Tourist Spot

Not just Nemophila! The breathtaking autumn foliage of Kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park [2025 Edition]

December 25, 2025 （Updated: December 26, 2025）

A member of the Hitachinaka Tourism editorial team, covering Hitachinaka City and surrounding areas. Suzuki writes articles based on first-hand experiences, including visiting local shops, tasting food, and exploring the area in person. The goal is to share the authentic charm of Hitachinaka, offering useful information for both visitors and local residents.

Not just Nemophila! The breathtaking autumn foliage of Kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park [2025 Edition]

Autumn's breathtaking scenery! The charm of the vibrant red Kochia.

Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is home to the famous Hitachi Seaside Park, known for its stunning blue nemophila in spring. However, the autumn foliage of the kochia is also a breathtaking sight not to be missed. From mid to late October, around 40,000 kochia plants turn a vibrant crimson, painting the hills in a fiery red.

In this article, we will provide detailed information about the highlights of the kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park, the best times to visit, limited-time gourmet offerings, and access information.

What is Kochia? The Difference Between Kochia and Nemophila.

Kokia is a fluffy, spherical plant that boasts a vibrant green color in the summer, but as autumn approaches, it gradually changes to beautiful hues of red, reaching a deep crimson by October. Also known as "broom grass," its round and charming shape is a distinctive feature.

On the other hand, nemophila is a plant that blooms with blue flowers in spring (from mid-April to early May). At Hitachi Seaside Park, you can enjoy completely different scenery each season, with "blue breathtaking views" in spring and "red breathtaking views" in autumn.

【Best Viewing Information】When is the best time to see the autumn foliage of Kochia?

Best Season

Best time to see autumn leaves: Mid-October to late October.
Green Kochia: July to September
Golden Cochia: Early October (the yellow period before the autumn leaves)

Ways to Enjoy by Time of Day

Early morning: Soft reds illuminated by the morning sun.
Daytime: A Vivid Contrast of Bright Red
Dusk: A deep crimson dyed by the setting sun.

The scenery changes with the time of day, making it worthwhile for photography enthusiasts to visit multiple times.

Scenic Viewpoints at Mihara Hill

Miharashi Hill is the main attraction of a park where approximately 40,000 kochia plants are planted. The gradient of colors created by the blue sky, the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, and the vibrant red of the kochia resembles a beautiful painting.

Recommended Angles for Photography

A panoramic view from the top of the hill.
A walking path through the Kochia plants.
The Contrast of Blue Skies and Kochia

Autumn Exclusive! Savor the Flavors of Kochia Cuisine

Marukoro Kokia Soft (500 yen each)

Enjoy the adorable soft serve ice cream shaped like the round form of Kochia! The crunchy texture of the topping called "Oiri" is a popular favorite.

Flavor:

Matcha-flavored Kochia Taste
A rich and creamy milk flavor.
Mixed flavor

Kokia Latte (680 yen)

A photogenic drink that beautifully represents the autumn foliage of Kochia, featuring matcha and strawberry sauce. This limited-edition fall beverage is perfect for sharing on social media!

Other Recommended Gourmet Delights

Grilled Ham: A Specialty of Seaside Park
Local Drinks: Available at Stalls
Food Walking Spots: Scattered Throughout the Park

Access, Opening Hours, and Fees

Access

Train: About a 15-minute bus ride from JR Joban Line "Katsuta Station."
By Car: Just a short drive from the Hitachi Seaside Park IC on the Joban Expressway.

Business Hours

9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Hours may vary depending on the season)

Entrance Fee

Adults: 450 yen, Seniors (65 and over): 210 yen.
Free for middle school students and younger.

For the latest information, please check the official website.

In spring, you can experience the stunning blue scenery of nemophila, and in autumn, the breathtaking red hues of kochia. Hitachi Seaside Park showcases completely different faces with each season, making it a place you’ll want to visit again and again throughout the year.

Why not immerse yourself in the beautiful nature and tranquil moments while experiencing the changing seasons of Japan?

This autumn, take a stroll through the hills painted in fiery red and discover your own unique Japanese fall.

よくある質問

When is the best time to see the kochia?

The best time to see the autumn foliage of Kochia is from mid to late October. However, this may vary depending on weather conditions. We recommend checking the official website or social media for the latest updates on the blooming status before your visit.

Can you see nemophila and kochia at the same time?

No, they cannot be seen at the same time. Nemophila blooming season: Mid-April to early May (Spring) Kokia blooming season: Mid-October to late October (Autumn)

When are the busy times and periods?

The peak season for autumn leaves (mid to late October) can be particularly crowded on weekends and holidays. Here are some tips to avoid the crowds: - Visit on weekdays - Go early in the morning right after the park opens (at 9:30) - Visit in the evening just before closing In the early morning, the kochia illuminated by the morning sun is stunning and perfect for photography!

Is there a parking lot available? What are the fees?

Yes, there are several parking lots available. Fees: - Regular cars: 520 yen - Motorcycles: 260 yen - Large vehicles: 1,550 yen Please note: During the autumn foliage season, parking lots may become full on weekends. We recommend considering public transportation as an alternative.

Are pets allowed in the park?

Yes, pets are welcome! However, please be sure to follow these rules: Conditions for bringing pets: - Keep the leash short (no retractable leashes allowed) - Always clean up after your pet - Some facilities (such as inside restaurants) do not allow pets

Can you enjoy it even on rainy days?

You can enter the park even on rainy days, but to fully enjoy the beauty of the kochia, we recommend visiting on a sunny day. Please keep the following points in mind if you decide to come on a rainy day: - The walking paths may become slippery. - Taking photos can be challenging. - Some attractions may be temporarily closed.

Is it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes, the park is accessible for everyone. Facility Information: - Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent (for a fee) - Multi-purpose restrooms are available - The access path to Mihara Hill is paved However, please note that some areas of the hill have inclines, so we recommend visiting with an assistant.

How long does it take?

Depending on your purpose, the time you might spend here can vary, but here are some general guidelines: - If you're just enjoying the Kochia: 1 to 2 hours - For a light stroll around the park: 2 to 3 hours - To fully enjoy everything: Half a day to a full day Since it's a vast park, we recommend allowing plenty of time for your visit.

Are there advance tickets or discounts available?

We offer the following discount programs: Discount Eligibility: - Silver Rate for seniors aged 65 and over: 210 yen - Free admission for middle school students and younger - Group discount for 20 or more people Annual Pass: - Adults: 4,500 yen - Seniors: 2,100 yen If you plan to visit us several times a year, the annual pass is a great deal!

Are there accommodations within the park?

While there are no glamping facilities or accommodations within the park, there are plenty of hotels and inns in the surrounding area. Nearby accommodation areas include: - Hitachinaka City - Mito City - Oarai Town If you wish to visit early in the morning, we recommend staying overnight nearby.