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Togoku Suigo trip: Where You Can Experience the Essence of Japan through Its History, Culture and Scenery!
Why not take a short trip from Tokyo to Togoku Suigo, where you can relax and enjoy its natural beauty, history and cuisine? Togoku Suigo is an area that straddles Chiba and Ibaraki Prefectures and consists of Katori City in Chiba Prefecture, and Itako City, Kashima City, and Kamisu City in Ibaraki Prefecture, all of which are located along the Tone River basin. During the Edo period, this area flourished as a relay point for the Tone River waterway, and here you can enjoy the retro, nostalgic atmosphere of the townscape, as well as the beautiful natural scenery of the sea, lakes and rivers, and the changing scenery of the four seasons.
In addition, the Togoku Sansha Shrines (Three Shrines of the East), comprising Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, Katori Shrine, and Ikisu Shrine are said to be some of Japan’s best power spots, and are popular with Japanese people visiting them for the Togoku Sansha Tour (tour of the three Togoku shrines), and are also attractive because they are easily accessible, just about 1 hour and a half from Tokyo.
*As of February 2025, the worship hall is undergoing renovation.
■From Tokyo Station
◇Express bus
From Tokyo Station, take the express bus bound for Choshi/Sawara/Omigawa (Keisei Bus/Chiba Kotsu) and get off at Sawara Station after a journey of about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
◇Train
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line/Narita Line Rapid train to Narita Station (approx. 70 minutes), transfer to a train bound for Choshi on the JR Narita Line (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station
■From Narita Airport
From Airport Terminal 2 station, take the JR Narita Line Rapid train bound for Tokyo to Narita Station (approx. 9 minutes), transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station.
The Suigo-Itako Iris Garden is one of the most popular tourist spots in Itako City. The Suigo-Itako Iris Festival, usually held from late May to late June (May 23 to June 22 in 2025), captivates visitors with its display of around one million irises of about 500 varieties in full bloom. We also recommend visiting during the wisteria season in May.
■From Tokyo Station
◇Express bus
From Tokyo Station, take the express bus "Kashima-go" (Kanto Railway/JR Bus Kanto) bound for Suigo-Itako/Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine or board the bus bound for Art Hotel Kashima Central, and get off at Suigo-Itako Bus Terminal, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
◇Train
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line/Narita Line Rapid train to Narita Station (approx. 70 minutes), transfer to a train bound for Choshi on the JR Narita Line (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line train bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine and get off at Itako Station (approx. 11 minutes).
■From Narita Airport
From Airport Terminal 2 station, take the JR Narita Line Rapid train bound for Tokyo to Narita Station (approx. 9 minutes), transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line train bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine and get off at Itako Station (approx. 11 minutes).
写真出典：丸三老舗
写真出典：丸三老舗
■From Tokyo Station
◇Express bus
From Tokyo Station, take the express bus “Kashima-go” (Kanto Railway/JR Bus Kanto) bound for Suigo-Itako/Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, and get off at Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes
◇Train
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line/Narita Line Rapid train to Narita Station (approx. 70 minutes), transfer to a train bound for Choshi on the JR Narita Line (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line train bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine and get off at Itako Station (approx. 11 minutes).
■From Narita Airport
◇Train
From Airport Terminal 2 station, take the JR Narita Line Rapid train bound for Tokyo to Narita Station (approx. 9 minutes), transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi and get off at Omigawa Station (approx. 13 minutes). It is about a 30-minute drive from Omigawa Station. You can also transfer to the JR Kashima Line bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine at Sawara Station and get off at Itako Station, which takes about 11 minutes. It is a 30-minute drive from Itako Station
◇Car/taxi
It takes about 35 minutes to 1 hour by car from Narita Airport *The time required varies depending on road conditions
■From Ibaraki Airport
◇Car/taxi
It takes about 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Ibaraki Airport
■From Tokyo Station
◇Express bus
From Tokyo Station, take the express bus Kashima-go (Kanto Railway/JR Bus Kanto) bound for “Suigo-Itako/Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine” or “Art Hotel Kashima Central” and get off at “Art Hotel Kashima Central,” which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes
◇Train
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line/Narita Line Rapid train to Narita Station (approx. 70 minutes), transfer to a train bound for Choshi on the JR Narita Line (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line train bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine and get off at Itako Station (approx. 11 minutes). It is a 20-minute drive from Itako Station
■From Narita Airport
◇Train
From Airport Terminal 2 station, take the JR Narita Line Rapid train bound for Tokyo to Narita Station (approx. 9 minutes), transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine at Sawara Station and get off at Itako Station, which takes about 11 minutes. It is a 20-minute drive from Itako Station
◇Car/taxi
It takes about 35 minutes to 1 hour by car from Narita Airport *The time required varies depending on road conditions
■From Ibaraki Airport
◇Car/taxi
It takes about 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Ibaraki Airport
Today, we introduced some of the historic shrines of Togoku Suigo, as well as boat rides and sweets to eat while walking around. There are still many more attractive spots in the Togoku Suigo area, Katori City, Itako City, Kashima City, and Kamisu City. We invite you to discover your own special journey.
*Prices, business hours and other information in this article are subject to change. Please check the latest information on the official websites before your visit.
＊Sponsored by：Togoku Suigo Tourism Promotion Council ＊PR
In addition, the Togoku Sansha Shrines (Three Shrines of the East), comprising Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, Katori Shrine, and Ikisu Shrine are said to be some of Japan’s best power spots, and are popular with Japanese people visiting them for the Togoku Sansha Tour (tour of the three Togoku shrines), and are also attractive because they are easily accessible, just about 1 hour and a half from Tokyo.
Katori City, Chiba Prefecture
Katori City, located in the northeast of Chiba Prefecture, boasts a beautiful natural environment and a rich history. The townscape of Sawara, which retains the distinct atmosphere of the Edo period, is particularly well known. The townscape stretching along the Ono River is lined with merchant houses and warehouses that evoke a sense of history, and has been nationally designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Strolling around here feels like you’ve slipped back in time.
While walking around the town, stop by a cafe in a retro-style building and take a break while eating some unique sweets. The area is dotted with popular cafes and sweets that are very photogenic and Instagram-worthy, such as the exquisite Mont Blanc at VMG CAFÉ, the retro-cute pudding à la mode at Chaya Hanakanmuri Uwagashi Bettei, the seasonal parfait at Kinmitsudo, and the unique IMO PPUCCINO (SWEET POTATO MILK SHAKE) at CAFE NETAIMO.
The Sawara Grand Festival is an essential part of Katori City. This festival, which has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by UNESCO, is a spectacular sight, with its magnificent floats being pulled around the streets, and it attracts many people.
If you want to experience the history and culture of the region, visit Katori Shrine, one of the three Togoku Sansha Shrines. The current main hall was built in 1700 by the fifth shogun of the Edo Shogunate, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, and is designated as a national important cultural property. The roof, which is made of hiwadabuki (Japanese cypress bark) that is layered and pulled over the roof, and the decorative carvings are simply stunning. Also, make sure not to miss the vermillion-lacquered gate, which was also built in the Edo period.
*As of February 2025, the worship hall is undergoing renovation.
Access to Katori City (Sawara)
■From Tokyo Station
◇Express bus
From Tokyo Station, take the express bus bound for Choshi/Sawara/Omigawa (Keisei Bus/Chiba Kotsu) and get off at Sawara Station after a journey of about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
◇Train
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line/Narita Line Rapid train to Narita Station (approx. 70 minutes), transfer to a train bound for Choshi on the JR Narita Line (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station
■From Narita Airport
From Airport Terminal 2 station, take the JR Narita Line Rapid train bound for Tokyo to Narita Station (approx. 9 minutes), transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station.
Itako City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Surrounded by the Tone and Hitachi-Tone rivers, Itako City has long prospered as a strategic location for water transportation, and even today its charming scenery is a big draw.The Suigo-Itako Iris Garden is one of the most popular tourist spots in Itako City. The Suigo-Itako Iris Festival, usually held from late May to late June (May 23 to June 22 in 2025), captivates visitors with its display of around one million irises of about 500 varieties in full bloom. We also recommend visiting during the wisteria season in May.
If you want to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the riverside district, we recommend taking a ride on one of the Suigo-Itako Robune rowboats. You can enjoy the scenery of Itako from the water aboard a traditional “robune” rowboat that departs from Tsugaru Kawagishi Ato Hiroba. Reservations are required at least three days in advance, but if there are any vacancies, you can board on the day. (Closed on Mondays) During the Suigo-Itako Iris Festival (usually from late May to late June), the boats run every day and you can board without a reservation. Please check the website for details.
For overnights stays, we recommend Suigo Kyuka Isoyama-Tei, which accommodates only one group per day. It is within walking distance of both Itako Station and the Itako Iris Garden, making it convenient for sightseeing. This lodging facility is a 120-year-old traditional Japanese house that has been renovated, and you can enjoy a special experience surrounded by traditional Japanese tatami mats and furniture. There is also a kitchen you can use to cook your own meals, and in the summer you can enjoy outdoor barbecues.
Aiyu Shuzo (Aiyu Sake Brewery), which was founded over 220 years ago, is the only sake brewery in Itako City. Tours of the sake brewery are held every day, where you can learn about the process of making Japanese sake. The building, which gives you a sense of the history of the sake brewery, and the sight of the sake tanks lined up are truly spectacular. There is also a store on the premises where you can purchase sake and sake cups. Free tastings are available in the store, and you can purchase your favorite products on the spot.
If you want to enjoy the local flavors of the area, why not try looking for local specialties at the Roadside Station Itako? Souvenirs and local specialties made from local ingredients are available for purchase. We recommend the yogurt made with locally produced milk. In addition, at the on-site restaurant Ofukuro-tei, you can order and pay for your meal by picking out your favorite items from the menu, which mainly features Japanese-style home cooking. You can enjoy trying a little bit of all your favorite dishes.
Access to Itako City
■From Tokyo Station
◇Express bus
From Tokyo Station, take the express bus "Kashima-go" (Kanto Railway/JR Bus Kanto) bound for Suigo-Itako/Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine or board the bus bound for Art Hotel Kashima Central, and get off at Suigo-Itako Bus Terminal, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
◇Train
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line/Narita Line Rapid train to Narita Station (approx. 70 minutes), transfer to a train bound for Choshi on the JR Narita Line (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line train bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine and get off at Itako Station (approx. 11 minutes).
■From Narita Airport
From Airport Terminal 2 station, take the JR Narita Line Rapid train bound for Tokyo to Narita Station (approx. 9 minutes), transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line train bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine and get off at Itako Station (approx. 11 minutes).
Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Kashima City prospered as a town built around Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, and is also known as one of the biggest “soccer towns” in Japan. Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine is a venerable shrine dedicated to a patron deity of martial arts, and is one of the three Togoku Sansha Shrines. The vast grounds of the shrine are also popular as a power spot. Restaurants and souvenir shops line the streets in front of and in the area surrounding Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine.
Kashima Yakiimo is a confectionery shop that specializes in sweet potato sweets, and uses high-quality sweet potatoes grown in Kashima City and other parts of Ibaraki Prefecture. In addition to the moist and sweet baked sweet potatoes, we also recommend the sweet potato milk. The rich, creamy flavor will make you want to come back for more. Paradise Beer Factory is a brewery that brews its own craft beer. You can enjoy your beer together with dishes such as pizza made with local ingredients. The shirasu (whitebait) and lotus root pizza I ate, a seasonal menu item, was absolutely delicious!
Located near Kashimajingu Station, Marusan Rouho is a Japanese confectionery store that has been in business for about 200 years. The strawberry daifuku (strawberry mochi with white bean paste filling) sold here is made using strawberries of various sizes, and the largest one, the “Kiwami Ichigo Daifuku Deluxe,” uses strawberries that are 5L or larger! The sweetness and sourness of the strawberries spreads in your mouth, filling you with happiness. The strawberry daifuku is only available from February to early May when strawberries are in season, but during other seasons, daifuku made with seasonal fruits and ingredients such as muscat grapes and chestnuts are sold. Although the sales corner at Marusan Rouho is limited to take-out, if you order one of the cafe menu items at the attached Marusan Cafe, you can eat the item you bought at the sales corner in the cafe.
写真出典：丸三老舗写真出典：丸三老舗Kashima City is home to the professional soccer team Kashima Antlers. At the Kashima Antlers Clubhouse, which is a 10-minute drive from the Ibaraki Kashima Soccer Stadium, you can watch the players train even on days when there are no matches. There is a shop on the first floor where you can buy original goods.
Access to Kashima City (Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine)
■From Tokyo Station
◇Express bus
From Tokyo Station, take the express bus “Kashima-go” (Kanto Railway/JR Bus Kanto) bound for Suigo-Itako/Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, and get off at Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes
◇Train
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line/Narita Line Rapid train to Narita Station (approx. 70 minutes), transfer to a train bound for Choshi on the JR Narita Line (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line train bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine and get off at Itako Station (approx. 11 minutes).
■From Narita Airport
◇Train
From Airport Terminal 2 station, take the JR Narita Line Rapid train bound for Tokyo to Narita Station (approx. 9 minutes), transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi and get off at Omigawa Station (approx. 13 minutes). It is about a 30-minute drive from Omigawa Station. You can also transfer to the JR Kashima Line bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine at Sawara Station and get off at Itako Station, which takes about 11 minutes. It is a 30-minute drive from Itako Station
◇Car/taxi
It takes about 35 minutes to 1 hour by car from Narita Airport *The time required varies depending on road conditions
■From Ibaraki Airport
◇Car/taxi
It takes about 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Ibaraki Airport
Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Kamisu City is known as an industrial city that is part of the Kashima Coastal Industrial Zone, but its rich natural environment and history are also attractive. Ikisu Shrine, one of the three Togoku Sansha Shrines, is also a must-see spot. This shrine is dedicated to the guardian deity of maritime traffic and has long been a popular place of worship. The grounds of the shrine are home to a pair of Japanese cedar trees that are said to be around 1,000 years old, and are considered a power spot for matchmaking. The first torii gate, which stands along the Hitachi-Tone River, was very photogenic, reflecting the shimmering surface of the river.
After paying a visit to Ikisu Shrine, why not try some original sweets? Mori no Sumika, located just a one-minute walk from the second torii gate of Ikisu Shrine, sells various flavors of taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped cake) and warabimochi (traditional Japanese sweet made from bracken starch). We especially recommend the rich-tasting taiyaki made with Anno sweet potatoes. Mona Cafe, a monaka (Japanese sweet consisting of azuki bean paste sandwiched between two thin, crisp wafers) specialty store, is about a 10-minute drive from Ikisu Shrine. This shop is particular about making different types of monaka wafers to match the type of filling inside. Each monaka wafer is carefully made in the shop, and the crispy, savory wafer is filled with a variety of original fillings.
Kamisu City faces the sea, and we recommend the magnificent views of the ocean as well as various marine sports. Along the coast of the Minamihama district of Kamisu City, there is a row of wind turbines for wind power generation, and the photogenic landscape is also known as a filming location for movies and television dramas. Here you will find the 1,000 People Gallery, where paintings of all kinds are displayed on the walls of the embankment. It’s 6 km long, so you can enjoy it while taking in the scenery.
The “Eureka” sightseeing boat offers a tour around Kashima Port, allowing you to enjoy scenic views of the port from the sea. The dynamic harbor scenery is a sight to behold. In addition to regular services on weekends and public holidays, there are also group and chartered services, as well as a limited-time nighttime factory night view cruises. During our visit, we took part in a nighttime cruise around the factories. The night view from the boat is both dynamic and fantastic! Only on a cruise can you see the colors of the sky and sea change from the crimson of dusk to blue and dark blue. Reservations are required for the “Eureka” (online or by phone (in Japanese)), and if there are any seats available, you can buy tickets on the day for the regular service.
Access to Kamisu City (Art Hotel Kashima Central)
■From Tokyo Station
◇Express bus
From Tokyo Station, take the express bus Kashima-go (Kanto Railway/JR Bus Kanto) bound for “Suigo-Itako/Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine” or “Art Hotel Kashima Central” and get off at “Art Hotel Kashima Central,” which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes
◇Train
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line/Narita Line Rapid train to Narita Station (approx. 70 minutes), transfer to a train bound for Choshi on the JR Narita Line (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line train bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine and get off at Itako Station (approx. 11 minutes). It is a 20-minute drive from Itako Station
■From Narita Airport
◇Train
From Airport Terminal 2 station, take the JR Narita Line Rapid train bound for Tokyo to Narita Station (approx. 9 minutes), transfer to the JR Narita Line train bound for Choshi (approx. 30 minutes), and get off at Sawara Station. Transfer to the JR Kashima Line bound for Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine at Sawara Station and get off at Itako Station, which takes about 11 minutes. It is a 20-minute drive from Itako Station
◇Car/taxi
It takes about 35 minutes to 1 hour by car from Narita Airport *The time required varies depending on road conditions
■From Ibaraki Airport
◇Car/taxi
It takes about 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Ibaraki Airport
Today, we introduced some of the historic shrines of Togoku Suigo, as well as boat rides and sweets to eat while walking around. There are still many more attractive spots in the Togoku Suigo area, Katori City, Itako City, Kashima City, and Kamisu City. We invite you to discover your own special journey.
Information
Togoku Suigo | 東国水郷
Website (Japanese-only): https://togokusuigo.com/
*The above article is based on information from March 2025.
*Prices, business hours and other information in this article are subject to change. Please check the latest information on the official websites before your visit.
＊Sponsored by：Togoku Suigo Tourism Promotion Council ＊PR
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 03 31,2025 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team
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