Hitachi Seaside Park: Kochia, Nemophila, Tickets and Access from Tokyo

Save to My List My List

Researched guide · Checked on Nov 6, 2026

This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Hitachi Seaside Park is a huge national government park on the coast of Ibaraki, famous for two views: Miharashi Hill covered in blue nemophila in spring, and the same hill turning red with round kochia bushes in autumn. It is about 85 minutes from Tokyo Station by limited express, plus a short bus ride, so it works as a long day trip.

When to go

Season	What you see on Miharashi Hill
Mid-April to early May	Nemophila (baby blue eyes) turn the hill blue, blending with the sky and the sea
Mid-August to late September	Green, round kochia bushes
Early October	Green-to-red gradient
Mid-October	Bright red kochia
Late October to early November	Red-brown, then golden kochia

• Timing changes with the weather each year, so check the park’s flower updates before you go.
• The 2026 kochia have finished: the park removed them on November 4, so they will not be on the hill until next summer.
• The kochia variety was developed for the park and grows naturally round. It is not trimmed and is not sold in shops.

Tickets and hours

Visitor	Regular	Nemophila and kochia seasons
Adults (high school and older)	¥450	¥800
Seniors (65+)	¥210	¥560
Junior high school students and younger	Free	Free

• 2026 special seasons were April 3 – May 6 (nemophila) and October 9 – November 3 (kochia). Check the park’s website for the 2027 dates.
• Hours: 9:30–17:00 from September to October, 9:30–16:30 from November to February (longer in spring and summer).
• Closed on Tuesdays (the next weekday if Tuesday is a holiday). In November 2026 it is closed on November 4, 10, 17 and 24.
• Cards, Suica and PASMO, and many QR payment apps are accepted at the ticket counters.

How to get there from Tokyo

Route	Time
JR Joban Line limited express, Tokyo → Katsuta	About 85 min
Ibaraki Kotsu bus, Katsuta Station East Exit (stop 2) → West Gate	About 15 min
Taxi, Katsuta Station → West Gate	About 15 min
Highway bus “Mito-go”, Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit → Mito Station	About 2 hours (then JR to Katsuta and the bus)

• Another option: the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway from Katsuta to Ajigaura (about 30 min), then a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk to the South Gate.
• A one-day bus pass for the park is sold at Katsuta Station, and the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway sells a one-day pass that includes park admission.
• Weekday direct buses can change with demand and weather. Check with Ibaraki Kotsu before you go.

Affiliate link

Good to know

• Drones are generally not allowed.
• The park publishes a forecast of autumn colors and crowds during the Kochia Carnival. Check it before choosing your day.

FAQ