605-4 Onuma, Mawatari, Kota Hitachinaka,

Prefektur Ibaraki

Hitachi Seaside Park is famous for its large-scale flowers that change with the seasons. In spring, the gardens appear like a wave of colors, as nearly 260,000 tulips and more than a million narcissus flowers decorate the area around the forest paths. At the same time, the expansive hillsides near the park's coastal boundaries glow the brilliant blue of nemophila. The summer colors are also beautiful with the arrival of sunflowers and zinnias, as well as the refreshing view of the verdant kochia bushes on the hill. The kochia bushes are bright magenta as they enter autumn, creating a contrasting backdrop to the bright blue skies of the season. Even winter offers colorful views with blooming ice tulips and Japanese apricot trees.

While the flowers are the main attraction, the park also offers a number of other entertainment options. There are amusement parks that are suitable for family outings, and then there are also athletic areas that will satisfy the more active traveler. Everyone can gather to enjoy a meal in the BBQ garden or one of the many cafes and restaurants located throughout the area.

The West Entrance Area is an area where narcissus and tulips bloom in spring. Then, in the Forested Area there is Sawada Spring Water as well as Japanese red pine and Japanese black pine forests. Nemophila and kochia flowers bloom on one side in Miharashi Area. In the Grassland Area, cosmos flowers will bloom in autumn.

Then, there is also the Dune Area where visitors can make pottery or garden while feeling the sea breeze. Meanwhile, in the South Entrance Area, visitors can see the beautiful red leaves of the dawn redwood tree and various other broad-leaved trees in autumn. A playground for children can be found in the Pleasure Garden Area.

Miharashi Area is located in the northeastern part of the park. Miharashi Hill is also located here, where nemophila, kochia and sunflowers bloom every spring, summer and fall. Blue nemophila flowers begin to bloom from late April to mid-May. At this moment, all the scenery around you becomes blue, from the sky, the sea to the flowers. This view will make you moved by the natural beauty of this park. In autumn, kochia and cosmos flowers color the Miharasi hills in delicate shades of red and pink. Additionally, you can also find the oldest minka (民家) (traditional Japanese house) in eastern Japan in this area. For nostalgia, stop by Miharashi Village, where the views depict a traditional farming lifestyle. You can find flowers like canola, zinnia and horse wheat in this village.

In the southwest segment of the park is the Pleasure Garden Area. As the name suggests, the Pleasure Garden Area is filled with entertainment facilities, such as a 400m long slide, water park and BMX course. You will enjoy your time here especially if you like theme parks. While you enjoy your time here, the rose garden and children's park located in this area will make you remember that you are at Hitachi Seaside Park.

The closest station to Hitachi Seaside Park is Katsuta Station (JR Joban Line).

From Tokyo Station, you can use the Hitachi and Tokiwa limited express trains (direction to Katsuta) which run on the JR Joban Line. You will arrive at Katsuta Station after passing 7 stations in about 90 minutes. The cost required for one trip (including express train fare and reserved seat facility) is 3,820 yen.

Then, you can continue your journey to Hitachi Seaside Park by taking the city bus from bus stop number 2 at the east exit of Katsuta Station. The travel time required is around 15 minutes if you get off at the west entrance to the park or around 20 minutes if you get off at the south entrance to the park. The cost required for one way is 400 yen for junior high school age and above and 200 yen for elementary school age and below.