The Pottery Castle: My Solo Visit to Kasama Castle, Ibaraki

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Perched on a forested hill in the heart of Ibaraki's pottery country, Kasama Castle offers a unique blend of samurai history and vibrant artistic culture. While its stone walls and earthworks whisper of its feudal past, the town of Kasama below buzzes with creative energy, making it a perfectly balanced destination for a solo traveler.

My Solo Itinerary:

· Morning – Stone Fortress & Forest Paths: I started my day climbing the peaceful, wooded paths to the castle ruins. The massive, rugged stone walls are incredibly impressive and well-preserved. I explored the main Honmaru (inner bailey) and the secondary enclosures, enjoying the quiet atmosphere and the views over the town from the summit.
· Afternoon – Pottery Town Immersion: After descending, I dove into Kasama's real charm: its pottery. I wandered through the Kasama-yaki Kiln Village, visiting independent studios and galleries. I even tried my hand at a pottery workshop, creating a unique souvenir. For lunch, I enjoyed local soba noodles at a cozy restaurant, perhaps served on beautiful Kasama-yaki tableware.
· Evening – Garden Strolls & Craft Beer: I visited the beautiful Kasama Nichidō Museum of Art to see works by Japanese masters. To end the day, I found a local café or one of Kasama's emerging craft beer pubs to relax and reflect on the day's blend of history and creativity.

Why Kasama Castle is Perfect for Solo Travelers:

· Atmospheric & Uncrowded: You'll likely have the castle ruins mostly to yourself, perfect for contemplation and photography.
· A Dual Experience: It seamlessly combines a historical site with a hands-on cultural activity (pottery).
· Easy & Accessible: A short walk from JR Kasama Station, making it a stress-free day trip from Tokyo or Mito.
· Authentic & Artistic: This is a real working craft town, not a tourist theme park, offering a genuine look at Japanese artistry.

Tips for Your Visit:

· 🧺 Pack a picnic to enjoy on the castle grounds for a truly serene lunch.
· 🏺 Check workshop schedules in advance if you want to try pottery, and book if possible.
· 🚶 Wear sturdy shoes for the sometimes steep and uneven paths up to the castle.
· 🗓️ Avoid Mondays as many pottery studios and museums are closed.

Kasama Castle isn't about a grand reconstruction; it's about feeling the history in the stones and then joining the living, creative culture that grew in its shadow.

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