When the pleasant town of Katsuta merged with the storied fishing town of Nakaminato, Hitachinaka City was created. Here, you will find a number of beautiful sightseeing spots. This city has a mild climate and is home to Hitachi Seaside park, one of the most famous places of interest in Ibaraki. Here, you enjoy wonderful floral views and delicious seafood, so it’s good for your mind and stomach! Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting places in Hitachinaka City.
At Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka City, visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year. Hitachinaka is also home to some unique, regional products. For the gourmet, there are a number of well-known dishes prepared by creative cookeries. A walk through this are sometimes inspires a feeling of nostalgia, even for those who have never been there! Here, you can feel the history. Our editorial staff selected the Top Ten Views in Hitachinaka City.
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Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park covers a vast area, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, nature programs and other recreational activities. Some visitors have seasonal passes so they can play disc golf and ride BMX bikes in a natural environments throughout the seasons.
Nakaminato Fish market
Nakaminato Fish Market is the leading fish market in Ibaraki. Here, there is an abundance of seafood processing companies and wholesalers. Much of the fish that can be bought at this market come from the sea just outside Nakaminato Port except the deep sea fish, which come from ships that anchor at the local Ibaraki ports. At this market, visitors can bus fresh inexpensive fish, which makes it a popular shopping spot for local seafood restaurants. You can buy and eat seafood in this market!
Hoshi-imo
This is made from sweet potato which is steamed and then dried.
Hoshi-imo is a local favorite in Ibaraki. Ibaraki is by far the largest producer of Hoshi-imo in Japan. 99% of this special sweet potato product is produced here in the coastal areas, which includes Hitachinaka City. Ibaraki is also Japan’s number one producer of sweet potatoes. From winter to spring, Hoshi-imo drying in the sun is a typical scene here in Hitachinaka City.
Hitachinaka Seaside Railway
Hitachinaka Seaside Railway is celebrated by train enthusiasts. It is known as the “Minato Line” and is supported by locals, high school students and railway aficionados. The Minato Line has many events for visitors to Hitachinaka City, so please check out their pages on the Internet. This railway has a Park & Ride system, so you can park your car for free and then get on the train.
Give it a try!
Bathing Resorts
Hitachinaka City has a number of beach areas, like Ajigaura and Hiraiso, which are outstanding and close to IC Expressway. This is a popular place to visit because there are a number of sightseeing spots. In Hitachinaka, tourists can easily take a dip in the ocean and enjoy the city sights. The sea is shallow close to the shore and the waves are calm, which makes it sasy to swim.
Seafood
Hitachinaka City has a large fish market and a plethora of seafood restaurants serving fresh, delicious seafood. Some of those restaurants are popular with seafood connoisseurs from Tokyo and are always crowded with visitors and locals alike. Even if Hitachinaka were not a sightseeing area, this city would still be popular for its seafood! Come and try some of the dishes in Hitachinaka.
Local Favorites
There is a variety of local food in Hitachinaka City. One of these popular dishes is Tako Meshi, which is made using local octopus. The sound “ Tako” is similar to “lots of happiness” in Japanese. Another favorite food is Katsu-sand, which is a pork-cutlet sandwich. Like the “Tako” in Tako Meshi, Katsu can be used like a bit of pun because “katsu” can also mean “to win” in Japanese. These are both considered lucky foods! Nakaminato fried noodles are another much-loved dish by locals. Don’t miss your chance to try this and more!
Stratums of the Mesozoic Cretaceous
Stratums of the Mosozoic Cretaceous was selected as one of the 100 most famous views in Ibaraki. The stratums are spread in the coastal areas between Ajigaura and Hiraiso. Diagonal stones with saw-like teeth stretch continuously. These hard layers broke through the surface of the earth 25,000 to 65,000 years ago! These natural structures have been named a North Ibaraki Geopark where you can discover fossilized ammonite at low tide.
Sakatsura Isozaki Shrine
This grand shrine is located in the Ajigaura Port area. Sakatsura Isozaki Shrine was built in 856 AD and is connected spiritually with Oarai Isozaki Shrine. Along the approach, one can find camellia trees. The approach is 300m long and a designated Natural Monument of Ibaraki. Upon reaching the shrine itself, a quiet atmosphere pervades. There is a unique stone statue of a turtle and it is said to bring luck to lottery players.
Katsuta Marathon
A lot of runners take part in Katsuta marathon every winter. Prizes for participation for the runners who complete the curse are “Hoshi-imo”. In 2011, 17,777 runners participated in the 60th memorial tournament. This is the largest number of runners to partake in this “commemoration rally” in the event’s history. Civic volunteers treat runners to local food, which is one of the reasons why this marathon is loved by everyone.
