Hitachi Seaside Park : A Floral Paradise

Recently we visited the Hitachi seaside Park. This was our second visit to the park, the first one being in summer of 2010. While the first visit was in the scorching and humid Japanese summer, the recent visit was perhaps the best time to visit the park.

Hitachi Kaihin Koen or Hitachi seaside park is spread over 153 hectares of land close to Hitachi city’s Pacific coast. The park is best known for its seasonal flowers-  Daffodils and Tulips in spring,  Nemophilia and Rose in early summer and Kochia and cosmos in autumn.

Our visit coincided with the blooming period of Tulips, Nemophilia and Daffodils.

Nemophilia are little blue flowers which get their name from the Greek words "nemos" ( small forest) and "phileo" (love). These flowers are also called baby blue eyes. 

Miharashi no Oka is a hillock whose sides were covered with Nemophilia when we visited. 

Pathways on the hillock lead to the top of the hill from where a good view of the Pacific ocean and the seaside park can be enjoyed.

The blooming period is called “Nemophilia Harmony” and attracts many visitors.

About a million daffodils(narcissus) bloom in the Suisen garden amidst pine trees.

Tamago no Mori Flower garden had about 170 varieties of tulips blooming in all colours. 

The place looked like a multicoloured carpet.

A replica of a Dutch windmill stands amidst the tulips, giving visitors the feel of strolling in Holland’s Keukenhof gardens.  

Many other flowers were also blooming in the park.

Kominka is a recreation of an old house. 

It has exhibits used in daily life in countryside homes and is truly educational for schoolgoing children.

Giant carp streamers called "Koi no bori" which are hung during Children's Day were flying on a high pole outside the Kominka.

A lake known as “West Lake” and a water stage stand close to the Nishiguchi ( west gate) of the park.

The seaside park is a good place to visit for a day trip with family or friends.

The park has an amusement park titled “ Pleasure Garden” which has many kinds of rides and shows. 

Separate tickets are required for the rides.

A play area is available near the Tamago no Mori flower garden where kids can play for no extra charge.  

 The seaside train is popular among visitors as you can hop on and hop off on it as often as you like as you explore the Park’s extensive area. The one day train pass comes for a fare of 500 yen. The entire route takes about 40 mins with the train stopping at 10 places.

Bicycles can be rented at various places in the park for fee of 300 yen ( Adults) and 200 yen (children) for 3 hours. Additional 50 yen is charged for every 30 mins thereafter.

A barbecue area amidst shady pine trees is a perfect spot for a weekend barbecue. Reservations are necessary (029-265-9002). Grilling equipment is also available.

Address: 605-4, Mawatari Aza, Oonuma, Hitachi naka city, Ibaraki prefecture.

Phone: 029-265-9001

Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00 hrs (closes early in winter)

Closing days: Monday ( Tuesday if Monday is public holiday)

Entrance fees: 400 yen for Adults

                       200 yen for Senior citizens

                       Elementary and Junior High school students: 80 yen.

                       Children under 6 free

(Printed English guide and map available at entrance)

   

Parking : Ample space available. Normal car 500 yen for one day parking.