Introduction
“Early in the morning. Hitachinaka city is still sleeping.”
Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hitachinaka offers a refreshing escape where the sea breeze meets the calm rhythm of local life.
Famous for the stunning Nemophila in spring and Kochia in autumn at Hitachi Seaside Park, the city reveals much more beyond its postcard views — quiet coastal towns, humble eateries, and the unhurried pace of everyday Japan.
If you wish to see the real Japan — not just the highlights from travel brochures, but the soft moments in between — this 1-day itinerary from Katsuta Station is made for you.
Option 1: By Rental Car — Freedom to Explore the Coast
Morning — The Colors of Hitachi Seaside Park
Start your day around 9:00 a.m. from Katsuta Station, where rental cars are conveniently available.
A 15-minute drive takes you to Hitachi Seaside Park, one of Japan’s most photogenic seasonal gardens.
In late April, the Nemophila (baby blue eyes) cover Miharashi Hill like a sky fallen to earth. In early October, the same hills turn into a crimson sea of Kochia, dancing in the autumn breeze.
Late Morning — Seaside Drive to Ajigaura
Leaving the park, follow the coast toward Ajigaura Beach.
This route is one of my personal favorites.
The road winds through fishing villages and small neighborhoods, revealing glimpses of the sea between houses.
As you drive, the sunlight reflects off the water like scattered glass, and the salty air seeps into the car.
I always remind myself not to stare too long at the shimmering waves — they can easily steal your attention.
Unlike many coastal roads that stretch monotonously, this one constantly changes — from harbors to quiet backstreets, from rocky shores to sandy beaches.
Each turn offers a new perspective of local life.
I often wonder what it’s like to wake up here every morning, to hear the sound of waves instead of alarms, to have the horizon as part of your daily view.
Lunch at “HORIZOE” — A Hidden Restaurant by the Sea
Along this coastal route stands HORIZOE, a restaurant I used to pass by countless times.
Although the signboard standing just off the main street is quite large, I always found myself passing by before I noticed it — thinking every time, “One day, I’d like to have a meal there.”
When that day finally came, I almost missed it again — the building blended so quietly with its surroundings that it was easy to drive past.
Inside, the atmosphere was calm and unpretentious.
The walls showed years of use, yet everything was spotless.
There were no decorations shouting “Japanese culture,” no fancy interior designed for social media.
Just a place where locals quietly enjoy their lunch — fishermen, families, and elderly couples chatting over warm meals.
I realized that this kind of authenticity is what many travelers truly seek: the comfort of being part of someone’s ordinary day.
Afternoon — Fresh Seafood and Sweet Treats
After lunch, continue to Nakaminato Fish Market, a lively port-side spot where locals shop for fresh seafood.
Even if you don’t buy anything, walking through the narrow aisles filled with the smell of the sea is a sensory experience.
A few minutes’ drive away lies Daimaruya, a small shop famous for its Hoshiimo (dried sweet potato) Gelato — a regional treat that perfectly combines local flavor and creativity.
Each bite carries a subtle sweetness and the warmth of the Ibaraki sun that dried the potatoes.
It’s the kind of dessert you can only find here, far from the city’s uniform cafés.
Evening — Coffee and Slow Moments at Saza Coffee
After returning your car at Katsuta Station, stop by Saza Coffee while wating your train, a beloved local roastery founded right here in Hitachinaka.
Inside, you’ll find not the trendy silence of urban cafés, but the quiet hum of conversation — friends catching up, students reading, locals on their afternoon breaks.
As you sip your cup, look around. There’s something beautiful about how ordinary moments unfold here — no rush, no performance, just life at its natural pace.
Then, around evening, you can board the train back to Tokyo, carrying with you not just photos of flowers, but memories of small, genuine scenes along the coast.
Option 2: By Public Transportation — A Slow Local Journey
If you prefer a relaxed, car-free journey, Hitachinaka is easy to explore with public transport.
Morning — Hitachi Seaside Park
From Katsuta Station, take the bus to “Kaihin Koen Nishi-guchi.” Buses run about three times an hour during the day. You can see the timetable here.
After enjoying the park, catch the 11:23 bus (as of October 2025) back to Katsuta Station for lunch.
Lunch — Stamina Ramen at Daishin near Katsuta Station
Just a short walk from Katsuta Station, Daishin is a local favorite known for its signature Stamina Ramen — Thick, sweet-and-salty soy sauce-based broth topped with extra-thick noodles and stir-fried pork and vegetables.
The place feels unmistakably local — the sizzle from the kitchen, the warmth of regulars chatting over lunch, and the comforting aroma that drifts out to the street.
It’s one of those meals that makes you feel you’ve really arrived in Hitachinaka.
Afternoon — Coffee near Katsuta Station
After the lunch at Daishin, explore the area’s small cafés and eateries.
There’s no set plan here — the idea is to wander, to follow the rhythm of local life.
Around Katsuta Station, you’ll notice something curious — there are quite a few yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurants.
After walking through the quiet streets near the station, you might start to feel a bit hungry.
If so, just follow your instinct and step into one that catches your eye.
Ending your day with the aroma of grilled meat and a full stomach might become one of those small but warm memories from your trip.
This unplanned time is part of the journey — the space where travel turns into experience.
Local Vibes and “Everyday Japan” Moments
What makes Hitachinaka special isn’t just its famous park or fresh seafood.
It’s how ordinary moments — the sea breeze, the sound of bicycles passing, the way locals greet each other — quietly stay with you.
Traveling here is like stepping into someone else’s daily routine for a day.
You begin to notice the texture of life that big cities often hide — simple, calm, and quietly beautiful.
Practical Information
- Access: Take the JR Limited Express Hitachi from Tokyo to Katsuta Station (approx. 90 minutes).
- Best seasons:
- Late April to early May for Nemophila
- Early to mid-October for Kochia
- Transportation: Rental car recommended for flexibility, but public routes are available.
- During the peak seasons for nemophila (late April–early May) and kochia (October), traffic congestion often begins even before the park opens, as cars line up to enter the parking lots.
If you’re driving, it’s best to arrive at Hitachinaka one day earlier and arrive early in the morning — otherwise, taking a bus is highly recommended. - There is a large shopping complex next to the park with a spacious parking area, but parking there to visit the park is considered bad manners. Please refrain from doing so and help ensure everyone can enjoy their visit comfortably.
Extend Your Journey
If your visit coincides with the Otsu Ofune Matsuri — a spectacular boat festival held once every five years — consider staying overnight and heading north to Kitaibaraki the next day.
Even without the festival, an overnight stay in Hitachinaka allows you to experience more of the region’s local rhythm.
Check out our upcoming 1-night Hitachinaka itinerary for ideas on where to stay and what to see.
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👉 See more Ibaraki destinations:
- Hitachinaka Food Guide
- Tokai Village Food Guide
- Ibaraki Travel Hub Article(Comming soon…)
- Kitaibaraki Ofune Matsuri Feature(Comming soon…)