Mito is a great city for families with young children. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep little ones entertained, including parks, museums, and amusement parks. Families can also enjoy the city’s many festivals and events, which are often very kid-friendly. Mito is also a great place to take advantage of the many outdoor activities the city has to offer, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Mito, Japan
1. Visit the Kairakuen Garden
The Kairakuen Garden is one of the most popular gardens in Japan and is especially beautiful in spring when the plum trees are in bloom. Visitors can stroll along the paths, enjoy the views of the ponds and streams, and see the many different types of flowers and trees. There is also a tea house where you can relax with a cup of tea and a sweet.
2. Explore Kusakabe House
Kusakabe House is a traditional Japanese house that was built in the 18th century. It has been turned into a museum and you can explore the different rooms, which are furnished with traditional furniture and objects. There is also a garden with a koi pond that you can enjoy.
3. Visit the Mito Art Museum
The Mito Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in Japan and has a collection of over 10,000 artworks. The museum has a wide range of exhibitions, both temporary and permanent, and also has a café and a shop.
4. Learn about the kumonryu dragon at the Hattori Ryutai Museum
The Hattori Ryutai Museum is dedicated to the kumonryu dragon, which is a mythical creature that is said to live in Japan. The museum has exhibits on the history and mythology of the kumonryu, as well as a model of the creature.
5. Discover the Mito Castle Ruins
The Mito Castle Ruins are the remains of a castle that was built in the 16th century. The castle was destroyed in the 18th century and all that remains now are the stone walls and some of the foundations. The ruins are located in a park and are a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
6. Visit the Creed of the Mito Domain
The Creed of the Mito Domain is a document that was written in the 18th century and outlines the beliefs of the Samurai warriors of the Mito Domain. The document is on display at the Tokugawa Art Museum, which is also worth visiting for its collection of Samurai armor and swords.
7. Take a walk through Tokugawa Hachimangu Shrine
Tokugawa Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine that was built in the 17th century. It is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shrine has a beautiful garden with a pond and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
8. Go hiking in Nasu Onsen
Nasu Onsen is a hot spring resort that is located in the mountains. There are several hiking trails in the area that you can explore, and you can also relax in the hot springs. The resort also has a number of restaurants and shops.
9. Visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is located on the grounds of the old Tachikawa Air Base. The museum has a collection of over 30 traditional Japanese buildings that have been relocated from other parts of Tokyo. You can explore the different buildings, which include houses, temples, and shops.
10. See the Neo Mito Castle
The Neo Mito Castle is a modern replica of the Mito Castle that was built in the 1990s. It is located in a park and has a museum inside with exhibits on the history of the Mito Castle. You can also climb to the top of the castle for views of the city.