Introduction
Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is best known for Hitachi Seaside Park, where seasonal flowers create dreamlike landscapes. 🌸🌾
In spring, rolling hills turn into a sea of delicate blue nemophila, while autumn transforms them into waves of bright red kochia.
Most travelers visit only the park. But as a local living nearby in Tokai Village, I want to share another side of Hitachinaka. 🏖️
Beyond the famous flower fields, this seaside city offers authentic local food, scenic drives, and hidden gems that few international visitors know about.
This guide will help you explore Hitachinaka — and even connect your trip to nearby destinations like Hitachi, Tokai, and Kitaibaraki.
Best Things to Do in Hitachinaka
🌸 Hitachi Seaside Park – A Must-Visit for Seasonal Flowers
The park is world-famous for its flower displays:
- Spring (late April–early May): Millions of blue nemophila cover the hills.
- Autumn (October): Bright red kochia bushes color the fields.
- Summer: Sunflowers and zinnias brighten the park.
- Winter: Quieter, but great for birdwatching and seasonal seafood nearby.
Other highlights include wide lawns for picnics, bike rentals, and a small amusement park. It’s easy to spend half a day or more here.
👉 Official Website – Hitachi Seaside Park
🐟 Nakaminato Fish Market – Seafood, Street Food & Local Vibes
Just 10 minutes from Nakaminato Station, this lively fish market sells seafood from across Japan. Unlike Tokyo’s busy Tsukiji, Nakaminato offers a more local, down-to-earth food culture.
- Restaurants: Sushi and kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) 🍣
- Street snacks: Freshly shucked oysters 🦪, takoyaki stuffed with whole baby octopus 🐙
👉 Perfect for travelers who want to eat like a local while exploring.
🚗 Ajigaura Coastline Drive – Scenic Ocean Views
If you rent a car, don’t miss the Ajigaura coastal road. The Pacific Ocean stretches endlessly on your left, and the sunset views are stunning. 🌅
This drive is rarely in guidebooks but is one of the best hidden gems in Ibaraki.
Where to Eat in Hitachinaka
🍜 Stamina Ramen – A Local Comfort Food You Can’t Miss
Stamina Ramen is Hitachinaka’s signature local dish. Stir-fried cabbage, pumpkin, carrots, and liver are coated in a sweet-and-spicy sauce, then poured over hot or chilled noodles.
Daishin – The Birthplace of Stamina Ramen
For the original, visit Daishin, a tiny restaurant always packed with locals. The steam, noise, and warm atmosphere show how deeply this dish is loved. Unlike touristy “B-grade” gourmet, Stamina Ramen is a true local comfort food.
The photo above shows Daishin’s most popular dish, “Yakiniku Hiyashi” (chilled noodles with stir-fried pork).
Crispy fried pork and a sweet-spicy sauce are poured over thick noodles, topped with corn, wakame seaweed, and chopped green onions.
🐟 Fresh Seafood in Nakaminato
Seafood is another highlight. At the market, you’ll find sushi, kaisendon, and playful street foods like octopus-stuffed takoyaki. It’s the perfect way to experience Japan’s coastal flavors.
🍠 Other Local Specialties – Dried Sweet Potato & Craft Beer
Don’t leave without trying hoshi-imo (dried sweet potato), a healthy local snack, or sampling Ibaraki’s craft beer made with local ingredients. Both make excellent souvenirs. 🎁
👉 For more local food spots, check out our upcoming Hitachinaka Local Food Guide
Travel Tips & Suggested Itineraries
📅 Best Seasons to Visit
- Spring (late April–early May): Nemophila in full bloom 🌸
- Autumn (October): Kochia turn the hills bright red 🍁
- Summer: Beaches and coastal drives 🏖️
- Winter: Quiet, perfect for seafood lovers 🦀
🚉 Combine with Nearby Destinations (Mito, Tokai, Kitaibaraki)
Hitachinaka is perfect for a day trip from Tokyo. Combine it with:
- Mito City: Kairakuen Garden 🌳
- Tokai Village: Hidden local food 🍲 (Tokai Food Guide)
- Kitaibaraki: Rugged coastline & fishermen’s cuisine 🐟
👉 Kitaibaraki is also home to the Ofune Festival, a spectacular event held once every five years in early May — the same season as nemophila! (Ofune Festival Guide coming soon)
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly vs. Couple/Photography Itineraries
- Families: Hitachi Seaside Park + Ajigaura Beach 🏖️ + casual seafood dining
- Couples/Photographers: Sunrise walk in the park 🌅 + coastal drive 🚗 + Stamina Ramen date 🍜
How to Get to Hitachinaka
🚆 From Tokyo by Train
Take the JR Joban Line from Shinagawa Station → Katsuta Station (80–90 min by limited express). From Katsuta, buses or taxis reach Hitachi Seaside Park in 15 min.
🚗 By Car or Rental Car – Perfect for a Coastal Drive
Driving from Tokyo takes about 1.5 hours via Joban Expressway. A rental car gives you flexibility to explore Ajigaura Coastline, Nakaminato Market, and even Kitaibaraki in the same trip.
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Hitachinaka Trip
- Morning: Hitachi Seaside Park 🌸
- Before Lunch: Ajigaura Coastal Drive 🚗
- Lunch: Seafood at Nakaminato 🐟
- Evening: Stamina Ramen 🍜
👉 More details: Full 1-Day Hitachinaka Itinerary
Family-Friendly Plan 👨👩👧👦
- Morning: Seaside Park (easy walking & flowers) 🌼
- Lunch: Market snacks or picnic 🧺
- Afternoon: Ajigaura Beach 🏖️
- Evening: Kid-friendly ramen shop 🍜
👉 More ideas: Hitachinaka Family Itinerary
Couples & Photography Lovers 📸
- Morning: Sunrise walk in the park 🌅
- Lunch: Coffee & light bites ☕
- Afternoon: Scenic coastal drive 🚗
- Evening: Sunset photos + dinner with local specialties 🍣
🌸🚢 Seasonal Special: Nemophila + Ofune Festival Route
If you visit in late April–early May, combine Hitachi Seaside Park’s nemophila with the Otsu Port Ofune Festival in Kitaibaraki. This once-in-five-years event features massive wooden ship floats parading through town — a rare glimpse of living Japanese tradition.
- Morning: Nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park 🌸
- Lunch: Seafood in Nakaminato 🐟
- Afternoon: Drive/train north to Kitaibaraki 🚗
- Evening: Enjoy the Ofune Festival or local fishermen’s cuisine 🍲
👉 Related guides:
- Kitaibaraki Travel Guide(Comming soon)
- Ofune Festival – Once-in-Five-Years Tradition(Comming soon)
- Kitaibaraki Food Guide(Comming soon)
Final Thoughts
Hitachinaka is more than a flower park. 🌸 From Stamina Ramen and seafood markets to coastal drives and nearby festivals, it’s a destination that combines nature, culture, and authentic local life.
Whether you come for the nemophila, a scenic road trip, or to discover food loved by locals, Hitachinaka will surprise you with experiences beyond the guidebooks.
And if you have time, extend your journey north to Kitaibaraki — where traditions like the Ofune Festival and fishermen’s cuisine await. 🐟🚢
👉 Curious about nearby spots? Check also:
- Tokai Village Food Guide
- Kitaibaraki Travel Guide(Comming soon)