The romantic spring of a vast blue sea of flowers at the state-owned coastal park

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team
 
Japan’s spring isn’t just about the pink of cherry blossoms—it also offers dreamy hues of blue and purple. In Ibaraki Prefecture, a destination less visited by Taiwanese travelers, lies a famous flower-viewing attraction that draws many photography-loving visitors: the state-owned Hitachi Seaside Park (国营ひたち海浜公园), known for its abundant floral varieties and breathtakingly expansive views. Every April and May, up to 4.5 million nemophila flowers burst into bloom, transforming the landscape into a sweeping blue-purple carpet that feels like a fairytale.

The state-owned Hitachi Seaside Park boasts a wide variety of flowers. In spring alone, you can see daffodils, tulips, and nemophila in sequential bloom. Especially in late April, the vast blue-purple nemophila fields covering the hillsides create an unforgettable sight. Also known as baby-blue-eyes or nemophila menziesii, this flower is native to North America. At Hitachi Seaside Park, it mainly blooms on Mikasa no Oka (見晴の丘). From different viewpoints, the flower sea is set against ocean backdrops, while also offering southern views of Mount Tsukuba, western glimpses of Mount Nasu, and foregrounds of golden rapeseed flower fields—providing multiple scenic layers to enjoy. On clear days, the azure sky blends seamlessly with the flower sea, creating a truly magical scene.

Admission requires a ticket: adults pay 410 yen, children 80 yen, and seniors (65+) 210 yen. The free admission days in 2016 (Heisei 28) were May 5, May 15, September 19, October 2, and October 23. To get there from Tokyo, take the JR Joban Line limited express from Ueno Station to Katsuta Station (about 70 minutes), or take a highway bus (Ibaraki Kotsu Bus) from Tokyo Station to the park entrance (approximately two hours).