photo (C) Koji Omaru
Itako in Ibaraki Prefecture is known as a beautiful waterfront town and a tourist destination where visitors can enjoy the scenery of each season.
Ushibori, in particular, is an area that has retained its historic townscape, which prospered as a key location for water transportation since the Edo period (1603-1868). “Landscape of Ushibori” painted by the print artist Hasui Kawase also conveys the atmosphere of this area.
We will introduce the charms of Itako, using as a starting point the work “Ushibori” by Hasui Kawase, one of Japan’s prominent print artists.
1. What is “Ushibori” in Itako City painted by Hasui Kawase?
2. Visit Ushibori and experience the world of Hasui Kawase
3. Tourist Spots in Ushibori, Itako City
4. Recommended gourmet food in Itako City
5. Where to Stay in Itako City
1.What is “Ushibori” in Itako-city painted by Hasui Kawase?
Ushibori (1930), Hasui Kawase
Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) was an Ukiyoe print artist active from the Taisho to Showa periods, who depicted beautiful landscapes of various regions of Japan.His painting style has a nostalgic atmosphere, and his popularity and reputation have grown even more in recent years.
Ushibori is located near Kasumigaura and Kitaura and has developed as a water transportation town. His painting “Ushibori” depicts a small boat floating on the water and the quiet town with snow falling, all in delicate colors.
2. Visit Ushibori and experience the world of Hasui Kawase
The area around Ushibori in Itakoi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a historical area that retains the atmosphere of the scenery of the time when Hasui Kawase painted it. Visiting there from the perspective of Hasui Kawase may lead you to new discoveries.
Ushibori riverbank and water transportation culture
Ushibori in the rain (1966), Hasui Kawase, Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Collection
Ushibori has been active in water transportation since the Edo period (1603-1868), and many boats used to pass through the area on their way to Kashima, Choshi, and other destinations.
It is also surrounded by three shrines in the eastern part of Japan, which are said to be the most powerful spots in the Kanto region.
Ushibori used to be a busy place with many boats coming and going as an important hub, as can be seen from the location of Kashima Jingu Shrine to the east, Katori Jingu Shrine to the south, and Ikisu Shrine to the southeast.
Even today, the scenery along the river is beautiful, and you can experience the suigo scenery on a sightseeing boat (ro-bune) .
Historic landscape of Ushibori
Ushibori is home to old streets and merchant houses that evoke a sense of history. Many quaint architectural structures, such as warehouses of wealthy merchants who prospered in the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods, remain, reminding us of the prosperity of bygone days!
Beautifel scenery at dusk
Many of Hasui Kawase works capture the tranquility of dusk and moonlit nights. The sunset over the wide, lazy river, the Hitachi-Tone River, is amazing! When you actually view the evening scenery in Ushibori, you will feel as if you have wandered into the world of prints.
3.Tourist Spots in Ushibori, Itako City
There are many recommended tourist spots in Itako city, including Suigo Itako Ayame Garden, famous for its “Ayame Festival” held in June.
Suigo Itako Ayame Garden
photo (C) Ibaraki Guide
Suigo Itako Ayame Garden, located near Ushibori, holds the “Ayame Festival” from late May to June every year. About 500 varieties of irises (more than 30,000 plants) are in full bloom, attracting many tourists. During the festival, there are also events such as a bride-to-be boat ride, Ayame dance, and a “ro-bune” (hand-paddled boat) tour, making it the busiest season of the year in Itako city.
Suigo Itako Ayame Garden
Address: 1-5 Ayame, Itako, Ibaraki
Official Web Site
Tour of the Twelve Bridges by boat
Itako City is famous for its waterway tours on boats (ro-bune). The Ushibori area also has a canal, where visitors can view the scenery of the waterfront from a quietly swaying boat. The scenery, as depicted by Hasui Kawase, unfolds before your eyes.
4. Recommended gourmet food in Itako City
When you travel, the last thing you want to do is miss out on the local cuisine. Here are some recommended restaurants and cafes.
Eel “Shimizu-ya”
*This photo is for illustrative purposes.
The area around Itako City is famous for its eels. Shimizuya, located on the banks of Kasumigaura, is a long-established restaurant that has been in business since the Edo period. Natural eels caught in Kasumigaura and Tone River (April to October) are especially recommended. Be sure to try the eel carefully grilled over binchotan charcoal.
Shimizu-ya
Address: 2651 Nagayama Itako-shi, Ibaraki
Official Web Site
Old folk house cafe “Fuwari”
Old folk house cafe “Fuwari” is proud of its shaved ice made from natural ice. Because it is natural, it has a mild and gentle flavor. From standard flavors to seasonal flavors, you can enjoy delicious shaved ice.
Fuwari
Address: 4-4 Ushibori, Itako-shi, Ibaraki
Official Instagram
Old folk house and Morning Market “Hokusai Yugakukan”
The Hokusai Yugakukan, located in the center of Ushibori, Itako City, right in front of the Hitachitone River, holds a Saturday and Sunday morning market where you can buy fresh local vegetables. After a cup of coffee at the cafe, we recommend renting a bicycle and touring the town.
Hokusai Yugakukan
Address: 10-1 Ushibori, Itako-shi, Ibaraki
Official Web Site
5. Where to Stay in Itako City
The best way to stay in Itako City is to rent a cottage with a kitchen and enjoy the trip as if you were living there.
Itako Warehouse Shimagen built over 100 years ago is a storehouse where you can stay. This stands right in front of the Hitachi-Tone River, which was painted by Hasui Kawase, and staying here is recommended for creating special memories of your trip!
Itako Warehouse Shimagen
Address: 110 Ushibori, Itako-shi, Ibaraki
Maximum capacity: 4 persons
*BBQ equipment rental option available.
Official Web Site
Ushibori, Itako City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a charming area with a history of water transportation since the Edo period and beautiful scenery. We have introduced the charm of this town through the prints of Ushibori drawn by Hasui Kawase.
Why not add Ushibori to your travel destinations, which is located about two hours by car from Tokyo.
*List of vacation rentals in Ibaraki
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