A step-by-step guide to the expected peak viewing period for Kochia in 2026.From how to enjoy “Miharashi Hill,” where approximately 40,000 Kochia plants turn bright red, to the September-only light-up event, avoiding traffic jams during peak fall foliage season, the Minato Line and free shuttle buses, fall clothing and essentials, and recommended accommodation areas—a local resident provides a thorough guide.
Stunning Autumn Scenery! The Charm of the Deep-Red Kochia
When it comes to Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki, the blue Nemophila in spring is famous, but the fall foliage at Kochia is also a must-see scenic spot.From mid- to late October, approximately 40,000 Kochia trees turn a deep crimson, painting the entire hillside with a fiery red.
The very same place where the hills turn “blue” with Nemophila in spring transforms into a completely different “red” world in fall—it is this dramatic contrast that makes Hitachi Seaside Park a place you’ll want to visit twice a year.For a look at the park in spring, please see the “Hitachi Seaside Park Nemophila 2026 Complete Guide.”
What is Kochia? How is it different from Nemophila?
Kochia is a fluffy, spherical plant with vibrant green foliage in summer, but as autumn approaches, it gradually changes color and turns a deep crimson by October. Also known as “broomweed,” it’s characterized by its round, adorable shape.
On the other hand, Nemophila is a plant that blooms with blue flowers in spring (mid-April to early May). At Hitachi Seaside Park, you can enjoy completely different scenery depending on the season: “a spectacular view of blue” in spring and “a spectacular view of red” in fall.
Additionally, the park’s Kochia is an ornamental variety, and “Miharashi Hill,” where it is displayed, is the highest point within Hitachinaka City. From the top of the hill, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
[2026 Update] Kochia Peak Viewing Forecast & Color Change Calendar
The most distinctive feature of Kochia is that its “colors” change completely depending on the season. Here is a guide to the color change based on the officially announced viewing calendar.
2026 Color-Changing Calendar (Based on Average Annual Patterns)
- Mid-August to Late September: Green Kochia — Fluffy green hills. A refreshing, summery landscape
- Early October: Gradient — A period of mixed colors as the foliage transitions from green to red
- Mid-October: Peak Autumn Colors — The best season when the entire hill is dyed crimson
- Late October: Gradient from red to brown
- Late October–Early November: Golden Kochia — A golden finale glistening in the evening sun
*The timing of the foliage colors may vary depending on the weather conditions of the year. For reference, in 2025, the leaves began to change color around October 3, the autumn foliage season began around October 11, and the peak viewing period was around October 18.Since the peak of the fall foliage lasts only about one week to 10 days, be sure to check the official website for the latest color updates before you go.
Source: Hitachi Seaside Park Kochia
How to Enjoy the Scenery by Time of Day
- Early Morning to Mid-Morning: Soft reds illuminated by the morning light. It’s easier to take photos before the crowds arrive.
- Daytime: A striking contrast of vivid vermilion against the blue sky and the Pacific Ocean
- Dusk: Deep crimson hues bathed in the setting sun
Since the scenery changes depending on the time of day, it’s well worth visiting multiple times if you enjoy photography.
[2026] Green Kochia Light-Up | Event Dates, Admission Fees, and Highlights
Even before the fall foliage, the green Kochia offers nighttime entertainment. During the “Kochia Light-Up,” held annually in September, the green Miharashi Hill is transformed by light and music into a fantastical landscape—a world apart from daytime. This is a limited-time event that can only be seen in September.
When is it held? Scheduled for September 18 (Fri) – 27 (Sun), 2026
It is currently announced that the event will be held from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 27, 2026 (as of August 26, 2026). Details such as lighting hours and admission fees have not yet been officially announced, so we will update this article as soon as they are confirmed.
For reference, in 2025, the event ran for 12 days from Friday, September 12, to Tuesday, September 23 (a national holiday), with event hours from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM (lighting from 5:30 PM to 9:15 PM).
Please check the announcements on the official website for the latest event information.
Admission Fees and Entry Policy
Viewing fees are charged separately from park admission. In 2025, the fee was 1,000 yen (free for toddlers and younger). Even on days with free admission or if you hold an annual pass, the viewing fee is charged separately.
Entry is through the “West Gate (Tsubasa Gate),” located near Miharashi Hill. In 2025, the last entry was at 8:30 PM, and vehicles were allowed into the West Parking Lot until 8:20 PM. Please avoid arriving right before closing time and allow plenty of time to enter the park.
Nighttime Highlights | Light and Music Show
Set against a backdrop of approximately 40,000 Kochia lights, 358 LED lights and 34 moving lights synchronize with music to illuminate the entire hill.In 2025, in addition to the light show set to the music of MAN WITH A MISSION, laser beam effects from the second summit of Miharashi Hill and a “Dome of Light” with a diameter of 6 meters made their debut.
The best time to visit is right after the lights come on. Between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., when the afterglow of sunset still lingers in the sky, you can capture both the gradations of twilight and the light display in a single photo.
Nighttime Access and Return Travel Tips
Traffic conditions at night differ from those during the day. If you’re driving, the West Parking Lot near the venue is convenient, but please be mindful of the parking cutoff time (8:20 PM in 2025). If you’re taking the train or bus, it’s a good idea to check the departure times for the Minato Line and local buses before entering the park.
Immediately after the show ends, crowds tend to gather at the gates and parking lot exits. Allow plenty of time and wrap up your visit a little early to ensure a smooth departure.
[Must-Read for Drivers] Routes to Avoid Traffic Jams and Parking Lots During Peak Fall Foliage Season
On weekends during the peak fall foliage season (mid- to late October), roads around the park get congested, and parking lots fill up by mid-morning. Instead of relying on your car navigation system’s default route via the “Hitachi Kaihin Park IC,” take the alternative route via the “Hitachi Naka Port IC”—the one used by locals—to more easily avoid traffic jams.
Key Points Summary
- Avoid Traffic Jams by Taking the Alternative Route via Hitachi-Naka Port IC
- The West Parking Lot and Kaihin-guchi Parking Lot are closest to Miharashi no Oka
- Parking fee: 600 yen for standard-sized cars
- The golden rule is to arrive before the park opens at 9:30 a.m. On weekdays, it’s significantly less crowded.
Detailed instructions on how to navigate the back roads are explained in “Avoid Traffic Jams! Local Residents’ Tips on Back Roads & Parking Strategies ,” which was tested during the Nemophila season. Road conditions remain the same in the fall.
Please note that on certain weekends during the peak of the fall foliage season, a “Park & Ride” service may be available, where you park at the special parking lot on the Ajigaura coast and take a free shuttle bus to the park (held on October 11 and 12, 2025; parking fee: 500 yen).Please check the official announcements from Ibaraki Prefecture and the park for the specific dates.
[A Must-Read for Train and Bus Travelers] Take the Minato Line + Free Shuttle Bus to “Kaihinkuchi”
Kochia The route recommended by locals for train access during the season is via the local “Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway Minato Line.”
- Board the Minato Line from “Katsuta Station” on the JR Joban Line
- Get off at the terminal station, “Ajigaura Station” (approx. 28 minutes)
- Take the free “Kochia shuttle bus” from in front of the station to the park’s “Kaihama Entrance” (about 9 minutes)
- The Kaihin Entrance is the closest entrance to Miharashi Hill. It’s about a 10-minute walk to Kochia Hill
During the Kochia Carnival, the shuttle bus operates in conjunction with all trains, timed to match the park’s opening hours.There are also local buses from Katsuta Station (bound for the West and South Entrances; approx. 15–20 minutes), but on weekends during peak fall foliage season, you may encounter long lines and traffic congestion. Taking the Minato Line route avoids traffic jams and lets you enjoy the atmosphere of a local journey from the train window.
The Minato Line also offers a one-day unlimited ride pass that includes admission to Hitachi Seaside Park, available for purchase via smartphone. For details, please see “ Minato Line One-Day Unlimited Ride Pass with Hitachi Seaside Park Admission.”
Ajigaura Right next to the station is “Hoshiimo Shrine ,” lined with golden torii gates. It’s a popular photo spot on social media that you can visit while waiting for the return shuttle bus.
Scenic Spots and Photography Tips at Miharashi Hill
Miharashi Hill is the park’s main attraction, featuring approximately 40,000 Kochia plants. The gradient of colors—the blue of the sky, the azure of the Pacific Ocean, and the red of the Kochia—is like a painting.
Recommended Angles for Photography
- A panoramic view from the top of the hill—the classic composition featuring the Pacific Ocean stretching out beyond the red hill
- The walking path through the Kochia — A low-angle shot where you’re enveloped by a sea of fluffy red
- The contrast between the blue sky and Kochia—the colors stand out when you use a low angle to include a large portion of the sky
At “Miharashi no Sato” at the foot of the hill, you can also see white buckwheat flowers and red and pink cosmos blooming at the same time, offering opportunities to capture them together with Kochia. When taking photos, please follow the rule of staying on the paths and not stepping into the flower beds.
Three Golden Rules for Comfortably Exploring the Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is vast—roughly 41 times the size of Tokyo Dome. While you can cover Miharashi Hill relatively easily on foot, securing a means of transportation is key to fully enjoying the park.
1. For Exploring the Entire Park: “Rent-a-Bike”
- Fees: 600 yen for 3 hours; 100 yen for each additional 30 minutes. One-day pass: 800 yen (excluding peak seasons)
- Rental Locations: Cycle Centers at the West, Central, South, and Kaihin Entrances
- The park’s cycling course (approx. 13 km) is traffic-free and signal-free—a refreshing ride
Autumn brings milder temperatures, making it the best season for cycling. You can efficiently tour the park by following this route: Kochia → Cosmos → Giant Ferris Wheel.
2. Making Use of the Seaside Train (Circular Bus)
For those who aren’t comfortable riding bikes, those with small children, or seniors, we recommend the “Seaside Train” for touring the park.
- Fare: 500 yen per ride
- It circles the main attractions; one loop takes about 40 minutes
3. Leave the Park Early for Lunch at “Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba”
While there are restaurants and food stalls inside the park, wait times can be long during peak hours. A plan recommended by locals is to fully enjoy Kochia in the morning, leave the park early, and head to Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba—about a 15-minute drive away—to enjoy a seafood lunch.The market gets crowded after 11:30 a.m., so it’s best to head out early.
👉Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba Complete Guide | Enjoy Fresh Seafood and a Stroll Through the Harbor Town
Fall Special! Savor Kochia Culinary Delights
Marukoro Kochia Soft-Serve (500 yen each)
A cute soft-serve ice cream shaped to resemble the round form of the Kochia. The crispy texture of the “Oiri” topping is a popular favorite.
Flavor:
- Matcha-flavored Kochia
- Mellow Milk Flavor
- Mix
Kochia Latte (680 yen)
A photogenic drink that captures the autumn foliage of Kochia with matcha and strawberry sauce. It’s a limited-edition fall drink that’s perfect for social media.
Other Recommended Dishes
- Grilled Ham: A specialty of Kaihin Park—Go-ura Ham Hitachi Seaside Park
- Local Drink: Sold at food stalls
- Food-on-the-Go Spots: Scattered throughout the park
*Menu and pricing information is for the 2025 season. Please check the official website for the latest lineup.
“+α” Spots to Enjoy Beyond Kochia
Autumn Flowers in Bloom at the Same Time
- Cosmos: Fields of red, pink, and white flowers reach their peak at the same time as Kochia
- Buckwheat Flowers: A pure white carpet spreading across Miharashi no Sato
- Welcome Garden’s Fall Flower Beds: Approximately 20,000 plants adorn the entrance
Ferris wheel and other attractions (suitable for families with children)
Pleasure Garden Area
- Giant Ferris Wheel (100 m high): Panoramic views of the red-tinged hills and the Pacific Ocean
- Forest Adventure Playground: Free to play
Even if the kids get bored, there are plenty of play areas, so families can enjoy a full day here.
Exploring Nearby Spiritual Spots
- Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine : A tunnel of 300-year-old trees and a breathtaking view of the ocean. Ajigaura Close to the station
- Oarai Isosaki Shrine : The “Kamiiso Torii” standing in the sea. About a 20-minute drive
Fall Attire & What to Bring
Watch out for the “sea breeze” in Hitachinaka in October
While daytime temperatures are comfortable at around 20°C, mornings and evenings can drop to near 10°C on some days. The wind in parks near the ocean is colder than you might expect, so it’s a good idea to bring an extra layer to throw on. Since there are hills to climb, comfortable walking shoes like sneakers are also a must.
List of Useful Items to Bring
- A windbreaker or other wind-resistant jacket
- Hat and sunscreen (the midday sun is still quite strong)
- Drinks (vending machines inside the park may sell out during peak hours)
- Power bank (your phone’s battery will run out if you take lots of photos)
- Picnic blanket (for taking a break on the grass)
Avoid Traffic Jams on the Way Home! The Best Time to Leave the Park
On weekends when the foliage is at its peak, the parking lot exits and surrounding roads get congested around 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. We recommend one of two options: either enjoy the park in the morning and leave shortly after noon, or take your time and stay until just before closing in the evening. At dusk, Kochia is bathed in a deep crimson hue, making this an ideal time to visit.
If you’re driving, 👉 please also check out our traffic-avoidance routes and parking tips.
Access, Hours, and Admission Fees
Access
- Train: About 15–20 minutes by bus from “Katsuta Station” on the JR Joban Line, or take the free shuttle bus from “Ajigaura Station” on the Minato Line
- By Car: Right off the Kita-Kantō Expressway at “Hitachi Seaside Park IC” (During heavy traffic, we recommend taking the route via Hitachi-Naka Port IC)
Hours & Closed Days
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (October)
- Closed: Every Tuesday (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a national holiday). However, the park is open daily in October during the annual Kochia Carnival
Admission Fees
- Adults (high school students and older): 450 yen; Seniors (65 and older): 210 yen; Middle school students and younger: Free
- Kochia During the peak viewing period (typically about 20 days in October), a seasonal surcharge of 350 yen is added, bringing the adult admission fee to 800 yen
- Parking: 600 yen for passenger cars, 300 yen for motorcycles, 1,800 yen for large vehicles
Please check the official website for the latest information.
We Recommend Staying Overnight | Arrive First Thing in the Morning at the Red Hill
If you stay overnight, you’ll have the “morning before the crowds” all to yourself
If you’re making a day trip from Tokyo, you’ll likely arrive around 10:00 a.m. If you stay near the park the night before, you can experience the most beautiful Kochia, bathed in morning light, during the quiet hours right after the park opens. A “stay-over” plan—where you stay after watching the September light-up display—is also a great option.
At the vacation rental I manage, we’ve seen an increase in guests staying the night before during the Kochia season—all wanting to “head to the hill first thing in the morning.”
Recommended Accommodation Areas
- Within Hitachinaka City: Within a 10-minute drive of the park
- Ajigaura and Hiraiso: Accommodations along the coast offer easy access to the Minato Line and shuttle buses
- Oarai Town: Many hot spring inns, and convenient for sightseeing in Oarai the next day
👉 [Updated for 2026] 9 Recommended Accommodations for Families with Children at Hitachi Seaside Park
👉 [Latest for 2026] Recommended Pet-Friendly Accommodations Near Hitachi Seaside Park
👉 [2026 Edition] 11 Accommodations Near Hitachi Seaside Park Where You Can BBQ
👉 10 Budget-Friendly Hotels and Affordable Accommodations Near Hitachi Seaside Park
Summary: Tips for a Comfortable Kochia Experience
The Kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park is one of Japan’s most iconic autumn sights. Here are three tips for enjoying it comfortably.
- The best viewing period is from mid- to late October. Check the official website for the latest foliage conditions before you go.
- If traveling by car, take the “Hitachi-Naka Port IC” to arrive first thing in the morning; if traveling by train, take the “Minato Line plus the free shuttle bus” and exit at the Kaihin-guchi exit
- On weekends when the foliage is at its peak, the best strategy is to stay overnight and aim for the early morning hours
And in spring, the same hills are dyed a vivid blue by approximately 5.3 million Nemophila flowers. If you’re moved by the reds of autumn, next experience the blues of spring. Be sure to check out the “Hitachi Seaside Park Nemophila 2026 Complete Guide ” as well.
This fall, take a walk through the hills ablaze with fiery reds and discover your own version of Japanese autumn.