Discover the hidden gems of Ibaraki Prefecture this December, a captivating destination nestled along Japan’s eastern coast. In collaboration with JAPAN RAIL CAFE, Ibaraki Prefecture invites everyone to experience its scenic beauty and unique charm. As part of its efforts to boost tourism and inspire new adventures, representatives shared the region’s top attractions and seasonal highlights during an exclusive travel seminar at JAPAN RAIL CAFE in November.
To bring the flavours of Ibaraki to Singapore, the prefecture has introduced a special menu featuring local specialties such as seafood, sweet potato, and chestnut products. This limited-time menu is available at JAPAN RAIL CAFE from December 1 to 29, 2024.
With the year-end holidays and 2025 just around the corner, there’s no better time to explore all that this emerging Japanese travel destination has to offer!
Discover Ibaraki: A Mere Hour’s Journey from the Capital
Nature in Bloom
Ibaraki, located near Tokyo, is brimming with experiences waiting to be discovered. Visitors can lose themselves in a flower odyssey at the famous Hitachi Seaside Park, and Ibaraki Flower Park, both boasting vibrant fields of seasonal blooms. Cherry blossom hunters can also find countless scenic locations in Ibaraki for hanami (flower viewing) that offer unparalleled sights.
History and Culture
For those interested in Japanese history and culture, Ibaraki is a treasure trove. Visitors can explore revered temples and shrines, such as Oarai Isosaki Shrine (left), famous for its stunning torii gate that rises from the ocean waves, or visit the magnificent Ushiku Daibutsu– one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world.
Festivals and Fun
Ibaraki’s lively festivals, rich with tradition and colour, are a must-see for anyone eager to experience authentic Japanese culture. From the dazzling Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival (right), one of Japan’s largest fireworks displays, to the beautiful Kasama Azalea Festival in spring, seasonal celebrations in Ibaraki offer unforgettable experiences. These festivals offer a glimpse of local traditions, seasonal foods and joyful celebrations!
Uncover more about the wonders of Ibaraki at: https://visit.ibarakiguide.jp/en/
A Taste of Ibaraki: Special Monthly Menu Highlights Regional Flavours
Available exclusively from 1 to 29 December 2024
Ibaraki offers not only breathtaking scenery but also a rich array of local delicacies, now featured at JAPAN RAIL CAFE in a Special Monthly Menu. Diners can savour the authentic taste of Ibaraki with ingredients sourced directly from the region.
The Iwashi Shirasu Don ($19.50 including miso soup and a drink*) is a highlight of the menu, showcasing Ibaraki’s specialty seafood, due to its proximity to the sea. This dish captures that essence with boiled shirasu (whitebait) and iwashi sujime (vinegared sardine) layered over a hearty bowl of rice. This is accompanied with tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) and red ginger for added flavour.
*Choice of drink from: original drip coffee (hot), cold brew, citrus green tea (hot/cold), beauty tea (hot/cold), or detox tea (hot/cold).
For an authentic taste of Japanese izakaya (bar) fare, diners can enjoy the Deep Fried Shishamo ($9)– crispy capelin filled with roe, a popular item at izakayas and Japanese restaurants. These capelins, caught in Canada and processed in Oarai, Ibaraki, are a testament to the prefecture’s dedication to quality and flavour.
To complete the meal, indulge in the Ibaraki Mont Blanc Parfait ($10.90). This decadent dessert highlights some of Ibaraki’s prized produce, including sweet potato and chestnut. Chestnut puree is generously layered over baumkuchen
sponge cake and vanilla ice cream, finished with a unique Ibaraki touch– dried sweet potato.
Ibaraki Sake Offerings
JAPAN RAIL CAFE will also be offering premium tipples imported from Ibaraki, including the NISHIOKA HONTEN Hananoi Kodai-mai, made with sacred rice from a 1,000-year-old shrine; the AOKI SHUZO Gokeiji Junmai Ginjo Karakuchi, a dry sake made with Ibaraki’s original ‘Ichibanboshi’ rice; and the MORISHIMA Miyama Nishiki Junmai Ginjo, sake by the Morishima Sake Brewery which offers a smooth, slightly bitter finish. These sake provide the perfect complement to Ibaraki’s culinary offerings, available throughout December at JAPAN RAIL CAFE, and will be sold as a trio set at $20.
Special December Promotions
To further promote Ibaraki’s culinary delights, JAPAN RAIL CAFE is offering:
● Iwashi Shirasu Don with a miso soup and drink of choice for $19.50
● Ibaraki Sake Trio Set of NISHIOKA HONTEN Hananoi Kodai-mai, AOKI SHUZO Gokeiji Junmai Ginjo Karakuchi, and MORISHIMA Miyama Nishiki Junmai Ginjo at $20
