Located in northern Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi City is best known as the birthplace of the global company Hitachi Ltd. But beyond its industrial roots, this seaside city offers breathtaking ocean views 🌅, sacred mountains ⛰️, delicious local food 🍣, and warm community spirit ❤️.
Just 90 minutes from Tokyo by train 🚄, Hitachi is an easy day trip destination—perfect if you want to escape the busy capital without heavy luggage.
In this guide, I’ll share the highlights of Hitachi that I personally visited and recommend for international travelers, from must-see attractions and unique dining spots to seasonal festivals and nearby side trips.
🏞 Best Things to Do in Hitachi
🚉 Hitachi Station – Ocean Views the Moment You Step Off the Train
Hitachi Station is not just a transit hub, but an attraction itself. Designed by local architect Kazuyo Sejima, the glass-covered building opens up to a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean 🌊.
When you step off the train and look up from the platform, the horizon suddenly fills your vision—so wide that you might even feel the curve of the earth. Fishing boats and large vessels dot the sea, making it one of the most photogenic train stations in Japan.
If you want to linger, head to Seabirds Café ☕ located just outside the ticket gates. Ocean-view seats are popular, so plan ahead.
Seabirds Café Information
- 🕖 Hours: 7:00 – 22:00, open daily
- 🌐 English menu available
⛩ Oiwa Shrine – Japan’s Most Powerful Spiritual Spot
Oiwa Shrine is recorded in the ancient Hitachi Fudoki (721 AD) and has been a sacred site for centuries. Its fame grew internationally when astronaut Chiaki Mukai 👩🚀 reported seeing a mysterious pillar of light from space, later traced back to this shrine.
Today, Oiwa Shrine is often called “Japan’s strongest power spot 💫”, attracting visitors seeking spiritual energy and peace.
Visitor Information
- 🕖 Hours: 6:00 – 17:00, open daily
- 🌐 Official website (JP)
Tips for Visitors
- While there are few English signs, the atmosphere itself makes it easy to enjoy.
- 🙏 Show respect by following shrine manners.
- ⛰ Hiking trails behind the shrine close after 15:00. Entry to the shrine itself is until 17:00.
👉 [Read: Nature & Outdoor Travel Guide to Hitachi City]
🍽 Local Food & Dining in Hitachi
Anglerfish Hotpot & Fresh Local Seafood
Facing the Pacific Ocean, Hitachi benefits from one of Japan’s richest fishing grounds. Among the many fish caught here, anglerfish (ankō) is the local star. Ibaraki Prefecture is famous nationwide for its hearty ankō nabe (anglerfish hotpot), especially popular in winter. Besides anglerfish, Hitachi’s fishing ports supply a wide variety of fresh local seafood, often at more affordable prices than in Tokyo.
Hitachi Beef (Hitachi-gyu)
Hitachi is also home to Hitachi Beef, a premium wagyu brand from Ibaraki. Known for its fine texture, tenderness, and rich flavor, this beef is served everywhere from casual restaurants to upscale dining spots.
A City of Hearty Local Restaurants
As the hometown of Hitachi Ltd., the city developed with a strong manufacturing industry. Around the station and in downtown areas, you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving large, affordable, and satisfying meals—perfect for hungry workers and travelers alike.
Local Sake: Fukugokoro
Deep in the mountains of northern Hitachi, Shiina Brewery has been crafting sake since 1877. Their flagship brand, Fukugokoro, is produced in such small quantities that it is rarely found outside Hitachi and neighboring towns. If you’re staying overnight, trying this rare sake is a unique experience.
Sweet Break: Blanche Neige Gelato
For dessert, take a short drive to Blanche Neige, a hidden gelato shop in northern Hitachi. Despite offering outstanding flavors, it remains surprisingly unknown even among locals.
Traveler’s tip: As of September 12, 2025, Blanche Neige’s gelato is temporarily unavailable, and it’s unclear when sales will resume.
Recommended Flavors
- Mascarpone – Smooth, milky richness with gentle sweetness (author’s favorite).
- Caramel Almond – Sweet caramel balanced by crunchy almonds.
Practical Info
- Hours: 10:00 – 19:00 (closed Mondays)
- Price: Single ~¥400, Double ~¥600 (cup only)
- English support: Not available
- Note: The owner can seem unfriendly—don’t be discouraged!
📝 Travel Tip
Exploring unknown streets and discovering eateries by instinct is part of the fun of travel. However, if you’d like to make the most of your meals, check out our separate guide to recommended restaurants in Hitachi—all personally visited and reviewed.
👉 Read: Best Restaurants in Hitachi City
🎉 Seasonal Events & Festivals
🌸 Hitachi Sakura Festival (Spring)
Every spring, Hitachi bursts into pink with its famous Sakura Festival. Cherry trees line Heiwa Boulevard in front of Hitachi Station, creating a stunning tunnel of blossoms 🌸. The street becomes a lively pedestrian zone where you can stroll under the flowers, take endless photos, and enjoy local festival snacks from food stalls 🍡.
A highlight of the festival is the Hitachi Furyumono floats—giant, 15-meter-high festival floats recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. They appear only during festival time, making this a rare chance to see them up close.
👉 For more details, check out our upcoming dedicated guide to the Hitachi Sakura Festival.
🏖 Hitachi Sand Art Festival (Summer)
Giant sand sculptures on Kujihama Beach created by Japanese and international artists, with fireworks and seaside fun. (Suspended from 2020)
🍁 Autumn Leaves at Oiwa Shrine (Fall)
The shrine grounds glow with red and yellow leaves, creating a serene and photogenic autumn scene.
🚗 How to Get to Hitachi City
By Train (Recommended)
Take the JR Joban Line Limited Express “Hitachi” 🚄 from Shinagawa, Tokyo or Ueno Station.
- Duration: ~90 min
- Cost: ~¥4,000 one-way
- Frequency: every 30–60 min
- ✅ Covered by Japan Rail Pass
By Car
Approx. 2 hours from Tokyo via the Joban Expressway 🛣️. Driving allows easy access to nearby attractions.
From Airports
- Narita → Hitachi: ~3 hours (via Tokyo transfer)
- Haneda → Hitachi: ~2.5 hours (via Tokyo transfer)
🔗 Related Travel Guides Near Hitachi
Tokai Village – Science & Tradition
Small-town charm with Japan’s nuclear research facilities.
👉 Tokai Village Travel Guide
Daigo Town – Waterfalls & Seasonal Beauty
Home to Fukuroda Falls 🌊 and autumn leaves.
👉 Daigo Travel Guide
Hitachinaka City – Coastline and flower fields
Famous for Hitachi Seaside Park 🍃 and its scenic coastline 🌊, Hitachinaka City offers a refreshing seaside escape.
👉 Hitachinaka Travel Guide (Comming soon…)
✨ Final Thought
Hitachi is more than the birthplace of modern Japanese industry. It’s a city where you can watch the sunrise 🌅 over the Pacific, walk among sacred forests ⛩️, and discover unique flavors 🍣🍨.
Beyond famous dishes like ankō nabe, you’ll also find cozy local spots such as Toen, a casual eatery serving hearty Japanese-style Chinese food, and Cafe Miharu, a charming retro café just minutes from Hitachi Station. These hidden gems make the city’s dining scene as memorable as its landscapes.
Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, it’s perfect for a day trip—but staying overnight allows deeper exploration of hidden eateries, seasonal festivals, and nearby towns.
Next time you plan a Japan trip, don’t just pass through Ibaraki—make Hitachi a destination of its own 🌟. And if you’re curious about where to eat, check out our full guide to Hitachi’s local restaurants and cafés here and Hitachi’s nature spots here.