Oarai Onsen

Oarai Onsen springs up in the port town of Oarai on the Pacific coast, near the center of Ibaraki Prefecture. Many inns let you watch the sunrise climb over the horizon straight from the bath, and the salty water is said to warm you deeply. The scent of the sea drifts through every soak.

Highlights

The torii gate on the sea rocks at Oarai Isosaki Shrine, washed by crashing waves, is a famous and almost sacred sight. The Oarai Marine Tower and the Aqua World aquarium are close by, so you can pair bathing with sightseeing in a single day.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings clam digging and summer draws swimmers to the beaches, while autumn and winter are the season for rich anglerfish hotpot. The first sunrise of the year, seen in the clear winter air, is truly special.

Access and Basic Information

From Oarai Station on the Kashima Rinkai Railway it is only a few minutes toward the shore on foot or by bus. By car it is about fifteen minutes from the Mito Oarai interchange on the Kita Kanto Expressway. Some lodgings also welcome day visitors.

A Quick Tip

For dinner, choosing seasonal anglerfish or fresh shellfish makes the meal far more rewarding. If you want to catch the sunrise, book an east facing room.