A lot of people think "beach" when they think of summer, myself included especially being from Miami. I am sure most of you are thinking that the beach to go to in Ibaraki is Oarai beach. Oarai beach is nice and I have been there quite a number of times. But that is not my go to beach. My go to beach is Ajigaura beach in Hitachi Naka city. That beach is a great place to swim and soak up the sun. There aren't too many waves so you can swim in peace. There is also an onsen very close to the beach that you can enjoy after a day of sun bathing.
Lately, Ajigaura beach has developed a new glamping site near the beach and a new event for everyone to enjoy. That event is Ibafornia.
Ibafornia
Iba as in Ibaraki, fornia as in California. A little play on words there. The wife thinks it's lame but I like it. The Ibafornia event has popped up a couple of times this summer. The wife and I were able to check it out one summer night in July. We were completely taken by surprise because we had no idea this event was happening that day. We were just going to the beach to have a swim.
This event was located in front of the new glamping site across from the beach. This glamping site looks really luxurious but it is quite expensive. I think one night is 30,000 yen a person. If you are interested and want to give it a go, check out their website:
Anyway, there was a lot to see at this event. People were selling hand crafted items and there were other tents with things to check out and buy. But what really drew my attention was all the food trucks.
Food Trucks
I wish I could have enjoyed the food trucks. Unfortunately, the wife and I had already eaten and I was the driver that day so no alcohol for me. There were quite a number of food cars there that night. I saw a kebab truck, crepe truck, ramen truck, lemonade car, and more. The kabab truck seemed to be the most popular and I really wanted to try it. Alas, my stomach wouldn't allow it. Then, I saw a familiar food car called The Cube. When I saw that truck I got excited and depressed. Excited, because that truck has amazing sandwiches. It had also been a year since I had last seen that truck. Depressed, because there was no way I would have been able to fit one of their delicious sandwiches into my stomach. Plus, I forgot to take a picture of the truck which I am still kicking myself for.
More Food Trucks
The wife and I did get a lemonade from the lemonade car and a beer. We walked around for a bit and enjoyed the event in the nice clear cool summer night. The lemonade was delicious and refreshing. We did enjoy our time at the event and wanted to check it out again in the future. After we finished our drinks, we headed home and made a mental note to actually go to the next Ibafornia hungry and try the different food trucks at the event.
I think Ibafornia will return next summer since a lot of people seemed to like it and have a good time. I do wish they would advertise the event more. I had no idea this event existed until I stumbled upon it. I recently found Ibafornia's Facebook page so I will stay on the look out for their next event.
If you want to check out their Facebook page, here is the link:
In Other News
In case you are unaware, the state of emergency in Ibaraki has been extended till the 30th. This means that the current restrictions will continue on for the whole month of September. A lot of restaurants and izakayas are really hurting right now. Some of them have been closed since late July. If you have the means, please support your local places. Even if it is just take out or ordering something small. These Ibaraki restaurants could really use your help. Here's hoping that October will be a better month and we can return to something resembling normal.
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