Introduction
Just 90 minutes north of Tokyo, Hitachi City (日立市) in Ibaraki Prefecture is a hidden gem where the Pacific Ocean meets the Abukuma Mountains. Known mainly as an industrial city, Hitachi is also blessed with stunning coastlines, scenic hiking trails, and countryside orchards.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or simply looking for a quiet escape, Hitachi offers a perfect balance of sea and mountains.
In this article, we’ll introduce the best nature spots in Hitachi where you can enjoy the ocean, explore the mountains, and discover a different side of Japan.
👉 Want the full overview first? Check out our Complete Travel Guide to Hitachi City for food, events, and day trip ideas.
Enjoy the Ocean in Hitachi
Kawarago Beach – A Surfer’s Paradise with Wide Sandy Shores
Located just 10 minutes south of Hitachi Station, Kawarago Beach (河原子海岸) stretches across two sandy shores.
- The north side is lively, with a sports park, jogging trails, a park golf course, and a large parking area. It’s popular among surfers and runners. You’ll even find a small burger shop by the entrance, perfect for grabbing a bite with an ocean view.
- The south side is quieter and less crowded, as it lacks its own parking area. This hidden beach offers sweeping views of the coastline stretching down Ibaraki on a clear day. It’s a peaceful place to relax, feel the sea breeze, and leave the hustle of daily life behind.
Access
- 🚗 By Car: Easy access, large parking available.
- 🚆 By Public Transport: From JR Hitachi-Taga Station, it’s about a 25-min walk. From Hitachi Station, there’s also one bus per weekday (9:24 a.m. departure).
Uno-Misaki – Scenic Cape with Seabirds and Hot Springs
In the northern part of Hitachi lies Uno-Misaki (鵜の岬), a scenic cape well known in Japan for two reasons:
- Most of the cormorants used for traditional ukai fishing across Japan are captured here.
- The seaside lodge National Lodging Uno-Misaki has the reputation of being “Japan’s hardest hotel to book.”
Even if you don’t stay overnight, Uno-Misaki is worth visiting:
- Take a stroll along the walking trails surrounding the lodge.
- Visit the small huts called toriya, where fishermen once hid while catching cormorants – visitors can step inside and experience this unique tradition.
- Relax at Urara-no-Yu, a hot spring with ocean views, and enjoy local seafood dishes nearby.
💡 Tip: Booking the lodge can be difficult for foreign travelers due to limited online availability. However, Urara-no-Yu offers free Wi-Fi, making it a convenient stop for rest or planning while traveling in northern Ibaraki.
Access
- 🚗 By Car: Recommended for easiest access.
- 🚌 By Bus: From JR Juo Station or Hitachi Station, take bus #77 and get off at “Kokaigahama” stop, then walk 20 minutes.
Explore the Mountains of Hitachi
Mt. Oiwa & the Hitachi Alps – Hiking Trails with Spiritual Energy
Hitachi is unique for its dramatic geography – mountains rise almost directly from the coast. Locals call these ridges the Hitachi Alps, and well-marked hiking trails allow visitors to enjoy both sea and mountain views.
One highlight is Mt. Oiwa (御岩山), home to Oiwa Shrine, considered a powerful spiritual “energy spot.” Along the trails, you’ll find breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the city below, as well as close-up views of Hitachi’s iconic smokestack, a symbol of its industrial history.
The trails are beginner-friendly, but wear comfortable shoes (not sandals or heels) and dress appropriately for hiking.
Model Route
- 🚆 From Hitachi Station (Central Exit, Bus Stop 1), take Ibaraki Kotsu Bus #60 bound for Higashi-Kawachi.
- Get off at Oiwa Jinja-mae stop → Hike Mt. Oiwa → Continue to Kamine Park.
- Return: From Kamine Koen-guchi bus stop, take bus #60 back to Hitachi Station.
Nakazato Area – Apple Picking & Countryside Charm
Cross the Hitachi Alps to the western side, and you’ll find a different world – the rural farmlands of Nakazato. This area is nicknamed the “Fruit Road”, with orchards producing apples, grapes, and more.
Local farmers are friendly and welcoming, often inviting visitors to enjoy apple-picking experiences or buy freshly harvested fruit at very reasonable prices. It’s a great way to meet locals, taste seasonal produce, and experience rural Japan within a short drive of the coast.
Nakazato Fruit Road web pamphlet is available here(Japanese only).
Access
- 🚗 By Car: Most convenient.
- 🚆 By Public Transport: From Hitachi Station, take Ibaraki Kotsu Bus #60 toward Higashi-Kawachi, get off at Aburagasaki-bashi and walk. Alternatively, from Hitachi-Ota Station, take the bus bound for Konaka Depot and get off at Iwaori (very limited service).
Travel Tips for Visiting Hitachi
🚆 How to Get to Hitachi
- By Train (Recommended): JR Joban Line Limited Express Hitachi from Ueno (~90 min, ~¥4,000). JR Pass valid.
- By Car: ~2 hours via Joban Expressway.
- From Airports: Narita or Haneda → Tokyo → Hitachi (~2.5–3 hours).
Best Seasons to Visit
The best time to enjoy Hitachi’s nature is late September to early December:
- Cooler weather makes hiking and walking comfortable.
- Grapes and apples in Nakazato are in season – perfect natural snacks during your trip. (Just remember: don’t litter! → Learn more about How to Sort Trash in Japan.)
- By December, autumn foliage adds rich colors to the mountains.
More Useful Info
Curious about Hitachi’s local food and cultural spots? Check out our Hitachi City Food Guide for insider tips.
Conclusion
Hitachi City is a nature-rich destination just 90 minutes from Tokyo. From relaxing beaches and seabird cliffs to hiking the Hitachi Alps and apple picking in the countryside, it’s a place where you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains in one trip.
Why not plan your next weekend getaway to Hitachi, and discover a side of Japan most travelers miss?
👉 For more inspiration, don’t miss our Complete Travel Guide to Hitachi City with food, events, and day trip ideas.