Hitachi Seaside Park

What to know

Hitachi Seaside Park (ひたち海浜公園, Hitachi Kaihin Kōen) is a vast park near Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture, offering diverse green spaces and seasonal flowers across 350 hectares, plus an amusement park and numerous cycling and walking trails.

The park's signature flower is the blue nemophila, which blankets Miharashi Hill in spring, blending with the sky. Peak bloom is typically from late April to mid May. Paths crisscross the hill, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the park. In autumn, the hill is covered by green kokia bushes that gradually turn red as temperatures drop, usually best from early to mid October.

While nemophila are the most famous, many other flowers bloom throughout the year. Near the main entrance, a large forested area houses the Suisen Garden, where narcissus usually bloom from mid March. Across the lake, tulips typically bloom around late April.

Although flowers are seasonal highlights, the park is enjoyable year-round. Walking trails wind through the extensive Hitachinaka Nature Forest, and the Dune Garden showcases native coastal plants. Even when crowded elsewhere, this area often remains peaceful.

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. Most rides and activities require extra fees. Restaurants and rest areas are scattered throughout, and a BBQ area is available for picnics.

Given the park's size, two alternatives to walking are available. Rental bicycles cost from 600 yen for three hours, and nearly 11 kilometers of cycling paths (separate from pedestrian paths) provide easy access to different areas. A small train on tires also circles the park, stopping at numerous locations, with a 1-day pass costing 600 yen.