The Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line is a local train service that connects Katsuta Station on the JR Joban Line in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, to Ajigaura Station along the Pacific coast. The line spans a total length of 14.3 kilometers and takes approximately 28 minutes to travel, stopping at 11 stations along the way.
The Nakaminato Fish Market, the National Hitachi Seaside Park, and the Hoshiimo Shrine are some of the representative tourist spots in Hitachinaka City, easily accessible by local transportation that is beloved by both residents and visitors alike.
In 2025, the new Kiha 100 series trains will begin commercial operations, and the sightseeing train "Hoshiimo Train Kingdom Wrapped Train" will make its debut. Additionally, the extension plan to the National Hitachi Seaside Park has been approved by the government, making it one of the most exciting local railways to watch right now.
The Charm of the New Kiha 100 Series Trains
The diesel train that arrived from JR East.
The Kiha 100 series is a diesel train that was manufactured in 1991 for local lines by JR East. It has been actively serving on routes such as the Ofunato Line and Kitakami Line in Iwate Prefecture for many years. With a compact body measuring 16.5 meters and driving cabs at both ends, it is ideal for easy turnaround operations, making it a perfect fit for the Minato Line.
The Hitachinaka Seaside Railway signed a transfer agreement with JR East Japan in July 2024 and introduced three new trains: Kiha 100-39, 40, and 41. These trains will replace the aging Miki 300-103 and Kiha 205, and service is set to begin on November 25, 2025.
Tourist Train "Hoshiimo Train Kingdom Wrapped Train"
Among the three cars, the Kiha 100-40 has been transformed into a sightseeing train themed around Hitachinaka City's specialty, "hoshiimo" (dried sweet potatoes). It made its debut on May 10, 2025.
The character selected through a public recruitment process adorns the exterior of the train, while the interior features playful designs such as sweet potato-shaped hand straps. This train is based on the "Sweet Potato Cafe Train," which was trial-operated in 2021.
From June onwards, it operates as a regular passenger train, so if the timing is right, you may have the chance to ride it!
Commemorative Ticket for the Start of Kiha 100 Operations [Available April 2026]
A special ticket commemorating the start of commercial operations for the Kiha 100 series will be released on April 1, 2026.
The release date is Wednesday, April 1, 2026, starting at 8:30 AM at the Nakaminato Station ticket counter. You can also purchase it from the online shop starting April 6. The price is 1,200 yen (including tax) for one set, and there are only 420 sets available (sales will end once they are sold out). The validity period is until Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The set includes three tickets: a one-way adult ticket from Nakaminato to Ajigaura (260 yen), a one-way child ticket from Nakane to Kōkimae (100 yen), and a round-trip ticket from Kaname to Minohama Gakuen (840 yen), along with a backing card.
This commemorative ticket can actually be used for travel, making it a great way to remember your journey while exploring the area along the line. With only 420 sets available, be sure to get yours early if you want to secure one!
Minato Line Guide – Tourist Spots Within Walking Distance from the Stations
Nakaminato Station Area
Nakaminato Station, the central station of the Minato Line, features a wooden station building that has been in use since its opening in 1913 and is recognized as one of the "Top 100 Stations in Kanto." The headquarters and depot of the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway are also located here, allowing visitors to see vehicles like the Kiha 100 series up close.
About a 10-minute walk from the station, Nakaminato Fish Market is a popular spot featuring fresh seafood direct sales and various dining options. On weekends, it buzzes with many tourists eager to enjoy conveyor belt sushi and seafood bowls.
Ajigaura Station and the Seaside Park Area
The final stop, Ajigaura Station, is the nearest station to Ajigaura Beach, which bustles with beachgoers in the summer. You can access the National Hitachi Seaside Park by bus or taxi, where you can enjoy seasonal floral displays such as the nemophila in spring and the kochia in autumn.
Near the station, you'll find Hoshiimo Shrine (inside Horide Shrine), which features unique ema (votive tablets) shaped like dried sweet potatoes, a popular attraction!
Nakane Station - A Great Spot for Capturing Rural Scenery
Nakane Station is an unmanned station surrounded by rice fields, often referred to as a "hidden gem" station. During the rice planting season, the reflection of trains in the paddies creates a stunning sight, making it a popular photography spot for railway enthusiasts. It has also been used as a filming location for TV commercials and dramas.
Minato Line Extension Plan - Direct Access to Seaside Park is Becoming a Reality!
In December 2025, the "Railway Business Restructuring Implementation Plan" for the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line was approved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This plan includes an extension of approximately 3.1 kilometers from the current terminal, Ajigaura Station, to near the west entrance of the National Hitachi Seaside Park, along with the addition of two new stations.
Starting in the fiscal year 2026, detailed design and geological surveys will begin for the first section (1.4 km), which is expected to open in the spring of 2030. The total project cost is estimated to be 12.65 billion yen over a period of 10 years.
If the extension is realized, it will be possible to access the Coastal Park directly by train from Katsuta Station. This is expected to alleviate the traffic congestion on the surrounding roads during the seasons of nemophila and kochia, which has been a challenge.
Access and Transportation Guide
The Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line starts from Katsuta Station on the JR Joban Line. If you're coming from Tokyo, you can take the JR Joban Line Limited Express "Hitachi" or "Tokiwa" from Shinagawa Station or Ueno Station, which takes about 85 minutes to reach Katsuta Station. From Katsuta Station, you can transfer to the Minato Line, which takes about 17 minutes to Nakaminato Station and approximately 28 minutes to the final stop, Ajigaura Station.
The ticket office at Nakaminato Station is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, and from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekends and holidays. Please note that transportation IC cards like Suica cannot be used, so be sure to use cash or mobile tickets.