Exploring Hitachi Seaside Park’s Stunning Flower Fields

Hitachi Seaside Park is nestled in the Ibaraki Prefecture, just outside of Mito in the city of Hitachinaka. It’s the perfect place to visit for nature lovers and those looking for some awe-inspiring scenery that is rarely found anywhere else in Japan. 

The park is about 865 acres and contains an amusement park biking and hiking trails and large flower fields that bloom at various times throughout the year.

The flowers change throughout the seasons, but any time of year is perfect for getting a different view of well-manicured, blossoming gardens and lots of fun activities. 

Tourist Seen Here Walking Thru The Massive Flower Fields

Types of Flowers Throughout The Seasons

Each season, there can be different flowers seen throughout the expansive gardens within Hitachi Seaside Park. In the spring, you can see the famous nemophila, as well as narcissus and tulips. 

Summer brings forth some beautiful poppies and roses, as well as sunflowers and zinnias. Autumn is when the famous Kochia bushes start to change into their fiery red appearance.

Kochia (also known as fireweed) in Hitachi Seaside Park 

Kochia bushes start out green and as autumn starts, they turn red. Finally, in winter, the ice tulips will come to fruition. 

The History Of Hitachi Seaside Park

It may be hard to believe, but the area where Hitachi Seaside Park is situated was once military property. There was a military airport situated there, and then at one point, the U.S. Air Force used the area as a firing and bombing range. 

However, in 1973, the land was given back to the Japanese government after numerous complaints over the years from nearby residents. There would be many accidents over the years that negatively affected the area, and even caused some deaths. 

Hitachi Seaside Park Rose Garden

The area was turned into a park so that residents could enjoy the area and not be reminded of war and destruction. There are hundreds of people who volunteer every year to help maintain the beautiful park. 

Miharashi Hill

Miharashi Hill is one of the areas that can be visited in Hitachi Seaside Park, and it tends to draw in a lot of people for its breathtaking flower gardens.

One of the biggest flower fields that bring in tourists and locals is the blue nemophila field. This field is located on the sloping hillside and is ideal for photography

Flower Field Seen Here In Hitachi Seaside Park

This stunning flower is a gorgeous light blue, and the field is quite expansive. It’s hard not to be amazed by the sight. There are paths in the area that allow you to stroll through the fields without damaging the flowers.

If you are able to visit in April and May, you’ll be able to see these flowers when they have bloomed fully. In the Fall, you’ll be able to see the kokia bushes, which transform from a brilliant green to a stunning red as the season progresses. 

That being said, visiting the area any time of the year offers a lot of paths that intersect with each other to stroll down, and you can get a unique view of the Pacific Ocean.  

View Of The Ocean From Hitachi Seaside Park

Suisen Garden

The Suisen Garden can be found near the entrance of Hitachi Seaside Park. Some of the flowers that bloom in this garden area are narcissus, which can be viewed around the middle of March.

Towards the end of April, you’ll be able to see some lake tulips beginning to grow. 

Dune Garden

The Dune Garden tends to be a more quiet area of the Hitachi Seaside Park. Here, you can enjoy seeing some of the plant life native to the coastline of Japan.

There are trails that you can walk around, admiring the natural scenery while also getting a nice view of the coastline and the dazzling blue water. 

Pleasure Garden Amusement Park

If you’re looking for some fun family friendly activities to do after taking in the expansive gardens and flowers, there is a little amusement park located within the park. You can find a large 328 Foot Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and miniature golf. 

Hitachi Seaside Park Ferris Wheel

Rest And Recuperate

There are plenty of places to eat when you naturally build up an appetite exploring the park, as well as a picnic area where you can rest your feet and enjoy some snacks. There are also other rest areas situated throughout the park. 

Hitachi Seaside Park Picnic Area

Bike Rentals And Train Rides

If you want to be able to get through the park but want to stay off your feet, you can rent a bicycle to follow the paths along Hitachi Seaside Park. It only costs about 450 yen to rent the bikes for three hours. 

You don’t have to worry about having to ride around pedestrians either, because there are dedicated bike paths that you can cycle along and explore. 

There is also a small train that can take you around the park while stopping at different destinations throughout the area so you can sightsee. It just runs on tires, not on a track, and it costs only 600 yen for the day. 

Hitachi Seaside Park Train

Rock In Japan Festival

The Rock in Japan Festival is a three-day event that occurs in Hitachi Seaside Park each August. There are multiple stages for bands to perform, and it tends to draw the biggest crowds of any other rock concert throughout Japan. 

Some of Japan’s most well-known artists, even outside of the rock genre, perform at this major festival every year. It has been held at the park since 2000. 

Vendors Selling Various Japanese Street Foods

Hours And Cost Of Hitachi Seaside Park

It’s a good idea to check online before you go to Hitachi Seaside Park, as depending on what time of year you’re visiting Japan, you might be able to experience some of the events the park holds throughout the year. 

Hitachi Seaside Park Official Website

You can visit the Hitachi Seaside Park for only 450 yen. The park is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 1st to July 20th, then again from September 1st to October 31st. 

From July 21st to August 31st, the park is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from November 1st to February 28th. 

Hitachi Seaside Park Location Via Google Maps

It’s important to note that the park is closed on Tuesdays, or Wednesdays if there is a holiday on Tuesday. It is also closed from the first Monday in February to the Friday of that week, as well as on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Hitachi Seaside Park Virtual Tour

My fascination with Japan began several years back at a roadside bonsai stand while on vacation. I became more interested in the where and why's more than the trees themselves. My love of Bonsai led me to further research my interest in the gardens where they originated from and the places and people that surrounded those little trees. My curiosity was well rewarded upon visiting Saitama where the National Bonsai Museum was located and Omiya Village the bonsai mecca for lovers of this ancient art form. Exploring many towns and villages and even making my way to Japan's furthest southern prefecture of Okinawa. I hope to share my love of this wonderful and exotic place with all those who want to know more about Japan.