If you’ve missed the cherry blossoms around the Tokyo area but still wish to see the beauty of spring in Japan, then visit the Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki. Known for its vast, rolling hills spread across a massive area, this park is easily accessible from Tokyo and makes for a perfect one-day getaway.
Miharashi no Oka: Walking in the Sky
From mid-April to early May, you can witness the breathtaking sight of Nemophila flowers (also known as “Baby Blue Eyes”) in full bloom. As many as 5.3 million nemophila flowers (recently increased from previous years) paint the entire hill, called Miharashi no Oka, in a stunning, bright blue.
Looking down from the hills, you can see the Pacific Ocean in the distance, with its deep blue matching the hues of the flowers.
Looking up, the nemophila blue merges with the clear blue spring sky. The hill blends into the horizon, making it feel as if you are walking through the sky.
Don’t forget to visit the nearby fields of rape blossoms (canola), which bloom at the same time. The vibrant yellow creates a striking contrast against the blue hills.
Many couples come here to shoot photos in their wedding attire.
Nemophila-Themed Treats
The park offers several Instagram-worthy, blue-themed treats to enjoy during the season. Such as Nemophila Soft Serve (A light blue, soda-flavored ice cream), Nemophila Curry (A uniquely colored blue curry served at the park’s restaurant), and Blue Castella & Lemonade (Perfect snacks to enjoy while resting between walks).
Navigating the Park
The best way to navigate through the park is by using the rental bicycles available at 500 yen for three hours, 700 yen for a whole day. For tandem bicycles, you pay the amount for two people.
Another option is to take the sea side train, which costs 700 yen for a day, but the queues can be exhausting.
No matter when you visit, you’re bound to see crowds during this time. However, make sure to avoid visiting during the Golden Week holidays in Japan.
Details
Address: 605-4 Onuma-aza, Mawatari, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki
Access information: From JR Katsuta station, take Ibaraki Kotsu bus bound for Kaihin Koen. Get off at Kaihin Koen Nishiguchi or Minamiguchi.
Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 Closed on Mondays.
Entry fee: 450 yen for adults, 210 yen for senior citizens (above 65 years), free for children under the age of 15 years
Official website: https://hitachikaihin.jp/en.html
A Spring Bucket-List Essential
The blue hills of Hitachi Seaside Park are a world-class sight that rivals the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Plan to arrive early in the morning to capture the best photos and enjoy the “blue harmony” of the earth, sea, and sky.
