Ibaraki Seafood Market Tour Kochia Hill and Mentaiko Tasting

9 to 10 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover the flavors of Ibaraki on a delightful tour featuring a visit to a local seafood market, stunning Kochia hills, 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

English-Speaking Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Admission ticket to Hitachi Seaside Park
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Personal expenses
Meals

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Shinjuku Post Office

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.

End point
Shinjuku Station

The bus will stop in the area around Shinjuku Station’s West Exit.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 to 10 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    1 hour 20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    1 hour 40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    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 Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    **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.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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.
Supplied by VIP Japan Tours

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Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Likely to Sell Out
New Product

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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