Mito Station 水戸駅

Capital Station of Ibaraki Prefecture 

(North Entrance)

When you step out onto the train platform in Mito, Ibaraki you will start your adventure here at 水戸駅 (mito eki => mito station). Compared to many other 電車 駅 (denshya eki => train stations) in Japan, 水戸駅 isn't as big as the ones in Tokyo. 

(Mito Station's main lobby)

• This is the gate system for the entrance way to the JR East railway platforms.

• I recommend visiting Muji which sells simplistic goods and clothing.
• Located near the north entrance and on the 5th floor.

• ABC-Mart is a great place to buy well-known shoe brands at an affordable price
• Located on the same floor as Muji.

• アーカード (aa-kaa-doo => arcade): Located near the Mito South Entrance.

• 太鼓 の 達人 (Taiko no Tatsujin => "Master of the Drums"): one of the most popular arcade games in Japan. The basis of the game is to keep in pace with the rhythm of the music while using two drum sticks. As like the Shinto ritual, the player must hit either the center or edge of the drum to gain points. Here is a link to a video on how it is played => https://youtu.be/ZuqXqGAyJNo !
• It is based off of the traditional taiko drums used in Shinto rituals at 祭り (matsuri => festivals).

• The United Cinemas is located right next to the arcade center and is a clean facility.
• I recommend trying the caramel popcorn.

• 2nd Street is an upscale reuse-shop chain selling a multitude of goods.

• Majority of the used goods are clothing and shoes which are in excellent-quality.
• To note, it's typical for people to take care of their things as last as long as possible.

(Mito Station South Entrance)

(Aerial view of South Mito Station by Google Earth)

(Aerial View of North Mito Station by Google Earth)

(North Mito Station Area)

• Statue of Tokugawa Mitsukuni who ruled the Mito and Hitachi province as 大名 (daimyo) during the Edo Period.
• He begun the compilation of the, "大日本史" (dai nihon shi), which is translated as, "History of Great Japan". Fusing Confucian philosophy and reawakening Japanese patriotism and loyalty to the Imperial Throne.

• The buses which will take you back to Ibaraki University usually park at stations #5 and #7 and will say on the screens "Ibaraki University" or "Ibadaimae". 
• For Ibaraki exchange students, there is another bus you can ride on which travels to "Watariniku Golf Course" which has a bus stop nearby the Ibaraki University International House.

Practicality in Mito

Mito City Bus Card

• As a resident of Ibaraki, you can apply for a Mito city bus card. There are two bus card machines located at Mito Station and at Ibadaimae station (next to Ibaraki University). 
• The initial cost is ¥1,500, but you can add more to your card if you would like preferable around ¥5,000 since the bus costs in Mito are a little expensive.

• On the east-side of the North Mito Station entrance, walk in-between the two booths.

• Similar to the IC Suica/Pasmo cards, you can obtain a new card and recharge at these machines. 

• Another tip, you can also recharge your card on the buses as well. 
• Only can use ¥1,000 notes (¥5,000 and ¥10,000 yen notes are not accepted and will not return your change back to you). 
• Ask the bus driver, "ちゃージ お願いします".
• (chaaji oneegaishimasu => please recharge my card). 

Thank you again for taking the time to read this blog. I will continue to work smarter in order to upload more blogs on a consistent basis. 

じゃ, また (Jya, mata => see you later),

Trey-Uncaged