tr?id=1543387775907290&ev=PageView&noscript=1

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

 

 
 
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!
 

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.
 

Beautiful Train Station

Hitachi Station - Beautiful Train Station

 

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.
 
Recharge at the Sky Cafe with a Superb View

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

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).
 
Fluffy honey caramel pancake

The café also offers a rich lunch menu, or a delicious dinner while watching the sunset over Hitachi. 
 
SEA BiRDS CAFE

Information

SEA BiRDS CAFE
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
 

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.
 

Oiwa Shrine

Oiwa Shrine,


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.
 
Oiwa Shrine
600-year-old sacred tree
Oiwa Shrine
Jizo at Oiwa Shrine
Oiwa Shrine

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.
 
Meisui-tei Nakasato
Kinonezaka spring
Get a Tofu Donut to Accompany You
Tofe donuts
 

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.
 
Hitachi City Kamine Zoo

This is a great spot for families with kids and couples. 
 
Meet Animals at the Zoo with a View of the Sea
Meet Animals at the Zoo with a View of the Sea
Meet Animals at the Zoo with a View of the Sea
Meet Animals at the Zoo with a View of the Sea

The zoo is located inside Kamine Park, where you can also find the Kamine Amusement Park. 
 

Kamine Amusement Park

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.
 
Observation deck with a view of the entire Hitachi City

 

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.
 
Hitachi Civic Center
Hitachi Civic Center Celestial Theater (Planetarium)
Hitachi Civic Center Celestial Theater (Planetarium)
 

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.
 

Hareru-ya

Hareru-ya


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. 
 

Rid Yourself of the Day's Fatigue with a Japanese Massage

Rid Yourself of the Day's Fatigue with a Japanese 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.
 
Hareru-ya

 

Information

Hareru-ya | 晴れる屋
Address: 4-7-4 Namekawahoncho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (reservations accepted until 7:00 p.m.)
Closed on Sunday
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!
Getting Around Hitachi City by Bus Is Easy
Image courtesy of Ibaraki Kotsu

 

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

Click here for more information on sightseeing in Hitachi City!


*The above article is based on information from August 2019.
*This article has been updated with the latest information as of July2024.
*Prices are tax-inclusive unless otherwise specified.

 

Liked this story? Like DiGJAPAN!
on Facebook for daily updates!

THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 09 24,2019 Author:DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team

 

NEW COMMENT | 0 COMMENTS