Oarai Town’s Walking Spots
Kamiiso Torii
It is said that in 856, during the first half of the Heian period, a god descended here on the coastal reef. Many worshipers and photographers visit this spot to see the sun rise over the god’s torii gate.
Poetry monument by Goro Ozeki
This monument is dedicated to Goro Ozeki, a poet born in Mito city. His work originally consisted of free-form colloquial language, but he later began composing “shinminyou” (modernized folk songs) with the help of Kitahara Hakushu and Noguchi Ujo. The panoramic view of Oarai from the hill where this monument stands is superb.
Navy Warship Naka Monument
On February 17th, 1944, a stone monument (built near Oarai Isosaki Shrine) was dedicated to the light vessel “Naka” that was sunk in the west of Truk Island. There is also a stone monument that describes the Naka vessel’s history.
Poems of Yamamura's Life
The poet Yamamura Bocho, born in Gunma, was also a Christian evangelist who spent his later years in Oarai, seeking a safe place to live.
The Isobushi (Japanese folk song) birthplace monument
“Leaving Mito, moving to the east, Sanri, the flower of the wave, Oarai ''
One of Japan's three most well-known folk songs, “Isobushi” (a song from Oarai), was sung by Sekine Anchuu, a companion of the famous Mito-born yokozuna Hitachiyama, as they traveled. It is said to have spread far and wide because it was sung by fishermen.
Iwafune no Sekishou
In 1834, Tokugawa Nariaki (Rekko) surveyed scenic spots in various parts of the city. He chose eight places and named them "Mito Hakkei". One of these places is Iwafune no Sekisho, which is located behind Ganyu-ji Temple. From this spot, there is a beautiful view of the sunset as it meets the point where the Hinuma River and the Naka River meet.
Mizube Plaza
This is a walking course near the Nakagawa river estuary that extends from Aqua World Oarai-Shita to Kaimon Bridge and Iwafune no Sekishou. It’s a place where you can catch both sea and river fish, and it’s a popular spot for catching anko (anglerfish).
Oarai Lighthouse (Isohama Lighthouse)
From the Oarai Coast / Kamiiso Torii to the south ryokan district, you will see a white lighthouse in front of Heitarou beach. It is no longer in use and is now a scenic spot. This, along with the Kamiiso Torii, is another great place to see the sunrise in Oarai.
Ibaraki-Oarai Port
Oarai Port, located almost in the center of the coastal area of Ibaraki Prefecture, was designated as a regional port in 1958. In December 2008, Hitachi, Hitachinaka, and Oarai Port were merged into Ibaraki Port. There is an Oarai Ferry Terminal in the south, which plays an important role in linking Hokkaido and Oarai.
Around Oarai Fishing Port
Around Oarai Fishing Port, there are a number of popular spots that are exclusive to Oarai, such as the Kaisan Direct Sales Center, the Oarai Fishermen’s Association, the directly managed “Kaa-chan no mise” shop and the Oarai Kaisen Ichiba (seafood market).
Isobushi Statues
These Isobushi dancer statues can be seen at the Oarai No. 4 Pier.
- 2019年4月8日
