On the Pacific coast of Honshu, just northeast of the capital, is Ibaraki Prefecture — Tokyo’s secluded back garden. Home to the world-class technology hub of Tsukuba Science City and the developing industrial areas of Hitachi and Kashima, this fertile prefecture has always been enthusiastic about feeding new ideas, new investment, and the nation’s future.
Given its flat landscape and mild climate, Ibaraki is not only a popular cycling destination but one of the nation’s leading producers of agriculture. Ibaraki grows more melons, chestnuts, lotus root and green peppers than any other prefecture and is also the source of popular livestock products, including Hitachi beef (a variety of wagyu), Hitachi no Kagayaki pork and Okukuji shamo (gamecock), which are gaining popularity.
