Now, let’s go out for the long holidays! Various events held throughout Ibaraki Prefecture: Tokyo Shimbun TOKYO Web

This year’s long holidays have begun. For some people, it can be up to 10 consecutive days off, and the first half is likely to be blessed with generally good weather. A variety of events are planned throughout Ibaraki Prefecture throughout the period, as the coronavirus infection situation appears to be calming down. (Takayuki Aoki)

◆Giant ship parade

[Ofune Festival in Hitachiotsu]A traditional event held once every five years in Otsu-cho, Kitaibaraki City (National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property). This year, it will be held on May 2nd and 3rd at Sawawachigi Shrine and around Otsu Fishing Port. The huge wooden ship is 14 meters long, 3 meters high, and weighs 7 tons. Approximately 500 people carry mikoshi on board and parade bravely to pray for safety at sea and good catches.

The evening festival on the 2nd is from noon to 9pm. The main festival on the 3rd is from 7am to 9pm. For inquiries, please contact the Hitachiotsu Mifune Festival Preservation Society at 070 (3890) 8600.

◆1000 fish swimming in the fresh greenery

[Ryujinkyo Carp Streamer Festival]The event will be held from the 27th to May 12th around the Ryujin Suspension Bridge (Tsuribashi, Hitachiota City, Tengeno-cho), which is one of the largest in Japan with a length of 375 meters. Approximately 1,000 carp streamers donated from all over the country swim 100 meters above the surface of Ryujin Dam Lake against a backdrop of fresh greenery.

During the holidays, the Ryujin Suspension Bridge is lit up. The lighting ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the 27th, and the illumination will last until 8 p.m. There will also be a commemorative concert by the Prefectural Police Band from 10:30 a.m. on the 28th. For inquiries, please contact the Hitachiota City Tourism and Products Association at 0294 (72) 8194 or the Hitachiota City Tourist Information Center at 0294 (73) 1700.

◆Poppy picking

[Ibaraki Flower Park]At Ibaraki Flower Park (Shimoaoyagi, Ishioka City), whose concept is “from “seeing” to “feeling,” spring flowers such as wisteria trellis and about 40 types of peonies are in full bloom. At the event, called “Spring Poppy Picking”, you can pick 10 poppies from the park and take them home in a hanging bottle. Participation fee: 1,000 yen. We also offer gourmet dishes made with local vegetables.

The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (admission until 4:30 p.m.). Admission fee is 1,200 yen for high school students and above, 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and 200 yen for pets. For inquiries, please call Ibaraki Flower Park at 0299 ​​(42) 4111.

◆Pottery festival

[Kasama Toen Festival (Hima Festival)]The largest pottery festival in the Kanto region will be held from the 29th to May 5th at the Kasama Art Park Event Square (Kasama, Kasama City). More than 200 potters, potters, and local retailers will be selling tableware, pots, pots, and other items for everyday use. In addition to a gourmet corner run by a potter who is proud of his cooking, there will also be special exhibitions and PR booths introducing the appeal of Kasama ware.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee: 500 yen, free for those under 18 years old (up to high school students), persons with disabilities and one accompanying person. For inquiries, please contact Kasamayaki Cooperative Association at 0296 (73) 0058.

[Kasama Azalea Festival]Until May 6th, the venue is Kasama Azalea Park (Kasama, Kasama City). The park, which is 143 meters above sea level and approximately 7 hectares in size, has azaleas such as “Kirishima,” “Hinode,” “Kurume,” and “Yamatsutsuji,” all blooming in bright colors.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee: 500 yen, free for junior high school students and younger and those with a disability certificate. For inquiries, please contact the Kasama Tourism Association at 0296 (72) 9222.