Comfortable retreat beside the sea in Oarai

It is often said that Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県) is the worst unattractive prefecture among others. Actually, they have few seeing spots, few local specialties,....which is to say, they have less awareness and branded power even among Japanese (except natto!). Nonetheless, Ibaraki is near to Tokyo and we went to Oarai (大洗) to enjoy hot spring and seafood in summer. As a result, I found Ibaraki is wonderful! They just don't have the brand which appeals to people (that is problem!).    

Super Hitachi

"Taimeiken" yoshoku bento

Foie gras and beef steak bento (not tasty at all...!)

Oarai Coast 

Oarai Coast

Seagulls 

"Satoumi-tei" (Japanese-style ryokan)

Entrance

Lobby

Bean cake rapped by pram leaf and cold green tea

Japanese room

Living room

Bath over the sea

Balcony 

Public terrace

With my cute prince!

Public hot spring bath

Free alcohol, tea/coffee and snacks besides the public bath

Private dining room

Local sake

Corn pudding

Sashimi and oyster

Various side dishes

Tomato sorbet

Fish cooked in soy sauce

Clam rice and clear soup of common orient clam

Vanilla ice cream

In the morning!

Salad

Local dried fishes

Rice, miso soup, natto, etc.

Coffee and yogurt

Oarai Shrine

Long stairs to the main building

Main building of Oarai Shrine

Girls and Panzer, animation in Oarai 

AQUA WORLD in Oarai

Beautiful...!

Sea turtle

Sunfishes

Shark!!

Tropical fishes

Dolphin show 

Food court

Sea urchin bowl (impressive!)

"Satoumi-tei (里海邸)", a ryokan we chose was just great! Building is new and clean. Interior is Japanese-modern style. The atmosphere is very cozy and relaxing. Most of all, sound of the sea is like a healing music. Hot spring was definitely wonderful. I was so happy taking the hot spring listening the sea sound. Satoumi-tei offers various drinks free of charge in both public space and private room. So, after the hot spring, I enjoyed drinks reading books....so good. 

Dishes were also delicious. If you life fish and seafood, you will be satisfied with cuisine using local seafood. Dishes were not kaiseki meal, but sophisticated and tasty. Since the port is close, freshness is perfect. Oyster was one of the best in my life. In addition, quality of service and hospitality of every staff were high. It is indeed a retreat or second house in the countryside! My rating is 4.8 out of 5. Gochiso-samadeshita!

Satoumi-tei (里海邸)　http://www.satoumitei.jp/

AQUA WORLD (アクアワールド) http://www.aquaworld-oarai.com/en/