Mito City is located about 100 kilometers from Tokyo and is the prefectural capital of Ibaraki Prefecture. Oarai Beach is located to the east of the city, bustling with people swimming in the summer. The Nikko Mountains can be seen to the west, and Mount Abukuma towers to the north. The climate is warm except for the cold winter months, and the area is relatively unaffected by natural disasters, making it a great place to live. Mito natto is a local specialty, known nationwide. Recently, a mascot character, Mito-chan, was born, and a campaign has been launched to promote the appeal of Mito City to people both within and outside the city and prefecture through the sale of merchandise such as jumpers.