Planning your next journey to Japan?
If you’re seeking a deeper, more authentic experience beyond the usual city highlights, let us introduce you to Daigo Town in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Nestled in the mountainous northwestern corner of Ibaraki, Daigo is a peaceful town where the crystal-clear Kuji River flows gently through rural landscapes.
It’s a place that captures the timeless charm of Japan’s countryside, making it ideal for nature lovers and foodies alike.
Why Visit Daigo?
Because Daigo offers something unique: a blend of rich local flavors and breathtaking natural beauty. Here, you can savor traditional Japanese foods like grilled eel (unagi), rare breed of chicken, and freshly harvested apples—all at a fraction of Tokyo prices.
Even better, you can see, smell, and feel the nature that nurtures these ingredients: clean mountain air, clear rivers, and fields that stretch beyond the horizon. It’s a feast for all the senses.
Getting There: How to Access Daigo from Tokyo
The best way to reach Daigo is by train. From Tokyo Station, take the Hitachi Limited Express to Mito Station. From there, transfer to the JR Suigun Line. The entire journey takes about 2.5 hours and train fare is almost ¥5,000.
Highway bus is also available for about ¥3,000. However, it only departs a few times in the evening.
From the above, if you would like to have a smooth and scenic travel, the train is your best option.
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Daigo
1. Enjoy Scenic Views from the JR Suigun Line
The train to Daigo isn’t just transportation—it’s a window into Japan’s countryside. As you ride the JR Suigun Line from Mito to Koriyama, you’ll pass lush rice fields, sparkling rivers, and quiet mountain valleys.
The views change with the seasons, but highlights include early summer (June–July) when locals fish for sweetfish (ayu) in the Kuji River, and autumn (around November) when the trees explode into a sea of red and gold.
Want an even more memorable experience? Ride the seasonal Oku-Kuji Kazekko train, which features open windows and nostalgic seating. Check the JR East website for the operating schedule.
2. Visit Two Stunning Waterfalls: Fukuroda & Tsukimachi
Fukuroda Falls
One of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, Fukuroda Falls is 120 meters tall and 73 meters wide. It’s often listed among Japan’s “Three Great Waterfalls.”
Legendary poet Saigyō once said, “You must see this waterfall once in every season to truly feel its charm.” That spirit lives on today, as the falls change dramatically from season to season.
In summer, the falls are surrounded by lush greenery.
Cool streams of water cascade down in layers, creating a refreshing and peaceful scene.
Just standing nearby, you’ll feel the cool air carried by the flowing water.
In the depths of winter, the entire waterfall can freeze over.
It transforms into a breathtaking icy sculpture—silent, still, and majestic.
If you want to see the frozen water fall, I recommend you to check condition of the water fall before visiting. It’s a good idea to check the latest updates on social media or on this webpage (japanese page).
But with global warming progressing in recent years, chances to see the falls completely frozen have become rare.
If you’re lucky enough to catch it, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime view.
A viewing platform puts you so close to the falls that you can feel the mist on your face—a powerful and refreshing moment.
Tsukimachi Falls
If you’ve already seen Fukuroda Falls, don’t miss Tsukimachi Falls. Though smaller (17 meters tall), this waterfall is special because you can walk behind it without getting wet!
Visit in the summer for a cool breeze behind the water curtain, then enjoy a sweet treat at the nearby teahouse offering shaved ice and soft serve.
3. Taste the Local Specialty: Oku-Kuji Shamo Chicken
Shamo is a rare breed of chicken known for its firm texture and rich flavor. In Daigo, it’s raised in the pure mountain air, resulting in healthy, low-fat meat with unforgettable taste.
Try it at Michi-no-Eki Oku-Kuji Daigo, a roadside station that also sells local produce. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the station, but worth the trip for its hearty shamo dishes and local charm.
4. Pick and Taste Unique Apples
Think Japan’s best apples only come from Aomori or Nagano? Think again. Daigo’s apples are tree-ripened for maximum flavor—juicy, sweet, and crisp.
Exclusive to Daigo, these apples rarely leave the region, making them a real local delicacy.
It’s said that there are about 2,000 varieties of apples in Japan.
If you’re planning to try apples grown in Daigo, here are a few varieties we highly recommend.
- Oku-Kuji Hōbeni: A local hybrid with deep flavor and a satisfying crunch. Best from mid to late October.
- Fuji: Japan’s iconic apple, even tastier when ripened on the tree.
Where to buy:
- Daigo Mirando: A local market with seasonal produce. Credit cards accepted, but English support may be limited.
- Oku-Kuji Ringo En: About 15 minutes on foot from Nishikane Station. Offers apple picking and tastings. Cash only.
5. Savor Wild-Caught Unagi (Eel)
You can find eel in Tokyo, but in Daigo, it’s the real deal—caught fresh from the Kuji River. Unlike farmed eel, wild unagi has a lighter texture and captures the unique taste of the river.
Visit Hōjōkan Bekkan, located between Fukuroda Station and the falls. They serve both wild eel and shamo-based oyakodon (chicken-and-egg rice bowl).
Local Tips for International Visitors
English may not be widely spoken in Daigo, so translation apps can help with communication. Also, while some places accept cards, it’s smart to carry cash for small shops and rural spots.
Ready for Your Rural Adventure?
Daigo is more than a beautiful escape—it’s an invitation to experience Japan’s heartland.
From waterfalls and apples to wild eel and scenic train rides, Daigo Town is filled with moments that will enrich your journey and linger in your memory.
Take the train, breathe the mountain air, and taste the freshness of the land. Let Daigo surprise you.
Your next great adventure in Japan might just start here.
We can’t wait to welcome you!