Japan Light Show & Ibaraki Fortune Turtle Day Tour: Ashikaga Flower Park, Nakaminato Fish Market and Oarai Isosaki Shrine丨One of Japan’s Top 3 Light Shows

11:00am Tokyo – Start your beautiful journey today
Meeting Point: the BEAMS signboard in front of the Shin-Marunouchi Building, JR Tokyo Station
Address: Shin-Marunouchi Building, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-6590, Japan 
* Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure. The bus will leave on time and will not wait for late arrivals.

12:50pm Ibaraki
▼Oarai Isosaki Shrine (Approx. 50 minutes, free time)
【Kamiso Torii】
Located in front of the shrine, the "Kamiso Torii"stands on the Oarai Coast, known as the place where gods descend, and is considered a sacred site where entry is not allowed. Today, the torii standing on the rocks has become a symbol of Oarai Town. The appearance of the Kamiso Torii changes with the tide and weather, offering different views and beauty in every season and at any time.
【A Spiritual Site with a Millennium of History】
The sacred water within the shrine was once believed to cure eye diseases. According to the Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku, in 856 AD, the gods of medicine, Ōkuninushi no Mikoto, and healing, Sukuna Hikona no Mikoto, returned to aid the people and descended here, leading to the establishment of Oarai Isosaki Shrine. At that time, society was suffering from plagues and famine, and the two deities protected the people. Since then, this shrine has become one of the few nationally certified shrines, and it is respectfully known as "Oarai Isosaki Yakushi Bosatsu Myōjin." The sacred water within the shrine was also believed to cure eye diseases, and during the Edo period, it became popular for "tide-water therapy." During the Great East Japan Earthquake, the spring within the shrine miraculously gushed abundantly, becoming an important water source for local residents and further confirming the shrine's significance as a sacred energy site.

13:50pm Ibaraki
▼Nakaminato Fish Market (Approx. 70 minutes, free time)
——A Seafood Paradise Comparable to Tsukiji
When it comes to Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, almost everyone knows it, but few are aware that Ibaraki Prefecture also has a fish market whose scale and catch volume can rival Tsukiji-the Nakaminato Fish Market. Located along the coast of Minatohonchō on Ibaraki's eastern shore, the market offers a tranquil environment while still full of harbor charm.
For visitors wishing to avoid crowds and experience the local fishing port culture, Nakaminato Fish Market is definitely the best choice. The market attracts over one million visitors each year. Numerous vendors not only sell fresh seafood but also operate restaurants where you can enjoy the freshest seafood while exploring the market. Make sure to save some appetite to fully savor the abundant seafood feast here.

15:15pm Ibaraki
▼Sakatsura Isozaki Shrine (approx. 45 minutes, free time)
Founded in 856 AD, Sakatsura Isozaki Shrine is well-known for its blessings of recovery from illness, good health, and longevity. In recent years, it has also become famous as a "good luck shrine"after many worshippers reportedly won large lottery prizes.
【Mysterious Green Pathway】
The approach to the shrine is lined with over 300-year-old camphor trees and camellia bushes, forming a lush green tunnel designated as a natural monument of Ibaraki Prefecture. The tranquil, otherworldly atmosphere resembles a scene from My Neighbor Totoro, making it a popular photo spot.
【Sea-View Torii Gate】
Beside the shrine stands a torii gate facing the Pacific Ocean, known as the "Sea-View Torii." The view from here—where the blue sea meets the sky—is breathtaking. The sea breeze and open horizon create a sense of serenity, making this both a symbolic purification gateway and a must-visit photography spot.
【Lucky Turtle Statue】
Within the shrine grounds lies the "Lucky Turtle," a stone statue symbolizing longevity, wealth, and good fortune. It's believed that gently touching the turtle's back brings blessings of prosperity, success, and health. On auspicious days such as taian, visitors line up to pray and touch the turtle for good luck-an essential energy spot in the shrine.
——Tips for Boosting Your Luck:

1. Pray for good fortune at the main hall.
2. Purchase a "Golden Fortune Amulet"at the shrine office.
3. Don't forget to touch the turtle statue by the torii gate before you leave!

17:40pm Tochigi
▼Ashikaga Flower Park – 2025 "Garden of Light" Illumination
(Approx. 120 minutes of free time; admission included)
One of Japan's Top 3 Illuminations | Certified Night View Heritage | Kanto's Largest Light Park
Ashikaga Flower Park has been selected by CNN as one of the world's top 10 dreamlike destinations.
2025 Garden of Light Night Illumination
The park is fully decorated with LED lights, creating a magical "Garden of Light." Recognized as one of Japan's Night View Heritage Top 3 Illuminations, visitors can enjoy a seasonal, nature-inspired light show.
Oct 18 – mid-Nov: Fusion of lights with purple veronica flowers
Late Nov – Dec: Christmas Fantasy Light Show
Jan 1 – Feb 15: New Year LED Light Show
【Miracle Wisteria (Light Wisteria Tunnel)】
The park's symbol is the "Miracle Wisteria,"an 80-meter-long wisteria trellis recreated with LED lights, emulating the romance of spring wisteria even in winter. The soft purple lights sway gently in the breeze, producing a dynamic, dreamlike effect.

【Garden of Light Chozuya (Water Purification Fountain)】
During the winter illumination, the traditional purification fountain near the park entrance is transformed with colorful flowers and lights. This combines Japanese cultural tradition with modern light art, creating a serene mirrored reflection and a magical photo spot for both day and night.
  
【Four Seasons of Japan (Heartfelt Home)】
Over five million lights illuminate the entire garden, reproducing the beauty of seasonal flowers. Wisteria, roses, reflective pools, and light tunnels intermingle, lighting up the winter night while evoking a sense of home and belonging.

【Light Tunnel & Reflecting Pool】
The 100-meter-long light tunnel and "Light Reflection Pool" cleverly combine LEDs with the park's water features, creating stunning mirrored effects and a surreal, dreamlike experience as if walking through a moving fantasy.
 

19:40pm Return to central Tokyo
Estimated travel time: approx. 1.5–2 hours. Actual arrival may be earlier depending on traffic and daily conditions.

20:00pm
▼Stop at Onihei Edo-do (approx. 15–20 minutes; may be skipped in case of traffic or other delays)
Onihei Edo-do is a roadside rest area themed around the Edo period, inspired by the world of the novel Onihei Hankacho by Shozo Ikezawa. Opened in 2013, it was designed with input from historical experts and art directors to recreate Edo-era architecture and cultural ambiance. The facility includes several restaurants modeled after establishments from the novel or traditional Edo shops.
——Highlights include:
【Gotei (Gamecock Hotpot)】– Recreates the famous hotpot from the book, supervised by Tamahide (founded 1760), featuring a special udon, rich broth, and onsen egg.
【Sanadaya (Soba Noodles)】– Traditional Edo-style soba, supervised by Kanda Matsuya (est. 1884).
【Chūhachi (Grilled Eel) 】– Modeled after an Edo eel stall from 1897.
【Bento Tsū (Chuka Soba)】– Ramen inspired by flavors from Nihonbashi's Taimeiken, frequented by the novel's author.
【Manpachi (Edo-style dishes)】 – Known for "Rabbit Soup," supervised by Edo cuisine specialists.
【Funabashiya (Kuzumochi Dessert)】– Traditional sweet shop since 1805, famous for its delicate flavor.
【Yatai-ren (Street Food Stalls)】– Offers skewers, sweet sake, and other Edo street flavors.
【Bunraku-yaki Honpo (Ningyo-yaki & Taiyaki)】– Recreates popular small cakes from Ningyocho, beautifully shaped and delicious.

21:00pm–21:30pm Tokyo
Arrive back at the BEAMS signboard in front of Shin-Marunouchi Building, marking the end of today's tour.
Guests may conclude their tour directly at Tokyo Station.
【Tokyo Station (Tokyo Station Hotel)】
Located in Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Tokyo Station is a major transport hub with multi-level platforms serving: Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Joetsu, Nagano, and Tokaido Shinkansen lines; Chuo (Rapid), Sobu (Rapid), Yokosuka, Keiyo, Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, and Narita Express lines; plus the Marunouchi subway line (station code: M-17).
The iconic red-brick building of Tokyo Station is a designated National Important Cultural Property. Fully renovated in 2012, it faithfully reproduces the original 100-year-old station façade.

* The above itinerary and schedule are subject to adjustment due to weather, traffic, or other conditions. Thank you for your understanding.

B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded