When you think of autumn in Japan, many of you may think of the autumn leaves in Kyoto. But what if, instead of mountains and forests, you could see a vast hill covered in a brilliant crimson carpet, as if someone had splashed paint all over it?

This is a seasonal autumn sight at Hitachi Seaside Park, a national government park in Ibaraki Prefecture, located a little east of Tokyo, the capital of Japan.

In this article, we'll introduce you to the spectacular kochia scenery that stimulates the visual senses of visitors, the autumn food culture nurtured by the rich sea and land of Ibaraki, and the hidden charms of history. We'll introduce you to some surprising and moving autumn experiences that will change your perception of traveling in Japan.

The entire hill is dyed crimson: Spectacular kochia art

Hitachi Seaside Park is a national park with a vast area facing the Pacific Ocean. It is world-famous for its spring nemophila flowers, but in autumn, the main attraction is the round flowering plant called kochia.

The colors of "Miharashi no Oka" painted by Kochia

Kochia, also known as broom grass, is a plant that is bright green in summer, but with the arrival of autumn, its color changes dramatically.

• Late September: The kochia flowers change color from green to red, creating a mysterious and beautiful scene with their green and red colors blending together.

• Mid to late October (best season): Approximately 32,000 kochia plants turn bright red all at once, turning the entire "Miharashi Hill" in the park into a fiery crimson carpet. The sight is so vivid it takes your breath away, and you'll feel as if you're in another dimension.

・Late October to early November (Golden Kochia) : After the peak of bright red autumn leaves, the color begins to fade, changing from a reddish brown to a golden color. The way they sparkle in the setting sun gives them the elegant nickname "Golden Kochia," quietly signaling the onset of autumn.

• Contrast with the blue sky: The contrast between the bright red carpet of kochia seen from the top of the hill, the blue Pacific Ocean that stretches out beyond it, and the expansive blue sky is such a "miraculous view" that it attracts photographers from all over the world.

Kochia and cosmos together

At the foot of Miharashi Hill and in other areas of the park, the lovely cosmos flowers reach their peak around the same time as the kochia.

• Pink Loveliness: Cosmos, with its pretty pink and white flowers swaying in the breeze, creates a gentle, soft autumn landscape that contrasts with the powerful beauty of the red kochia.

• A typical Japanese autumn scene: In addition to the vividness of the kochia, this scene of blooming cosmos evokes the calmness and richness of color of Japanese autumn at the same time.

The park is so vast that you can easily spend a whole day exploring it. If you take the Seaside Train (sightseeing car) that runs through the park, even those who are not confident in their physical strength can comfortably tour the vast grounds.

The bounty of the sea and the earth: Savor the autumn flavors of Ibaraki

After enjoying the spectacular views, try the bounty of Ibaraki's cuisine. Ibaraki is a land blessed with an abundance of ingredients, with the Kanto Plain to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the east.

1. The king of autumn flavors: monkfish hotpot and Jobanmono

Ibaraki Prefecture's food culture cannot be discussed without mentioning the sea.

• Monkfish hotpot: Monkfish are known as a winter delicacy in Ibaraki, but fishing begins in the fall when the water temperature starts to drop. Monkfish hotpot, made with monkfish that have a plump appearance but are surprisingly light and elegant, and rich, collagen-packed liver simmered in miso, is the perfect local dish to warm you up on a chilly autumn night.

• Joban: The waters off the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture and off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture are known as "Joban Offshore," and because the Oyashio and Kuroshio Currents collide, they are extremely rich in seafood. Autumn is the season for catching fatty pacific saury, spiny lobster, abalone, and more. Try tasting the fresh seafood in simple sashimi or sushi dishes.

2. Japan's staple foods: rice and chestnuts

Ibaraki is also a very prosperous agricultural region, producing rice, the staple food of Japan, and an abundance of sweet autumn delicacies.

• The deliciousness of new rice: Ibaraki Prefecture boasts some of the highest harvests of new rice varieties in Japan, including Koshihikari and Akitakomachi. The moment when autumn seafood and mountain produce are enjoyed with plump, newly cooked new rice is one of the happiest moments for Japanese people.

• Waguri: Ibaraki Prefecture is one of Japan's leading chestnut producing regions. Waguri, which are harvested in the fall, are larger than Western chestnuts and are characterized by their refined sweetness and fragrance. Steamed chestnuts are great to eat as they are, but chestnut rice and chestnut-based sweets such as Mont Blanc are also luxurious desserts to try at this time of year.

History and Culture: Mito, Natto, and Pottery

A trip to Ibaraki will be enriched not only by its nature and food, but also by experiencing its history and culture.

1. Mito, the castle town of the Tokugawa Gosanke clan, and natto

Mito, the prefectural capital of Ibaraki Prefecture, was a castle town ruled by the Mito Domain, one of the Tokugawa Gosanke (three main branches of the Tokugawa clan) during the Edo period.

• Kairakuen Garden: Mito is home to Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. It is known as a famous spot for plum blossoms, but the autumn foliage is also beautiful, and you can stroll through the vast garden.

• Natto: Mito is especially famous for natto, a traditional Japanese health food. Natto is made from fermented soybeans and has a unique stickiness and flavor, making it an essential part of a Japanese breakfast. While some foreigners may dislike it, it is rich in vitamin K and protein, and is a food that everyone should try at least once, as it is a symbol of Japanese food culture.

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https://tenposstar.com/ja/articles/r/2047

2. Traditional craft "Kasama ware"

Ibaraki Prefecture is home to Kasama ware, a traditional pottery with a history of nearly 400 years.

• Simple beauty: Kasama ware is characterized by its thick, durable construction and simple, warm texture. In recent years, young ceramic artists have been creating works with modern and diverse designs, and it is attracting attention as a form of contemporary Japanese art.

• Experiences and Encounters: If you visit the town of Kasama, you will find many galleries and pottery studios where you can see the works and purchase your favorite piece as a memento of your trip. There are also facilities where you can try your hand at pottery making, providing a valuable opportunity to experience traditional Japanese crafts.

Location of Ibaraki Prefecture

summary

The Kochia Journey at Hitachi Seaside Park is a special experience that allows you to simultaneously experience the unpredictable beauty of Japanese nature and the bounty of food that the rich earth brings.

If you take a short trip from Tokyo to Ibaraki Prefecture this autumn, you'll be sure to leave a vivid and unforgettable memory of autumn in Japan.

"Ibaraki Prefecture: Introducing the local B-class gourmet food of Ibaraki Prefecture, surrounded by mountains and the sea"

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