Hitachinaka

Hitachinaka is a city on the Pacific coast of Ibaraki Prefecture, about 120 kilometres northeast of Tokyo. The main attraction for cruise visitors is Hitachi Seaside Park, a large public park where millions of nemophila (baby blue eyes) flowers bloom in spring, turning entire hillsides pale blue. In autumn, the same hills turn bright red with kochia bushes. The park is expansive, with cycling paths, gardens and a small amusement area. The port area sits near the Nakaminato fishing harbour, which has a fish market where you can eat fresh sashimi and seafood bowls at morning market stalls. Dried sweet potato (hoshi-imo) is a regional specialty and makes a good souvenir. The city is quieter and less visited than Ibaraki's better-known neighbour Mito, but the seasonal flower displays at the park are genuinely impressive and draw large crowds during peak bloom weeks in late April and May.