Legacy of Mito-Tokugawa Clan Half-day Tour in Mito, Ibaraki
Overview
In this half-day tour of Mito City, discover the legacy of the Mito-Tokugawa Clan. Visit Kodokan, the old school for samurai and Kairakuen, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan; both were founded by Tokugawa Nariaki, the lord of the clan.
Highlights
- Enjoy a short drive from JR Mito station to the street filled with old castle walls
- Visit the school for Samurai, Kodokan and learn more about the samurai way of life
- Visit Kairakuen, one of the three most famous landscape gardens in Japan
- Stroll along the garden famous for its beautiful plum trees and Kobuntei Villa
- Guide fee is 7,500 JPY/Group(Max.4 people). In case of five or more people, additional fee is 1,250 JPY/person
Key Information
Important Information
Please prepare Japanese yen (JPY) cash for the entrance fee and taxi fee
Description
This is the most popular half-day private tour in Mito City. Save time and enjoy the comfortable drive as you explore the city by taxi.
As for the time schedule, we have two plans: the morning course and the afternoon course. The morning course starts at 9 am and end at 12:20 pm while the afternoon course starts at 1 pm and ends at 4:20 pm. Minor changes are available.
Walk along the street flanked with plastered clay walls and feel as if you are a feudal warrior or samurai from the past. The street leads to the restored main castle gate and to the old main gate of Kodokan.
In the past, feudal warriors or samurai and their children learned not only Bushido but also mathematics, medical science, astronomy among others. The last shogun also studied here. Browse through valuable photos when he spent parts of his childhood at Kodokan.
At Kairakuen Garden, you can see two contrastive worlds, Yin and Yang. In the west half, (Yin), the area consists of bamboo trees, natural cedar forest, and a beautiful spring. Relax and take in the profound atmosphere.
The east half, (Yang), consists of 3,000 of Japanese plum trees, azaleas, and bush clovers. Feel the bright and dynamic ambiance. You can also enjoy a magnificent view of the city from the observatory.
But that's not all! You can visit a traditional wooden building, Kobuntei, exhibiting typical features of a feudal warrior’s house and an annex which was used as a private quarter for Lord Nariaki’s wife and her waiting maids. The beautifully painted sliding doors in the annex are well worth seeing.
After visiting Kairakuen, we will return to JR Mito station.
You can enjoy some shopping at the station, such as souvenirs or gifts.