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- A Bus Trip Through Hitachi City, Where the Mountains and Sea Meet in Ibaraki Prefecture
STORY
A Bus Trip Through Hitachi City, Where the Mountains and Sea Meet in Ibaraki Prefecture
- IBARAKI
- DINING
- SIGHTSEEING
- EXPERIENCE
- SPECIAL
- BUS
- SEA
- ARCHITECTURE
- CAFE
- FAMILY_FRIENDLY
- TEMPLES/SHRINES
- RELAX
When you hear the name "Hitachi" you might think of the electronics manufacturer, but did you know it is also a city in Japan? The place where Hitachi was founded, Hitachi City in Ibaraki Prefecture, is rich in nature, culture and history and a fun place to visit.
Let's explore the city of Hitachi with a list of seven things to do in the area!
From here, visitors get a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean that stretches across the entire cafe. The best seats are the tables in the back where in addition to the great view, you'll feel like you're drifting in the air.
SEA BiRDS CAFE's most popular dish is the thick and fluffy honey caramel pancake (850 yen). If you are looking for something Instagrammable to go with it, try the acai banana smoothie (500 yen).
The café also offers a rich lunch menu, or a delicious dinner while watching the sunset over Hitachi.
Address: JR Joban Line Hitachi Station East Exit, 1-3-20 Asahimachi, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
No holidays
Website(Japanese-only): SEA BiRDS CAFE
Some highlights include the Sanbonsugi, an estimated 600-year-old sacred tree, the impressive red gate, and Itsuki Shrine, where Japanese Shinto gods and Buddha are enshrined together. After visiting the grounds you can also go trekking on Mt. Oiwa.
*Please note, it is prohibited to start climbing after 3pm.
Address: 752 Irishikencho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Visiting time: 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Shrine office is 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Website (Japanese-only): Oiwa Shrine
■Get a Tofu Donut to Accompany You
Just a 5 minute walk from Oiwa Shrine is Meisui-tei Nakasato, a tofu shop that uses local soy beans and water from the famous Kinonezaka spring to make delicious tofu. They also use okara, the residue left after making tofu, to make donuts so good that they sell out almost every day! The fluffy okara donuts are moderately sweet and easy to enjoy. It's a great quick stop when visiting the shrine.
Address: 821 Irishikencho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed on Tuesday
This is a great spot for families with kids and couples.
The zoo is located inside Kamine Park, where you can also find the Kamine Amusement Park.
At the highest point of the park is an observation deck with a view of the entire Hitachi City. It's a landmark of the city and also a popular spot to view the cherry blossoms each year. The horizon and night views are superb on clear days.
Address: 5-2-22 Miyatacho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: March-October 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Last entry 4:15 p.m.), November-February 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. (Last entry 3:30 p.m.)
Closed on New Year's holidays (December 31-January 1)
Website (Japanese-only): Hitachi City Kamine Zoo
Address: 1-21-1 Saiwaicho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (admission until 5:00 p.m.)
Holidays: Last Monday of each month (open on public holidays), December 28 - January 4
Admission fee: 530 yen for adults, 320 yen for elementary and junior high school students
Website (Japanese-only): Hitachi Civic Center
The owner, Mr. Yoshizawa has worked with famous athletes and is well known among the locals for his considerable skills. There are many treatments available, from foot massage to the popular oil massage.
Don't worry about changing, you can enjoy a massage while clothed. During the massage they will also tell you about any problematic spots in your body. If walking all day has tired you out stop at Hareru-ya and experience a Japanese massage.
Address: 2-20-12 Namekawahoncho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (reservations accepted until 7:00 p.m.)
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Fees: foot reflexology 2,000 yen, body care 2,000 yen, head therapy 3,000 yen, etc.
Phone: 0294-51-2077
Website (Japanese-only): Hareru-ya
Booking site (Japanese-only): Hareru-ya reservation
・ Check the departure time and destination at the bus stop.
・ When the bus arrives, get on from the back door.
・ Check the electronic sign at the front of the bus for the next bus stop and fare.
・ When your destination is displayed, press the get off button.
・ When you arrive at your stop, go to the front next to the driver. Here you can pay the fare with cash, or IC card.
Mastering the buses is part of the travel experience. Try taking the challenge and you'll be rewarded!
Image courtesy of Ibaraki Kotsu
★Click here for more information on sightseeing in Hitachi City!
*The above article is based on information from August 2019.
*Prices are tax-inclusive unless otherwise specified.
Let's explore the city of Hitachi with a list of seven things to do in the area!
Start Your Journey at the Beautiful Train Station
Hitachi Station is said to be one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The design was supervised by Kazuyo Sejima, a world-famous architect from Hitachi. The transparent structure creates an open and relaxing space, not to mention it's very good looking.
Recharge at the Sky Cafe with a Superb View
Directly connected to the East Exit of the JR Hitachi Station is the SEA BiRDS CAFE, a popular spot to stop at. It sits in a glass box that looks like it's floating over the sea.From here, visitors get a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean that stretches across the entire cafe. The best seats are the tables in the back where in addition to the great view, you'll feel like you're drifting in the air.
SEA BiRDS CAFE's most popular dish is the thick and fluffy honey caramel pancake (850 yen). If you are looking for something Instagrammable to go with it, try the acai banana smoothie (500 yen).
The café also offers a rich lunch menu, or a delicious dinner while watching the sunset over Hitachi.
Information
SEA BiRDS CAFEAddress: JR Joban Line Hitachi Station East Exit, 1-3-20 Asahimachi, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
No holidays
Website(Japanese-only): SEA BiRDS CAFE
Oiwa Shrine, Japan's Strongest "Power Spot"
In Japan, particular locations that are thought to be filled with spiritual energy are called "power spots". Oiwa Shrine is a popular one among Japanese people as many gods are enshrined here. It is said that just by visiting Oiwa Shrine you'll have visited 188 Japanese gods. This energy-filled location immersed in nature has many interesting things to see.
Some highlights include the Sanbonsugi, an estimated 600-year-old sacred tree, the impressive red gate, and Itsuki Shrine, where Japanese Shinto gods and Buddha are enshrined together. After visiting the grounds you can also go trekking on Mt. Oiwa.
*Please note, it is prohibited to start climbing after 3pm.
Information
Oiwa Shrine | 御岩神社Address: 752 Irishikencho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Visiting time: 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Shrine office is 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Website (Japanese-only): Oiwa Shrine
■Get a Tofu Donut to Accompany You
Just a 5 minute walk from Oiwa Shrine is Meisui-tei Nakasato, a tofu shop that uses local soy beans and water from the famous Kinonezaka spring to make delicious tofu. They also use okara, the residue left after making tofu, to make donuts so good that they sell out almost every day! The fluffy okara donuts are moderately sweet and easy to enjoy. It's a great quick stop when visiting the shrine.
Information
Tofu Kobo Meisui-tei Nakasato | とうふ工房 名水亭なか里Address: 821 Irishikencho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed on Tuesday
Meet Animals at the Zoo with a View of the Sea
The Hitachi City Kamine Zoo is located on a mountain with a wonderful view of the sea. About 540 animals of 100 different species including elephants, lions, and capybaras can be seen up close.This is a great spot for families with kids and couples.
The zoo is located inside Kamine Park, where you can also find the Kamine Amusement Park.
At the highest point of the park is an observation deck with a view of the entire Hitachi City. It's a landmark of the city and also a popular spot to view the cherry blossoms each year. The horizon and night views are superb on clear days.
Information
Hitachi City Kamine Zoo | 日立市かみね動物園Address: 5-2-22 Miyatacho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: March-October 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Last entry 4:15 p.m.), November-February 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. (Last entry 3:30 p.m.)
Closed on New Year's holidays (December 31-January 1)
Website (Japanese-only): Hitachi City Kamine Zoo
Experience the Beautiful Starry Sky and Magnificent Universe at the Planetarium
The Hitachi Civic Center stands out with its large spherical structure and is only a 3 minute walk from the central exit of Hitachi Station. Inside, the planetarium is a must-see. Incredible images of the stars and universe are projected onto the large dome. The show is very immersive and makes you feel like you're seeing the real thing. Definitely worth checking out.Information
Hitachi Civic Center Celestial Theater (Planetarium) | 日立シビックセンター 天球劇場（プラネタリウム）Address: 1-21-1 Saiwaicho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (admission until 5:00 p.m.)
Holidays: Last Monday of each month (open on public holidays), December 28 - January 4
Admission fee: 530 yen for adults, 320 yen for elementary and junior high school students
Website (Japanese-only): Hitachi Civic Center
Rid Yourself of the Day's Fatigue with a Japanese Massage
What better way to end the day than with a relaxing and soothing massage? For that, head to Hareru-ya. From Hitachi Station take the bus bound for Namekawa Jumonji for 10 minutes and get off at the Namekawa Jumonji stop. The massage parlor will be right in front of you. The shop is brightly lit and cozy and the staff are very helpful and friendly.
The owner, Mr. Yoshizawa has worked with famous athletes and is well known among the locals for his considerable skills. There are many treatments available, from foot massage to the popular oil massage.
Don't worry about changing, you can enjoy a massage while clothed. During the massage they will also tell you about any problematic spots in your body. If walking all day has tired you out stop at Hareru-ya and experience a Japanese massage.
Information
Hareru-ya | 晴れる屋Address: 2-20-12 Namekawahoncho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (reservations accepted until 7:00 p.m.)
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Fees: foot reflexology 2,000 yen, body care 2,000 yen, head therapy 3,000 yen, etc.
Phone: 0294-51-2077
Website (Japanese-only): Hareru-ya
Booking site (Japanese-only): Hareru-ya reservation
Getting Around Hitachi City by Bus Is Easy!
To quickly travel around Hitachi City, the Ibaraki Kotsu route buses are very convenient. Getting on a bus in a foreign city can be a little intimidating but it's actually very easy. Here is a simple explanation on how to get on the bus.・ Check the departure time and destination at the bus stop.
・ When the bus arrives, get on from the back door.
・ Check the electronic sign at the front of the bus for the next bus stop and fare.
・ When your destination is displayed, press the get off button.
・ When you arrive at your stop, go to the front next to the driver. Here you can pay the fare with cash, or IC card.
Mastering the buses is part of the travel experience. Try taking the challenge and you'll be rewarded!
Hitachi City, Full of Sights and Experiences
Facing the Pacific Ocean, Hitachi City is full of things to do and see. If you take the limited express train from Ueno in Tokyo, you can get there in 1.5 hours on a direct line. It's an easy trip, be sure to give it a try if you want to experience something different!Model Course 1
Recommended for families!
Start at Hitachi Station
1 min. walk
SEA BiRDS CAFE
From Hitachi Station Central Exit take the bus bound for "Kamine Koen-guchi" (#80 or #84), ride about 20 min., get off at "Dobutsuen Iriguchi" stop
Kamine Zoo
From the "Kamine Koen-guchi" bus stop take the bus bound for Hitachi Station Central Exit (#80 or #82), ride about 6 min., get off at "Namekawa Jumonji" stop
Hareru-ya
From the "Namekawa Jumonji" bus stop take the bus bound for Hitachi Station Central Exit (#70 or #75), ride about 16 min., get off at "Hitachi Station Central Exit" stop
Hitachi Station Central Exit
3 min. walk
Hitachi Civic Center
5 min. walk
Sunset at SEA BiRDS CAFE
Model course 2
Enjoy the sea and nature!
Start at Hitachi Station
1 min. walk
SEA BiRDS CAFE
From Hitachi Station Central Exit take the bus bound for "Higashigoudo" (#60), ride about 26 min., get of at "Oiwa Jinja Mae" stop
Oiwa Shrine
5 min. walk
Tofu Kobo Meisui-tei Nakasato
From the "Oiwa Jinja Mae" bus stop take the bus bound for Hitachi Station Central Exit (#60), ride about 26 min., get off at Hitachi Station Central Exit
Hitachi Station Central Exit
From Hitachi Station Central Exit take the bus bound for "Kawajirikaigan/Kurakakeyama" (#80 or #82), ride about 16 min., get off at "Namekawa Jumonji" stop
Hareru-ya
From the "Namekawa Jumonji" bus stop take the bus bound for Hitachi Station Central Exit (#70 or #75), ride about 16 min., get off at Hitachi Station Central Exit
Hitachi Station
3 min. walk
Hitachi Civic Center
5 min. walk
Sunset at SEA BiRDS CAFE
*The above article is based on information from August 2019.
*Prices are tax-inclusive unless otherwise specified.
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 09 24,2019 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team
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