Hitachi Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs in Hitachi, Japan.


Introduction to Hitachi

Located in the Ibaraki Prefecture of Kanto region in Japan, Hitachi is a beautiful city that combines the best of urban and rural living. With its beautiful natural landscapes, rich culture and history, and modern amenities, Hitachi has something to offer every traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Hitachi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hitachi has a rich culture and history that is celebrated in its numerous museums and historical sites. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions include:

  • Kamine Park
  • Hitachi Civic Center
  • Hitachi Seaside Park
  • Hitachi City Historical and Folk Museum
  • Eikando Temple
  • Kongoji Temple

Natural Attractions of Hitachi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hitachi boasts of breathtaking outdoor landscapes that offer visitors an invigorating experience. Some of the natural attractions include:

  • Fukuroda Falls
  • Hitachi Seaside Park
  • Mount Tsukuba
  • Hinuma Swamp
  • Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hitachi

Hitachi offers several hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore its natural beauty. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes include:

  • Tsukuba Shrine Hike
  • Hananuki Valley Hike
  • Mount Nantai Trail Hike
  • Hinuma Swamp Bike Trail
  • Hitachi Seaside Park Bike Trail

Best Things to Do in Hitachi: Activities and Tours

Hitachi offers visitors a range of exciting activities and tours that cater to all kinds of travelers. Some of the best things to do in Hitachi are:

  • Horseback Riding at Kamiiso Ranch
  • Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise
  • Seaweed Harvesting Experience
  • Cycling Tour of the Countryside
  • Hitachi Seaside Park Flower Festival

Week-Long Itinerary for Hitachi

For visitors who want to get the best out of their trip to Hitachi, we have crafted a week-long itinerary that covers all the top attractions and activities. Here is an overview of the itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Kamine Park, Eikando Temple and Kongoji Temple
Day 2 Explore the Fukuroda Falls and hike the Hananuki Valley Trail
Day 3 Enjoy a horseback riding session at Kamiiso Ranch and visit the Hitachi Civic Center
Day 4 Take a cycling tour of the countryside and visit the Hinuma Swamp
Day 5 Go on a dolphin and whale watching cruise and experience seaweed harvesting
Day 6 Hike the Mount Nantai Trail and visit the Hitachi Seaside Park
Day 7 Relax at the Hitachi Seaside Park Flower Festival and visit the Hitachi City Historical and Folk Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Hitachi

Must-Try Dishes

Hitachi offers visitors delicious Japanese cuisine with a unique local twist. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Hinai Jidori Chicken
  • Hitachi Beef
  • Ibaraki Prefecture’s Specialty Miso Broth
  • Agetate-Don (Rice Bowl topped with Fried Fish)

Local Beverages

Hitachi is known for its amazing sake and locally brewed beer. Visitors can try out the following beverages:

  • Hitachi Nest Beer
  • Jizake Japanese Sake

Where to Stay in Hitachi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hitachi provides a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Hotel Route-Inn Hitachi
  • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hitachi
  • Oyado Komatsuya
  • Hotel Hana to Midori no Mizuumi

What to Buy in Hitachi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hitachi is known for its locally made handicrafts and souvenirs that make great gifts for friends and family. Some of the highly recommended souvenirs include:

  • Hitachi-Omiya Daruma (Traditional Japanese Doll)
  • Hitachi Furin (Wind Chime)
  • Tsutsuji-cha (Japanese Black Tea)
  • Hitachi Brand Sake

Local Culture and Customs of Hitachi

Hitachi has a unique culture and customs that visitors should be aware of. For example, Japanese people are very respectful and polite, and visitors should always greet others with a bow.

Best Time to Visit Hitachi

The best time to visit Hitachi is during the fall and spring seasons when the weather is mild and the natural landscapes are at their most beautiful. The famous Hitachi Seaside Park Flower Festival takes place in early April and early October, making these the best times to visit to enjoy the park’s stunning floral displays.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hitachi

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and biking trails
  • Try out the local cuisine

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places
  • Talk loudly in public areas
  • Ignore signs and regulations in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in Hitachi

Hitachi is generally a safe city, and visitors should not worry about their safety. However, it is always important to exercise caution and store valuables securely.

Health in Hitachi

Hitachi has well-equipped modern hospitals and health facilities that cater to both locals and visitors. Visitors are advised to get health insurance to cover any medical expenses they may incur.

Getting to Hitachi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hitachi

The closest airport to Hitachi is the Narita International Airport, which is about 80 miles away. Visitors can take a train or bus from the airport to Hitachi.

Bus Stations Near Hitachi

The Hitachi Bus Station is located in the city center and provides transport to other parts of the city and nearby areas.

Other Options

Visitors can also take trains, rental cars or taxis to Hitachi.

How to Get Around in Hitachi

The best way to get around Hitachi is by using the city’s public transportation system, which includes buses and trains. Visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the city’s natural landscapes.

Where to Go Next from Hitachi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can explore after they have seen all that Hitachi has to offer.

  • Tokyo
  • Kyoto
  • Niigata
  • Sendai

Conclusion

Hitachi is a hidden gem in Japan that offers visitors an unforgettable experience. With numerous cultural and natural attractions, exciting activities and tours, delicious food and drink, and modern amenities, Hitachi is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.