The northern region of Ibaraki City, commonly known as "Ibakita," is attractive for its beautiful scenery of terraced rice fields and mountain streams, as well as seasonal agricultural products grown in the clear waters. Yet, it's easily accessible, just a 30-minute drive from the city center and close to the Ibaraki Senjiji Interchange on the Shin-Meishin Expressway. There are many fascinating places known only to locals.

This time, we will introduce some recommended spots to play with children.

Hello! I'm Kawaguchi Masami, a manga artist.
I live with my husband and our son, Sou, who is in the sixth grade of elementary school. We are a family that loves games, and on weekends we spend most of our time playing games in the kotatsu.

However, living such a digital life makes me miss nature...
I want to relax in a place with a wide sky, sparkling sun, and the smell of plants!
However, since we are an indoor family, we would like to go somewhere that is easy to get to.

01. the Farm UNIVERSAL

So today, I left the kotatsu and headed to Ibakita, a mountainous area in Ibaraki City, which is less than an hour's drive from Osaka city!

The first place we visited was the Farm UNIVERSAL.

This is a multi-purpose garden center in Ibakita that sells plants, has a cafe, and an event space. When I think of gardening, I imagine a home improvement store, but this was on a grander scale than I had imagined.

You can also enjoy the cafe and strawberry and grape picking.

"Oh, there's a goat!"
Sou found a goat on the hill. He chased after it...

We were greeted by two goats.
Behind it is a spacious plaza and a stylish rabbit hutch.
It seemed to be attached to people and came close to me.

You can feed the rabbits for 100 yen each time.

Sou loves feeding animals.
I immediately bought some food and the rabbits started gathering around in great numbers.
My husband, who is usually calm, had a broken expression when he saw the cute rabbit.

The fluffy fur was very soothing.

After playing with the rabbits, we went strawberry picking.
My whole family loves strawberries so we were excited.

At the Farm UNIVERSAL strawberry farm, you can enjoy a unique strawberry picking experience.

This farm is committed to providing delicious food, so it is not an all-you-can-eat option.
You can pick and eat the ripest strawberries of the day.

When I entered the greenhouse, I was enveloped in a sweet aroma.

This is Sou's first time picking strawberries.
A staff member told me that "it's easier to find ripe strawberries if you crouch down while walking," so I crouched down and looked carefully.

"I'll take this one!" I said, choosing a large, bright red strawberry.

One of the attractions is that you can eat freshly picked strawberries on the spot.

It already smells so delicious...!

Each family member brought a freshly picked strawberry...

"Crunch!"

"Delicious!"

Sweet and juicy, you'll be amazed at how delicious it is when freshly picked!

There is also a wide variety of strawberries.
You can compare the taste of Benihoppe, Oi C Berry, Yotsuboshi, Akihime, Suzu, and other varieties.

You can purchase the strawberries you pick by weight and take them home.

There was no time limit, so we didn't feel rushed and the whole family was able to enjoy it to the fullest.

Afterwards, we went to the garden center located on the same premises.
Amazingly, the Farm UNIVERSAL garden center is one of the largest in the Kansai region!
The facility has a wide selection of flower seedlings, large garden trees, ornamental plants, and rare succulents.

As the family heads towards the entrance...
"There are dinosaur footprints!" exclaimed Sou excitedly.
There was also a large dinosaur model.

Behind the door is a jungle.
Let's go and feel like an adventurer!

There are all kinds of plants, from popular houseplants to plants you've never seen before.

My husband has recently become interested in gardening.
He seems to be interested in the plants with strange patterns.

The most popular variety in the store is Begonia maculata.

There were also some cute, colorful cacti. Sou couldn't help but take out his smartphone and take a photo.

As we continued walking through the facility, Discover！
As I was sitting on a bench to rest, my husband seemed to have found something...

As I went deeper into the vegetation...
I actually encountered an owl!

Sou was also very intrigued by the unexpected encounter.

After relaxing with the plants and owls, it's time to buy some souvenirs.
We each chose our favorite plants.

It's a comfortable place and I'd like to stay longer, but I'm starting to get hungry so I move on to the next shop.

the Farm UNIVERSAL

193-2 Saho, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture

Google maps

Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (weekdays), 10:00-18:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Closed: No fixed holidays (except New Year's holidays)
Phone number: 072-649-5339
Official website

02. Cafe Tomarigi

We headed to Cafe Tomarigi, which is a 10-minute drive from the Farm UNIVERSAL.
At first glance, it looks like any other stylish cafe.

However, the moment I entered the store, I was surprised by the atmosphere, which felt like a theme park!

Each room has a unique concept, such as a medieval castle-like room or a cave-like staircase.
There are also vintage bikes and ornaments that the cafe owner has carefully selected.

There is a private room on the second floor, which is also a special space.
Luxurious Japanese-style rooms with chandeliers and fancy rooms where you'll be greeted by cute dolls.
It is a luxurious space where parents who work hard at childcare and work can relax and unwind.

The space isn't the only thing that's authentic about Cafe Tomarigi.
You can also enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.
The lunch made with seasonal ingredients is delicious.

The desserts are also carefully made.
The appearance is so high quality that you'll almost feel it's a shame to eat it!
However, when I took a bite, it was even more delicious than I expected.

The coffee and tea after the meal was also excellent.

My husband enjoyed high-quality coffee brewed using a siphon, while I enjoyed tea in a special teapot made by Ronnefeldt, a German tea manufacturer with a 200-year history.

I could feel the attention to detail in every aspect of the food and the space.
This is a cafe where both adults and children can enjoy an extraordinary experience.

Now that I'm full, it's time to get moving.

Cafe Tomarigi

1212 Izumihara, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture

Google maps

Business hours: 11:00-17:00
Closed: Thursdays
Phone number: 072-697-8089
Instagram

03. Horse Play, Mountain Play, Pakapoko Square

The next place we visited was the Pakapoko Square, where you can play with horses and enjoy the mountains.

As we entered the plaza, the horses noticed us and came over to us.

Even though he's a horse, he's less shy than my husband.

You can tell that they are being raised with care.

That's because Pakapoko Hiroba offers more than just horse riding experiences.

It is a place where you can connect with horses, learn more about them, and enjoy interacting with them.

Before you go riding, they will introduce you to the types of horses available and teach you how to read the horses' emotions.

In fact, Sou was a little scared at first.
My husband and I looked at each other and wondered if everything was okay...

As he interacted with the horses, stroking and brushing them, his nervousness seemed to ease, and he suddenly said, "I want to ride a horse."

Tsumugi was the one who gave Sou a ride that day.

After we had communicated thoroughly, Tsumugi let Sou ride as if to say, "Go ahead!"

"How can I get the horse to move forward?" "What is the best way to sit for stability?"

In this way, you think for yourself, move your body, and communicate with the horse.

"So this is real..."
Sou muttered while riding his horse.

Now in games you can raise horses, gallop across fields and swim in the ocean.
That's fun too, but digital and real life are completely different experiences.

Mr. Chihara, the owner of Pakapoko Hiroba, said:

"The more children learn to live in nature, the more confident they become."

Sou's face also looked more dignified than before he got on.
My husband can't stop taking pictures of our son with his smartphone.

After the horseback ride, the children prepare their own food for the horses that looked after them. Sou also cut up a carrot and fed it to Tsumugi, expressing his gratitude.

Sou seemed anxious at first, but by the time he was feeding Tsumugi, he was smiling and looking confident.

At Poka Poko Square, you can not only play with horses, but also enjoy the mountains. You can build a secret base, chop firewood, and build a stable.
It's an experience you wouldn't easily get if you lived in the city.

Chihara said, "Children should think for themselves and do what they want to do. Parents should just watch over them."

To be honest, my husband and I were worried when we saw how scared our child was.
However, when I saw Sou interacting with the horse himself, deciding to ride it, and feeding it with a smile on his face, I realized how important it is for parents to keep an eye on their children.

It's a place where not only children but parents can learn as well.

Above all, the horses at Paka Poko Hiroba are so cute, I would definitely recommend you come and meet them.

Horse play, mountain play, Pakapoko Square

178 Kamiotoha, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture

Google maps

Opening days: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays *Reservations required one week in advance on weekdays
Please be sure to contact us in advance. We may be away on business for events, etc.
Business hours: 10:00-15:30 (weekdays), 10:00-17:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) *Reservations required
Closed days: Please check in advance.
Phone number: 080-5850-8872
Official website

04. de Ai・Hokkori Miyama no Sato

Next, we head to "de Ai Hokkori Miyama no Sato" to buy souvenirs from Ibakita.

"Miyama no Sato" is a direct sales store for agricultural products located at the foot of Mount Ryuo.
They sell local specialties made with ingredients such as vegetables and rice that have been lovingly grown by local farmers.

We arrived after enjoying a drive through the idyllic countryside.

When I got out of the car, I thought, "The air feels so fresh!"
My son and husband took a deep breath and enjoyed nature.

When I entered the store, I was greeted by rows of seasonal vegetables. Freshly picked vegetables are available at reasonable prices, so they tend to sell out quickly.

The store also has many other interesting items, including handmade rice flour bread, sweets, and agricultural products.
Other specialties include cheesecake made with homemade tofu, cider made with the local specialty red shiso, and pickled plums.

As we were wondering which one to buy, Sou stopped and said, "I want to eat this."

There you can find gelato made with fresh local ingredients!

I'm full after a hearty lunch, but dessert is still in the cards!

Now, choose your gelato flavor.
"Ryuo Miso," "Kinako," "Super Sweet Green Chili Pepper"...
All of these flavors can only be found here.

After some deliberation, Sou chose the Ryuo Miso flavored gelato, while I took a more adventurous approach and chose the broccoli flavored gelato.

I was just thinking, "The taste of broccoli is unusual, so I'll eat it."

After taking a bite, I thought, "Wait, it's delicious!"

Although it has the texture and taste of broccoli, it doesn't have the fishy smell of vegetables and has a natural sweetness that makes it delicious.

Sou-kun's Ryuo miso-flavored gelato has the aroma of miso, but is also slightly sweet and addictive.

My husband bought miso and pickled plums.
Both are local specialties of Misayama.
My husband has recently taken up cooking as a hobby, so I'm looking forward to seeing what he'll make.

All of the products at Misayama no Sato are healthy, and the sweets are also healthy. I ended up buying a lot of souvenirs because even though they're sweet, they're healthy and I don't feel guilty about eating them.

de Ai・Hokkori Miyama no Sato

1131 Nagatani, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture

Google maps

Business hours: 9:00-16:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone number: 072-649-3328
Official website

05. Dam Park Ibakita

Before we knew it, it was evening.

From the animals, plants, strawberry picking, gourmet food and sweets, both our stomachs and our hearts were satisfied.
We had a lot of fun, and when we got in the car to go home, Sou said, "I want to play a little more."

Whenever we went on a trip, Sou would always say, "I want to get home quickly and play games" on the way back...!

It seems like "Ibakita" was a lot of fun.
So, we decided to stop by Dam Park Ibakita at the end of the day.

The lake, mountains, and dam make it a fantastic location.

You can enjoy the dog run with your dog or relax in the event plaza.

The biggest attraction at Dam Park Ibakita is bungee jumping from Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridge!

Enjoy a huge jump of about 40m against the backdrop of the majestic Aigawa Dam.

To be honest, I'm not good with heights...

My husband, who is usually expressionless, said with a sparkle in his eyes, "I want to fly."

And it flies!? Seriously!?

But it will surely be a memory that will last a lifetime...

Okay, okay, then...!

I prepared myself and searched for the entrance to the bungee jump...

It wasn't open yet.

The bungee jump is scheduled to be completed in spring 2025.

It seems that restaurants and other establishments will be opening in the park.
Being able to enjoy gourmet food and activities in the midst of nature makes this a popular spot for families.

I can't wait for spring to come!

Dam Park Ibakita

53-1 Seiho, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture

Google maps

Closed: Open daily
Phone number: 072-648-2260
Official website

Now that I've had a break, I'm finally heading home in my car.

It looks like they both had a lot of fun.
I was also able to refresh myself.

My job involves mostly computer work. I also love games, so I spend my days immersed in digital technology.
But today, by spending the day in nature, I was able to heal my mind and body.

Because we live in a world where we can't escape from digital technology, it's great to have a place rich in nature that we can quickly visit on the weekends.

Ibakita is likely to become a regular family outing spot.

*The information listed is current as of January 2025. Please check the website of each store or facility for the latest opening hours.