Explore hidden gems of Japan：Hitachinaka city
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachinaka is a serene coastal city with a rich history and abundant natural beauty facing the Pacific Ocean. Within this region lies a vast national park where you can revel in the blossoms of all four seasons. Additionally, in Mito City, you’ll encounter historic daimyo gardens and culturally significant Japanese heritage that preserves the lives of people from the Meiji era through to the present day.
Adjacent to Hitachinaka is the fishing port of Oarai Town. Here, not only can you witness the awe-inspiring view of a mysterious torii gate standing in the sea, but you can also savor freshly caught, delectable seafood. Why not escape the city hustle and bustle and explore this local town, just 80 minutes away from Tokyo, where you can immerse yourself in splendid nature, breathtaking vistas, and the flavors of the ocean?
Our knowledgeable local Guide Interpreters will take you on a comfortable and informative journey, allowing you to experience Hitachinaka, Mito and Oarai city like a local. Discover the best spots for nature and sea foods!
Tour Spots Information
Hitachinaka Seaside Park
Once an airfield, this vast national park spans 350 hectares and bursts into bloom with exquisite flowers throughout the seasons. Spring brings the famous nemophila and tulip, while autumn showcases vibrant kochia. In this enchanting place, immerse yourself in the swaying blossoms and expansive vistas.
Kairakuen Gardens
Nestled among Japan’s three renowned gardens, Kairakuen Garden unfurls its grandeur—a daimyō garden meticulously crafted by the Tokugawa family in 1842. Here, plums reign supreme, with 100 varieties and 3,000 plum trees bursting forth in splendid bloom. As spring graces the land, cherry blossoms and azaleas join the symphony of colors.
Picture this: a villa erected within the garden, exclusively for the Tokugawa family. From the vantage point of Kobuntei, gaze upon vistas that transcend time, inviting you to wander through ancient lives and stories.
Kodokan
Founded in 1841 as an educational institution for the Tokugawa family’s Mito clan, the Kodokan stands as a living testament to a bygone era—the late Edo period. Its ancient buildings, resilient against the passage of time, beckon you to explore the essence of a samurai’s existence.
Within these hallowed walls, the echoes of ink-stained scrolls and the clash of wooden swords intertwine. Here, the samurai’s heart thrived on dual passions: the art of the sword and the eloquence of words. Imagine strolling through corridors adorned with calligraphy, where martial prowess and literary finesse converged.
The Kodokan whispers secrets of honor, discipline, and the pursuit of knowledge. As you step across its threshold, immerse yourself in the legacy of warriors who wielded both pen and blade—a symphony of courage and intellect that still resonates today.
Oarai Isosaki Shrine
This ancient shrine, steeped in history, traces its origins back to the early Heian period—856 AD. Legend whispers that the gods themselves descended upon this very beach, leaving behind a sacred footprint in the sands of time.
And there it stands—a white torii gate, defiant against the crashing waves, its pillars rooted in both earth and sea. As you gaze upon this ethereal threshold, the world around you blurs. The cerulean expanse merges with the divine, and suddenly, minutes stretch into eternity.
The rhythm of the waves becomes a hymn, and the torii gate, a portal to realms beyond. Here, you’ll forget the ticking clock, for time itself dances with the tides.
Oarai Seafood Market
Picture this: a bustling harbor where salty sea breezes weave through the air, and locals converge like a symphony of seagulls. Here, the rhythm of life aligns with the tides, and the bounty of the ocean awaits your discerning palate.
The sizzle of a grill, flames licking at the edges of your appetite. perhaps a succulent scallop, or a flaky fish fillet Watch as it transforms over the flames, its aroma mingling with the sea spray.
And then, the moment of truth: that first bite. The ocean sings on your tongue—a chorus of umami, salt, and sheer delight. Here, you’re not just a visitor; you’re a culinary explorer, charting uncharted waters one delectable morsel at a time.
