Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip
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Quick answer
Is Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip worth booking?
Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip is a 9-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from ¥6,980 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- ¥6,980 per person
Discover the flavors of Ibaraki on a delightful tour featuring a visit to a local seafood market, stunning Kochia hills at Hitachi Seaside Park, and an exciting tasting experience. Start at either the Hitachi Osakana Center or Hitachi Minami Drive-in, where fresh seafood from local fishermen awaits. Next, marvel at Miharashi Hill in Hitachi Seaside Park, where the vibrant Kochia bushes create a colorful landscape perfect for photos. Conclude your adventure at Mentai Park Oarai, sampling delicious mentaiko and exploring gourmet products direct from the factory. - Visit either Hitachi Osakana Center or Minami Drive-in for fresh seafood - Experience the vibrant colors of Kochia bushes from late September to mid-October - Sample mentaiko and shop for exclusive gourmet treats at Mentai Park Oarai - Ideal for food lovers and those seeking a unique cultural experience in Ibaraki
What you get
- Admission ticket to Hitachi Fish Market
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Admission ticket to Mentai Park Oarai
- Admission ticket to Hitachi Seaside Park
- Admission ticket to Hitachi South Rest Stop
About this experience
Discover the flavors of Ibaraki on a delightful tour featuring a visit to a local seafood market, stunning Kochia hills at Hitachi Seaside Park, and an exciting tasting experience. Start at either the Hitachi Osakana Center or Hitachi Minami Drive-in, where fresh seafood from local fishermen awaits. Next, marvel at Miharashi Hill in Hitachi Seaside Park, where the vibrant Kochia bushes create a colorful landscape perfect for photos. Conclude your adventure at Mentai Park Oarai, sampling delicious mentaiko and exploring gourmet products direct from the factory. - Visit either Hitachi Osakana Center or Minami Drive-in for fresh seafood - Experience the vibrant colors of Kochia bushes from late September to mid-October - Sample mentaiko and shop for exclusive gourmet treats at Mentai Park Oarai - Ideal for food lovers and those seeking a unique cultural experience in Ibaraki
What's included
Included
- Admission ticket to Hitachi Fish Market
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Admission ticket to Mentai Park Oarai
- Admission ticket to Hitachi Seaside Park
- Admission ticket to Hitachi South Rest Stop
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal expenses
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Stop by either the Hitachi Osakana Center or the Hitachi Minami Drive-in, both known for offering fresh, locally-sourced seafood from Ibaraki. (Please note that the stop is pre-selected and cannot be chosen.) Hitachi Osakana Center: Operated by the Kuji Fishing Cooperative, this direct-from-the-fishermen market offers high-quality seafood at much more affordable prices than larger markets — with rare finds that are hard to come by elsewhere. Hitachi Minami Drive-in: A local favorite featuring a wide selection of seafood freshly landed at ports throughout Ibaraki Prefecture.
80 minutes here
The shop is situated within the Hitachi Fish Center and offers fresh seafood daily. It mainly handles fish landed at Kuji-hama Port, selling seasonal fish and local specialties.
Pass by without stopping
Experience a breathtaking seasonal view as Miharashi Hill is blanketed in vibrant red Kochia bushes — an Instagram-worthy sight not to be missed! From late September to early October, the lush green Kochia gradually begins to turn red, creating a beautiful gradation of colors that evolves each day. Their round, fluffy, and adorable appearance is part of their charm. Note: Kochia typically begins to change color in early October. Until then, visitors can enjoy the vivid green Kochia, while by mid-October, the bushes begin to take on a golden hue.
80 minutes here · Admission included
Hitachi Seaside Park – West Entrance Cycle Center (国営ひたち海浜公園 西口 サイクルセンター) is a facility at the west entrance of Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It offers bicycle rentals for visitors, allowing them to explore the park’s vast flower gardens, trails, and scenic areas more easily. The center is convenient for families, tourists, and anyone who wants to enjoy the park at a leisurely pace while cycling.
Pass by without stopping
**Miharashi no Sato (みはらしの里)** is a scenic area located within **Hitachi Seaside Park** in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its panoramic views of the park’s flower fields and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can enjoy seasonal blooms, walking trails, and open spaces, making it a popular spot for sightseeing, photography, and leisurely strolls.
Pass by without stopping
Hitachinaka Shizen no Mori (ひたちなか自然の森) is a nature park located in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The park features walking trails, forests, and natural habitats where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, birdwatching, and peaceful outdoor activities. It’s a popular spot for hiking, nature observation, and experiencing the tranquility of a forested environment close to the city.
Pass by without stopping
At Mentai Park Oarai, visitors of all ages can enjoy freshly made mentaiko (spicy cod roe) dishes straight from the factory. This fun and flavorful stop features a factory-direct shop where you can taste and purchase exclusive gourmet products made on-site.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tokyo
Meet at 8:20AM (Departure at 8:30AM) About 5-mins walk form Shinjuku Station West Exit 8 Kindly verify your meeting point in advance and arrive 10-15 minutes before the departure time. Please check the participants list with our guide to confirm your name.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The bus will stop in the area around Shinjuku Station’s West Exit.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- VIP Japan Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour schedule may change without prior notice due to weather, road traffic conditions, and other unforeseen reasons. (There might be delays in returning to the designated location.) If the tour is cancelled by the supplier due to extreme weather or natural disaster, you will receive a full refund.
- This tour will depart regardless of weather or traffic conditions, unless you are notified otherwise by the local operator. Trip Advisor / Viator and your local tour operator will not be responsible for itinerary changes due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book under the children's price.
- Please note that the exact stop will be either Hitachi Osakana Center or Hitachi Minami Drive-In, and will be confirmed on the day of the tour.
- The visit to Kanefuku Mentai Park Oarai may be skipped depending on traffic conditions on the day. If the visit is skipped, the small complimentary gift will also not be provided.
- Kochia typically begins to change color in early October. Until then, visitors can enjoy the vivid green Kochia, while by mid-October, the bushes begin to take on a golden hue.
- In the event of severe traffic caused by holidays or adverse weather conditions, there may be a reduction in planned attractions without refunds.
- Please adhere to the scheduled time. We are unable to accommodate delays or wait for any reason. The tour will depart promptly as scheduled to respect all customers' time.
- In case of late arrival or arrival at wrong location, regardless of contact prior to the departure time, refunds will not be granted.
- In general, we do not send out confirmation emails prior to departure. If you would like more information or need to clarify something, please contact us and we will send you the relevant details.
- Upon arrival, please confirm your name with the guide or staff on the participant list.
- Please refrain from booking any time-sensitive activities such as restaurant reservations, cruise ship departures, or other scheduled commitments immediately following your tour.
- Our contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Mon–Fri, 9:30AM–6:00 PM JST).
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- ¥6,980 to ¥7,980
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by VIP Japan Tours, who run 29 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.2.
See everything VIP Japan Tours runsWhy this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip cost?
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Prices start at ¥6,980 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.
Is Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tokyo?
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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set, Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip?
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Included: Admission ticket to Hitachi Fish Market; Air-conditioned vehicle; Admission ticket to Mentai Park Oarai; Admission ticket to Hitachi Seaside Park; and Admission ticket to Hitachi South Rest Stop. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Personal expenses; and Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip?
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Meet at 8:20AM (Departure at 8:30AM) About 5-mins walk form Shinjuku Station West Exit 8 Kindly verify your meeting point in advance and arrive 10-15 minutes before the departure time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip offered in?
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It runs in Japanese. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please b. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ibaraki: Kochia Hill at Hitachi Seaside & Mentai Park Day Trip if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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