The city chosen as a must-see destination before you die. The charm of Hitachinaka City
Hello, I'm Yama-chan, a traveler of scenic spots in Ibaraki.
When you hear the name Ibaraki, what comes to mind? Dried sweet potatoes? Melons? Nemophila? Nothing at all? Ibaraki consistently competes with Gunma and Tochigi for the lowest spot in the attractiveness ranking, but the people of Ibaraki don't really care. It's a place where you can make yourself at home; it's a very livable and charming place.
This time, I will focus on 'Hitachinaka City,' located in the middle of Ibaraki, and explore its charms.
'Hitachinaka,' which has an overwhelming number of parks
Hitachinaka City is safe, rich in nature, and has shopping malls. It is ranked 2nd in the prefecture for livability and 1st for having over 300 parks. Child-rearing support is also extensive, and it is said to be an outstanding environment for raising children.
I personally think Hitachinaka City is a very easy place to live. You can take care of your errands without needing to go to the next town, and there are even spots around Katsuta Station where you can go bar-hopping. I don't feel any inconvenience at all.
'Hitachi Seaside Park,' chosen as a must-see destination before you die
The well-known 'Hitachi Seaside Park.' I'm sure every resident of Ibaraki has been here at least once. The scenery of the Nemophila has been chosen as a 'must-see destination before you die,' and people flocking from all over the country to see it has become a spring tradition.
From mid-April to around Golden Week, the area is dyed blue with Nemophila. On sunny days, the scenery where the blue of the sea next to the park, the blue of the sky, and the Nemophila blend together is truly a spectacular view!
Once, when I visited with a friend on a sunny day, I mistook the Nemophila for the sea. As we walked through the park and the Nemophila began to come into view, it's common to say, 'Oh! Is that... the sea? ...Oh, wait, no. It's Nemophila! (laughs).' That's how beautiful it is!
Cute Kochia welcome you in summer and autumn
From summer to autumn, round and cute Kochia appear where the Nemophila were blooming. They grow steadily under the summer sun, becoming large and round. Since they are a variety developed for Hitachi Seaside Park, these round Kochia can only be seen here.
The grown Kochia are bigger and fluffier than you might think. Their appearance, swaying in the wind, is reminiscent of the soot sprites from the Ghibli movie.
How about some coffee from a super popular local shop?
'Saza Coffee,' which has now expanded into Tokyo and has even appeared on the TV show 'Cambria Kyuden.' This shop, which has many customers from outside the prefecture seeking the taste of Saza, has a 55-year history and currently has 17 locations. They have won or placed in barista competitions and the Japan Brewers Cup many times, and their taste is second to none.
My recommendation is Shogun Coffee. It is a French-style coffee from the end of the Edo period, and as it goes perfectly with milk, the Shogun Coffee Cafe Latte is absolutely delicious! You can really taste the sweetness of the milk, and it's not uncommon to find yourself finishing it before you even realize it!
For my second cup, I ordered a refill of Shogun Coffee Black along with a handmade cake. Actually, Saza is also well-regarded for its cakes, which pair perfectly with their coffee! If you visit Saza, be sure to enjoy the coffee and cake set.
If you love dried sweet potatoes, you're missing out if you don't come here
Ibaraki is the number one producer of dried sweet potatoes in Japan. Among them, Hitachinaka City is synonymous with dried sweet potatoes. In winter, you can see them being dried everywhere, and various types are sold at agricultural cooperatives and supermarkets. I think it's the Hitachinaka way to spend the New Year eating dried sweet potatoes in every household.
If you visit the 'Dried Sweet Potato Specialty Store Daimaruya,' you will definitely be overwhelmed by the sheer variety. Besides dried sweet potatoes, they also offer dried sweet potato gelato and chilled roasted sweet potatoes, which you are sure to enjoy. There is also a fish market nearby, making it a popular tourist spot.
Let's meet in Hitachinaka City
Hitachinaka City is full of charm. It's a place that grows on you, and those who have moved here from other prefectures all agree that it is 'easy to live in' and that 'the fish and vegetables are delicious.' Hitachinaka, with its abundant nature, the sea, and many sights to see, is the city where I was born and raised. Please come and visit at least once. I'll be sure to show you some hospitality!