Things to do in Oarai
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Top 10 attractions in Oarai
Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, facing the Pacific Ocean to the east. It is just a 1-hour drive from Tokyo, making transportation very convenient. The site was formerly a military area and was only converted into a park after 1973. The park is often referred to as Hitachi Seaside Park in Chinese, which is a slight misunderstanding. In Japan's old administrative division system, Ibaraki was known as Hitachi Province. The Japanese kana for "Hitachi" is written as ひたち (Hitachi), which is the same as the word for "Hitachi" (the brand/name), so it is often translated as "Hitachi Seaside Park" domestically. In fact, the officially confirmed translation should be Hitachi Seaside Park. The park has 4 entrances: the West Gate, South Gate, Central Gate, and Seaside Gate. It is divided into the Flower Area, West Entrance Area, South Entrance Area, Forest Area, Grassland Area, Dune Area, and Amusement Area, each with its own unique features. This coastal dune landscape is gently rolling and vast, blooming with different flowers throughout the year. In spring, tulips, daffodils, and nemophila compete in beauty; in summer, zinnias, lavender, and sunflowers are in full bloom; in the fall, cosmos and kochia are the undisputed stars; and in the depths of winter, ice tulips and plum blossoms bring vitality to the snow-white world. The park is perhaps most famous for its Flower Area (Miharashi no Oka). From late April–late May, over 4.5 million graceful blue and white nemophila bloom here. You can also see the deep blue sea in the distance—the sky, the sea, and the sea of flowers are all blue, making you feel as if you have fallen into the blue world of Pandora from Avatar. In summer, this flower field is planted with round, petite kochia. They start out green, gradually turn a mix of green and pink, and by the fall, they turn a vibrant deep red. At this time, you can capture the beautiful scenery of cosmos blooming on the red hills. Local residents also bring their families here to enjoy the flowers and have picnics. If you want to experience the local lifestyle, why not bring some light snacks and a picnic blanket, sit on the grass, and enjoy this beautiful scenery. The West Entrance Area is a great place to enjoy tulips and daffodils in the spring, with a tulip exhibition held every year. Near the Seaside Gate is the vast Dune Area, which features the Fragrance Valley, where over 100 types of spice crops such as mint, lavender, and rosemary are planted. The Grassland Area, located in the center of the park, is filled with colorful zinnias in the summer and fall. With the tall Ferris wheel in the Amusement Area as a background, you can take vibrant and colorful photos here. Entering from the Central Gate brings you to the Amusement Area, which features a popular Ferris wheel, a Kappa House, a carousel, a forest roller coaster, and more. Both children and adults can have a great time here all day. The Sea Side Cafe in the Dune Area is also a must-visit attraction. This is an oceanfront cafe located in the Glass House. As the name suggests, its exterior features floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Sit at the outdoor cafe seating facing the Pacific Ocean, order a cup of aromatic coffee with a Western-style light meal, and gaze at the sea and sky merging in a space that blends brightness and tranquility. Because the park is so vast, walking the entire way is very tiring, so many visitors choose to take the park's seaside train or rent a bicycle to explore. The seaside train has stops in every area and at the park's 4 main gates. The train generally departs from the Central Gate and stops at 10 stations in sequence: Rose Garden Station, South Gate Station, Desert and Sea Forest Station, Seaside Terrace Station, Seaside Gate Station, Grassland Station, Flower Area (Miharashi no Oka) Station, Memorial Forest Station, and West Gate Station. Bicycle rental points in the park are located at the 4 main gate entrances, and bicycles must be returned to the rental location.Hitachinaka · 10.5 km from Oarai
Kairakuen
Kairakuen is located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is one of the three famous gardens in Japan, along with "Kenroku-en" in Kanazawa and "Korakuen" in Okayama. The name "Kairakuen"was chosen by Tokugawa Nariaki, the lord of the Mito Domain, based on his wish to create a place that could be enjoyed by everyone together with the people of his domain. In July 1999, the adjacent Senba Park was merged into "Kairakuen", becoming the second largest urban park in the world, second only to Central Park in New York. It is famous for the plum blossoms in the garden. There are more than 3,000 plum blossoms in 100 species in Kairakuen. Every February and March, Kairakuen attracts tourists from all over the world who come to appreciate the plum. There are many famous landscapes in the park, such as "Koubutei" and "Togyokusen" where clear water flows from a well of Kansui stone (marble) with a diameter of 2 meters. In addition, Azaleas and Bush Clover, autumn chrysanthemum and other seasonal flowers and plants are planted. It is very popular with young lovers and tourists traveling with the whole family. It has become a place for citizens to relax and entertain.Mito · 12.9 km from Oarai
Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine
Hitachinaka · 8.8 km from Oarai
Kamiiso no Torii
Oarai · 1.3 km from downtown
Oarai Marine Tower
Oarai · 505m from downtown
Hitachinaka Onsen Kirari Bettei
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, Hitachinaka Onsen Kirari Bettei is a hot spring facility popular with both locals and visitors. It offers an ideal place for visitors to relax while enjoying the natural scenery of the four seasons. The facility is known for its wide variety of baths. It features not only a mild, skin-friendly weakly alkaline sodium bicarbonate spring, but also a specially introduced high-concentration carbonated spring. When soaking, this carbonated spring forms fine bubbles on the skin's surface, which helps promote blood circulation and warms the body from within. The open-air baths offer expansive views, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil countryside scenery while bathing. Whether you want to wake up your body in the morning or wash away fatigue in the evening, it is easy to arrange here. Whether you are seeking a high-quality hot spring experience or looking for a quiet place to rest during your travels, this is a destination worth visiting.Hitachinaka · 11.1 km from Oarai
Kodokan
Kodokan was established in 1841 as a domain school of the former Mito domain. In the literary hall, courses such as Confucianism, history, astronomy, mathematics, and music are offered; in the martial arts hall, courses such as swordsmanship, spear, military science, and equestrianism are offered. The "Main Gate, Main Hall (Seicho), and Shizendo," which were designated as National Important Cultural Properties in 1964, along with the reconstructed Confucius Temple and Hakkakudo, continue to convey the history and culture of the Edo period to the present day.Mito · 11.1 km from Oarai
Oarai Sun beach
Oarai · 1.4 km from downtown
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disney Resort is a themed resort offering more than can be enjoyed in just a day. Here you'll find two Disney theme parks – Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea – as well as six Disney hotels, several Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels, the shopping and dining complex Ikspiari, and a convenient monorail line around the Resort. Enjoy the parks and stay for the shopping, dining, and more at Tokyo Disney Resort. Tokyo Disneyland, the Kingdom of Dreams and Magic, consists of seven themed lands, each offering fun attractions in line with its theme, as well as a variety of unique shops and restaurants. · World Bazaar: A bustling early 20th century American town center · Adventureland: A world of adventure rich in nature and cultural diversity · Westernland: America's “Wild West” abounding with the frontier spirit · Critter Country: A neighborhood of friendly creatures and their stories · Fantasyland: A world of fairytales and dreams replete with Disney magic · Toontown: A fun-filled neighborhood where Mickey and his friends live · Tomorrowland: A land of tomorrow where science and technology are in harmony Have a magical day at Tokyo Disneyland with your Disney friends! 1. “it's a small world”: As children of the world sing, enjoy the “happiest cruise that ever sailed.” 2. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast: Board magical cups that seem to dance through this enchanting story. 3. Big Thunder Mountain: A wild ride with sudden drops and turns on runaway mine train. 4. Dumbo The Flying Elephant: Fly high through the sky on Dumbo's back. 5. Splash Mountain: A thrilling trip on a log boat awaits you! 6. Minnie's Style Studio: Minnie Mouse, as a fashion designer, will greet guests wearing her latest design. Visit her office and pass through the workroom, then enter the photo studio for a photo with Minnie!Urayasu · 98.1 km from Oarai
Nakaminato Fishery Port
Hitachinaka · 3.7 km from Oarai
Experiences you can't miss in Oarai
Featured Cultural experiences in Oarai
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Oarai
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Free things to do in Oarai
Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachinaka · 10.5 km from OaraiKairakuen
Mito · 12.9 km from OaraiImmediate access, Book now for todaySakatsura Isosaki Shrine
Hitachinaka · 8.8 km from OaraiKamiiso no Torii
Oarai · 1.3 km from downtownOarai Marine Tower
Oarai · 505m from downtownHitachinaka Onsen Kirari Bettei
Hitachinaka · 11.1 km from OaraiKodokan
Mito · 11.1 km from OaraiImmediate access, Book now for todayOarai Sun beach
Oarai · 1.4 km from downtownTokyo Disneyland
Urayasu · 98.1 km from OaraiImmediate access, Book now for todayNakaminato Fishery Port
Hitachinaka · 3.7 km from Oarai
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What travelers say about Oarai
sam73324 October 2025
5.0
Ibaraki is a surprising spot. With clear skies and the peak season for pink lilies, it's packed with visitors and the scenery is stunning. It's definitely worth a visit, and even relaxing at the beachside cafe is a must-see if you're in Ibaraki!
Hitachi Seaside Park
WLS0086 October 2023
5.0
I came for the plum festival on March 2023.I think the flowering rate is about 50%.It seems that there are early and late blooming plums, and there were many plums that were still in bud.The entrance fee was 300 yen.Parking is advantageous during the plum festival and costs 500 yen.It was a weekday so it wasn't crowded.
Kairakuen
Cirroc2 November 2020
5.0
The trees on both sides of the path are lush and green, creating a fantastical feeling. It's also cool in the heat.
The shrine has a long history, so it was well-maintained even in this hot weather.
Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine
타네17 October 2023
5.0
I really love this place! The view from the open-air bath is great, and the bedrock bath was amazing.
Hitachinaka Onsen Kirari Bettei
游侠半仙16 March 2020
5.0
Kodokan was designated as an important national heritage by Japan in 1964. The well-preserved main hall, the main hall, the main stone tablet, the restored Confucius Temple, and the Hachimando Hall showcase the history of Japan's Edo period.
Kodokan
sumon012(insta)7 August 2025
5.0
outstanding place for walk, taking pictures and swimming in open ocean 💙
Oarai Sun beach
Anonymous user9 October 2026
5.0
So much fun, and definitely worth coming back for! Loved all the cute souvenirs, but unfortunately, the fireworks weren’t as spectacular as the ones in Hong Kong.
Tokyo Disneyland
