Kokia and Cosmos at Hitachi Seaside Park

Today I explored the Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki. I've heard of the park before... it's sky blue nemophila that bloom in May have been on my "want-to-see" list for a long time. In this season various plants grow, including kokia, cosmos, and pampas grass.

Kokia (also called Kochia) is a bush that starts green then gradually turns red. Where I come from it's actually considered a bit of a pest since it's a tumbleweed, but here in Japan it's beautiful colors are celebrated! Contrasted with the various pink colors of the cosmos flower, it is indeed worth celebration! Or at least, several hundred pictures by everyone who see them.

I headed to the Hitachi Seaside Park right as it opened at 9:30AM, and walked briskly to Miharashi Hill, where the kokia were planted. On the way, I could see some lush pampas grass and a big ferris wheel.

My first views of Miharashi Hill were of deep red and bright pinks, contrasted with the pretty blue of the sky.

For a weekday, there were a lot of people there taking pictures...

I joined in with all the picture takers and slowly started to climb the hill.

My favorite areas were where I could see both the kokia and the cosmos together.

I had to jostle with the other photographers, but ended up with way too many pictures all the same!

Luckily, there were still a number of spots not so crowded with people. I found one where I could take my own picture with the flowers.

I also tried my best to get the obligatory "bee in a flower" picture. It's practically required! I found this little guy, but he's not actually a bee...

After so many pictures, it was time for a break... Kokia Hill Ice Cream! What does it taste like exactly? Well, I think it was cranberry. Is that what kokia actually tastes like? Hmm.....

As I finished my circuit of the area, I briefly contemplated taking a cute little kokia home.

The park is actually really huge, with the Miharashi Hill only a small part of it. Many people rent bicycles, or take the cartoon-like train to get around the park. Since I was only walking, I didn't see the whole thing, but I did get a chance to visit a few other nice areas!

These are also cosmos flowers, but I've never seen this pretty butter-yellow color before...

Near where I parked are more paths, this time featuring the sand and beach plants of the area. I enjoyed walking these paths to take a breather from all the people in the rest of the park as they were practically empty.

I took another short rest at a glass-fronted building with great views of the ocean, but in the end decided not to eat lunch there, so I didn't stay long.

Finally I had my fill of flowers... and my camera's SD cards were almost full. I decided to see a bit more of the ocean, so I said goodbye to the park, and headed to Oarai, just a few minutes away from Hitachinaka. There is a beautiful ocean shrine there with more great picture opportunities! I deleted a few flower pictures to make room for crashing wave pictures...

I also took the chance to visit Oarai's Shiosai-no-yu, which features indoor and outdoor salt water baths, and also a carbonated bath, which was really refreshing!

Finally, I returned to the Kasuga Hotel where I was staying to sort through my many many pictures and have dinner.

At this hotel, wine is a specialty! I was able to try some different wine with dinner, and the wine bar is stocked with over 100 varieties. You can even try "wine body soap" or "wine shampoo and conditioner" in the baths!

There's a large fish market right on the water very close to the hotel as well, with some beautiful ocean views and lots of boats.

Well, that's all for Ibaraki. I had a lot of fun!