / 3 nights A

Stay in Mito and include the aquarium

Stay three nights in Mito to give the former school, garden, large park and aquarium a day each. Visit Kodokan, Kairakuen, Hitachi Seaside Park and Oarai Aquarium on different days. On the last day, return from the aquarium to Mito for a Tokyo-bound limited express.

Stay in Mito and include the aquarium →4 days / 3 nights B

Three Mito nights: park, waterfall and aquarium

Combine Kodokan and Kairakuen on day one, then give the park, waterfall and aquarium a day each. Stay three nights in Mito; the outward waterfall walk from the station is about 40 minutes.

Three Mito nights: park, waterfall and aquarium →
4 days / 3 nights A

Stay in Mito and include the aquarium

Stay three nights in Mito to give the former school, garden, large park and aquarium a day each. Visit Kodokan, Kairakuen, Hitachi Seaside Park and Oarai Aquarium on different days. On the last day, return from the aquarium to Mito for a Tokyo-bound limited express.

Day 1: Tokyo to Mito and Kodokan

  1. Tokyo Station → Mito Station

    From Tokyo Station, take a limited express Hitachi or Tokiwa stopping at Mito. Prepare a basic-fare ticket and an ordinary-class reserved-seat limited-express ticket. Check departures and stops for your actual travel date in the official timetable.

    Tokiwa 53 and operating calendarJR current station timetable search

  2. Mito Station north exit → Kodokan side entrance

    Continue straight along the north-side deck and descend the stairs at its end, then turn right in front of the ginkgo tree. Keep Keisei Hotel on your left, walk up Ichozaka and turn right beside Sannomaru Elementary School. Enter through the opening in the fence on the left and go to reception at the side entrance to the right of the closed main gate. Follow the official photo route.

    Kodokan photo routeKodokan visiting and accessibility information

  3. Kodokan → Explore Kodokan

    Explore the former school’s Seicho and Shizendo buildings and garden. October hours are 09:00–16:30; adult admission is 420 yen.

    Kodokan visiting and accessibility informationKodokan school history and surviving buildings

  4. Kodokan → Mito Station north exit

    After visiting, retrace your walk to the station area for lunch, then go to your accommodation. This choice does not add Kairakuen that day.

    Kodokan photo route

Day 2: Kairakuen main garden, then Mito

  1. Mito Station north exit → Kodokan stop, stand 1

    Follow day one’s Kodokan approach to stop stand 1. Take the Kairakuen-bound bus without entering Kodokan again.

    Kodokan photo routeKodokan–Omotemon bus and fares

  2. Kodokan stop, stand 1 → Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop

    From Kodokan stop stand 1, take loop bus route 10 towards Kairakuen to Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi. Adult single fare is 270 yen. After alighting, walk towards the main garden’s Omotemon gate.

    Kodokan–Omotemon bus and faresEntrances and transport

  3. Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop → Kairakuen main garden, Omotemon gate

    Follow Omotemon signs to the main garden ticket office, about five to eight minutes on foot according to official guidance. Distinguish the Kobuntei building entrance from the main garden entrance.

    Entrances and transport

  4. Kairakuen main garden → Walk in Kairakuen

    Enter through Omotemon and walk through the bamboo and large cedar areas, then see the gardens around Kobuntei. Kobuntei interiors are excluded. October main garden hours are 07:00–18:00; adult admission outside the plum festival period is 320 yen.

    Main garden walking routeMain garden fees and hours

  5. Kairakuen Omotemon gate → Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop, stand 1

    Leave through Omotemon and retrace your walk to Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop stand 1.

    Entrances and transport

  6. Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop, stand 1 → Mito Station north exit

    Take loop route 10 towards Mito Station north exit via Lake Senba and Daikumachi. Adult single fare is 270 yen. Use the same stop stand for the loop service; do not assume you need to cross the road for a return bus.

    Omotemon–Mito bus and fares

Day 3: Hitachi Seaside Park until the afternoon

  1. Mito Station → Katsuta Station

    From Mito, take a local JR Joban Line train towards Katsuta and alight one stop later. The reference adult paper-ticket fare is 200 yen.

    673M and operating calendar2026 JR basic fare tableJR current station timetable search

  2. Katsuta Station east exit, stand 2 → Kaihin-koen-nishiguchi stop

    Take a bus towards the park’s south entrance via City Hall and Joyful Honda, but alight at the west entrance. Adult single fare is 450 yen; this course does not continue to the south entrance.

    Outward busPark-bound times and faresWest Entrance bus area

  3. West-side bus and taxi area → West Entrance, Tsubasa Gate

    Walk from the west-side bus and taxi area to the West Entrance, Tsubasa Gate, then buy your ticket and enter.

    West Entrance bus areaOfficial English map

  4. Hitachi Seaside Park → Walk towards Miharashi no Oka

    Pick up a park map and walk towards Miharashi no Oka, with lunch and a rest inside the park. October hours are 09:30–17:00. Seasonal adult admission is 800 yen October 9–November 3, 2026. Flower blooms and kochia colour vary by date. Rides, bicycle hire and the Seaside Train cost separately.

    Official English mapPark feesOpening datesOpening calendar

  5. Kaihin-koen-nishiguchi stop, stand 1 → Katsuta Station

    Leave through the West Entrance and take a Katsuta Station-bound bus via Joyful Honda and City Hall from stand 1. Adult single fare is 450 yen.

    Return busReturn to Katsuta Station

  6. Katsuta Station → Mito Station

    Take an inbound JR Joban Line train towards Mito and Tsuchiura, alighting at Mito. The reference adult paper-ticket fare is 200 yen. If the bus is delayed, check the next train.

    422M and operating calendar2026 JR basic fare tableJR current station timetable search

Last day: aquarium and return to Tokyo

  1. Mito Station → Oarai Station

    Take a Kashima Rinkai Railway train towards Oarai and alight there. Adult single fare is 420 yen; check the station board for destination and platform.

    Kashima Rinkai Railway current timetableCurrent rail fares

  2. Outside Oarai Station → Aqua World Oarai stop

    Take the Umimachi Line sightseeing-route bus to Aqua World Oarai. Adult fare is 200 yen per ride. Other loop routes do not stop at the aquarium.

    Oarai Town Umimachi Line sightseeing routeAquarium access

  3. Aqua World Oarai stop → Aquarium entrance

    Official guidance gives about one minute on foot from the stop to the entrance.

    Aquarium access

  4. Oarai Aquarium → Explore aquarium displays

    See sharks, jellyfish and large tanks, then have lunch. Adult admission is 2,300 yen. Normal hours are 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:00. Check same-day information for performance seats, individual experiences and dining areas.

    Aquarium admissionHours and transportDining-area noticeAqua World sharks, jellyfish and large tanks

  5. Aqua World Oarai stop → Oarai Station

    Return from the aquarium to the stop and take the sightseeing-route Umimachi Line towards Oarai Station. Adult fare is 200 yen per ride.

    Oarai Town Umimachi Line sightseeing route

  6. Oarai Station → Mito Station

    Return on a Mito-bound Kashima Rinkai Railway train. Adult single fare is 420 yen. Choose a train connecting with your sightseeing bus using the timetable for your date.

    Kashima Rinkai Railway current timetableCurrent rail fares

  7. Mito Station → Tokyo Station

    If you left luggage at your accommodation, collect it within its storage hours, then return to Mito Station. Allow for local buses, trains and travel to your accommodation when choosing a reserved seat on a Shinagawa-bound Hitachi or Tokiwa stopping at Tokyo. Board at Mito and alight at Tokyo Station.

    Hitachi 20JR current station timetable search

Umimachi Line costs 200 yen per ride, or 400 yen for two rides. Suica and PASMO are not accepted; prepare a payment method listed by the operator. Check return buses and trains together.

Transport and admission subtotal: 14,920 yen per adult: October 2026 sample

Included costs: Tokyo–Mito limited-express return 8,000 yen + Mito–Katsuta JR return 400 yen + historic-sight buses 540 yen + park return buses 900 yen + Kodokan 420 yen + Kairakuen main garden 320 yen + seasonal park admission 800 yen + Mito–Oarai railway return 840 yen + sightseeing return buses 400 yen + aquarium 2,300 yen = 14,920 yen.

Extra costs: Accommodation, meals, access to the starting station, extra visits and experiences, and luggage storage fees are separate.

Calculated using adult paper basic-fare tickets and advance-purchased limited-express tickets for an October weekday, checked 2026-10-08. Check actual fares, admission and discounts for your date. This is not a full trip budget including accommodation. The park’s 800-yen seasonal fee applies October 9–November 3, 2026; recalculate for other dates.

2026 JR basic fare tableAdvance limited-express faresKodokan–Omotemon bus and faresOmotemon–Mito bus and faresKodokan visiting and accessibility informationMain garden fees and hoursPark-bound times and faresReturn to Katsuta StationPark feesCurrent rail faresOarai Town Umimachi Line sightseeing routeAquarium admission

4 days / 3 nights B

Three Mito nights: park, waterfall and aquarium

Combine Kodokan and Kairakuen on day one, then give the park, waterfall and aquarium a day each. Stay three nights in Mito; the outward waterfall walk from the station is about 40 minutes.

Day 1: Kodokan and Kairakuen

  1. Tokyo Station → Mito Station

    From Tokyo Station, take a limited express Hitachi or Tokiwa stopping at Mito. Prepare a basic-fare ticket and an ordinary-class reserved-seat limited-express ticket. Check departures and stops for your actual travel date in the official timetable.

    Tokiwa 53 and operating calendarJR current station timetable search

  2. Mito Station north exit → Kodokan side entrance

    Continue straight along the north-side deck and descend the stairs at its end, then turn right in front of the ginkgo tree. Keep Keisei Hotel on your left, walk up Ichozaka and turn right beside Sannomaru Elementary School. Enter through the opening in the fence on the left and go to reception at the side entrance to the right of the closed main gate. Follow the official photo route.

    Kodokan photo routeKodokan visiting and accessibility information

  3. Kodokan → Explore Kodokan

    Explore the former school’s Seicho and Shizendo buildings and garden. October hours are 09:00–16:30; adult admission is 420 yen.

    Kodokan visiting and accessibility informationKodokan school history and surviving buildings

  4. Kodokan stop, stand 1 → Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop

    From Kodokan stop stand 1, take loop bus route 10 towards Kairakuen to Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi. Adult single fare is 270 yen. After alighting, walk towards the main garden’s Omotemon gate.

    Kodokan–Omotemon bus and faresEntrances and transport

  5. Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop → Kairakuen main garden, Omotemon gate

    Follow Omotemon signs to the main garden ticket office, about five to eight minutes on foot according to official guidance. The Kobuntei building entrance and main garden entrance are different.

    Entrances and transport

  6. Kairakuen main garden → Walk in Kairakuen

    Enter through Omotemon and walk through the bamboo and large cedar areas, then see the gardens around Kobuntei. Kobuntei interiors are excluded. October main garden hours are 07:00–18:00; adult admission outside the plum festival period is 320 yen.

    Main garden walking routeMain garden fees and hours

  7. Kairakuen Omotemon gate → Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop, stand 1

    Leave through Omotemon and retrace your walk to Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop stand 1.

    Entrances and transport

  8. Kobuntei-Omotemon-iriguchi stop, stand 1 → Mito Station north exit

    Take loop route 10 towards Mito Station north exit via Lake Senba and Daikumachi. Adult single fare is 270 yen. Use the same stop stand for the loop service; do not assume you need to cross the road for a return bus.

    Omotemon–Mito bus and fares

Day 2: Hitachi Seaside Park

  1. Mito Station → Katsuta Station

    From Mito, take a local JR Joban Line train towards Katsuta and alight one stop later. The reference adult paper-ticket fare is 200 yen.

    673M and operating calendar2026 JR basic fare tableJR current station timetable search

  2. Katsuta Station east exit, stand 2 → Kaihin-koen-nishiguchi stop

    Take a bus towards the park’s south entrance via City Hall and Joyful Honda, but alight at the west entrance. Adult single fare is 450 yen; this course does not continue to the south entrance.

    Outward busPark-bound times and faresWest Entrance bus area

  3. West-side bus and taxi area → West Entrance, Tsubasa Gate

    Walk from the west-side bus and taxi area to the West Entrance, Tsubasa Gate, then buy your ticket and enter.

    West Entrance bus areaOfficial English map

  4. Hitachi Seaside Park → Walk towards Miharashi no Oka

    Pick up a park map and walk towards Miharashi no Oka, with lunch and a rest inside the park. October hours are 09:30–17:00. Seasonal adult admission is 800 yen October 9–November 3, 2026. Flower blooms and kochia colour vary by date. Rides, bicycle hire and the Seaside Train cost separately.

    Official English mapPark feesOpening datesOpening calendar

  5. Kaihin-koen-nishiguchi stop, stand 1 → Katsuta Station

    Leave through the West Entrance and take a Katsuta Station-bound bus via Joyful Honda and City Hall from stand 1. Adult single fare is 450 yen.

    Return busReturn to Katsuta Station

  6. Katsuta Station → Mito Station

    Take an inbound JR Joban Line train towards Mito and Tsuchiura, alighting at Mito. The reference adult paper-ticket fare is 200 yen. If the bus is delayed, check the next train.

    422M and operating calendar2026 JR basic fare tableJR current station timetable search

Day 3: Fukuroda Falls

  1. Mito Station → Fukuroda Station

    Take a JR Suigun Line train towards Hitachi-Daigo stopping at Fukuroda. The reference adult paper-ticket single fare was 1,040 yen in the recorded search. Check operating sections and departures for your date in the current timetable.

    JR 329D October operation and station timesOfficial JR Eki-net fare searchJR current station timetable search

  2. Fukuroda Station → Fukuroda Falls viewing-tunnel entrance

    Use the station map to find Fukuroda Elementary School and the route east towards Takimoto and the falls, then follow signs on site. Tourism association guidance gives about 40 minutes on foot from station to falls. Allow time for the walk and admission at the entrance.

    Fukuroda Falls access from the station and TakimotoDaigo Town 2026 public transport mapFukuroda Falls viewing tunnel, platforms and entrance

  3. Fukuroda Falls → First and second viewing platforms

    Pay adult admission of 500 yen at the viewing-tunnel entrance ticket office. See the waterfall from the first platform inside the tunnel and the second reached by lift. October hours are 08:00–18:00. Lift queues and water volume vary on the day.

    Daigo Town waterfall fees and hoursFukuroda Falls viewing tunnel, platforms and entrance

  4. Fukuroda Falls → Takimoto stop, stand 1

    After visiting, have lunch and a rest outside the tunnel, then walk to Takimoto stop. Tourism association guidance gives about ten minutes from falls to stop. At stand 1, check for Fukuroda-ekimae-bound services; this differs from other roadside Fukuroda stops.

    Fukuroda Falls access from the station and TakimotoTakimoto–Fukuroda-ekimae weekday buses and fares

  5. Takimoto stop, stand 1 → Fukuroda-ekimae

    Take a Fukuroda-ekimae-bound bus. Adult single fare is 260 yen. Use your date’s bus timetable to choose a service connecting with a Mito-bound train.

    Takimoto–Fukuroda-ekimae weekday buses and fares

  6. Fukuroda Station → Mito Station

    Return on a Mito-bound JR Suigun Line train. The recorded reference adult single fare was 1,040 yen. Allow time after alighting from the bus to walk to the train and wait before departure. If delayed, check the next Mito service.

    JR 838D October operation and station timesOfficial JR Eki-net fare searchJR current station timetable search

Day 4: aquarium and return to Tokyo

  1. Mito Station → Oarai Station

    Take a Kashima Rinkai Railway train towards Oarai and alight there. Adult single fare is 420 yen; check the station board for destination and platform.

    Kashima Rinkai Railway current timetableCurrent rail fares

  2. Outside Oarai Station → Aqua World Oarai stop

    Take the Umimachi Line sightseeing-route bus to Aqua World Oarai. Adult fare is 200 yen per ride. Other loop routes do not stop at the aquarium.

    Oarai Town Umimachi Line sightseeing routeAquarium access

  3. Aqua World Oarai stop → Aquarium entrance

    Official guidance gives about one minute on foot from the stop to the entrance.

    Aquarium access

  4. Oarai Aquarium → Explore aquarium displays

    See sharks, jellyfish and large tanks, then have lunch. Adult admission is 2,300 yen. Normal hours are 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:00. Check same-day information for performance seats, individual experiences and dining areas.

    Aquarium admissionHours and transportDining-area noticeAqua World sharks, jellyfish and large tanks

  5. Aqua World Oarai stop → Oarai Station

    Return from the aquarium to the stop and take the sightseeing-route Umimachi Line towards Oarai Station. Adult fare is 200 yen per ride.

    Oarai Town Umimachi Line sightseeing route

  6. Oarai Station → Mito Station

    Return on a Mito-bound Kashima Rinkai Railway train. Adult single fare is 420 yen. Choose a train connecting with your sightseeing bus using the timetable for your date.

    Kashima Rinkai Railway current timetableCurrent rail fares

  7. Mito Station → Tokyo Station

    If you left luggage at your accommodation, collect it within its storage hours, then return to Mito Station. Allow for local buses, trains and travel to your accommodation when choosing a reserved seat on a Shinagawa-bound Hitachi or Tokiwa stopping at Tokyo. Board at Mito and alight at Tokyo Station.

    Hitachi 20JR current station timetable search

Umimachi Line costs 200 yen per ride, or 400 yen for two rides. Suica and PASMO are not accepted; prepare a payment method listed by the operator. Check return buses and trains together.

Transport and admission subtotal: 17,760 yen per adult: October 2026 sample

Included costs: Tokyo–Mito limited-express return 8,000 yen + historic-sight loop buses 540 yen + Kodokan 420 yen + Kairakuen main garden 320 yen + waterfall JR return 2,080 yen (Eki-net reference) + viewing facilities 500 yen + Takimoto return bus 260 yen + Mito–Oarai railway 840 yen + sightseeing buses 400 yen + aquarium 2,300 yen + Mito–Katsuta JR 400 yen + park return buses 900 yen + seasonal park admission 800 yen = 17,760 yen.

Extra costs: Three nights’ accommodation, meals, access to Tokyo Station, Kobuntei interiors, shrine visits, taxis, night visits and extra experiences are separate.

Calculated using adult paper basic-fare tickets and advance-purchased limited-express tickets for an October weekday, checked 2026-10-08. Check actual fares, admission and discounts for your date. This is not a full trip budget including accommodation. Walk from Fukuroda Station to the falls and take the Takimoto bus back. JR’s 1,040-yen single fare is an Eki-net search reference. The park’s 800-yen seasonal fee applies October 9–November 3, 2026; recalculate for other dates. Pass use or extra transport due to delays changes costs.

2026 JR basic fare tableAdvance limited-express faresKodokan–Omotemon bus and faresOmotemon–Mito bus and faresKodokan visiting and accessibility informationMain garden fees and hoursPark-bound times and faresReturn to Katsuta StationPark feesCurrent rail faresOarai Town Umimachi Line sightseeing routeAquarium admissionOfficial JR Eki-net fare searchDaigo Town waterfall fees and hoursTakimoto–Fukuroda-ekimae weekday buses and fares

Frequently asked questions

Can I combine park, waterfall and aquarium in one day?

This course gives each a different day. Park visits use Katsuta Station and local buses; waterfall visits use Suigun Line and walking; aquarium visits use Oarai Station and sightseeing buses. Directions and return services differ. The waterfall course combines Kodokan and Kairakuen on day one to free a day for the falls.

Hitachi Seaside Park official transport informationFukuroda Falls access from the station and TakimotoAquarium access

Can I use Tokyo Wide Pass for Mito–Fukuroda Falls?

JR Suigun Line Mito–Fukuroda is covered. Walking from station to falls, the 260-yen Takimoto return bus and 500-yen viewing admission are separate. This course uses ordinary reference JR return fares of 2,080 yen, so the 16,000-yen adult pass is not a cheaper choice for this section alone. If you already have a pass, check that waterfall day falls within its three consecutive days.

JR Tokyo Wide Pass: operators, price and three consecutive daysOfficial JR Eki-net fare searchTakimoto–Fukuroda-ekimae weekday buses and faresDaigo Town waterfall fees and hours

Official sources and check dates