Today, I want to introduce you to a place where you can enjoy the beauty of both spring and autumn. It’s called “Miharashi Hill,” and it’s located at Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture, which is in the northeastern part of the Kanto region.
Welcome to my blog! I’ve seen this spot often on Instagram, and since it’s just a convenient 2-hour express train ride from Tokyo Station, I’ve been thinking about checking it out soon. I’ve gathered all the details, and I’m really excited to share them with you.
This place has even made its way into the spotlight of international media due to its breathtaking beauty.
The videos I’ve selected from YouTube are right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
The Hitachi Seaside Park, run by the government, spans an impressive 350 hectares, with around 61 percent of it already open to the public. Tucked away in the park’s far corner is a hill named “Miharashi Hill.” This hill provides a sweeping view of the surroundings, claiming the title of the highest point in Hitachinaka City. Its outlook over the Pacific Ocean has earned it a reputation as a beautiful scenic location.
Spring's Blooming Nemophila
Each year, from early April to late May, millions of Nemophila flowers burst forth at this location. The peak blooming period lasts for about one to ten days. Even after the peak, the flowers remain vibrant for another week, ensuring visitors can continue relishing their beauty.
Nemophila is known for its distinctive clear blue blossoms, marking it as a unique springtime flower. Originating from the western part of North America, Nemophila was introduced to Japan during the Meiji era.
In this park, you’ll be treated to an enchanting view as endless blue Nemophila cover the entire hillside. Some online articles even depict this scene as if stepping into another realm. This Nemophila hill’s spring spectacle has received attention from international media, including CNN, stirring interest both domestically and internationally.
Through various articles and photos, it’s evident that to capture the most captivating view, positioning the pine trees of the “Miharashi Plaza” on the right side while framing the overlapping three peaks of Miharashi Hill creates the perfect angle for photography. This composition is a common sight across the internet.
Embracing the Autumn Kochia
The kochia plants that were set in the ground around June thrive throughout the summer, and by early September, the hill becomes adorned with lush green kochia that have reached a height of about a meter. As the days shift from late September to early October, these kochia slowly transform from their summer green to varying shades of red, culminating in their peak display of vibrant red hues during October.
More Ways to Enjoy
Tamago no Mori Flower Garden
Inside the expansive Hitachi Seaside Park, you can relish the beauty of colorful tulips in the “Tamago no Mori Flower Garden” during the spring season. With around 280 different varieties and a stunning 260,000 tulip bulbs planted in this area, it’s a appealing sight that’s worth visiting.
Cycling
For those seeking a more active experience in the park, cycling is a fantastic option. The park offers a cycling course spanning 11 kilometers, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the vast grounds.
Opening Hours
The park greets visitors at 9:30 AM, and the closing times vary with the seasons. During winter, the park closes at 4:30 PM, while in summer, it extends to 6:00 PM. Please note that the park is closed on Tuesdays, except when a public holiday falls on a Tuesday, in which case it’s closed on the following weekday. However, from March 26th to May 31st, the park is open every day. As the opening days and hours shift throughout the year, it’s a good idea to verify the details on the official website.
To stay up-to-date with the latest information not available on the English version of the website, you might also find it useful to utilize translation tools or browsers to explore the Japanese site.
Culture, History, and Traditions
This region boasts a rich history dating back approximately 30,000 years, when people first began to settle the area, with several archaeological sites still remaining from that era. During the Edo period, the region was governed and developed by members of the Tokugawa shogun family, further adding to its long and captivating history.
In addition to its historical significance, this area is also renowned as a hub for natto production, a fermented soybean dish that is unique to Japan. With a history spanning over 100 years, various natto-based dishes have been created and are served at local restaurants. While the stickiness and aroma of fermented foods may prove challenging for some, not only for foreign visitors but also for some Japanese people, they are reputed to be extremely nutritious and definitely worth sampling if given the opportunity.
Dining Guide
The park features around 10 food and shops, making it a perfect spot to spend the entire day. You can find more detailed information on the official website.
Additionally, please note that there aren’t many vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Japan, but there is a vegetarian cafeteria called Vegan Cafe terra located near JR Katsuta Station, one station east of Tokyo.
Accommodation
If you’re considering using public transportation to visit, we suggest staying at one of the larger hotels or relatively affordable business hotels near Katsuta Station, where you can make reservations online as well. This way, you’ll be able to arrive in time for the park’s opening hours and take in the park’s atmosphere before it gets too busy.
If you’re planning to visit by car, there are also several lodging options along the beach next to the park.
Transportation
If you’re looking to get to the park, taking the train is a great option. From Tokyo, you can hop on the JR Joban Express train at Tokyo Station, which will take you to Katsuta Station in approximately 90 minutes for about 4000 yen.
Once you arrive at Katsuta Station, you can take a local bus to either the Seaside Park West Exit or the Seaside Park South Exit, which takes around 15-20 minutes.
Budget and Transportation Tips
The park boasts over 25 attractions, including a Ferris wheel that isn’t covered by the admission fee. Visitors keen to enjoy these attractions can take advantage of the complimentary 1-day ticket, providing unrestricted rides.
Please be aware that this information is only available on the Japanese website, so we recommend checking on-site for precise details. If you’re able to read Japanese, you can access information by clicking on the “Ticket Information” menu located on the homepage.
Moreover, tourists from overseas who are sightseeing in Japan can save on transportation costs by purchasing the “JAPAN RAIL PASS“, a special promotional ticket exclusively designed for them. This pass provides unlimited usage of JR trains for a specified duration.
Weather Guide
The Kanto region enjoys a relatively mild climate, and when the Nemophila flowers bloom, it’s a sign of the arrival of a gentle spring climate in Japan. The temperature during this time averages from 6 to 22 degrees Celsius, with a significant difference in temperature. On sunny days, the midday hours can feel quite warm, while on cloudy or rainy days, it can be quite chilly. Therefore, it’s important to dress accordingly.
Late September through early October is the time when the kochia, planted back in June, grow and change colors from green to red. This period signals the onset of autumn in Japan, right before it fully takes hold. Mornings and evenings provide a refreshing and pleasant environment, although some daytime warmth might still be present. Wearing long sleeves in the mornings, evenings, and shaded spots is recommended, but daytime temperatures are typically comfortable enough for short sleeves. To accommodate the shifting weather, consider dressing in layers.
