Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I took a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Oarai Marine Tower in Ibaraki Prefecture. Oarai Marine Tower is a 60m high observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. It is famous for being the setting for the anime “Girls & Panzer.” I’m not an anime fan, but I like the scenery of the sea and sky, so I decided to give it a try. My favorite car is a Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide.
Route to Oarai Marine Tower
The distance from central Tokyo to Oarai Marine Tower is approximately 140 km. I took National Route 51 and Prefectural Route 2 to my destination via the Metropolitan Expressway’s Inner Loop Route, Misato Line, Joban Expressway, Kita-Kanto Expressway, and Higashi-Mito Road. The journey took about two and a half hours. It will take a little longer to take breaks and refuel along the way, but I think it’s still a fun day trip.
As you enter the Misato Line from the Shuto Expressway’s Inner Loop Line, the urban landscape gradually changes to a rural landscape. On the Joban Expressway, you can see views of Mt. Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura. The Kita-Kanto Expressway passes through urban areas such as Mito City and Hitachinaka City. Higashi Mito Road runs along the coast. On National Route 51 and Prefectural Route 2, you can feel the port town atmosphere of Oarai Town.
Highlights of Oarai Marine Tower
Oarai Marine Tower is located in Minato Central Park within Oarai Port. There is a parking lot in front of the tower, but it is not reserved for motorcycles. Parking is free, but admission for adults is 340 yen. Admission tickets are purchased from the ticket vending machine at the entrance on the 1st floor.
There are shops and a tourist information corner in the entrance hall on the first floor. In addition, characters and pamphlets from “Girls & Panzer” are on display. Anime fans will love it.
On the second floor, there is an anime-approved coffee shop called “Garpan Kissa Panzer Vor”. Here, you can enjoy set meals and drinks for each school that appears in “Girls & Panzer.” Cafe users can enter up to the second floor for free.
The third floor is the observation room. From here you can see a 360 degree panoramic view from a height of 55m. The view of the Pacific Ocean and Oarai Port spreading out before your eyes is breathtaking. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji and the Nasu Mountain Range. Additionally, the coastline is beautifully illuminated from dusk to night. There is also a Lumilite art mural called “Dolphin Fantasy” in the observation room. This is a piece of light art with motifs of sea creatures and the scenery of Oarai Town.
Oarai Marine Tower motorcycle parking lot
There are several places to park your motorcycle around Oarai Marine Tower. Specifically, there are parking lots at Oarai Marine Tower and Oarai Seaside Park. However, road conditions and road closure information are subject to change, so we recommend checking the latest information before departing. If you require specific information, please contact each facility directly. You can also check the official website or tourist information center for detailed information such as parking fees and operating hours.
Summary
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Oarai Marine Tower. Oarai Marine Tower is an observation deck that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and is famous for being the setting for the anime “Girls & Panzer.” You can see a spectacular view from the observation room, and you can enjoy the world view of anime at “Garupan Kissa Panzer Vor”. If you go by motorcycle, you will need to be careful about finding a parking spot, but other than that, there are many roads that are comfortable to ride on. This is a recommended touring course as it is a distance that can be enjoyed on a day trip.
English: Oarai Marine Tower
