7 Must-See Tourist Spots in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture – A Place Rich in Nature & History

Hitachi City, located in the northeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, is known as one of the cities with the largest area in Ibaraki. When you hear "Hitachi City," many think of the Hitachi Group of electric appliance manufacturers. In fact, about 40% of the city’s population consists of Hitachi employees or their families.

Did you know Hitachi City offers various tourist attractions? Not only can you enjoy nature and leisure, but there are also facilities where you can learn while having fun. There are many attractions that cater to both adults and children. We introduce 7 unique tourist spots in Hitachi City that you won’t experience anywhere else.

1. Kamine Park

When it comes to leisure spots in Hitachi City, "Kamine Park" tops the list. It is a popular tourist attraction for groups and families. Set on a natural hill, its vast grounds include a zoo with various animals, a leisure park and amusement park offering rides for families, and even a year-round pool.

First, let’s talk about the zoo. "Kamine Zoo" houses approximately 500 animals of about 70 species. Its highlight is being able to interact closely with various animals. In the petting area, you can meet cute animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs—and even reticulated pythons! Moreover, visitors have the opportunity to feed animals including elephants, capybaras, and giraffes—creatures that you typically wouldn’t get up close with. Such an extraordinary experience is unique to this zoo.

At "Kamine Amusement Park," rides are designed so that even small children can enjoy them safely, making it very popular with families. In addition, if you crave more thrilling attractions, "Kamine Leisure Land" offers exciting rides such as roller coasters and ferris wheels that appeal to both adults and children. An on-site community pool is available as well: the indoor heated pool can be enjoyed year-round, while an outdoor pool is open in summer.

Kamine Park is also famous as a cherry blossom spot. With around 1,000 cherry trees planted throughout the park, it becomes a popular destination during sakura season.

At the park’s summit, an observation deck offers a panoramic view of Hitachi’s cityscape. You can admire a breathtaking panorama stretching from the vast Pacific Ocean to the mountain ranges of Abukuma. The night view is especially acclaimed, attracting many couples. Enjoy a day full of activities and then soak in the calming night view.

How about spending a fun time with your family and loved ones at Kanemi Park, a nature-rich tourist spot in Hitachi City, where you can experience moments that are hard to enjoy in everyday life?

2. Hitachi Civic Center Science Museum

Located just a 3‑minute walk from JR Hitachi Station, the Hitachi Civic Center is a multi-purpose facility that hosts various cultural activities.

Inside the center, the Science Museum is a very popular attraction for children where they can learn about science in a fun, hands-on way. The museum offers around 130 interactive exhibits where visitors can experience science firsthand. In addition, various events are hosted here, including a daily science show featuring exciting experiments, loved by both adults and children.

Also attached to the facility is the Celestial Theater, a planetarium that lets visitors experience a beautiful starry sky and the vast universe through a state-of-the-art dome system. The vivid projections of the night sky are so realistic you might find yourself gazing up at the sky long after your visit.

It’s a great place to learn about science while exploring Hitachi.

Name: Hitachi Civic Center Science Museum
Address: 1-21-1 Saiwa-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Official Website: http://www.civic.jp/science/

3. Oiwajinja Shrine

Oiwajinja Shrine, now known as a top power spot in Japan, has recently become popular with many tourists.

Located on Mt. Oiwa, a mystical sacred mountain with striking rock formations, the shrine carries on ancient traditions and beliefs. It is the only shrine dedicated to both Shinto deities and Buddhist figures, and is known for its unique spiritual practices.
It is said that the entire Mt. Oiwa houses 188 deities, making it one of the most revered sacred mountains in the Kanto region.

Within its grounds, three ancient cedar trees have been designated as natural monuments and are selected among “The 100 Giants of the Forest” nationwide. According to legend, tengu once resided among these majestic trees, adding to the shrine’s mysterious atmosphere.

For a taste of the mystical world, be sure to visit Oiwajinja Shrine during your Hitachi City tour.

4. Kushi-Hama Beach

Located in the southern part of Hitachi City is Kushi-Hama Beach—a beautiful beach known for its white lighthouse and expansive sandy shore.

It attracts many tourists from the metropolitan area during summer, with numerous youths and families visiting. The gently sloping, calm sea makes it an ideal spot where children can safely enjoy water activities. It’s also recommended during off-peak seasons for those seeking a peaceful beach break.

Additionally, this beach is adjacent to Kushi Fishing Port and near the “Hitachi Osakana Center,” where you can savor the freshest, most delicious seafood and even purchase local ocean delicacies.

Take a break from sightseeing in Hitachi by stopping at Kushi-Hama Beach to enjoy the endless expanse of the ocean.

5. Oku-Hitachi Kirara no Sato

"Oku-Hitachi Kirara no Sato" is a recreation facility that uses a vast area, equivalent to the size of ten Tokyo Domes, where you can enjoy a long slide, on-site lodging, an auto camp site, and barbecue facilities. It provides a full-day recreational experience.

One of its most popular attractions is the “Wakuwaku Slider,” a slide that stretches 1,188 meters in length—the longest in Japan. This thrilling slide, with a height difference of about 70 meters, offers a heart-pounding ride beloved by both children and adults. Although it is exciting, the speed is adjustable for safety. On the return ride, you are gradually lifted back along a straight path using wires—a must-try attraction.

In addition, the facility features a wooden athletic course shaped like a star called "Kirara Toride," which is popular among children. Other unique play equipment such as a swing, ropeway, and roller slide are available for a full day of fun.

At the interactive farm area, you can also enjoy interacting with ponies, sheep, and goats—and feeding the ponies is particularly popular.

The site also offers ample lodging accommodations for large groups, barbecue facilities where you can enjoy an outdoor meal without any hassle, and a cafeteria that serves delicious breakfasts. Since an auto camp site opened in 2014, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy camping. With plenty of rental gear available, even beginners can have a great time.

“Oku-Hitachi Kirara no Sato” offers multiple ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you choose to camp, have a picnic, or simply relax in nature, this facility is a perfect destination for creating unforgettable memories with family and friends.

6. Nikkō Memorial Museum

The Nikkō Memorial Museum in Hitachi City clearly presents the diverse activities of the Hitachi Mine before its closure in Showa 56. This museum is an educational tourist attraction where you can learn about the history of Hitachi City.

Nikkō Memorial Museum was established at the birthplace of the JX Metals Group. After Fusanosuke Kihara’s founding of the group, it became the foundation for the industrial development of Hitachi City. Here, you can learn not only about Fusanosuke Kihara’s achievements and the history of the JX Group, but also about the growth of Hitachi City and the modern history of Japanese industry.

In the main building, you will find panels and videos detailing the development of the JX Metals Group and Hitachi City. Outside, the Mine Museum exhibits equipment used in the mine, letting you learn about the daily work at the mine.

Discovering the passionate efforts of those who contributed to Japan’s progress through a visit to this museum is a unique and compelling experience.

7. Nakazato Leisure Farm

In the mountainous northern region of Hitachi City—known as the Nakazato area—various fruits are cultivated. The "Nakazato Leisure Farm" is an area where about 30 orchards cluster together. Each orchard offers seasonal fruit-picking activities, making it a popular destination for visitors to Hitachi.

From June to July, you can pick blueberries; from early September to early October, you can pick grapes (such as Kyoho and Pione); and from early September to early December, you can enjoy apple picking (including varieties like Sansa, Akiei, Yoko, and Fuji).

In addition, all the producers at this farm have been certified as “eco-farmers,” engaging in environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices. Enjoy fruit-picking amid the taste and freshness of safe, delicious fruits.

Bringing home these fresh fruits as souvenirs is sure to delight your friends and family.

◎ Summary

How did you like our introduction to the 7 must-see attractions in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture? Many people might only associate Hitachi City with its industrial heritage, but this vibrant city is also filled with fantastic opportunities to enjoy nature, leisure, culture, and history.

Hitachi City is a destination that families, friends, and couples can all enjoy. When visiting Ibaraki Prefecture, be sure to extend your trip to Hitachi City. You will find unique and satisfying tourist spots that are exclusively part of Hitachi City’s charm!

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7 Must-See Tourist Spots in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture – A Place Rich in Nature & History