This article will explain how to navigate traffic and parking, but for the best viewing times and blooming conditions in 2026, as well as recommendations for clothing, what to bring, and how to get around the park, please check out " Complete Guide to Hitachi Seaside Park Nemophila 2026｜Best Viewing Times, Clothing, and Park Navigation ". Be sure to take a look!
The Reason Why Trusting Your Car Navigation Can Lead to Traffic Jams
Many car navigation systems will guide you to "Hitachinaka IC," but please avoid it during the Golden Week holiday period.
The National Route 245 leading to the park can experience heavy traffic for several kilometers, making it not uncommon to take 1 to 2 hours just to enter the parking lot. This can really put a damper on your early morning plans!
Traffic Avoidance Route 1: "Hitachinaka Port IC" (using the Kita-Kanto Expressway)
To avoid traffic jams, the best option is to use the Hitachinaka Port IC.
Route Guide
- Exit at the Hitachinaka Port IC on the Joban Expressway.
- Exit towards "Ajigaura and Oarai" (Prefectural Road 6) to the left.
- If there is space available at the seaside parking lot, feel free to enter!
- If you can't enter the seaside parking lot, head to the west parking lot.
With this route, you can completely avoid the traffic jam ahead and arrive at the parking lot smoothly. The distance may be a bit longer, but the travel time will definitely be reduced.
Avoiding Traffic Route ②: Use "Hitachi Minami-Ota IC" or "Tokai Smart IC" (via the Joban Expressway)
If you're coming from the north via the Joban Expressway (from the Hitachi or Iwaki area), we recommend getting off at the Hitachi Minami-Ota IC or the Tokai Smart IC.
Route Guidance
- Exit at "Hitachi Minami-Ota IC" or "Tokai Smart IC" on the Joban Expressway.
- Head south on National Route 245 towards the park.
- Heading to the West Parking Lot
This route allows you to access from the north side of the park, avoiding traffic around the Hitachinaka IC. It's especially recommended for those coming from the Fukushima and Hitachi areas.
Note: The Tokai Smart IC is for ETC use only. It is accessible for regular cars, light vehicles, and motorcycles, but medium-sized vehicles, large vehicles, and oversized vehicles cannot use it.
The correct parking lot is the "West Parking Lot."
There are several parking lots at the park, but considering the access to Mihara Hill (Nemophila Hill) and the balance of capacity, the West Parking Lot is the best option.
Parking Fee: Regular Car 600 yen/day
Since the number of spaces at the Umihamiguchi Parking Lot is limited, it's best for anyone arriving after 7 AM to aim for the West Parking Lot. The West Parking Lot often has plenty of available spaces even in the 8 AM hour.
[2025 Performance] Parking Lot Congestion Status
During the nemophila season in 2025, we have compiled the parking information that was shared in real-time on the park's official X account (@HitachiKaihin_P).
GW期間中の日別混雑実績
| 日付 | 曜日 | 混雑度 | 駐車場の状況 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/26 | 土 | 混雑 | 10:30で海浜口満車、第3臨時まで開放 |
| 4/27 | 日 | 超混雑 | 10:30で主要駐車場すべて満車、第4臨時まで開放 |
| 4/28 | 月 | 空き | 終日すべて空車（平日） |
| 4/29 | 火祝 | 混雑 | 13時頃に南駐車場満車、第3臨時まで開放 |
| 5/1 | 木 | 空き | 終日すべて空車（平日） |
| 5/3 | 土祝 | 混雑 | 11時で第1臨時満車、第3臨時まで開放 |
| 5/4 | 日 | 超混雑 | 10:30で主要駐車場すべて満車、第4臨時まで開放 |
| 5/5 | 月祝 | 超混雑 | 9:30で南・海浜口満車、第4臨時まで開放 |
2025年5月5日（こどもの日）の時間帯別状況
| 時刻 | 西P | 南P | 海浜口P | 臨時駐車場 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 | ○空車 | ○空車 | △混雑 | 第1・2臨時○ |
| 9:00 | △混雑 | △混雑 | ×満車 | 第1臨時△、第2・3臨時○ |
| 9:30 | △混雑 | ×満車 | ×満車 | 第1臨時×、第2・3臨時○ |
| 10:00 | ×満車 | ×満車 | ×満車 | 第1臨時×、第2臨時△ |
| 11:30以降 | ×満車 | ×満車 | ×満車 | 第1〜3臨時×、第4臨時○ |
What We Can Learn from the Data of 2025
Sundays are the busiest days.
In 2025, April 27 (Sunday), May 4 (Sunday), and May 5 (Monday, holiday) will be extremely crowded, and the fourth temporary parking lot will be opened. By avoiding Sundays, you can significantly reduce the congestion.
It's surprisingly quiet on weekdays.
On April 28 (Monday) and May 1 (Thursday), all parking lots were available throughout the day. If you aim for weekdays during Golden Week, you can park without any stress.
The main parking lot fills up by 9:30 AM.
On extremely busy days, the South Parking Lot and the Seaside Entrance Parking Lot will be full by 9:30 AM. If you arrive early for the opening at 7:30 AM, you'll still have plenty of space.
The west parking lot is the easiest to access until the very end.
The West Parking Lot, which accommodates 2,700 vehicles, has available spaces later than the other parking lots. If you're unsure, head to the West Parking Lot!
The temporary parking lot will be closed in the afternoon.
From around 14:00 to 15:00, the temporary parking lot will gradually close for entry. If you plan to visit in the afternoon, please head to the west parking lot.
Check the official social media for real-time parking availability.
At the Hitachi Seaside Park Parking Lot [Official] (@HitachiKaihin_P), you can find updated information on parking availability during the busy seasons for nemophila and kochia.
If the parking lot is full, please head to the temporary parking area.
During busy periods, temporary parking lots will be set up outside the park. A free shuttle bus will operate, so it's not a problem if the parking is a bit farther away.
Let's check the opening hours!
The regular opening time is 9:30 AM, but during the peak blooming season of nemophila (especially during Golden Week), early opening hours are implemented, allowing entry from 7:00 or 7:30 AM each year.
Benefits of Entering at 7:00 AM
- You can take photos with hardly anyone around.
- Parking is easy to access.
- In the soft morning light, the blue of the nemophila blooms shines most beautifully.
- You can leave the park around 10 AM to head home before the traffic builds up.
For detailed opening hours, please check the announcements on the official website of the National Hitachi Seaside Park.
The parking lot opens 30 minutes before the park. Aim to arrive 30 minutes ahead of the opening time!
Avoid traffic on your way back! How to choose the right time to leave the park.
Many visitors tend to follow the pattern of "entering in the morning and staying until after lunch," so the period from 1 PM to 3 PM is the peak time for congestion at the parking lot exit. If you plan to leave during this time, it may take over 30 minutes just to exit the parking lot.
Recommended Park Exit Plan
Morning Exit Plan: Enter at 7:00 AM → Exit at 10:30 AM (Nemophila Focused)
- Captured in the soft light of early morning.
- Lunch at Nakaminato Fish Market
- Head back before the traffic jam.
After leaving the park at 10:30, you can find information about lunch at Nakaminato Fish Market and nearby hot springs and sightseeing spots in the " Nemophila 2026 Complete Guide ". We hope this helps you plan your way back!
Full Day Experience: Enter at 9:00 AM → Exit at 4:30 PM (Enjoy other flowers and attractions as well)
- Take your time and relax in the park.
- Avoiding the peak crowds within the park.
- Leaving the park during the evening hours.