Itako City
Index
Highlights of Itako City
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Itako City, 70 minutes from Tokyo, is a charming city known for its waterways, traditional atmosphere, and beautiful floral displays in June.
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.
Access
From Tokyo
From Airports
Haneda Intl. Airport
Narita Intl. Airport
Main Stations
Videos of Itako City
-ITAKO CITY- JAPAN GUIDE
The Historical Lagoon City
Things to DO in Itako City
12 Bridge Tour
Join 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
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 the 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 in Itako City
Hotels (Western style)
Itako has a few western style business hotels near the station.
Japanese Style Ryokan
There are a few Ryokan style inns in Itako some offereing river views.
Top EVENTS around Itako City
Day trips from Itako City
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
