A Flower Lover's Guide to Visiting Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan
Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, is a floral paradise that delights visitors year-round with its stunning seasonal blooms. From rolling hills of blue Nemophila in spring to fiery Kochia in autumn, this vast park offers breathtaking landscapes for flower lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit.
About Hitachi Seaside Park
Location: Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, about 2 hours from Tokyo by train or car.
Size: Over 350 hectares, with 200 hectares open to the public.
Attractions: Expansive gardens, cycling paths, walking trails, and an amusement park.
Seasonal Highlights
1. Spring (Late April to Early May)
Signature Bloom: Nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes)
Over 4.5 million Nemophila flowers bloom on the park's Miharashi Hill, creating a surreal sea of sky-blue blossoms.
Other Blooms: Tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms.
Why Visit: The Nemophila Harmony festival showcases the park’s most iconic bloom, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop.
2. Summer (June to August)
Signature Bloom: Sunflowers and Roses
Fields of sunflowers light up the park with vibrant yellow hues.
Other Blooms: Zinnias and cosmos flowers.
Why Visit: Enjoy bright, cheerful flowers and participate in summer activities, such as cycling or picnicking.
3. Autumn (September to October)
Signature Bloom: Kochia (Summer Cypress)
Miharashi Hill transforms into a fiery red spectacle as over 30,000 Kochia bushes turn crimson.
Other Blooms: Cosmos fields in pink, white, and purple hues.
Why Visit: The Kochia Carnival offers a dazzling display of autumnal colors, perfect for photographers.
4. Winter (December to February)
Signature Bloom: Ice Tulips
A unique display of tulips grown under frozen conditions that bloom in midwinter.
Other Blooms: Japanese plum blossoms (ume).
Why Visit: Experience serene landscapes with fewer crowds, and enjoy the peaceful winter scenery.
Things to Do at Hitachi Seaside Park
1. Explore Miharashi Hill
Walk along the trails for panoramic views of the blooms and the Pacific Ocean.
Ideal for photography during sunrise or sunset.
2. Visit the Flower Garden
Wander through themed flower beds featuring seasonal blooms like tulips, roses, and daffodils.
3. Rent a Bicycle
The park offers 11 km (6.8 miles) of cycling paths, perfect for leisurely rides through flower fields.
Bike rentals are available near the entrance for all ages.
4. Hitachi Rose Garden
Admire a wide variety of roses in full bloom during late spring and early summer.
5. Amusement Park
The small amusement area features a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the park and its colorful landscapes.
6. Picnic or Enjoy Local Food
Relax in designated picnic areas or visit the park’s food stalls for local specialties like yakisoba and ice cream flavored with seasonal ingredients.
When to Visit
Best Time: Mid-April to early May (Nemophila) or late September to mid-October (Kochia).
Avoid Crowds: Visit on weekdays or early mornings. National holidays and weekends can be busy.
How to Get There
From Tokyo:
Take the JR Joban Line to Katsuta Station (approx. 80–90 minutes).
From Katsuta Station, take a 15-minute bus ride to the park.
By Car:
Approximately 2 hours from central Tokyo via the Joban Expressway. Parking is available on-site.
Admission and Hours
Admission Fees:
Adults: ¥450
Children (6-15 years): ¥210
Seniors (65+): ¥210
Operating Hours:
Generally 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season).
Closed Days:
Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday).
Tips for Visiting
Timing is Key: Research bloom schedules as they can vary slightly each year due to weather conditions.
Dress Comfortably: Wear walking shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially in summer.
Photography Tips: Use wide-angle lenses for the best landscape shots and visit during golden hours for softer light.
Stay Nearby: Consider staying in Hitachinaka City or Mito City to explore the area at a leisurely pace.
Check Events: Seasonal festivals like Nemophila Harmony or Kochia Carnival enhance your experience with live music, food stalls, and workshops.
Other Nearby Attractions
Kairakuen Garden: One of Japan’s top three traditional gardens, famous for plum blossoms in spring.
Aqua World Oarai Aquarium: Perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts.
Oarai Beach: A great spot to unwind after exploring the park.
Hitachi Seaside Park is a dream destination for flower lovers, offering unique and mesmerizing floral displays throughout the year. Whether you’re marveling at the sea of Nemophila in spring or the fiery Kochia in autumn, this park promises an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty and tranquility.
