Visit Oarai in Ibaraki: A Guide to a Coastal Gem Near Tokyo
Oarai (大洗町) is a lovely seaside town in Ibaraki prefecture. It’s an underrated destination that is perfect to avoid the crowds, especially during busy travel seasons like Golden Week, while enjoying beautiful ocean sceneries. If you enjoy the sound of waves, fresh sea air, and delicious seafood, Oarai is definitely a place to add to your Japan travel bucket list!
In this article, I’ll share the best things to do in Oarai, where to stay for a relaxing coastal getaway, and a few travel tips to help you plan your visit.
How to Get to Oarai from Tokyo
It takes a bit less than two hours from Ueno station to get to Oarai. Just hop on the JR Joban Line limited express (there are only reserved seats, so you need to buy a special ticket on the platform or on JR East website) to Mito station and then take the Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai Kashima Line to Oarai station.
Best Things to See and Do in Oarai
Explore Oarai Fish Market for Fresh Seafood and Local Flavors
Oarai is known for its vibrant fishing port and the incredibly fresh seafood served at nearby restaurants. Seasonal donburi bowls change with the day’s catch, and while the restaurants may not look fancy, they’re full of local charm and warmth. Be warned though: this spot is very popular among Ibaraki and Tokyo locals, so weekends and holidays often come with long lines. I saw people lining up for lunch as early as 9:30 a.m.!
Here are some of the most recommended restaurants that looked delicious, but also very popular:
大洗海鮮市場／海鮮どんぶり亭: Also a great stop for omiyage as the gift shop offers a large choice of local items! I bought しじみ (shijimi, clams) flavored salt and chocolate salt crackers.
かあちゃんの店
Sushi Yukyu (悠久)
Dobin (土びん)
If you’re not a fan of waiting (like me—no shame in that!), try venturing a few streets away. I ended up at Hinoji Seafood Restaurant (磯料理 日野治 お食事処), and it was a fantastic alternative: no crowds, more reasonable prices, and top-notch quality!
Oarai is also famous for its Anko Nabe (あんこう鍋 ), Ibaraki’s special hotpot dish during winter. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to taste it as it was already spring time.
All photos in this article were taken by @bonjour.dora
Visit Aqua World Oarai: One of Japan’s Top Aquariums
Oarai is home to one of Japan’s largest aquariums, Aqua World Ibaraki, and it truly blew me away—especially with its incredible variety of sharks (it has the largest number of shark breeds in Japan). I was also impressed by the educational exhibits, which went beyond the usual fish facts and were genuinely informative.
Don’t miss the daily events —I caught the penguin and seal promenade and even watched the dolphin show... from underwater! If the arena seating is packed, you can head to the viewing room below, which was even better. It offered a surreal underwater perspective, along with a screen showing the surface performance in real time. Watching the dolphins glide and leap underwater was mesmerizing—it felt like being in a different world. You can check the event program on Aqua World Ibaraki’s website here.
Discover Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Oarai Isosaki Shrine (大洗磯前神社) was actually the main reason I visited Oarai. Its iconic torii gate, Kamiiso-no-Torii (神磯の鳥居), facing the Pacific ocean is simply breathtaking, especially with waves crashing around it. The main shrine grounds feel like a peaceful oasis in the city. There’s even a small merchant area where you can sip coffee under the trees while enjoying the sea breeze. Make sure to check out the torii from different angles and times of day—it offers a new kind of magic each time.
Stop by Mentai Park for a Fun and Tasty Mentaiko Experience
This place is a quirky, fun stop for both adults and kids. Mentai Park (かねふく めんたいパーク大洗) is all about mentaiko (明太子), spicy red fish eggs), and it presents all you need to know about mentaiko in a super playful way. There are interactive games, hands-on exhibits, and even a viewing gallery of the factory floor where you can watch the production process in real time. Of course, you can also taste and buy fresh mentaiko at the souvenir shop. My favorite part? The hilarious photo spots—perfect for making ridiculous, unforgettable memories.
Relax at Oarai Sun Beach
On the southern side of town, you’ll find a wide sandy beach called Oarai Sun Beach (大洗サンビーチ海水浴場). Even though it was still a bit chilly during Golden Week when I visited, it was already drawing a crowd. In summer, the area comes alive with street food stalls, traditional festivals, and live music.
You can check it out from the nearby Marine Tower (大洗マリンタワー), which offers panoramic views from 60 meters up. That said... the main view is actually the industrial port directly below, which was a bit underwhelming. So unless you’re a fan of factory views, you might want to skip the tower.
Where to Stay in Oarai
A Hotel With a Stunning Ocean View: Oarai Hotel Annex Gyorai-an
I stayed at Oarai Hotel Annex Gyorai-an (大洗ホテルANNEX魚来庵), and this hotel was a true gem. Every room has a view of the sea and the iconic torii gate—falling asleep to the sound of waves was pure bliss. The room was spacious, spotless, and very comfortable.
Breakfast featured a delicious buffet, and to top it off, they offer complimentary snacks, tea, and coffee throughout the day. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful, always ready to share their best local tips. I couldn’t have asked for a better stay.
Looking for more accommodation options in Oarai? You can check more hotel ideas on Agoda and Booking.com.
Looking for More Things to Do Nearby?
There’s plenty to see and do in Ibaraki Prefecture, some just a short drive or train ride from Oarai. One of the most popular spots nearby is Hitachi Seaside Park (国営ひたち海浜公園), famous for its breathtaking seasonal flower displays like the blue nemophila in spring and the red kochia bushes in autumn. Check out my two detailed articles to help you plan your visit to Hitachi Seaside Park:
Nemophila Paradise at Hitachi Seaside Park: A Must-See Spring Outing from Tokyo
Day Trip Guide to Hitachi Seaside Park: 10 Suggestions for a Memorable Visit
Beyond Hitachi, you could also visit the Kairakuen Garden (偕楽園) in Mito, one of Japan's top three traditional gardens, particularly beautiful during plum blossom season. You can also book day trips tours to Hitachi Seaside parks and other activities in Ibaraki via platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide.
Final Thoughts on Oarai
Oarai may not be on every traveler’s radar, but that’s exactly what makes it such a refreshing coastal escape from Tokyo. Whether you come for the fresh seafood, peaceful beaches, or to explore local gems like Oarai Isosaki Shrine and Mentai Park, it’s a great spot to slow down and enjoy the sea breeze. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip. In addition, you can visit the Oarai Tourism Association website for further information, and don’t forget to check out nearby Ibaraki highlights while you’re in the area!
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This article was written in collaboration with Dora (@bonjour.dora), a local explorer and a close friend based in Japan who loves discovering the latest exhibitions, cutest cafés and lesser-known destinations around Tokyo.
Some of the links in this Oarai Guide are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. And if you do, thanks for your support! Purchasing through these links is a great way to support Travely Notes, as this helps with the costs of running my blog.
