Ibaraki

A 120-m-tall statue of Buddha. It was built in 1993 to commemorate the birth of Shinran, founder of Jōdo Shinshū. It was the tallest statue in the world until 2008, when a few Buddhist statues in mainland Asia were constructed in response.

One of the top aquariums in the country right on the ocean, and famous among aquariums for its sunfish. Dolphin show attendance is included in admission (you may get wet). There is a gift shop, a food stand including fresh sushi (perhaps the fate of unpopular attractions?) and free parking. Bus accessible from the nearest station. On site is a nice beach popular with swimmers and surfers but the sandy area is narrow and a bit rocky so sunbathing is not so popular. More spacious and picturesque beaches and a decent outlet shopping center are downshore.

In Kashima.

World-famous for its flower installations. It was developed as a theme park after the site narrowly missed out on being Japan's location to construct Disneyland. Has a small section of theme park rides, carnival games, a human maze, mini-golf, BMX course, and disc golf. The park is split to be about one-third amusement park, one-third sports park, and one-third nature park. Good for families especially, or anyone wanting to enjoy a variety of activities, but a little limited if only interested in one aspect of the park. For a short time each summer it is packed with tens of thousands attending one of Japan's largest rock music festivals.

Kashima Jingū is an ancient Shinto shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, traditionally founded in 660 BC. Dedicated to Takemikazuchi, a deity associated with martial prowess and swordsmanship, it has long been revered by Japan's warrior class. The extensive grounds include a wooded approach, historic shrine buildings, sacred Mitarashi Pond and a deer enclosure. The main buildings were reconstructed in 1619 under the Tokugawa shogunate. Kashima Jingū is one of the principal shrines of eastern Japan and is about a 10-minute walk from Kashima-Jingū Station.

Kashima Jingū is an ancient Shinto shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, traditionally founded in 660 BC. Dedicated to Takemikazuchi, a deity associated with martial prowess and swordsmanship, it was historically patronised by warrior clans. The extensive grounds include a wooded approach, a main shrine complex, sacred ponds and a deer enclosure. The present buildings largely date from the early Edo period, when the shrine received support from the Tokugawa shogunate. Kashima Jingū is one of the major shrines of eastern Japan and is a short walk from Kashima-Jingū Station.

Ryūjin Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Ryūjin Gorge near Hitachiōta. At 375 metres long, it is one of Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridges, crossing the forested valley above Ryūjin Dam. The bridge offers views of the gorge and surrounding mountains, particularly colourful during the autumn foliage season. A bungee-jumping platform near the centre allows visitors to jump above the valley for an additional fee. The area is also popular in spring, when carp streamers are displayed for Children's Day.

Backlot owned by Japanese public broadcaster NHK, used for the filming of their flagship Taiga dramas, which are annual year-long historical drama series that are broadcast every Sunday. Come here to see the outdoor sets depicting the Edo and Meiji periods.