Ishioka City is located in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, in the northeastern area of the Kanto region. It is a city rich in history and cultural heritage. The current city was formed in 2005 (Heisei 17) through the merger of the former Ishioka City and former Yasato Town.
In ancient times, Ishioka served as the provincial capital (kokufu) of Hitachi Province. For this reason, it has long been known as "Hitachi Fuchu" or simply "Jofu," and is considered the origin of the name of Ibaraki Prefecture. The ancient provincial government of Hitachi was located here, making Ishioka an important political and cultural center.
The name "Ishioka" is believed to date back to the Kamakura period. One theory suggests it comes from “Iwaoka,” which means a small elevated hilly area. After the abolition of feudal domains and establishment of prefectures in the Meiji era, there was a short-lived "Ishioka Prefecture," reflecting the area's historical significance.
Culture and Tourist Attractions
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Hitachi Province Soja Shrine Grand Festival: Ishioka hosts the “Hitachi Province Soja Shrine Grand Festival,” one of the three major festivals in the Kanto region, along with Sawara and Chichibu. Held every September, it is a grand and vibrant event and a highlight of local traditional culture.
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Yasato Area and Western Mountains: The western part of the city, with its ideal terrain and wind conditions, is known as one of Japan’s rare sites for aerial sports like paragliding and ultralight aircraft. It draws many enthusiasts for these activities.
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Geomagnetic Observatory: The city is home to a geomagnetic observatory operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency, giving it an important role in scientific research.
