Kasama City is located in the northeastern part of Japan’s Kanto region, in the central area of Ibaraki Prefecture. The current city was established on March 19, 2006, through the merger of the former Kasama City and the towns of Tomobe and Iwama from Nishiibaraki District.
This city has a long history and has flourished since ancient times as a temple town for Kasama Inari Shrine and a castle town for Kasama Castle. Kasama Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, attracting many worshippers and tourists annually. Kasama is also one of the principal production areas for Kasama ware, a traditional pottery style. The pottery fairs held in spring and autumn are major local events that draw numerous ceramics enthusiasts.
The main sightseeing spots are concentrated in the area of the former Kasama City, including:
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Kasama Inari Shrine: A historically and culturally significant center of Inari worship.
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Hitachi Province Izumo Taisha: A branch shrine of Izumo Taisha, an important site in Shinto belief.
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Mount Saburō and Kasama Castle Ruins: A historic site combining castle remains and forested landscapes.
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Kasama Historical Exchange Hall – Izutsuya: A cultural facility renovated from a traditional inn.
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Kasama Art Forest Park and Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum: Cultural spaces showcasing regional artistic charm.
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Kasama Nichidō Museum of Art and Shunpū Banri-sō: Places that display fine art and architectural beauty.
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Ishikiriyama Range, Kitayama Park, and Mount Atago: Natural attractions combining mountain and forest experiences.
The former Tomobe and Iwama areas also preserve rich cultural and natural resources, such as:
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Tsukuba Naval Air Corps Memorial Museum, Shishido Castle Ruins, and the Local History and Folklore Museum: Presenting wartime and regional history.
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Atago Shrine and Suzuran colonies on Mount Nantaisan: Where visitors can experience the harmony of nature and spirituality.
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Aiki Shrine and Takiiri Fudōson: Serene places ideal for spiritual reflection.
