hitachi seaside park tour

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park (�Ђ����C�l����, Hitachi Kaihin Kōen) is a spacious park near Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture featuring a variety of green spaces and seasonal flowers spread out across 350 hectares, as well as an amusement park and several cycling and walking trails.

The park's iconic flower is the blue nemophila, which covers Miharashi Hill in the spring and mimics the color of the sky. The flowers are usually at their peak from late April to mid May. Paths crisscross the hill providing views over the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the park. In fall, the hill is covered by green kokia bushes which slowly turn red as the weather turns cooler. These autumnal colors are usually best from early to mid October.

Although the nemophila are the most well-known of the park's flowers, assorted other flowers bloom throughout most of the year. Near the park's main entrance is a large forested area featuring the Suisen Garden where narcissus usually bloom from mid March, while across the lake tulips bloom usually around late April.

Although flowers are seasonal highlights, the park can be enjoyed year round. There are walking trails through the extensive Hitachinaka Nature Forest, while the Dune Garden showcases plants native to the coastline of Japan. Even when the rest of the park is crowded, this area often remains relatively quiet.

Hitachi Seaside Park also features a small amusement park with over 25 rides and attractions, including a 100 meter tall Ferris wheel, putter golf, a BMX course and a roller coaster among others. Most of the rides and activities require extra fees. Restaurants and rest areas are scattered throughout the park, and a BBQ area is available for picnics.

Due to the size of the park, there are two other methods of getting around besides walking. Rental bicycles are available starting from 450 yen for three hours of use, and almost eleven kilometers of cycling paths - separate from pedestrian paths - allow easy access to the different areas of the park. A small train (on tires) also travels the perimeter of the park with stops at numerous locations. The train costs 600 yen for a 1-day pass.

Getting there and around

From Mito Station , take the JR Joban Line to Katsuta Station (5 minutes, 190 yen one way, multiple trains/hour), from where the buses takes you to the park (15 minutes, 400 yen one way, every 20-30 minutes).

By highway bus from Tokyo

Infrequent, direct highway buses connect Tokyo Station with Hitachi Seaside Park. The one way ride takes about 2.5 hours, costs 2300 yen and is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass .

How to get to and around Mito

Hours and Fees

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

• Things to Do
• Parks & Gardens
• Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park - One of the Best Flower Fields in Japan for Photos

• Stuart Goble

Hitachi Seaside Park is the best place to visit for that iconic sea of blue flowers and rolling hills under an open blue sky photo. While you might think a scene this breathtaking could only be the product of some high-level CGI, it is very real and is only a stone's throw from Tokyo! Learn more about just what kind of photos you can take at this park and Hitachi Seaside Park's flower calendar in this article. Take in the gorgeous nature of Ibaraki Prefecture!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

An Introduction to Hitachi Seaside Park

Located just outside Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 120 kilometers northeast of Tokyo , Hitachi Seaside Park offers an escape from the bustle of urban life. The park served as an American military base until 1973, after which the land was returned to the Japanese government. Following some deliberation as to what to do with the land, the decision was made to convert it into a public park.

Hitachi Seaside Park first opened its doors to visitors in 1991, and since then has become a much-loved attraction for families, couples, and travelers seeking a stress-free escape to nature. The park is divided into six areas, each providing something a little different. We cover these areas in more detail below.

How to Get to Hitachi Seaside Park From Tokyo

The quickest way to get to Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo is via a limited express train on the JR Joban line. You can catch one of these trains from Shinagawa Station, Tokyo Station, or Ueno Station and ride it about one hour and 15 minutes to Katsuta Station. From there, a local bus goes directly from the station to Hitachi Seaside Park and takes about 15 minutes. In total, the fare will cost about 4,290 yen, one-way (the route is covered by the Japan Rail Pass ).

A cheaper option for those who don't have the Japan Rail Pass is to take a highway bus, which runs directly from Tokyo Station and costs 2,450 yen. These buses take about two and a half hours to get to the park and don't run as frequently as the train, but are still a fairly quick way to get there.

Booking highway buses can be difficult if you're not fluent in Japanese. If that's you, consider booking a day tour through Klook. On top of reserving a highway bus seat, you'll get a tour guide, lunch at the park, and an additional activity or two afterwards such as visiting another famous nearby park or going shopping.

Hitachi Seaside Park Areas

Hitachi seaside park's west area: entrance and lakeside.

This is one of two main entrances into Hitachi Seaside Park, located by the western parking zone. Walking through the West Entrance will see you greeted with an expansive view of the park's lakeside area. Here you'll be able to enjoy a beverage at the Lake Side Cafe while looking out across the pond, or you can walk a short distance to see two smaller flower gardens: the Suisen (Narcissus) Garden and the Tamago no Mori (Egg Forest) Flower Garden.

On the western side of the lake, you can also rent a bike that you can use to get around the park from the Nishiguchi Cycling Center.

For those wanting to know more about the development of the park, make sure to stop by the Rekishi (History) Gallery at the north tip of the lake near the entrance to the Miharashi Area.

Hitachi Seaside Park's West Area: Miharashi Area

The iconic hills of the Miharashi Area are perhaps the most iconic feature of the park. This area is known for its rolling blue landscape of nemophila flowers in the spring and the dancing kochia bushes in the autumn.

Follow the winding path from the northern side of the Lakeside Area to reach the Miharashi Area. From there, all that's left to do is find the perfect spot to capture your own take of its iconic view.

It's not just the rolling fields of flowers that make this part of Hitachi Seaside Park a pleasure to stroll around. There's also a sunflower maze to explore before arriving at the park's kominka, one of the oldest traditional houses in eastern Japan, and an accurate recreation of an old Japanese farming village. The view of this village changes greatly with the seasons. During the autumn, you'll find it surrounded by cosmos; in the summer, sunflowers and neon-green kochia; and by a maze of canola plants during the spring.

Much like the village's surroundings, the view of Miharashi Hill also changes with the seasons. From a bright blue that matches the sky of the summer months to a deep red that embodies the feel of autumn, every visit to the Miharashi Area of Hitachi Seaside Park is sure to be different.

Hitachi Seaside Park's South Area: Entrance and Pleasure Garden

Hitachi Seaside Park's Southern Area can be accessed via the park's Soyokaze or Matsukaze bridges, or directly from the southern parking area. This area offers something for the whole family, with a small golf course, a BMX zone, and the impressive Hitachi Rose Garden, which is located here. This rose garden is considered particularly important, as the rose is the symbol of Ibaraki Prefecture.

Towering over the Pleasure Garden is a large Ferris Wheel that provides a great view of much of Hitachi Seaside Park. A ride is a must-do if you happen to be in the area around sunset! You'll find further activities for young children around the back of the Ferris Wheel, including a small waterpark and a 400m long slide.

Hitachi Seaside Park's South Area: Grassland

In the central area of Hitachi Seaside Park lies the expansive Grassland Area, a free space that can be used for play or picnics. Barbeque facilities are available here, as well as a disc-golf course and athletics track. The Grassland Area is ideal for a summer outing to enjoy a picnic and catch some rays with friends and family.

Hitachi Seaside Park's South Area: Dune Gardens

The last of the park's main areas, the Dune Area overlooks the Pacific Ocean and features several fun activities within a short walking distance from each other.

The Ceramic Arts Studio here lets visitors attempt to create their own piece of pottery, while the Herb Garden boasts an array of plants with unique fragrances to enjoy. This area is bordered by the fittingly named "Aroma Lookout" building. Walk further inwards to enjoy a traditional rock garden before making your way to the Great Sand Dune.

Hitachi Seaside Park's Flower Calendar

As you'd expect, spring is naturally a peak time to visit Hitachi Seaside Park thanks to the abundance of flowers in bloom. The main draw has to be the blue nemophila covering Miharashi Hill between the months of April and May, but there are also plenty of other varieties of flowers to check out around the park. The Suisen (narcissus) Garden in the Western Area is in full bloom between March and April and covers the forest floor in a blanket of yellow. Tulip World (pictured above), on the other hand, has a whole host of vibrant colors on show!

Summer is another busy period for Hitachi Seaside Park. During the height of summer, the fields in the area near Miharashi Hill are packed with sunflowers. Thanks to some careful planting, these also form a natural maze to explore.

In summer, the park also hosts the popular Rock in Japan Festival. Over the course of 4 or so days, visitors can see famous Japanese acts the likes of Aimer, KANA-BOON, and SEKAI NO OWARI, to name just a few. (Actual artist lineup and dates to be confirmed closer to the event date. 2024 schedule not yet released.)

Towards the end of the season, the park's summer fair draws in many visitors from around Japan. Between the amazing festival food on offer, fireworks, and the Kochia bush illumination show in the warm evenings, the summer season provides plenty of reasons to visit the park!

Fall at the Hitachi Seaside Park brings with it the Kochia Carnival, held in celebration of the park's fields of charming round bushes turning their deep shade of red. 

This period also sees the many varieties of cosmos flowers in the park reach full bloom. You'll be able to find several collections of these flowers around the park such as in the Miharashi area, where an array of purple cosmos are backdropped by the red kochia bushes; or the central areas, where you'll be able to take in the sight of almost 160,000 Kibana cosmos dotting the landscape. The roses in the Hitachi Rose Garden almost remain in bloom until early November, so be sure not to miss this area if you're visiting around this time. 

Even in the months of winter, the park abounds with nature. Fittingly named "ice tulips" and wintersweets continue to remain in bloom until January. You'll be able to find the majority of the winter flowers in the area of the park closest to the sea, particularly around the Dune Area.

Even when these winter flowers begin to disappear for the year, there's only a short wait until the next wave of blossoms arrive as the ume (plum) trees begin to bloom towards the end of winter. This period of the year sees many young adults visit the park to drink Japanese plum wine called umeshu while sitting under canopies of blossoms.

A Guaranteed Great Day Outdoors at Hitachi Seaside Park

Regardless of the season, there's always something to do and see at the Hitachi Seaside Park. Thanks to good transport connections, this park makes for the perfect day trip for anyone in the Kanto region .

Should you find yourself wanting to get away from the bustle of the city, consider a trip to the Hitachi Seaside Park for a much welcome break!

Thumbnail:  jiraphoto / Shutterstock.com

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Subscribe to our free newsletter and we'll show you the best Japan has to offer!

• gorgeous scenery

About the author

Related Articles

Related interests.

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Park
• Osaka Castle Park

Restaurant Search

Tsunagu japan sns.

Subscribe to the tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Sign up to our free newsletter to discover the best Japan has to offer.

Connect with Japan through tsunagu Japan

Let us introduce you to the best of Japan through our free newsletter: sightseeing spots, delicious food, deep culture, best places to stay, and more!

Tour Packages

Hitachi Seaside Park

• Start from Tokyo
• Private Car Service
• 2 Optional Places to go
• October-November

Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re ready to experience the vibrant beauty of nature at Hitachi Seaside Park, our service is your gateway to a journey that’s seamless, comfortable, and filled with breathtaking landscapes.

With our service, you can explore the vast blooms and seasonal wonders of Hitachi Seaside Park without the hassle of transportation logistics. Whether you’re wandering through the kaleidoscope of flowers, marveling at the mesmerizing kochia fields, or simply enjoying the tranquility of this natural paradise, our professional drivers ensure your trip is stress-free.

Let us transport you to the heart of this botanical wonderland, where every moment is an opportunity to connect with the beauty of nature and immerse yourself in the changing tapestry of blooms throughout the seasons. From capturing stunning photographs to savoring the fresh air, we’ve got it all covered.

Choose us for a memorable journey to Hitachi Seaside Park, where every instant is an opportunity to appreciate the wonders of the natural world, create cherished memories, and be inspired by the beauty of flowers and landscapes. Your satisfaction and convenience are our top priorities, making your visit truly extraordinary!

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Destinations

• Plan Your Trip

Japan’s Famous Fields of Baby Blue

April 10, 2021 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever seen Hitachi Seaside Park on Instagram, you’ve probably been tempted to visit. I’ve felt this way for many years, although I resisted the urge until quite recently.

Back before Covid-19 ruined 2020, the flower-filled idyll was supposed to have been the centerpiece of that year’s sakura trip, connective travel tissue between the cherry blossoms west and south of Tokyo, and those in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. Obviously, we know how that went.

The good news? I finally made it to Hitachi Seaside Park in 2021, albeit not without some secondary and tertiary hiccups. The better news? I’ll lay out everything you need to know in order to plan your own visit, whether you visit Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo, or stay overnight somewhere closer to the park.

Why I (Finally) Visited Hitachi Seaside Park

Although I’ve wanted to see Hitachi Seaside Park with my own eyes for many years, it wasn’t until early 2020 that I first put concrete plans in place to go there. Unfortunately, SARS-CoV-2 and the fallout around it put an end to those. The good news is that I managed to enter Japan before the end of that year (the pandemic inspired me to make good on my long-held desire to formally study Japanese in Kyoto); I vowed to visit in 2021.

As I write this post, it’s been less than 24 hours since I returned from the park; the experience seems quite surreal, being only barely in my rearview mirror. Certainly, it was as beautiful as I expected, even if I’d by lying if I said visiting was easy or straightforward. Below, I’ll talk you through the practical steps of putting your own trip together, before making a broader judgment on the merits of the place.

How to Visit Hitachi Seaside Park (from Tokyo or Elsewhere)

Decide between spring or autumn.

Although Hitachi is most famous for the “blue eye” nemophila flowers that cover its Miharashi-no-oka hillside in mid-to-late April, there’s also a case to be made for visiting in autumn. In mid-to-late October, its kochia “summer cypress” plants take on a stunning scarlet color you have to see to believe.

Aim to stay flexible

Regardless of when you plan to visit Hitachi Seaside Park, it’s important to stay flexible, at least if you’re intent on observing the peak. Forecasts usually aren’t released until a few weeks before the season begins ; even then, they can and do change. If you’re on a longer trip (such as one month in Japan ) and can be more spontaneous, you’ll maximize your chances.

Carefully watch forecasts

If you plan to see Hitachi in the spring (as I imagine most of you do), keep in mind that a clear, blue sky is necessary for the best pictures. While the flowers themselves are still beautiful amid clouds and rain, the overall landscape doesn’t have the same mesmerizing effect if the weather is bad. Add “Hitachinaka” to your phone’s weather app, and keep an eye on it!

Consider renting a car

Some public transport options exist to reach Hitachi Seaside Park, but it’s a great deal more convenient to get there by car, ideally from Mito, the closest city to the park. I say this in spite of generally detesting the experience of driving in Japan , due to the country’s slow speed limits (and even slower drivers).

Explore the rest of underrated Ibaraki

Ibaraki is known among the Japanese as the country’s least attractive prefecture, a characterization I find a bit harsh. While I’ll concede that this is definitely not the most exciting place in Japan, there are still many worthwhile experiences, from the towering standing daibutsu of Ushiku Buddha, to Mito city’s Kairaku-en, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens .

Is Hitachi Seaside Park Worth Visiting?

Hitachi Seaside Park is worth visiting if you’re clear about specifically why you want to do, and make peace with the cost and strenuousness of getting/being there. Which is to say your trip has to be about more than getting a single shot for Instagram. For example, I was able to create two pieces of content, and add another proverbial color to the palette of destinations I offer to my custom Japan itinerary clients.

Indeed, while the nemophila are gorgeous once you reach the park, the potential for road bumps along the journey can be off-putting if you aren’t totally committed. Beyond the transportation issues I’ve highlighted in the preceding paragraphs, I need to again emphasize how important having ideal weather is: The “blue eye” flowers simply aren’t amazing enough to justify a trip to Hitachi Park unless the sky is perfectly blue and clear as well.

Other FAQ About Visiting Hitachi Seaside Park

When can you visit hitachi seaside park.

Hitachi Seaside Park is open all year, but the most popular times to visit are in spring and autumn. Specifically, in mid-to-late April when the “blue eye” nemophila flowers are blooming and in mid-to-late October, when the kochia summer cypress reach a scarlet peak.

How far is Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo?

Hitachi Seaside Park takes a minimum of 2-3 hours to reach from Tokyo, and potentially longer. The most efficient way to reach it is to take a limited express train from Shinagawa, Tokyo or Ueno to Mito, the capital of Ibaraki prefecture, and rent a car to drive the rest of the distance.

How do you get from Ibaraki to Tokyo?

Major cities in Ibaraki prefecture such as Ushiku and Mito are connected to Tokyo via limited express Hitachi and Tokiwa trains, which stop at Shinagawa and Ueno, in addition to Tokyo Station. Alternatively, you drive the expressway from Ibaraki to Tokyo in between 2-3 hours, depending upon where your journey originates and terminates.

The Bottom Line

Want to visit Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo? The good news is that it’s beautiful, and mostly lives up to the hype built up around it. The bad news? It’s not for everyone. For most travelers, this is because the effort required to reach the park (SPOILER ALERT: Renting a car is usually the best option) might not be worth the reward you receive upon arriving to the park, especially if the weather is bad or it’s very crowded. On the other hand, if you come to Japan even in small part due to its various displays of seasonal beauty, from flowers like the cherry blossoms to brilliant autumn colors , I have a feeling you’ll enjoy the park as much as I did. Sound like a good time? Consider hiring me to plan your next Japan trip!

Plan Your Japan Trip

Subscribe to email updates!

Words, images and design ©2018-2024 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap .

Hitachi Seaside Park Day Tour

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All Fees and Taxes
• Entry/Admission - Hitachi Seaside Park
• Entry/Admission - Kairakuen Park
• Our driver will be at the lobby of your hotel, holding a sign of your name.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Hitachi Seaside Park Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 Fashion Cruise Newport Hitachinaka Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 3 Kairakuen Park Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Yvo51 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Don't do this - It is a complete rip off Dreadful value for money. We spent £450 for something which would have cost less than £50 for entry and travel. The tour suggests driver and guide to cover a lot of sightseeing on the same day. We got picked up at the hotel and dropped at the ferry. The people were nice. The taxi could not take the ferry - though other cars did! We then walked for about 2.5 hours through the shops and to the shrine at Miyajima and back to the ferry. We a nice lunch at the Ferry Port in the Hiroshima side which we paid for) and then got picked up at the same ferry port and taken to the peace museum and then on to the A dome about 2pm. We had a lift to the A dome which they had expected that we might have walked. Its not that far but we were tight on time and i was tired b It was already 4pm so we missed the castle, they did offer it but we had had enough as the info we were getting was better said when read in english at the museum. The guide meant we did not get the audio at the museum which would have been far more informative than telling us what we were reading or looking at. I would have preferred to do the peace museum before the crowds came into town at 9/10am. It was so full at 2pm to move around, it was like leaving a football stadium or concert. In hindsight, our JR pass made the ferry free ( they refunded that) and a tram would have done it all for a day pass of 600 yen each. I feel completely ripped off and so disappointed. The English was learnt to share info but not to answer questions which were never understood or answered, we supply gave up engaging. Don't take this tour. The price is seriously inflated and not made up with the quality of the product. Read more Written September 26, 2019

More to explore in Chiyoda

Hitachi Seaside Park Day Tour provided by Japan Oriental Tours

Hitachi Seaside Park

The great flower park on tohoku pacific coast.

Hitachi Seaside Park is a 190 hectares flower park located in Hitachinaka, in Ibaraki prefecture in the north-east of Tokyo. The garden offers wonderful views all year long thanks to a rich blooming calendar, with dozens of flowers species, such as narcissus, tulips, blue nemophila and kochias turning crimson in autumn.

Even if you have never heard about this great flower park , chances are high that you have already seen pictures taken there.

The vast Hitachi Seaside Parks is characterized by a careful staggering of flower bloomings, that can be admired all year long. The focus is placed on four particular species’ blossoms:

• A million of (yellow) narcissus, from the end of March to mid- April (see picture below);
• 170 species of tulips, during the second half of April;
• 4,5 (!) million of blue nemophila, from the end of April to mid- May ;
• Red kochias cypress, from the end of September to mid- October .

The complete bloom calendar is available on Hitachi Seaside Park's official website to help planning your visit .

Hitachi Seaside Park is not the easiest touristic spot to reach (about two hours from Tokyo ), but the walk it offers is worth the travel.

A lot more than flowers!

The place is so wide that it may be necessary to use the transportation methods offered on site to discover the park on its whole. It is possible to rent a bicycle to ride on the 10 kilometers of cycling trails. A little train  🚅 allows for a roundtrip, with ten stops and a 40 minutes total ride.

Aside the unavoidable restaurants and cafés, as well as picnic spots, Hitachi Seaside Park hides some good surprises: going south, visitors will find a hundred meters high Ferris wheel, a BMX course, a roller coaster and even a golf course!

In the beginning of August each year, the wide "Daisogen" square even hosts the Rock in Japan festival.

Due to its position on the southern coast of Tohoku , Hitachi Seaside Park was directly hit by 2011, March 11 tsunami. However, when we visited three years later, there were no obvious signs of the disaster left in Hitachinaka.

Two other similar parks exist in the north and in the south of Japan: respectively Farm Tomita near Furano, and Nokonoshima Island Park off Fukuoka ’s shores.

• Flights and Airports
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Internet & Phones
• Budget and money
• Japanese Food
• Visit with Kids
• Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
• Weather forecast
• Time in Japan
• Holidays & Festivals
• Natural Disasters
• Customs and Duties
• Works and Closures
• From April 29 to 5 May -- Japanese Golden Week
• May 12 -- Mother's Day in Japan
• June 6 -- Beginning of the rainy season (Tsuyu) in Japan
• June 21 -- Summer starts in Japan
• From July 1 to 31 -- Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto with float processions on July 17 and 24
• July 1 -- Season start for climbing Mount Fuji
• Tokyo : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
• Around Tokyo: Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mount Fuji , Mount Takao , Yokohama ...
• Kansai: Kyoto , Nara , Osaka , Mount Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
• Japanese Alps: Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo ...
• West: Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
• South: Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
• North: Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

• Temples and Shrines
• Gardens and Parks
• Hiking and Trekking
• Observation Decks
• Public Baths (Onsen and Sento)
• Festivals (Matsuri)
• Amusement Parks
• Visit on a Budget / Luxury

Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

• Japan Rail Pass
• English speaking Guides
• Pocket Wi-fi
• Japan Nightlife
• Working in Japan
• Religion and Spirituality
• Arts and History
• Movies / Animated Movies
• Japanese Music
• Studio Ghibli
• Photos / Videos
• Weird Japan
• Translations
• Kana & Kanji
• Japanese Swear Words
• Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Introducing yourself
• Thank you / Apologize
• Count / Say Your Age
• Say the Date / Tell the Time
• Happy birthday
• Enjoy Your Meal
• Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

• All Group Tours 2024
• All Group Tours 2025
• Signature Tours (Non-Anime)
• Cherry Blossom Season
• Anime Related Tours
• Search Tours
• Tour by theme
• Cherry Blossom
• Anime / Manga / Game
• Highlights Japan
• Signature Tours
• Festival Tours
• Grand Tours
• Southern Japan
• Hokkaido & Northern Japan Tours
• Quilt Tours
• Snow Monkey
• Japanese Ancestry
• All Private Tours
• Cruise Connection Tours
• Custom Tours
• Last Minute Deal
• Offers & Specials
• Destinations
• Experiences
• Trip Advisor's Must-See
• Brochure Request
• Japan Tour Movies
• Terms & Conditions
• Trip Reviews
• Guest Login
• Tour Airfare
• Airport Transfer
• How to Book
• Travel Tips
• Travel Insurance
• Documents Download
• USA/Canada 1-800-285-2726
• Australia (02) 8006 4411

• View Saved Tour

US/Canada Toll Free

1-800-285-2726

• US/Canada Toll Free 1-800-285-2726
• Australia (02)8006 4411

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi seaside park | flower paradise.

Hitachi Seaside Park is a magnificent flower garden in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan. The park is filled with flowers year round and attracts visitors of all ages. The flowers in bloom change year round with the seasons. The park's most popular flowers are the nemophilas (baby blue eyes) and kochias (summer cypress). The nemophilias fill the hills with their beautiful baby blue color from late April to mid May. The hill then transforms from green in the summer months to a gorgeous red color when the kochias bloom in October. The park has many other varieties of flowers including lavenders, tulips, daffodils, poppies, and many others. More than a million daffodils and 170 varieties of tulips fill the park.

To explore the amazing flower park, Hitashi Seaside Park offers a variety of ways to get around besides walking. The park rents out bicycles and even has a small train that goes around the park and stops at different locations. The bus can be used all day with the purchase of the all day pass. Hitachi Seaside Park also features a ferris wheel that takes you 100m up, providing an amazing panorama view. The park also has several other attractions for children and adults to enjoy including roller coasters and golf areas. Be sure to check their website for the flower calendar so you can visit during the right time of the year.

Hitachi Seaside Park | Related Pages

Kairakuen Garden

The Best Three Landscape Gardens in Japan

Kasama Azalea Festival

People Gather Every Year to View the 8,500 Azalea Bloom

Japanese Flowers

The National Flower - Cherry Blossoms and Chrysanthemum

The city is most famous for Kairaku-en Garden

Hitachi Seaside Park｜Ibaraki Travel Guide

Hitachi Seaside Park   (ひたち海浜公園, Hitachi Kaihin Koen) is located in Ibaraki Prefecture on the Pacific Ocean coast of Japan. With an area of 215 hectares, it is one of the largest flower parks in Japan. In this large park, you can enjoy different kinds of flowers and trees throughout the year. There are also several other attractions such as a large lawn area, bicycle paths, an amusement park, and cafes and restaurants surrounded by natural beauty. It is the perfect destination for a day tour from Tokyo!

Perhaps the most famous place in this park is the Miharashi Hill, Miharashi no Oka (みはらしの丘) in Japanese. On this big hill, seasonal flowers are planted. We made a list of flowers/trees that you can see in this park throughout the year.

Spring in Hitachi Seaside Park

In springtime , the hill of Miharashi is covered with blue flowers: these are the small flowers of Nemophila . About 5 million Neophila are planted on this hill and standing in front of it feels like being surrounded by a sea of flowers. You can see the full bloom of Nemophila from mid-April to early May.

There is also a narcissus garden in which more than 1 million narcissi (with about 500 different varieties) are planted. Full flowering is between late March to mid-April. Around mid-May, the rose garden is filled with roses in several pink colors.

Summer in Hitachi Seaside Park

During the summer , the hill of Miharashi is now all green with the Kochia plant (plantae). The plant of Kochia remains green until the end of September and then in autumn, it becomes a vivid red. In the past, the branches of Kochia were used to make brooms. So in Japanese, this plant is also called ‘broom plant’.

The Valley of Perfume is filled with lavender towards the end of June and in mid-August, sunflowers color the foot of Miharashi hill bright yellow.

Autumn in Hitachi Seaside Park

The famous Kochia plants start to change to their colors of autumn from the beginning of October. The green color becomes red little by little and in the middle of October, the leaves become all red.

At the foot of the Miharashi hill, the buckwheat flowers and cosmos are in full bloom between mid-October and the end of October. If you time it just right, you can appreciate the different colors at the same time: red, pink, green, and white.

Winter in Hitachi Seaside Park

In winter , Miharashi Hill is left to rest for the next spring, which makes the park a lot more quiet compared to the rest of the year. But there is still something to see as the tulips and the plum trees are blooming.

Our Experience in Hitachi Seaside Park in Spring

I visited Hitachi Seaside Park on April 15, 2020. I bought a one-day pass at Katsuta Station, which includes a return ticket for the bus and the entrance fee. The cost of this pass varies by the season. At the peak season of nemophila and kochia it is 930 yen. This is a good discount on the 1,330 yen you’d pay if you buy your tickets separately.

I really wanted to see the famous view of the hill covered with blue nemophila flowers. The spring of 2020 was warmer than average, so the flowers started to bloom a bit earlier. April 15 turned out to be almost the perfect timing. I also saw yellow rape blossoms, tulips, and daffodils. Springtime as well as the autumn season are the best times to come here for sure.

Food trucks were serving fast food such as hamburgers, okonomiyaki, curry rice, and so on. I had yakisoba (fried noodles) with squid ink and it was very tasty. I also tried nemophila ice cream. It tasted like ramune (a Japanese soft drink). It was a nice experience to eat the ice cream while overlooking the hill covered with nemophila!

Our Experience in Hitachi Seaside Park in Autumn

I visited Hitachi Seaside Park on October 21, 2020. When I woke up, the weather was very nice so I decided to go to Hitachi to see the changing colors of Kochia. It’s only 1 hour by train from Tokyo , so you can easily go there for a day trip from Tokyo (there are several parking lots but for the high season, I would advise you to go by public transportation).

It was a Monday but as it was a nice day, so there were a lot of people and they arranged an extra shuttle from Katsuta station (the closest train station to the park) to Hitachi Seaside Park. It’s about 15 minutes by local bus from Katsuta station.

My goal was to see the red color of Miharashi hill, so from the west entrance, I went directly to Miharashi hill, which was about a 15-minute walk. First, the fields of buckwheat flowers and cosmos welcomed us. Everybody stopped to take pictures. Behind these fields, the red-brown hill appeared. With the blue sky, it was just beautiful.

From the top of the hill, we could also see the Pacific Ocean and feel the sea air. It was really nice. After walking around for about 2 hours, I rested at a picnic table on the lawn and I enjoyed a small Japanese beer. It was very pleasant.

If you want to enjoy some of nature’s most beautiful vistas during your trip to Japan, as it’s only 1h30 from Tokyo, and I strongly recommend you to visit this great floral park.

Access Information

Transportation: From Tokyo (Shinagawa, Tokyo, Ueno) to Katsuta station, it takes about 1h30 by Joban express train of the JR line. From Katsuta Station, it is another 15 minutes by local bus from stop No.2 (during high season, direct shuttle service to the park is provided).

Entrance fee: Rates vary according to the season. 290-750 yen for adults (from 15 years old)

Hours: vary according to the season; 9.30 am – 6.30 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Your Japan Package Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hitachi Seaside Park. Check out our group tours and private tours , or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Recommended Articles

Visiting Hitachi Seaside Park: Access, Amenities, and Blooming Flowers Guide

Two most popular plants in spring and fall

Nearby recommendations.

Originally, the Mito Higashi Airfield of the Japanese Army was located here, and after the war, it was used as a bombing range by the U.S. Army. The area was developed as a national park in response to citizen’s requests.

The park covers a vast area of 350 hectares. The park has vast flower gardens, forests, and grassy plazas, and visitors can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. Other leisure facilities include the Pleasure Garden, an amusement park, and cultural experience facilities.

Nemophila in spring and kochia in fall are especially famous, and the area is crowded with many people during the peak season of each. “Miharashi no Oka Hill”  which is filled with flowers in season, is the site of the main target of the U.S. Army’s Mito Bombing Range. This is an artificially maintained 30-meter-high hill. The remains of the target, where countless bombs and bullets were shot, have been transformed into a hill full of flowers.

It takes about 75 minutes from Ueno Station to Katsuta Station by JR Joban Line limited express “Hitachi” or “Tokiwa” . (Included in Japan Rail Pass and Tokyo Wide Pass)

From Katsuta Station, take a bus to the west exit of Hitachi Seaside Park in about 15 minutes. Bus fare is 400 yen one way. Cash is required.

During peak season, there is a ticket that includes both the admission ticket and the bus. Temporary tickets are sold near the bus stop.

Ajigaura Station on the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway is about a 25-minute walk from the South Gate. It takes about 30 minutes to Katsuta Station.

It is not recommended to drive to the site on weekends when the flowers are at their best, as the roads in the vicinity are quite crowded.

Adults(15 years old and over) ¥450

Seniors (65 years old and over) ¥210

Adults(15 years old and over) ¥700

Seniors (65 years old and over) ¥460

Seasonal pricing is applicable for a period of 20 days in April/May and 10 days in October.

What is nemophila?

Nemophila is an annual plant native to North America, and its Japanese name is lapis lazuli arabesque. The view of the entire area of Miharashi no Oka Hill turning blue and blending with the blue of the sky and the sea is truly spectacular. The best time to see it is usually from mid-April to early May.

What is kochia?

Kochia is also called “broom grass” in Japanese, and in the past, its stems were dried to make brooms. The kochia seed is called “tonburi” and is popularly known as “caviar of the field”.

The lime green kochia, which grows quickly in the summer sun from early July, has a lovely round shape.

In early October, the leaves gradually change from their summer green to red, and the gradation of green and red colors that change day by day is fascinating. The brightly colored leaves turn Miharashi no Oka Hill into bright red.

Nakaminato Fish Market

Nakaminato Osakana Market is about a 10-minute walk from Nakaminato Station on the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway. Although not very large in size, the market is crowded with shoppers and lively fishmongers. There is also a restaurant where you can taste fresh seafood, so stop by if you get hungry after playing in the park!

Saza Coffee

Saza Coffee is located in Hitachinaka City, the same city as Hitachinaka Seaside Park. It has its own coffee plantation in Colombia and is popular for its authentic coffee. The Katsuta Ekimae branch is located just outside of Katsuta Station, and the main store is about an 8-minute walk from the station. In addition to coffee, the shop also serves delicious sandwiches and cakes. Take-out is also available.

• Privacy Policy
• Contact form

• Media & Industry
• Meetings & Events
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other
• Wonder Around Japan

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Accessible Tourism
• Hokkaido Great Outdoors
• Scenic World Heritage in Tohoku
• Shikoku’s Nature and Traditions
• Southern Kyushu by Rail

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides
• Tourist Information Center

• Japanese Manners
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine
• Arts & Cultures
• Nature & Outdoor
• Festivals & Events
• Insider Blog
• Things to do
• Local Guides
• Food & drink
• Traditional
• Hokuriku Shinetsu

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

©Hitachi Seaside Park

• Seasonal Splendor at Hitachi Seaside Park

A tapestry of flowers blooms year-round on the beautiful Ibaraki coast

Hitachi Seaside Park is famous for its large-scale flower display, which changes with the seasons. Spring rolls in on a colorful wave, as nearly 260,000 tulips and over a million narcissus flowers carpet the areas around the forest walkways. Around the same time, the sprawling hillside near the park’s seaside boundary bursts forth in a brilliant display of blue nemophila. Summer hues abound with the arrival of sunflowers and zinnia, and the refreshing sight of verdant green kochia bushes on the hill. Those kochia take on a bright magenta hue as the calendar turns to autumn, making for a photogenic contrast with the season’s clear blue skies. Even winter offers a colorful landscape, with the blooming of ice tulips and Japanese apricot trees.

While flowers are the main draw, the park also offers a host of entertainment options. An amusement park makes for the perfect family outing, while the athletic area appeals to the more active traveler. All can come together to enjoy a meal in the barbecue garden or one of the numerous cafes or restaurants located throughout the grounds.

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Hitachi Limited Express Train to Katsuta Station (about 1 hour and 20 minutes); transfer to the Ibaraki Kotsu bus to the Kaihin Koen Nishiguchi bus stop; walk about 10 minutes to the park.

Hitachi Seaside Park

Our recommendations, explore by interest.

Search by Area

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages