Hitachi Seaside Park is a 0.8 sq mi flower park in Hitachinaka, set on rolling land beside the Pacific. The reason most people come is Miharashi Hill, where about 5.3 million nemophila (baby blue eyes) turn the slope into a sheet of pale blue from mid-April to early May. The hill itself covers about 450,000 sq ft, a small part of the whole park. Yellow rape blossoms bloom nearby in the same weeks.

Tulips also bloom in the Tamago no Mori Flower Garden in mid to late April. In summer the kochia bushes on the hill are fresh green from mid-July to September, then turn red and golden yellow from mid-September to early October. Both nemophila and kochia are best seen on a clear day when the sea and sky add to the color.

Families have more to do than flower gazing. The Pleasure Garden is a playground with a Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round. A small seaside train also runs through parts of the grounds. Cafes and rest houses sell seasonal sweets and drinks, with blue nemophila themed treats in spring. Food cars set up in the busy weeks, so you can eat without leaving the grounds.

Plan for a lot of walking since distances inside the park are long, so many visitors rent a bicycle or ride the train between areas. Spring weekends bring heavy crowds and queues. Arriving at opening time is the best way to see the hill in quieter conditions. A full visit usually takes three to five hours depending on how much of the grounds you want to see.