Uncovering the past: Discovering the fascinating history of Mito and Kasama cities
Mito is one of Japan's most ancient cities, while Kasama developed as a castle town.By walking through the areas where their vestiges remain, you will eventually be drawn into ancient times.
While tasting the famous local products that are renowned as brands, I leisurely enjoyed a historical walk.
Recommended Course for Walking in Historic Mito and Kasama Cities
- Mito Castle Otemon Gate
- Kodokan
- Besshunkan
- Kasama Mori no Restaurant Monomi
- Odaki Shoten
Discovering the birthplace of the Meiji Restoration: A visit to the school that sparked a revolution
Mito Castle was once the thriving residence of the Mito Tokugawa family, one of the three prominent families of the Tokugawa clan. In 2021, after the completion of the maintenance of its earthen walls and the restoration of the Ninomaru Kakuyagura tower, the entire area has regained its former glory and is now an attention grabbing, stunning historical walking course.
When people think about the history of Mito, the first thing that usually comes to mind is Mito Komon (Mitsukuni Tokugawa), the second lord of Mito.
He became well-known for traveling around the country to rectify injustice and wrongdoing, a story that has been depicted in many period dramas.
However, another significant figure in the history of Mito is Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth lord of the Mito domain.
At the young age of 30, Nariaki took over the reins of his family and founded the "Kodokan" school, which had the dual educational aims of literacy and skills in martial arts.
Aside from general academia and martial arts, the school provided instruction in various disciplines such as medicine, astronomy, geography, and music, effectively making it a comprehensive university by modern standards.
Due to its philosophy of lifelong learning, there was no official "graduation" ceremony, and attendance was voluntary for individuals over the age of 40.
Additionally, tuition was free, highlighting Nariaki's profound commitment to education.
Mito Gakko was established as a passionate institution of learning.
It's widely believed that the school's ideas had a profound impact on prominent leaders of the late Bakumatsu period, such as Shoin Yoshida and Takamori Saigo.
In essence, this was the birthplace of the driving force behind the Meiji Restoration!
Take a stroll around the Han school grounds, which still exude the same ambiance from the time it functioned as a school.
You might feel the zeal of young feudal warriors who studied tirelessly to shape Japan's future.
Within an hour, you can tour the primary sites, including the "Shocho," a nationally recognized Important Cultural Property, the "Taisenjo," where martial arts examinations were conducted, and the "Shizen-do," where the last Tokugawa Shogun, Yoshinobu, spent his formative years.
Mito Castle Otemon Gate Information
【Address】2 San-no-maru, Mito, Ibaraki
【Phone】
029-306-8132 (History and Cultural Properties Division)
【Website】
https://www.guidoor.jp/en/places/5815
Kodokan Information
【Address】1-6-29, San-no-maru, Mito, Ibaraki
【Phone】
029-231-4725（Kodokan office, Kairakuen Park Division, Ibaraki Prefecture Mito Civil Engineering Office)
【Website】
https://www.guidoor.jp/en/places/5814
Discover your favorite local sake at an Edo period establishment
Mito, a thriving castle town, boasts a variety of delectable local beverages, including sake, shochu, plum wine, craft gin, vodka, and liqueurs!
To savor these drinks, a visit to Besshunkan is highly recommended.
It's a sake and plum wine museum run by the Meiri sake brewery, which has been crafting sake since 1850.
The museum's interior, located in a former sake brewery, emanates a distinct aroma.
Visitors can appreciate the manufacturing process and history of sake brewing while admiring the collection of well-preserved tools.
Meiri Shurui, a sake brewery, originated the "Meiri Ogawa yeast" and the "M310 yeast," which are widely used in sake breweries throughout Japan.
Mito's representative local sake, "Daiginjo Fukushogun," is made with "M310 yeast."
After a brewery tour, visitors can sample representative brands, including the renowned "Hyakunen Umeshu" - a 100 year old plum wine made with domestic Aomi sake, aged slowly and then finished with brandy and honey, giving it an indescribably mellow aroma of plums.
The gin, made from spirits distilled from sake and aged for 10 years, boasts a spicy and elegant aroma that is sure to be addictive.
The brewery also offers a wide range of other alcoholic beverages, including fruit liqueurs and authentic shochu, ensuring there is something to suit everyone's tastes.
Besshunkan Information
【Address】327 Motoyoshidacho, Mito, Ibaraki
【Phone】
029-246-4811
【Opening hours】
9:30 - 16:30
【Closed】
Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following day.), December 31st - January 5th
Indulge in Kasama's gourmet food after a historical walk!
After a fulfilling historical walk in Mito City, be sure to visit “Kasama Mori no Restaurant Monomi” for lunch. Here, you can indulge in the delicious flavors of Hitachiniku beef, a renowned beef brand of Ibaraki Prefecture.
The restaurant's French-Italian inspired cuisine is complemented by its tranquil forest location, creating a truly delightful dining experience.
Upon entering the restaurant, you will be welcomed by lush greenery.
Despite being only a 7-minute drive from Kasama Station, the restaurant boasts a vacation home ambiance.
One of the unique menu items that features Hitachi beef is the "Hitachi beef Hitsujimabushi."
The meat is marinated in a special sauce overnight, slow-cooked at low temperature, instantly cooled, and marinated again overnight.
Despite the generous portion size, you can finish it in no time by initially savoring it with yakumi (condiments), and, then towards the end of the meal, by transforming the flavor with dashi chazuke (Japanese soup stock).
When visiting Kasama City, don't forget to try the "Kasama chestnuts," which are a must try delicacy.
Renowned for chestnut cultivation, Kasama City is an ideal destination for chestnut lovers.
The chestnuts grown in this area are variously processed into freshly roasted chestnuts, sweetened chestnuts, stewed chestnuts with astringent skin, and chestnut paste by the chestnut specialty store, “Odaki Shoten”.
They use fresh chestnuts delivered daily from local farmers to develop their range of products.
While products can be ordered, "Monburan" and "Monburan Soft" are exclusive sweets that can only be savored at the store.
For souvenirs, "Gyu," a richly flavored confection made from chestnuts and sugar, and "Chestnut Candied Sweet," with its elegant sweetness, are particularly popular.
Among these options, "Porotan" candied chestnuts are a rare delicacy, available for just a few months in autumn.
With their gentle sweetness and soft texture, each piece is worth savoring slowly and carefully.
Experience the history and taste of the local delicacies at stores in the production area.
For a relaxing trip, we recommend this course.
Kasama Mori no Restaurant Monomi Information
【Address】1F Hotel Io Alferaz, 2517-1 Kasama, Kasama, Ibaraki
【Phone】
0296-72-9928
【Opening hours】
11:30 - 14:00, 17:30 - 20:00 (Last Orders 19:30)
＊ Please make reservations by 12:00 on weekdays and by 11:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
＊ Dinner reservations are required (same-day reservations are accepted until 16:30)
【Regular closures】
Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the restaurant will be open on Monday and closed the following day.)
Odaki Shoten Direct Sales Information
【Address】185-1 Yoshioka, Kasaama, Ibaraki
【Phone】
0299-45-2638 (Please note that the store takes priority on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so calls may not be answered.)
【Opening Hours】
10:00 - 17:00 (18:00 in September and October)
【Regular closures】
Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays from January to August. Please note that there are irregular holidays from September to December.
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