Hitachi Seaside Park: the blue hill in spring and the red hill in autumn
Hitachi Seaside Park, on the Pacific coast of Ibaraki, is famous for one hill that changes colour with the seasons. In spring millions of tiny blue nemophila flowers cover it so completely that the hill seems to melt into the sky; in autumn it turns red with round kochia bushes. It is about two hours from Tokyo, and worth timing carefully.
Spring: the nemophila
Nemophila, baby blue eyes, bloom on Miharashi Hill from late April to mid May, usually peaking in the second half of April. Tulips and daffodils flower elsewhere in the park at the same time. It is spectacular and very popular, especially during Golden Week, the Japanese holidays at the turn of April and May.
Autumn: the kochia
In summer the same hill is planted with kochia, soft round bushes that are bright green in summer and turn crimson from late September, usually at their reddest in mid October. Cosmos fields bloom around them at the same time. Check the park's bloom reports before you go, as the timing shifts a little every year.
The rest of the park
The park is very large, with cycling paths, picnic lawns, pine woods and a small amusement area for children. Bicycles can be hired at the gates, which is the easiest way to see more than the famous hill. Allow at least two to three hours, more with children.
Beating the crowds, and what to add
On peak weekends and during Golden Week, the roads and car parks near the park fill early, so arrive at opening time or choose a weekday. Nearby, the Nakaminato fish market is the place for a seafood lunch, and at Oarai a torii gate stands on a rock in the sea, beautiful at sunrise.
By car, and the price
Hitachi Seaside Park is about two hours from central Tokyo by car on the Joban Expressway. By train, the limited express to Katsuta and a bus take about the same time, with a change. A ten hour day from your Tokyo hotel, with the fish market and the coast, is from ¥157,500 for the Toyota Alphard with up to four guests, tolls, parking and fuel included. Your chauffeur can speak English, Italian, Spanish, French or Japanese, at the same price.
Frequently asked questions
When do the nemophila bloom at Hitachi Seaside Park?
From late April to mid May, usually peaking in the second half of April.
When are the kochia red at Hitachi Seaside Park?
From late September, usually at their reddest in mid October.
How do I get to Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo?
About two hours by car on the Joban Expressway, or by limited express train to Katsuta and then a bus.
How do I avoid the crowds at Hitachi Seaside Park?
Arrive at opening time or go on a weekday, and avoid Golden Week if you can.