Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki is an excellent place to enjoy seasonal flowers such as nemophila in spring and kochia in autumn. Visitors can enjoy nemophila-inspired food and outdoor fun at the family-friendly playground. This article features the park's appeals, including the nemophila flowers.

Famous for Nemophila Flowers! Hitachi Seaside Park

Many people have probably seen pictures of a hill completely covered with blue flowers on social media.

The location of this photogenic snap is Hitachi Seaside Park. This popular destination in Ibaraki welcomed over two million visitors annually before the COVID-19 pandemic. From Tokyo, the trip takes about two hours by bus or train.

While visitors can enjoy a wide variety of flowers year-round, the nemophila (baby blue eyes) is the most popular. This article covers attractive features of the park and how to enjoy these signature blue blooms.

Tips on Enjoying the Nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park

The nemophila is an annual plant that is native to North America. It was first planted in Hitachi Seaside Park because its natural color harmonizes with the blue sky and ocean.

Currently, there are about 5.3 million blooms covering the hill called Miharashi no Oka (Miharashi Hill). The sight of blue flowers swaying in the sea breeze and blending with the sky is spectacular!

The following are some tips on enjoying the nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park.

1.How to Take Stunning Photos

Miharashi no Oka, or Miharashi Hill, where the nemophila are planted, is a vast flower garden on a hill measuring 4.2 hectares.
The view will change according to the photographer’s position on the hill. Take the time to search for the best spot to capture these blue blooms. We also recommend photographing from a low angle so that the delicate shape of the flowers stands out.

2.The Best Season to Visit

The nemophila blooms from mid-April to early May. Since the weather is usually pleasant around this time of the year, this is one of the best seasons to go sightseeing in Japan (*1).
The blooming times differ slightly every year, so don’t forget to check the official website before visiting.
*1: The nemophila season coincides with the Golden Week holiday period in Japan. Please be aware that a large number of people will be visiting the park.

3.Access to Miharashi Hill

Hitachi Seaside Park is 215 hectares in size. Visitors entering from the wrong gate will have difficulty reaching the nemophila zone.
Those wishing to go to Miharashi Hill should enter from the West Entrance Tsubasa no Gate. Near this gate, you’ll find the Seaside Train station and a rental bicycle booth (*2), which allow visitors to easily move around inside the park.
*2: The one-day ticket for the Seaside Train is 600 yen after tax. The rental bike fare for adults, valid for three hours, is 450 yen (after tax) per person.

Nemophila-Inspired Sweets and Drinks

There are several dining facilities inside the park.

During spring, photogenic sweets and drinks inspired by the nemophila are served at Kinen no Mori Rest House, Lakeside Cafe, and Glass House. Be sure to give them a try, and take a few photos.

In addition to regular eateries, temporary shops and food cars serving Ibaraki cuisine and souvenirs will also be on site, creating a festive mood.

Other Attractions: Spring Tulips, Autumn Kochia, and a Playground

Kochia at Miharashi Hill in autumn

In addition to the nemophila, you’ll find various flowers blooming year-round at the park.

Tulips

Tulips bloom close to the nemophila season from mid to late April. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of colors at the Tamago no Mori Flower Garden.

Kochia

The bright red and round kochia bushes found on Miharashi Hill are at the same location as the nemophila. The leaves are green from mid-July to September. However, the leaves change from green to red and golden yellow from mid-September to early October.

Playground

A playground called Pleasure Garden is also located inside the park. Families with small children can have fun riding the Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round.
Touring the facilities on a rental bike or having a picnic are two other ways to enjoy the park.

Admission Fees

The standard fare is 450 yen for adults and 210 yen for visitors who are over 65 years old. Junior high school students and younger can enter the park for free.

Please note that there is a special fare during the nemophila and kochia seasons (adults 700 yen, seniors 460 yen, junior high school students and younger free). Be sure to check the official website.

Access to Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line

The nearest station to Hitachi Seaside Park is Katsuta Station along the JR Joban Line. A local bus departing the station passes by the West Entrance Tsubasa no Gate near Miharashi no Oka. There is also a non-stop bus service during the nemophila season.

Another route is the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line from Katsuta Station to Ajigaura Station. The park is a 20-minute walk away.

There is also an express bus service from Yaesu Gate at Tokyo Station; the bus ride takes about two hours.

Although the park has multiple parking lots, please be aware that there may be traffic congestion during major holidays.

For additional details, take a look at the official website.

Hitachi Seaside Park Official Website: https://hitachikaihin.jp/en/