Ibaraki Prefecture, Prefecture in Kantō region, Japan.
Ibaraki is a region in the Kantō area northeast of Tokyo, stretching from the Pacific coast to flat inland plains. Mount Tsukuba rises above surrounding fields, while Lake Kasumigaura forms large bodies of water in the central section and coastal towns dot the eastern edge.
The area once belonged to Hitachi Province before administrative reforms in the 1870s established current boundaries. The political reorganization brought together distant coastal sections and western farmland under a single regional government, ending the feudal distribution of power.
Local communities observe traditional matsuri festivals throughout the year, with dancers and processions moving through streets where visitors are welcome to join public celebrations. Small shrines and temples mark many neighborhoods, where residents stop briefly to pray or light incense as part of their daily routines.
Cities such as Mito, Tsukuba and Hitachi are well connected by JR East railway lines, and a regional airport offers additional links. Travelers can explore coastal sections, farming areas and research districts, as public transport connects most major towns.
The city of Tsukuba houses dozens of research institutes and laboratories, including facilities run by the Japanese space agency, which operate on a dedicated campus outside the city center. This research focus draws professionals from around the world and gives the city an internationally minded atmosphere distinct from most other towns in the region.
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