The Fiery Heart: Exploring Hitachi Seaside Park's Kochia and the Coastal Torii in Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture, located in Japan's Kanto region, is a perfect travel destination that blends natural beauty with cultural charm. With its stunning Pacific coastline, expansive flower fields, and mysterious coastal torii gates, it offers something for every traveler—whether you're passionate about photography, nature, or cultural experiences. Among its highlights, **Hitachi Seaside Park's Kochia** and **Oarai Isosaki Shrine's coastal torii** stand out as iconic attractions of Ibaraki. --- Hitachi Seaside Park: The Colorful Magic of Kochia Situated in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, **Hitachi Seaside Park** is a national park that blooms with flowers throughout the year. Every autumn, the park's "Miharashi Hill" transforms into a fiery red wonderland, thanks to thousands of round, fluffy **kochia bushes** (also known as broom grass). These plants start off green in summer and turn vibrant red in autumn, showcasing a seasonal transformation that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Visitors can stroll along the pathways winding through the flower fields, taking in panoramic views of the red hills. Besides October's kochia display, the park also features sunflowers, baby blue eyes, tulips, and other floral spectacles, offering surprises year-round. Personally, I find the autumn scenery most captivating, with the kochia bushes contrasting beautifully against the distant blue sea under the cool sunlight. It's truly mesmerizing! 😍 Coastal Torii: A Blend of Mystery and Majesty While the kochia bushes highlight Ibaraki's romantic side, the **Oarai Isosaki Shrine's coastal torii** in Oarai Town symbolizes the sacred essence of this land. Known as the "Kamiiso Torii," this structure stands on rocky shores, enduring the crashing waves and basking in the glow of the rising sun. At dawn, the torii gate and the sunrise create a breathtaking scene that touches the soul, representing harmony between nature and humanity. Locals believe this is a place where deities descend, and during New Year's, many gather here to witness the "first sunrise" and pray for peace and happiness. --- The Extended Charm of Ibaraki Prefecture Beyond the kochia and coastal torii, Ibaraki offers numerous attractions worth exploring, such as the iconic "Mount Tsukuba," the plum blossom haven "Kairakuen," and its fresh seafood delicacies. Especially in Oarai Town, you can savor crab, sushi, and authentic Japanese sake that will surely delight your taste buds. Transportation - **Hitachi Seaside Park**: From Tokyo, take the JR Joban Line to "Katsuta Station," then transfer to a bus for about 15 minutes to reach the park. As for the torii⛩️, I opted for a self-driving trip to enjoy the coastal scenery, so unfortunately, I can't provide public transportation details 😊 In summary, whether you're capturing floral landscapes or experiencing the sacred power of nature, Ibaraki Prefecture promises an unparalleled travel experience. On your next holiday, make sure to visit Hitachi Seaside Park and Oarai's coastal torii to add a touch of magic to your journey!