[Ibaraki] Enjoy Autumn! A Day Trip to See Kochia Leaves, Seaside Torii Gates, and Taste the Food

Kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park, located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a popular spot where you can enjoy flowers of all seasons. While it quickly became world famous for its spring nemophila flowers, in fact, its autumnal seasonal feature, kochia (broom grass), has also been gaining attention in recent years. In particular, Miharashi Hill in the park turns a deep red every year from late September to mid-October, spreading like a carpet of autumn leaves.

The kochia are vibrant green during the summer, and gradually turn red in the fall. When they are at their best, the entire hill glows crimson like a blazing flame, and the contrast between the blue of the sky, the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, and the red of the kochia is truly a magnificent canvas created by nature. Not only is its beauty photogenic, but you can also experience an even deeper impact by actually walking up the hill and experiencing the spectacular 360-degree view.

What kind of plant is Kochia, the cute and fluffy star of autumn?

Kochia is an annual plant of the Bassia genus in the Amaranthaceae family, and its Japanese name is "hokigusa." The name comes from the fact that mature stems were dried and used as brooms in the past. Kochia is characterized by its unique round and fluffy shape, making it a very adorable looking plant.

From spring to summer, the bright green leaves grow thick, giving a cool impression during the summer. However, in autumn, the leaves turn red and orange, creating a beautiful red carpet of autumn leaves. This seasonal change is the greatest charm of kochia!

Furthermore, a field of cosmos spreads out at the base of the kochia, with the delicate red, white, and pink flowers adding a touch of autumn color. It is a privilege only available during this season to be able to enjoy the crimson kochia and the delicate cosmos at the same time while climbing the hill. The park is very large, and there are cycling and walking trails, so you can enjoy not only the flower fields but also the natural scenery and seasonal flowers.

The park is easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area, taking just two hours by train or bus from Tokyo, making it perfect for a day trip. It's popular with a wide range of generations, from camera-toting visitors to families and couples. Be sure to experience the autumn scenery of the kochia leaves.

※Important information for bus tour participants※

If you are visiting on a bus tour, the Kaihinguchi parking lot within the park is the bus meeting and disembarking point .

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the Kaihinguchi/Wind Gate to Miharashi Hill. The vast park is so large that if you take a wrong turn you may not be able to reach the flower fields, so be sure to follow the signs and staff's instructions and make sure to return via the original route without getting lost . Checking the location of the hill's entrance and the flower fields in advance will help you enjoy the park with peace of mind.

Oarai Isosaki Shrine - Spectacular view of the torii gate standing in the sea

If you drive about 30 minutes south from Hitachi Seaside Park, you will come across Oarai Isosaki Shrine in Oarai Town. Particularly famous is the Kamiiso no Torii gate, which stands majestically on the rocks of the coast.

The torii gate, which stands resolutely despite being battered by the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean, is enveloped in a divine light at sunrise, emitting a beauty that seems to purify the hearts of those who visit. It is especially well-known that the sun can be seen rising between the torii gates around the winter solstice, making it a popular photo spot.

Oarai Isosaki Shrine is a historic shrine founded in 856, and is said to grant blessings for healing illnesses and warding off evil. From the shrine grounds, you can get a spectacular view of the Oarai coast, and experience a spiritual space where the sea, shrine, and history come together.

Sakatsuraisosaki Shrine - Passing through a forest of trees over 300 years old -

The next shrine we would like to recommend is Sakatsurai Isosaki Shrine, located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Founded in the same year as Oarai Isosaki Shrine, it is known as one of two shrines in a pair and has long been beloved by local people.

The greatest attraction of Sakatsuraisosaki Shrine is the tunnel of over 300-year-old tabu trees that stretches over the approach to the shrine. Passing through the arch made by the lush greenery of the trees, you are enveloped in silence, as if cut off from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area, and you can experience the feeling of stepping into another world. As you walk along the approach to the shrine, listening to the birdsong and the sounds of the trees swaying in the wind will naturally calm your mind and help you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Within the temple grounds, there is a stone turtle statue known as a prayer for winning the lottery. It is said that if you pray while touching this turtle, your fortune will improve, and many worshippers come from far and wide to have the special experience of praying for financial luck and good fortune in the quiet forest. It is also popular as a spot where you can refresh both body and mind, as you can enjoy a walk in nature and a prayer at the same time.

The surrounding area is beautifully colored with flowers and trees throughout the seasons, making a visit in spring or autumn especially recommended. After praying, you can quietly stroll through the grounds and enjoy the beauty of the space woven by the shrine and nature. By visiting this shrine in addition to Oarai Isosaki Shrine, you can experience Ibaraki's nature and religious culture at the same time, making this a hidden gem known only to those in the know.

Name of the report: Departing from Tokyo "One-day trip to Sweeping Grass and Oarai Isosaki Shrine"

Experience picking high-quality pears - Savor the taste of autumn

One of the joys of travel is the unique flavors of the place. Ibaraki is known as one of the leading pear producing areas in the Kanto region, and in the fall many pear farms open their doors to the public, allowing you to enjoy a pear-picking experience.

We especially recommend the pear-picking experience, focusing on high-quality varieties such as "Kosui" and "Hosui." The moment you step into the orchard, you'll see branches lined with ripe fruit, sparkling in the sunlight. The freshly picked pears are full of juice, and the moment you put one in your mouth, a refreshing sweetness and juiciness fills your mouth.

The appeal of pear picking is the joy of picking with your own hands and the luxury of being able to taste fresh fruit on the spot. Some farms offer unlimited all-you-can-eat options for an unlimited time, making it a dream experience for pear lovers. It's a must-try activity that will brighten up your autumn time and nourish both your body and mind.

Name of the report: Departing from Tokyo "One-day trip to Sweeping Grass, Oarai Isosaki Shrine, and Pear Picking"

Report name Shinjuku 《Sweeping grass & Oarai Isosaki Shrine & pear picking day trip》

Ashikaga Flower Park ~The fantasy of Japan's three greatest illuminations~

To conclude your day trip, we recommend taking a short trip from Ibaraki to Ashikaga City in Tochigi Prefecture to enjoy the illuminations at Ashikaga Flower Park.

Ashikaga Flower Park is considered one of the "Three Greatest Illuminations in Japan," and in the winter the park is lit up with over 5 million LED lights. Particularly famous is the illumination that imitates the "Miraculous Wisteria," and the sight of the shining wisteria flowers spreading out into the night sky just like a real wisteria trellis is truly breathtaking.

The seasonal flower and light displays will surprise you with every visit. A leisurely stroll through the gardens will bring you the perfect end to your day, with the natural beauty of the day and the fantasy of the night.

Published in Tokyo (Homei Tokyo Sweeping Grass & Tochigi Ashikaga Flower Park Tomitsuhide Day Trip)

Enjoy the spectacular views and flavors of Ibaraki in one day in autumn

This one-day autumn trip centered around Ibaraki Prefecture is a luxurious itinerary that allows you to enjoy a variety of attractions in one day, from stunning natural scenery, historic shrines, seasonal gourmet food, and nighttime illuminations. In the morning, enjoy the contrast between the refreshing autumn breeze and the blue sky while admiring the crimson-hued kochia flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park. In the afternoon, walk along the tranquil forest approach paths to Oarai Isosaki Shrine and Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine, soothing your soul in the sacred atmosphere woven with history and nature. Furthermore, enjoy the flavors of autumn by picking premium varieties of pears, and finally end the day surrounded by the fantastic illuminations at Ashikaga Flower Park at night, creating a gorgeous and colorful end to the day.

Because Ibaraki and the surrounding area change appearance with each season, autumn offers a special time when you can experience autumn with all five senses, from the colorful leaves and flowers to the cool breeze and seasonal flavors. It's rare to find a day trip that allows you to enjoy such a wide variety of experiences all at once, and this is a recommended course that will allow you to fully enjoy the charms of Ibaraki in autumn, including nature, history, gourmet food, and night views!