Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park (ひたち海浜公園, Hitachi Kaihin Kōen), located near Mito, is a vast 350-hectare park renowned for its spectacular seasonal flower displays and expansive walking and cycling trails. Its most iconic attraction is Miharashi Hill, which bursts into a sea of blue each spring as millions of nemophila (baby blue eyes) bloom in harmony with the sky. In autumn, the hill transforms once more—this time into a vivid red landscape thanks to the fluffy kokia bushes. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy an ever-changing palette of flowers, including vibrant tulips in spring, golden narcissus in early summer, and colorful cosmos in the fall.

But the park offers much more than just flowers. It features a family-friendly amusement area with over 25 rides, including a 100-meter-tall Ferris wheel and a popular BMX cycling course. For those seeking relaxation, there are peaceful forest trails, coastal gardens, and picnic spots with ocean views. The park also offers barbecue areas, cafés, and restaurants serving local flavors. Given its size, renting a bicycle or taking the "Seaside Train"—a small sightseeing train with hop-on, hop-off access—is a fun and convenient way to explore everything the park has to offer.