Hitachinaka, Japan

The undisputed highlight of any visit is Hitachi Seaside Park, located just a few minutes' drive from the cruise port. This vast park is famous for its rolling hills covered in seasonal flowers, including the iconic blue nemophila in spring and the fiery red kochia bushes in autumn.

A short trip from the port will take you to the bustling Nakaminato Fish Market. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, watch vendors hawk their fresh catches, and sample incredibly fresh sushi and grilled seafood.

Another excellent nearby attraction is Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium, one of Japan's largest aquariums. It boasts an impressive collection of marine life, with a particular focus on sharks, and offers engaging exhibits for all ages.

For a dose of history and culture, visit Kairakuen Garden in the nearby city of Mito. It is celebrated for its beautiful plum blossoms in early spring and its traditional Japanese landscape design.

A popular day trip from the port is to Mito, the capital city of Ibaraki Prefecture, located about a 40-minute drive away. Mito is home to Kairakuen Garden, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens, especially famous for its thousands of plum trees.

The charming coastal town of Oarai is just a 20-minute drive south of the port. It is famous for the stunning Oarai Isosaki Shrine, which features a dramatic torii gate perched on a rock in the Pacific Ocean, as well as the impressive Aqua World Oarai aquarium.

For those interested in traditional crafts, the town of Kasama is about an hour's drive inland. It is renowned for its distinctive style of pottery, Kasama-ware, and visitors can explore local potteries and shops.

The Hitachinaka cruise port is part of the larger Port of Ibaraki, a modern commercial port situated on the Pacific coast. Cruise ships dock at a dedicated pier, so there is no need for tendering.

The port is located in an industrial area and is not within walking distance of the city center or major tourist attractions. The surrounding area has limited amenities for tourists, making transportation from the terminal essential.

Cruise lines almost always provide shuttle buses or organized tours to key destinations like Hitachi Seaside Park and nearby train stations. Taxis are also available at the pier for passengers who wish to explore independently.

The official currency used in Hitachinaka and throughout Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).

US Dollars and other foreign currencies are not typically accepted for transactions, so it is essential to have Yen for purchases.

Credit cards are widely accepted at major hotels, department stores, and tourist attractions, but carrying cash is highly recommended for smaller shops, local markets like the Nakaminato Fish Market, and public transport.

ATMs that accept international cards can be found at post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores, which are reliable options for withdrawing local currency.

Hitachinaka, like Japan as a whole, is an exceptionally safe destination with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Visitors can feel very secure when exploring the area, even when traveling independently.

There are no specific areas to avoid, and walking around tourist sites and city centers is perfectly safe day or night. The biggest challenge for foreign visitors is typically the language barrier, so having a translation app or a map with destinations written in Japanese can be helpful for taxi drivers or asking for directions.

Standard travel precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places, are always wise, but tourist-targeted crime is extremely rare.

Hitachinaka has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, with the primary cruise season falling in spring and autumn.

Spring (April-May) is one of the best times to visit, with mild and pleasant temperatures perfect for enjoying the blooming flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park. Autumn (October-November) is also ideal, offering comfortable weather, clear skies, and vibrant fall colors.

Summers (June-August) are typically hot and humid, with a rainy season in June and July. Winters are cold but generally sunny.

Visitors should pack layers, including a light jacket, as coastal breezes can make it feel cooler. An umbrella is a good idea, particularly during the summer months. The typhoon season runs from late summer into autumn, which can occasionally impact cruise itineraries.

Transportation is necessary to explore the area, as the cruise port is not within walking distance of major attractions. Cruise lines typically offer shore excursions with dedicated buses to popular sites like Hitachi Seaside Park.

Taxis are readily available at the cruise terminal, offering a convenient but more expensive way to travel to nearby destinations.

For independent travelers, a shuttle may be available to connect to the local Hitachinaka Seaside Railway, which provides access to the broader region. From Katsuta Station, you can connect to the JR Joban Line for trips to nearby cities like Mito.

Ride-sharing apps like Uber are not widely used in this region, so it is best to rely on taxis or pre-arranged transportation.

For a modern shopping experience, head to the Fashion Cruise Newport Hitachinaka, a large shopping mall located near the port that features a wide range of Japanese and international brands, restaurants, and a cinema.

For a more authentic and local shopping experience, the Nakaminato Fish Market is a must-visit. Here you can purchase local seafood products, dried fish, Japanese snacks, and other regional delicacies to take home as souvenirs.

The region is famous for 'hoshi-imo' (dried sweet potatoes), which make for a unique and popular local gift. Haggling is not customary in Japan, and prices in all shops and markets are fixed. Some larger stores may offer tax-free shopping for foreign tourists who present their passport.