Hitachinaka (for Nikko), Japan
Hitachinaka (for Nikko), Japan
Extending from the Naka River to the Pacific Ocean, Hitachinaka offers pristine beaches, stellar views, and a charming mix of old and new attractions. Hitachinaka is steeped in traditional history which shines in such sites as the oceanside Oarai Isosaki-jinja Shrine, and the Kasama Inari Shrine, one of the most famous Inari shrines in the country. Gaze upon Hitachinaka's nature's wonders from the lookout point of the bronze Ushiku Buddha, one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world, and if flowers are your passion, you simply can't miss Kairakuen Gardens, one of the "Three Great Gardens" in Japan, and Hitachi Seaside Park, which blooms with wildflowers, including the bright Kochia ball blooms and the delicate, baby-blue Nemophila. The color blue remains a theme at Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium, where huge tanks house over 68,000 sea creatures. For those looking to delve into Hitachinaka artistic heritage, the Tokugawa Art Museum displays almost 30,000 artifacts of the Mito Tokugawa family, offering a detailed glimpse into the lives of Japan's daimyo feudal lords. And when hunger strikes, the stalls of Nakaminato Fish Market brim with the "fruits of the sea," and restaurants serve the freshest sushi and local delicacies in town.
見所
- World Heritage Site: Nikko Toshogu Shrine
- Kairakuen Garden
- Oarai Marine Tower
- The Tokugawa Museum
- Hitachi Seaside Park
- Kasama Inari Shrine
- Nakaminato Fish Market
- Ushiku Buddha
More about Hitachinaka (for Nikko), Japan Points of Interest
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World Heritage Site: Nikko Toshogu Shrine -
A memorial to famed Tokugawa shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868, this sprawling shrine complex is designed with both Shinto and Buddhist elements and is renowned for its ornately carved structures.
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Kairakuen Garden -
Designated as one of the "Three Great Gardens" in Japan, Kairakuen is famous for its more than 3,000 plum trees and landscaped floral displays. Constructed in 1841, the grounds include the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese structure.
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Oarai Marine Tower -
Erected in 1988, the modern tower, elegantly covered with mirrors in the motif of sea waves, has an observation deck that affords panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Fuji.
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The Tokugawa Museum -
Established in 1977, The Tokugawa Museum displays a broad selection of objects and writings passed down through the generations of the Mito-Tokugawa Family and offers a detailed glimpse into the lives of Japan's daimyo feudal lords.
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Hitachi Seaside Park -
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hitachi Seaside Park, a beloved local attraction, blooms with rainbow-hued blossoms in lush manicured gardens. It boasts more than 25 attractions, including a Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the grounds.
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Kasama Inari Shrine -
This is one of the most famous Inari shrines in Japan. Inari Okami is the god of harvest and business, and this deity of prosperity attracts over 3.5 million visitors and worshippers every year to the breathtaking flower-filled grounds.
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Nakaminato Fish Market -
Over a million visitors a year flock to this bustling fish market to interact with vendors and to peruse the plentiful stalls brimming with the catch of the day. Souvenir shops and restaurants complete the lively atmosphere.
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Ushiku Buddha -
Recognized as the one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world as recorded by "The Guinness Book of Records," it towers at 38 stories high. Take the elevator to the viewing gallery to survey the 100-plus cherry trees.
