Discover Itako: River Cruises, Nature and Culture

When planning a trip to Itako, you can choose to focus on river cruises, nature observation or culture. On the Maekawa, an approximately half-hour round trip in a hand-rowed Ro boat is offered; there is also the Maekawa Twelve Bridges cruise. In the town, observation trails, a biotope and a tree designated as a natural monument add to the options. The Iris Festival brings additional activities to your itinerary. First consider whether you would rather focus on a boat route, nature, or visiting during the festival.

Cruises on the Maekawa

The municipal round trip in a hand-rowed Ro boat takes approximately 30 minutes. The approximate duration can help you set a time frame for this outing. Schedules and booking arrangements may change, so check them before your trip. This lets you plan around a specific time estimate without treating the cruise as having a fixed schedule.

The Maekawa Twelve Bridges cruise follows the Maekawa alongside Suigō Itako Ayame Garden, passes the river’s bridges and returns to the boarding point. The garden, bridges and return to the starting point provide a guide to the route. The two cruises therefore have different features: an approximate duration is given for the municipal Ro boat round trip, while the Twelve Bridges cruise is described by its route. This can help you choose based on time frame or route.

Nature Observation in Itako

The Ibaraki Suigō Prefectural Citizens’ Forest in Itako has observation trails, a suspension bridge, a visitor center and activity facilities. These features give you several things to consider when planning: you can take into account the observation trails and suspension bridge, as well as the visitor center and activity facilities. The forest offers a different focus from the river cruises, with its trails and facilities at the center of the experience.

The biotope at Suigō Tonbo Park consists of five ponds with aquatic plants, including the endangered Asaza. Visitors may also encounter dragonflies, various insects and frogs there. Plants and animals together create a natural setting that differs from the forest’s trails and facilities. If you would particularly like to look for aquatic plants and small animals during your visit, the ponds and the species mentioned provide a specific guide for this nature-focused outing.

Another connection with nature can be found on the grounds of Sogakumano Shrine: a large zelkova there is designated as a natural monument of Ibaraki Prefecture. Unlike the biotope, with its ponds and variety of animals, the focus here is on a single tree and its designation. Nature observation and culturally significant places can both be part of your trip planning.

The Iris Festival and a Brewery Tour

During the Iris Festival at Suigō Itako Ayame Garden, events include the reenacted bridal boat ride “Yomeiri-bune” (“Itako Hanayome-san”), the “Ayame Dance” and rides in hand-rowed Ro boats. These activities bring together a boat performance, dance and trips on the water. If the festival will be the focus of your visit, check the event dates in advance so you can plan your trip accordingly.

A visit to Aiyū Sake Brewery concludes with three different tastings. If you plan a visit, check directly with the brewery to find out what restrictions apply because of brewery operations. This way, you can keep the specific visit requirements in mind while considering the tour as a focus of its own alongside river cruises, nature and festival activities.

Discover more destinations: Jōsō, Kasama, Hitachinaka, Oarai, Mito, Miho, Tsukuba, Koga.

Return to the main travel overview: Ibaraki Prefecture.