A coastal city known for stunning flower parks.
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Overview
Hitachinaka is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, on the Pacific coast. While historically developed as a company town for the Hitachi group, it has blossomed into a popular destination renowned for its stunning seasonal flower displays, fresh seafood, and charming coastal atmosphere. The city is often referred to as the "City of Flowers and the Sea," a testament to its most famous attractions: the vast Hitachi Seaside Park and the bustling Nakaminato Fish Market.
Hitachinaka offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, local culinary delights, and a laid-back coastal vibe, making it an appealing stop for visitors seeking a different side of Japan away from the major metropolises.
This is Hitachinaka's crown jewel. Explore the expansive Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for its breathtaking seasonal flower displays. Witness the iconic blue nemophila flowers covering the "Miharashi no Oka" (Lookout Hill) in spring (mid-April to early May), or the vibrant red kochia (summer cypress) in autumn (October). The park also features tulips, roses, and other flowers throughout the year, along with an amusement park, cycling paths, and a large Ferris wheel.
Tip: Check the park's bloom calendar before your visit to ensure you see the flowers you desire. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park is vast. Consider renting a bicycle to cover more ground.
Head to the lively Nakaminato Fish Market, where you can experience a bustling atmosphere and find an incredible array of freshly caught seafood from the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sushi, sashimi, and seafood bowls at the market's many restaurants, or purchase fresh fish to take away.
Tip: Visit in the morning for the freshest selection and liveliest atmosphere. Some stalls offer discounts towards closing time in the afternoon.
Enjoy the coastal beauty at Ajigaura Beach or Hiraiso Beach. These sandy shores are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the ocean breeze, especially during the summer months.
Tip: Ajigaura Beach is near Hitachi Seaside Park, making it easy to combine visits. Hiraiso Beach is known for being family-friendly due to its calm waters.
Take a nostalgic ride on the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line, a local train line that runs between Katsuta Station and Ajigaura Station. This charming railway offers a glimpse into local life and passes by scenic coastal views and some historical sites.
Tip: Nakaminato Station on this line is popular for its retro, Showa-era atmosphere. Look out for the unique, illustrated station name signs that feature local products.
Visit the unique Hoshiimo Shrine, dedicated to "hoshi-imo" (dried sweet potato), a local specialty of Ibaraki. This quirky shrine, located on the grounds of Horide Shrine, is famous for its striking golden torii gates, which are popular for photos.
Tip: The shrine's name, "Hoshiimo," sounds like "hoshii mono" (things I want), making it a popular spot for visitors to pray for their wishes to come true.
For a mix of nature and entertainment, visit Kamine Park. This park is renowned as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots (with night illuminations in spring) and also features a zoo and an amusement park, making it a great option for families.
Tip: The views of the ocean from Kamine Park are beautiful. If visiting in spring, check for cherry blossom illumination events.
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