Ibaraki Travel: Hitachi Seaside Park, Kasama Inari Shrine & Fukuroda Falls

Hitachi Seaside Park is Ibaraki’s most famous sight, a seaside hill that turns sky-blue with millions of nemophila flowers in spring and fiery red with kochia bushes in fall. It is about 90 minutes from Tokyo, and the prefectural capital of Mito makes an easy base for two more highlights: Kasama Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Inari shrines, and Fukuroda Falls, a 120-meter waterfall in the northern mountains. This guide covers all three, with the best seasons, access tips and where to stay in Mito.

1. Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka is a huge coastal park famous for Miharashi Hill, which is planted with about 5.3 million nemophila (baby blue eyes) that bloom in a sea of pale blue from mid-April to early May. In fall the same hill is covered with round kochia bushes that turn from green to deep red, usually peaking in mid-October before fading to gold. Tulips, daffodils, roses and cosmos fill other parts of the park, and there is a small amusement area with a Ferris wheel. Admission is 450 yen for adults, and a seasonal surcharge has applied during the nemophila peak (adults paid 800 yen in spring 2026). The park is open from 9:30, closing at 17:00 from March to October and 16:30 from November to February, and it is normally closed on Tuesdays except in peak seasons. Buses run from the east exit of JR Katsuta Station in about 15 minutes (400 yen). Arrive at opening on spring weekends, when lines for the buses get long.

2. Kasama Inari Shrine

Kasama Inari Shrine is counted among the three great Inari shrines of Japan, alongside Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari in Aichi, though lists vary. Inari is the deity of rice, business and prosperity, and the shrine draws worshipers praying for success in business all year round. It is best known for two seasons: its wisteria, which includes a 400-year-old tree designated a prefectural natural monument and blooms from late April into May, and the Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival, Japan’s oldest of its kind, held this year from October 24 to November 23, 2026, with free admission. The shrine stands at the end of a traditional shopping street selling sweets and Kasama ware, the local pottery, so leave time to browse. It is about 20 minutes on foot or five minutes by taxi from JR Kasama Station, about 30 minutes west of Mito on the Mito Line.

3. Fukuroda Falls

Fukuroda Falls in the town of Daigo is one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, about 120 meters tall and 73 meters wide, tumbling down four tiers of rock. Its name means “four-times falls,” and a popular legend says the poet-monk Saigyo felt you had to see it in all four seasons to truly appreciate it: fresh green in spring, cool spray in summer, colorful leaves in autumn and, in very cold winters, partial freezing into a wall of ice. A tunnel leads to observation decks at the base and higher up (500 yen), and a suspension bridge over the river gives another angle. Opening hours are about 8:00 to 18:00 from May to October, 8:00 to 17:00 in November and 9:00 to 17:00 from December to April. From JR Fukuroda Station on the Suigun Line, the bus is infrequent, so many visitors take a 10-minute taxi or walk about 45 minutes. Try the local apple pie and konnyaku snacks sold near the falls.

Where to Stay Near Mito

Where to stay: Mito

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Mito is the best base for this part of Ibaraki: the Hitachi limited express connects it to Tokyo, Katsuta Station for Hitachi Seaside Park is just one stop away, and the Mito and Suigun lines lead to Kasama and Fukuroda. Hotels cluster around Mito Station, which also has a large shopping complex.

Luxury

Hotel Terrace the Garden Mito is one of Mito’s most stylish hotels, with comfortable rooms near the station.

Mid-Range

Dormy Inn Mito is a favorite chain hotel with a large public bath, perfect after a day of walking.

Budget-Friendly

Toyoko Inn Mito-eki Minami-guchi is a simple, dependable chain hotel near the south exit of Mito Station.

Quick Tips for Visiting

• Nemophila usually peaks from mid-April to early May and kochia turns red around mid-October; check the park’s bloom updates before you go.
• Hitachi Seaside Park is normally closed on Tuesdays outside peak seasons.
• In Mito, visit Kairakuen, one of Japan’s three great gardens, famous for its plum blossoms in February and March (320 yen for non-residents).
• Buses to Fukuroda Falls are infrequent; a taxi from Fukuroda Station takes about 10 minutes.
• Mito is famous for natto (fermented soybeans), so try it at breakfast if you are curious.

Getting there by train: From Ueno or Tokyo Station, the JR Hitachi and Tokiwa limited express trains reach Mito in about 70 to 90 minutes, and Katsuta is one stop further. Kasama is on the JR Mito Line and Fukuroda is on the JR Suigun Line from Mito. All of these JR trains are covered by the JR Pass. Read our guide to riding trains in Japan, see how to get from Narita or Haneda into Tokyo, and check whether the JR Pass is worth it for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park?

The nemophila usually peak from mid-April to early May. The red kochia are best around mid-October.

How much does Hitachi Seaside Park cost?

Regular admission is 450 yen for adults, and children of junior high age and younger enter free. A seasonal surcharge has applied during the nemophila peak.

How do I get to Fukuroda Falls from Tokyo?

Take a limited express to Mito, then the JR Suigun Line to Fukuroda Station, followed by a short taxi ride or bus.

When is the Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival?

It is held every fall at Kasama Inari Shrine. In 2026 it runs from October 24 to November 23 and is free to enter.