Ibaraki Flower and Food One-Day Tour

▼Ōarai Isosaki Shrine

Dedicated to Ōnamuchi‑no‑Mikoto, Ōarai Isosaki Shrine was founded in 856 and has a very long history. It is perhaps best known for the "Kamiiso Torii" gate standing on the rocks by the sea. According to legend, the rock where the torii gate stands is the spot where the deity descended, hence the name "Kamiiso" (Divine Rocky Shore). With the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, the grand torii gate attracts photography enthusiasts from both Japan and abroad at any time of the day. Especially at sunrise, sunset and when the waves crash, you can capture truly magnificent scenery!

▼Nakaminato Fish Market

Every year, over one million people from all over Japan visit this place for sightseeing & seafood tasting. As it is close to the sea, many of the seafood products are caught fresh on the same day, offering both freshness and value for money. The market is about 5.5 kilometres from the beach. If you have already spent time at the beach, you can take a leisurely walk along the coast and enjoy the scenery on the way there the following afternoon. Along the way, you will also pass the Kaimon Bridge, which spans across two coastlines, and pass by many other shrines of various sizes.

▼Hitachi Seaside Park (National Government Park)

Hitachi Seaside Park is located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, along the Pacific coast. In spring, you can see nemophila, daffodils and tulips; in early summer, poppies and roses; in midsummer, zinnias and sunflowers; in autumn, kochia (burning bush) and cosmos; and in winter, ice tulips — colourful flowers can be enjoyed all year round. In addition, the Pleasant Amusement Area features a large Ferris wheel with a height of 100 metres offering panoramic views, as well as various other rides. The park also offers a range of activity areas where you can fully enjoy nature, including the "Forest Sports Plaza", "Barbecue Plaza" and "Cycling Paths".

This coastal dune area features gently rolling, expansive terrain with different flowers blooming throughout the year. In spring, tulips, daffodils and nemophila are in full bloom; in summer, zinnias, lavender and sunflowers blossom; in autumn, cosmos and kochia take centre stage; and in winter, ice tulips and plum blossoms bloom. From late April to late May every year (reference period; estimated 6 April – 10 May 2024), over 4.5 million elegant blue‑and‑white nemophila flowers bloom here. In the distance, you can also see the blue sea and sky — the ocean, the sky and the sea of flowers together create a scene that makes you feel as if you have fallen into the blue world of Pandora from Avatar.

【For information on flower‑viewing seasons, please refer to the image below】

※Blooming conditions may be earlier or later depending on the climate and other conditions of the year.

Nemophila Flower Fields (estimated 6 April – 10 May 2024)

A blue miracle you must see once in your lifetime! Enjoy approximately 5.3 million blue nemophila flowers stretching endlessly in a dreamlike sea of blue~

In Japan, nemophila is also known as "Ruri‑sō" (琉璃唐草) because the blue of its flowers closely resembles the "ruri" (lapis lazuli) colour in Japanese. In English‑speaking regions, nemophila is commonly known as "Baby blue eyes".

The season has finally arrived! At Hitachi Seaside Park, approximately 5.3 million nemophila flowers — the largest display in Japan — are in full bloom. These delicate pale‑blue flowers cover the entire hill like a blue carpet! Climb to the top of the hill and you can see the sea, with the entire view — the sky, the ocean and the nemophila — forming a stunning panorama of blue ♪

Admission tickets are to be paid for on your own. Reference admission fees: Adults (15 years old and above) 450 yen/person; seasonal admission: Adults (15 years old and above) 700 yen/person. The seasonal admission applies to spring (approximately 20 days between April and May) and autumn (approximately 10 days in mid‑October). The seasonal admission period is determined by factors such as plant growth conditions.