グルメ Located in Saikoji, Hitachinaka City, Boulangerie Montagne is a popular bakery that opens at 6:30 AM. With over 80 types of bread baked in a stone oven, you can also enjoy a complimentary drink with your purchase. It's perfect for breakfast before your sightseeing adventures!
![Nakaminato Fish Market Traffic Avoidance and Parking Guide [Latest 2026]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/m0uyuecr/production/79263fd65e32864356c9616f33b5c3666195687c-4000x2782.jpg?rect=0,141,4000,2500&w=400&h=250)
グルメ This guide provides a thorough explanation of traffic avoidance routes and parking information for Nakaminato Fish Market from a local perspective. It includes two detour routes from Hitachinaka IC, information on paid parking (100 yen) and a free temporary parking lot (200 cars), congestion status by time of day, and access via the Minato Line.
グルメ Located inside Newport Hitachinaka, "Preston Cafe" is a popular spot known for its coffee soft serve. The unique two-layer flavor features coffee-flavored soft serve topped with powdered coffee. It's perfect for a quick treat while shopping, and takeout is available!
![Ramen Genkiya | Sesame Miso & Garlic Ramen [Hitachinaka City]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/m0uyuecr/production/61d7454d9ec64a20ba9d477a04bfeba97f2083f9-2448x2548.png?rect=0,509,2448,1530&w=400&h=250)
グルメ Ramen Genkiya in Hitachinaka City is a popular ramen shop known for its special sesame miso ramen "Genki Ramen" and the punchy "Garlic Abare Ramen." Open until midnight, it's a great spot for a meal after sightseeing.
観光スポット The Hitachinaka City Buried Cultural Properties Research Center is a free facility that offers permanent exhibitions of artifacts from the Jomon period to the medieval era. Here, you can experience ancient Japanese history through colorful wall painting replicas from the nationally designated historic site "Torazuka Kofun" and the Jugo-ro Anya burial mounds.
グルメ Toromi Sen Honpo Katsuta Store is a long-established specialty shop for okaki and senbei located in Hitachinaka City. Their signature product, "Kagami Age," features traditional mochi made with a pestle and deep-fried in rice oil, while the store-exclusive "Mito Manju," a type of sweet fried dough, is also very popular. There is an eat-in space available, making it a great spot to take a break during your sightseeing.
観光スポット The Hitachinaka City Buried Cultural Properties Research Center is a free facility that offers permanent exhibitions of artifacts from the Jomon period to the medieval era. Here, you can experience ancient Japanese history through colorful wall painting replicas from the nationally designated historic site "Torazuka Kofun" and the Jugo-ro Anya burial mounds.
![Nemophila Shuttle Bus | Free Bus & Discount Tickets for Entry Without Queuing [2026]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/m0uyuecr/production/77c904305c969f3be2ceaed250e05893eef02b5b-1920x1440.jpg?rect=0,120,1920,1200&w=400&h=250)
観光スポット The Nemophila Shuttle Bus offers a free direct route from Ajigaura Station to the seaside entrance of Hitachi Seaside Park. In 2026, it will operate daily from April 11 to May 6. With a discount ticket that includes an entry pass, you can enter the park without waiting in line at the ticket counter.
観光スポット Ogushi Shell Mound Fureai Park is a park located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, featuring a Jomon period shell mound and a giant Daidarabou statue. From the observation deck of the statue, which stands about 15 meters tall, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Karunuma and the surrounding nature. Admission is free.
グルメ Located in Saikoji, Hitachinaka City, Boulangerie Montagne is a popular bakery that opens at 6:30 AM. With over 80 types of bread baked in a stone oven, you can also enjoy a complimentary drink with your purchase. It's perfect for breakfast before your sightseeing adventures!
グルメ This guide provides a thorough explanation of traffic avoidance routes and parking information for Nakaminato Fish Market from a local perspective. It includes two detour routes from Hitachinaka IC, information on paid parking (100 yen) and a free temporary parking lot (200 cars), congestion status by time of day, and access via the Minato Line.
グルメ Located inside Newport Hitachinaka, "Preston Cafe" is a popular spot known for its coffee soft serve. The unique two-layer flavor features coffee-flavored soft serve topped with powdered coffee. It's perfect for a quick treat while shopping, and takeout is available!
![13 Recommended Accommodations for Large Groups in Oarai and Hitachinaka [2026]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/m0uyuecr/production/856328810b6cf302ef479ddca515f5525665f914-1439x1162.jpg?rect=0,132,1439,899&w=400&h=250)
宿泊 We have carefully selected 13 accommodations in the Oarai and Hitachinaka area that can accommodate groups of six or more. Divided into four categories: whole house rentals, glamping, ryokans, and guesthouses, we provide a comparison table featuring capacity, BBQ options, hot springs, and parking.
宿泊 We've carefully selected 10 budget hotels and affordable accommodations near Hitachi Seaside Park, starting from around ¥3,000 per night. This includes container hotels, ryokans, guesthouses, and business hotels, complete with a comparison chart of prices, facilities, and parking options.
![[Summer 2026] 12 Recommended Accommodations within Walking Distance to the Beaches of Ibaraki Hitachinaka and Oarai | Ajigaura, Hiraiso, Oarai Sun Beach|||We have carefully selected accommodations that are within walking distance to the three beaches: Ajigaura, Hiraiso, and Oarai Sun Beach. From ocean-view ryokans to private villas and glamping options, we introduce 12 places where you can walk to the sea in your swimsuit.|||Please check the details of each facility.|||When is the beach season?|||Typically, the beach season runs from mid-July to late August (2025 data: Ajigaura and Hiraiso from July 19 to August 24, Oarai Sun Beach from July 19 to August 17). Please check the official websites of the local tourism associations for the official schedule for 2026.|||Which beach is the most recommended for families with children?|||Hiraiso Beach is the best choice. It is surrounded by a breakwater, making the waves very gentle, and the "Whale Dai-chan" (whale-shaped slide) in the water is very popular among kids. It's perfect for little ones making their debut at the beach.|||What other attractions can be enjoyed besides swimming?|||In the Ajigaura area, you can visit the National Hitachi Seaside Park (where the greenery of Kochia is at its best in summer), in the Hiraiso area, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Nakaminato Fish Market, and in the Oarai area, we recommend Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium and Oarai Isosaki Shrine.|||How to access from Tokyo?|||By car, it takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours via the Joban Expressway. By train, take the JR Joban Line Limited Express "Hitachi" from Ueno Station to Katsuta Station (about 70 minutes), then transfer to the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway to reach each beach.|||What times are parking lots crowded?|||On summer weekends, it starts getting crowded around 9 AM. For Ajigaura (about 200 cars) and Hiraiso (about 100 cars), it's recommended to arrive early. Oarai Sun Beach has a large parking lot for about 7,000 cars, so there is relatively more space available.|||Are there accommodations that allow pets?|||Yes. Tsuruya Hotel (Ajigaura, for medium-sized dogs), Hiraiso Garden Villa (Hiraiso, up to two small dogs), Shalom (Hiraiso, for medium-sized dogs), and Sugar Beach Oarai (Oarai, with dedicated tents for dogs and cats) are pet-friendly.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/m0uyuecr/production/4652beba5255c4eda090ee046b24beb189dde5d9-640x427.jpg?rect=0,14,640,400&w=400&h=250)
宿泊 We have carefully selected recommended accommodations within walking distance to three beautiful beaches: Ajigaura, Hiraiso, and Oarai Sun Beach. From ocean-view ryokans to private villas and glamping options, we introduce 12 places where you can stroll to the sea in your swimsuit.
![[Summer 2026] 12 Recommended Accommodations within Walking Distance to the Beaches of Ibaraki Hitachinaka and Oarai | Ajigaura, Hiraiso, Oarai Sun Beach|||We have carefully selected accommodations that are within walking distance to the three beaches: Ajigaura, Hiraiso, and Oarai Sun Beach. From ocean-view ryokans to private villas and glamping options, we introduce 12 places where you can walk to the sea in your swimsuit.|||Please check the details of each facility.|||When is the beach season?|||Typically, the beach season runs from mid-July to late August (2025 data: Ajigaura and Hiraiso from July 19 to August 24, Oarai Sun Beach from July 19 to August 17). Please check the official websites of the local tourism associations for the official schedule for 2026.|||Which beach is the most recommended for families with children?|||Hiraiso Beach is the best choice. It is surrounded by a breakwater, making the waves very gentle, and the "Whale Dai-chan" (whale-shaped slide) in the water is very popular among kids. It's perfect for little ones making their debut at the beach.|||What other attractions can be enjoyed besides swimming?|||In the Ajigaura area, you can visit the National Hitachi Seaside Park (where the greenery of Kochia is at its best in summer), in the Hiraiso area, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Nakaminato Fish Market, and in the Oarai area, we recommend Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium and Oarai Isosaki Shrine.|||How to access from Tokyo?|||By car, it takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours via the Joban Expressway. By train, take the JR Joban Line Limited Express "Hitachi" from Ueno Station to Katsuta Station (about 70 minutes), then transfer to the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway to reach each beach.|||What times are parking lots crowded?|||On summer weekends, it starts getting crowded around 9 AM. For Ajigaura (about 200 cars) and Hiraiso (about 100 cars), it's recommended to arrive early. Oarai Sun Beach has a large parking lot for about 7,000 cars, so there is relatively more space available.|||Are there accommodations that allow pets?|||Yes. Tsuruya Hotel (Ajigaura, for medium-sized dogs), Hiraiso Garden Villa (Hiraiso, up to two small dogs), Shalom (Hiraiso, for medium-sized dogs), and Sugar Beach Oarai (Oarai, with dedicated tents for dogs and cats) are pet-friendly.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/m0uyuecr/production/4652beba5255c4eda090ee046b24beb189dde5d9-640x427.jpg?rect=0,81,640,267&w=1920&h=800)