Discover Itako: Maekawa, Nature and Culture

Itako combines boating experiences on the Maekawa with natural and cultural sites across the municipality. A roughly half-hour ride in a hand-rowed ro boat, a cruise past river bridges and a garden, five ponds with aquatic plants, and a zelkova designated as a natural monument each offer a different focus. When planning your trip, you can focus on a boat ride, nature observation or cultural discoveries. The interests that shape your trip can also help guide your choice of a holiday rental in Itako.

Maekawa cruises: time frame or bridge route

A municipal cruise on the Maekawa is offered in a hand-rowed ro boat and takes about 30 minutes. The approximate duration provides a practical time frame for planning your day. Schedules and booking arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check them before your ride.

The Maekawa Twelve Bridges cruise also runs along the Maekawa in Itako, past the Suigō Itako Ayame Garden. It passes the river's bridges and returns to the boarding point. This lets you weigh up two different focuses: the municipal cruise highlights the hand-rowed ro boat and approximate duration, while the Twelve Bridges cruise focuses on the route along the garden, the bridges and the return to the boarding point.

Iris Festival and cultural discoveries

During the Iris Festival at Suigō Itako Ayame Garden, events include the re-enacted bridal boat procession “Yomeiri-bune” (“Itako Hanayome-san”), the “Iris Dance” and rides in hand-rowed ro boats. The boat rides take place in a festive setting, with the dance and bridal boat procession offering additional experiences. If these activities are the reason for your visit, plan around the festival and check the specific event dates.

A large zelkova stands on the grounds of Sogakumano Shrine in the municipality and is designated a natural monument of Ibaraki Prefecture. The tree connects a visit to the shrine grounds with a recognized natural monument, offering a different cultural focus from the boat rides and Iris Festival.

Nature observation along trails and ponds

Ibaraki Suigō Prefectural Citizens' Forest has observation trails, a suspension bridge, a visitor centre and activity facilities. The trails, bridge and other facilities offer a different focus from a river cruise and provide specific options for travellers interested in natural areas.

At Suigō Tonbo Park, the biotope includes five ponds with aquatic plants, including the endangered Asaza. Visitors may encounter dragonflies, various insects and frogs there. The focus here is on ponds, plants and possible wildlife observation. Compared with the Maekawa cruises, this offers a distinct nature-focused option for your trip.

Using experiences to guide your accommodation choice

A visit to Aiyū Sake Brewery concludes with three different tastings. Before your visit, ask the brewery directly whether work in the brewing area will limit the tour. This can help you decide whether this cultural activity suits your interests.

Whether you prefer a short boat ride, a route with bridges and a garden, nature observation or cultural visits can guide your search for a holiday rental in Itako. This way, your choice is based on the experiences that matter most to your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Yachiyo, Chuo, Tsukuba, Tsuchiura, Kamisu, Omitama, Moriya, Jōsō.

For the broader travel overview: Ibaraki Prefecture.