When does the Nemophila Shuttle Bus operate?

In 2026, it will operate daily from Saturday, April 11, to Wednesday, May 6. The bus runs from 9 AM to 5 PM, connecting with the arrival and departure of Minato Line trains.

How long does it take to get from Katsuta Station to the seaside park?

It takes 28 minutes to get from Katsuta Station to Ajigaura Station on the Minato Line, followed by a 9-minute shuttle bus ride to the seaside entrance, totaling about 40 minutes including transfers. You won’t have to worry about traffic, making it easy to plan your time.

Where can I buy discount tickets that include an entry pass?

You can purchase them at the Katsuta Station Minato Line ticket counter, Nakaminato Station ticket counter, Seven Ticket, or via the Jorudan Mobile Ticket (transfer guidance app). If you buy in advance on your smartphone, you can enter the park without waiting in line at the ticket counter.

Can I use Suica or PASMO on the Minato Line?

IC cards like Suica and PASMO cannot be used on the Minato Line. Please prepare cash or tickets purchased in advance (at the ticket counter, Seven Ticket, or mobile ticket).

Nemophila Shuttle Bus | Free Bus & Discount Tickets for Entry Without Queuing [2026]

Q: Is the Nemophila Shuttle Bus free?

Yes, it is free. There is no fare from Ajigaura Station on the Minato Line to the seaside entrance of the national Hitachi Seaside Park. However, you will need separate tickets for the Minato Line and the park entrance.

What is the Nemophila Shuttle Bus?

The Nemophila Shuttle Bus is a free access bus that operates from Ajigaura Station on the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line to the seaside entrance of the National Hitachi Seaside Park. It runs annually in conjunction with the blooming season of the nemophila flowers. In 2026, it will operate daily from Saturday, April 11, to Wednesday, May 6.

To get directly to the "Seaside Gate," which is closest to the nemophila at Mihara Hill, you can significantly shorten the walking distance within the spacious park. It takes about 28 minutes on the Minato Line from Katsuta Station to Ajigaura Station, and then a 9-minute bus ride. Including transfers, the total travel time is approximately 40 minutes.

Operation Information (2026)

The operation overview for 2026 is as follows.

ネモフィラシャトルバス運行概要

項目	内容
運行期間	2026年4月11日（土）〜5月6日（水・祝）の毎日
運行区間	湊線阿字ヶ浦駅〜国営ひたち海浜公園海浜口
所要時間	約9分
運行時間	午前9時〜午後5時（列車に接続）
運賃	無料
早朝開園日	バスの運行開始を繰り上げ

Buses are connected to each train, so there is almost no waiting time at the station.

How to Get to Nemophila Without Traffic Jams

During the nemophila season, the National Hitachi Seaside Park experiences heavy traffic on the surrounding roads. It's not uncommon for access by car, including waiting for parking, to take over two hours.

By using the Minato Line and the Nemophila Shuttle Bus, you can completely avoid traffic jams. Simply take the JR Joban Line to Katsuta Station and board the Minato Line from the adjacent platform. The convenient connection between the train and bus is a great advantage, allowing you to plan your time effectively.

Additionally, if you get off at Nakaminato Station on the Minato Line, you can reach the popular spot "Nakaminato Fish Market" in about a 10-minute walk. You can enjoy both the beautiful nemophila flowers and delicious seafood gourmet in one day!

Discount Tickets Available

During the Nemophila season (seasonal pricing period: April 3rd to May 6th), special discount tickets for the Minato Line will be available for purchase.

One-Day Free Pass for the Minato Line with Admission to the Seaside Park

This ticket includes an admission pass to the seaside park and unlimited rides on the Minato Line for one day. With the admission pass included, there's no need to wait in line at the park entrance. You can freely hop on and off the Minato Line!

海浜公園入園券付き湊線1日フリー切符（季節料金期間）

区分	通常価格	割引価格
大人	1,600円	1,200円
シルバー（65歳以上）	1,500円	1,100円

Elementary and middle school students can enter the seaside park for free, so there is no admission fee for them.

Minato Line One-Day Free Pass

湊線1日フリー切符（割引価格）

区分	通常価格	割引価格
大人	1,100円	700円
小人	550円	350円

There is a limit to the discounted sales of various one-day free passes, and they will end once the limit is reached. In 2025, they ended in mid-July.

Other Discount Coupons

The Seaside Train One-Day Pass (480 yen) is convenient for getting around the park. You can also purchase a Pleasure Garden Ride All-Day Free Pass exchange ticket (3,600 yen) at the same time.

Ticket Purchase Locations

You can purchase tickets at the Katsuta Station Minato Line ticket counter, Nakaminato Station ticket counter, Seven Ticket, and through the Jorudan Mobile Ticket (using the "Transfer Guide" app). If you buy your tickets in advance on your smartphone, you won't need to wait in line at the ticket counter on the day of your visit.

Temporary Ticket Office and Useful Information at Ajigaura Station

During the shuttle bus operation period, a temporary information desk will be set up at Ajigaura Station.

阿字ヶ浦駅臨時窓口の情報

項目	内容
営業時間	9:00〜17:00（平日は9:00〜12:00）
手荷物一時預かり	1個500円（コインロッカーなし）
駐車場	駅前有料駐車場あり（タイムズのB予約制）
記念硬券	臨時窓口で各種硬券を販売

Points to Keep in Mind When Using Services

IC cards such as Suica and PASMO cannot be used on the Minato Line. Please prepare cash or purchase tickets in advance.

Unauthorized parking in front of Ajigaura Station is prohibited. We recommend making a reservation in advance for parking at Times B.

The temporary window may be closed due to circumstances. Please check the latest information on the official X (formerly Twitter) of Hitachinaka Seaside Railway.