Kitaibaraki City

Kitaibaraki is a coastal city in northeastern Ibaraki Prefecture that stretches along the Pacific Ocean. Forested hillsides cover much of the surrounding landscape, while the terrain flattens toward the shore.

The city was established in 1956 when several towns merged together following coal mining operations that began in the Joban fields during the early 1900s. Mining shaped the region's economy for many decades afterward.

The Japan Art Institute sits in a former house where artists Okakura Kakuzo and Yokoyama Taikan once lived and worked during the late 1800s. The building draws visitors interested in understanding the artistic heritage and connections of this coastal region.

The city is accessible by train and has local bus services for getting around. Most accommodations and shops are concentrated in areas near the station where visitors can walk easily.

The Rokkakudo is a red hexagonal building overlooking the Pacific Ocean that was reconstructed after being destroyed in the 2011 tsunami. It has become a landmark representing the community's recovery and resilience.

Location: Ibaraki Prefecture

Inception: March 31, 1956

Shares border with: Takahagi, Iwaki, Samegawa, Hanawa

Website: https://city.kitaibaraki.lg.jp

GPS coordinates: 36.80189,140.75103

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:29