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Hitachi Seaside Park’s autumn kochia by train: the gate, the walk and the bus back

Hitachi Seaside Park’s round kochia bushes turn deep red in autumn, and you do not need a car to see them. Take the train to Katsuta, then a bus to the park’s West Gate. Build the day around both that bus journey and the walk inside the park, rather than treating the flower fields as a station-side stop.

Red kochia and cosmos at Hitachi Seaside Park with the sea beyond

Budget for seasonal admission

The official admission table lists ¥800 for adults of high-school age and above, ¥560 for visitors aged 65 and over, and free entry for junior-high-school children and younger from October 9 to November 3, 2026. This includes a ¥350 seasonal supplement to the usual ¥450/¥210 admission. Admission details checked October 14, 2026.

Use dated colour photographs

The park’s official photographs taken on October 11, 2026 show kochia at viewing stage, just short of its deepest colour, with some green patches remaining. This year approximately 40,000 bushes have been planted across Miharashi Hill and Miharashi no Sato. Open the current flower report and check its photograph date before travelling.

The images here show previous autumns; surrounding flowers and planting arrangements change between years. The 2026 Kochia Carnival runs September 18–November 3, but that entire period is not peak red foliage.

At Katsuta, head for East Exit bus stop 2

The park lists about 85 minutes from Tokyo Station to Katsuta by Joban Line limited express, then approximately 15 minutes by bus from East Exit stop 2 to Kaihin Koen Nishiguchi. Add waiting time and room for traffic to that bus estimate.

Look for a service stopping at Kaihin Koen Nishiguchi. Other park stops include Pleasure Garden and the South Gate; the park recommends the West Gate, Tsubasa no Gate, for kochia.

Ajigaura Station is another option, but using Katsuta in both directions keeps a first visit simpler. Extra and direct buses vary by date. Follow the operator information linked from the official train-and-bus access page for your day’s timetable.

Enjoy the lower view before climbing

Inside the West Gate, follow the park signs for Miharashi Hill. The paths rise and fall; looking across the planting from above is different from seeing the rounded bushes up close. Start with the lower view, then decide how much of the hill to walk.

Visitors on the path up Miharashi Hill among autumn flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park

On busy days the paths fill with visitors. Step aside for photographs without blocking the route, and stay out of the planted beds. Comfortable shoes, a layer for the sea breeze and a drink are more useful than a large sightseeing bag.

If using a stroller or managing limited mobility, look at the park map and visitor information before choosing a route. A lower-level visit is an option; you do not need to follow a crowd up every slope.

Leave a buffer before your train home

After your final photograph, you still need to walk to the gate, queue for a bus and travel to Katsuta. A reserved train shortly after your intended park departure leaves little room for a bus queue or traffic.

Identify the return stop when you arrive and save the timetable on your phone before spending the day taking photographs. For connectivity planning, see the Japan eSIM, SIM and Wi-Fi guide.

The 2026 carnival announcement lists 9:30–17:00 through October 31, then 9:30–16:30 on November 1–3. Special opening changes may be announced closer to the date. Use the current official event information for opening updates and admission details, and decide on your transport home before staying until late afternoon.

日本語で読む

Official information

Information checked: October 12, 2026.

Photo credits