Mito Castle Ruins and Kodokan: Birthplace of the Mito School

Headquarters of the Mito Tokugawa Clan

Mito Castle was built in the Muromachi period and became the seat of the Mito domain, one of the three Tokugawa branch families. The moats and earthworks of the castle ruins remain today, and the main keep area is famous for cherry blossoms.

The Spirit of Kodokan

Kodokan was founded in 1841 by Mito domain lord Tokugawa Nariaki as a domain school. It nurtured the "revere the emperor, expel the barbarians" ideology, deeply connected to late Edo period history.

Combined with Plum Festival

Kodokan features beautiful plum blossoms in early spring. Many visitors combine this with the Kairakuen Plum Festival to fully experience Mito's spring fragrance.