ITAKO CITY
Highlights of ITAKO city
Surrounded by lakes Itako city (潮来市) played an important role in the mid-Edo period more than 300 years ago. The city was an important waterway town with many canals running through the town and produce from Northern Japan was shipped through here to the capital Edo (now Tokyo).
It has managed to keep this culture and visitors can take boat rides through the canals and visit the 200 year old sake brewery.
Itako is most known for its beautiful Iris Festival (Suigo Itako Iris Festival) between late May to late June which attracts tens of thousands of people from around Japan.
Previous image
Next image
Access
From Tokyo
- 70min from Tokyo by bus.
- 2.5 hours from Tokyo by train.
- 1.5 hour drive from Tokyo by car
From Airports
- 40min from Narita Itn. Airport (Car)
- 80min from Narita Itn. Airport (Train)
- 40min from Narita Itn. Airport (Bus)
- 1h 30min from Haneda Int. Airport (Car)
- 1h 45min from Haneda Int. Airport (Train)
- 1h 30min from Haneda Int. Airport (Bus)
- 45min from Ibaraki Airport (Car)
From Main Stations
- Itako Sta. (JR Railway)
Things to DO in Itako City
12 Bridge Tour
Jon an 12 Bride Tour (12橋めぐり) and enjoy a relaxing traditional boat ride down the canals just like people did in Itako hundred years ago. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride called a "sappa boat" and fully appreciate the water town atmosphere.
Michinoeki Itako
Michino Eki Itako (道の駅いたこ) is a road side shopping and rest stop area. It has shops offering local vegetables, a sweets factory, a ground golf activity area and a kitchen car with famous Pho made from local ingredients.
Hakucho no Sato
Hakucho no Sato (Swan Village/白鳥の里 ) is a popular winter attraction on the shore of Lake Kitaura.
Six swans flew in in 1981, and now there are over 100 swans that flying in.
It is a popular place to watch the birds.
Learn more about places to visit in Itako
A chat with Itako city tourism
Read through our chat with Itako city's tourism office who helped us find things to do in Itako!
Interview
Top EVENTS around Itako city
EATING in Itako City
Japanese Food
Itako city has a variety of western style restaurants. Check out near Itako station as well as main roads for Family restaurants (budget restaurants).
Western Food
Itako city has a variety of western style restaurants. Check out near Itako station as well as main roads for Family restaurants (budget restaurants).
Pho
One popular local dish is Pho (Vietnamese noodles). The Pho sold at the Mithino Eki uses fresh Pho noodles made from rice harvested in Itako.
Places to STAY
Hotels (Western style)
Itako has a few western style business hotels near the station.
Onsen Ryokan
There are a few Ryokan style inns in Itako some offereing river views.
Day trips from Itako City
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
