Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki is a Japanese prefecture bordering the Pacific Ocean northeast of Tokyo. The capital city Mito, in the prefecture's center, is known for Kairakuen Park, where myriad plum trees bloom in late February and March. West of Mito, the city of Kasama is famed for its Inari shrine, decorated with sculptures of flowers and dragons. Southwest of Kasama, the dual peaks of Mount Tsukuba offer hiking trails.