Kochia Carnival 2024 at Hitachi Seaside Park: Light-Ups and Events

Until October 31! See the Kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park

Photo by Pixta

Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki is one of the top scenic spots in eastern Japan, selected as one of CNN's "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan."

Besides the spring nemophila flowers, one of the most popular attractions in this national park is the autumn kochia. The sight of about 40,000 cute, round kochia bushes filling the hills is truly breathtaking!

Hitachi Seaside Park is easily accessible, taking about 2 hours by express train or bus from Tokyo, making it perfect for a day trip.

Kochia Carnival and Best Viewing Time

Date: October 1 - 31, 2024
Admission: 450 yen for high school students and above, 210 yen for those 65 and older
*Free for middle school students and younger
*From October 11 to 27: 800 yen for high school students and above, 560 yen for those 65 and older
*Free admission on October 5 - 6
Official Website: https://hitachikaihin.jp/autumn-kochia/

Best Viewing Time for Kochia

The kochia bushes change color from October to November. From early October to early November, you can enjoy the following colors of kochia:

Early October: Gradient of green and red
Mid-October: Autumn foliage
Late October: Gradient of red and brown
Late October to Early November: Golden

For more details on the best time to see kochia, please check the official website.

Highlights of the Kochia Carnival

1. Approximately 40,000 Kochia Filling the Hills

Photo by Pixta

The Miharashi Hill, one of the most popular spots in Hitachi Seaside Park, featured about 33,000 kochia last year, but in 2024, the number has increased to approximately 40,000, making it even more spectacular.

Capture your own unique photos amidst the sea of kochia!

2. Welcome Garden Debuts

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In 2024, a Welcome Garden will be set up near the entrance of Miharashi Hill.

Here, a flower field featuring about 15 different varieties of plants, including marigolds and cockscomb, will be created.

According to the official Instagram, you can take photos that create the illusion of standing in a flower field by using the zigzag path leading up the hill, which helps conceal your feet, making for Instagram-worthy shots.

Be sure to check it out!

3. Seasonal Food Delights

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At the restaurants within Hitachi Seaside Park, you can enjoy seasonal gourmet delights during this time.

Kochia-Related Menu
Memorial Forest Rest House: Kochia Latte (680 yen)
Lakeside Café: Marucoro Green Kochia Soft (500 yen)

Additionally, there is a variety of sweets made with local specialties from Ibaraki, such as sweet potatoes and dried sweet potatoes!

Note: The Instagram photos referenced were taken last year.

Kochia Light-Up Until October 6

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At Hitachi Seaside Park, a kochia light-up event will be held from September 27 to October 6! Enjoy a vibrant show accompanied by music, and with around 40 restaurants, there’s plenty of entertainment during this period.

How to Get to Hitachi Seaside Park

Katsuta Station. Photo by Pixta

By Train from Tokyo Station

The nearest station to Hitachi Seaside Park is Katsuta Station on the JR Joban Line.

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Joban Line Limited Express Hitachi or Tokiwa bound for Katsuta. It’s seven stations away, with a travel time of approximately 80 minutes. The total one-way cost, including the limited express fee (for reserved seats), is 3,890 yen.

From Katsuta Station, local buses are available. The bus from Bus Stop 2 at the East Exit takes about 20 minutes to the West Entrance of the Hitachi Seaside Park and about 25 minutes to the South Entrance. The fare is 450 yen one way.

By Highway Bus from Tokyo Station

If you choose to take a highway bus from Tokyo, board the Ibaraki Kotsu bus at the Yaesu South Exit of Tokyo Station and get off at Kaihinkōen Iriguchi. The one-way travel time is approximately 2 hours, and the fare is 2,450 yen.