Mito has a number of train stations within its boundaries:
On the Joban line - Mito, Kairakuen station only open during plum blossom season, Akatsuka, Uchihara
On the Kashima line - Mito, Higashi Mito, Tsunezumi, Oarai
The bus system in Mito, like all parts of Japan, is very complicated but once mastered, very useful. Most areas are serviced with buses coming a few times each hour. The bus for Kairakuen leaves from terminal 6 on the north side of Mito station.
Taxis are always available and the average flag fall is ¥660.
The principal tourist attraction, the Kairakuen, is an easy half-hour walk from Mito station's South Exit. Just walk down to the river Sakura-gawa, take a right and keep going along the north righthand shore of the lake. In April, you'll walk by cherry blossoms the whole way. The waterfowl will also provide some amusement.
By far the best way to get around is by bicycle. Mito sits next to the Naka River, which meanders from the not too distant hills to the even closer coast. Atop of the levee banks are excellent bike paths which, acting as bike freeways, offer leisurely rides with great views of the rice farms on the river plain, as well as a way to get to most destinations while avoiding the hassles of traffic.
