1. Cherry Blossom Tunnel!
Hitachi City's cherry blossoms are renowned as a prime viewing spot, celebrated with the saying “Mito's white plum blossoms, Hitachi's cherry blossoms.” The cherry tree-lined Peace Avenue at the starting point is selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. (Held on the same day as the Hitachi Cherry Blossom Festival!)
2. The beautiful sea is right before your eyes!
The course will utilize a section of National Route 6 Hitachi Bypass (Hitachi Seaside Road), which is normally closed to runners. (※Applies to the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K races)
3. Participation prizes and finishers' awards for everyone!
All participants will receive an original T-shirt (one per person for the Parent-Child/Family category). All finishers will receive a commemorative gift.
Discover the Charm of the Host City
Why Hitachi?
- ・ Hitachi is known as the birthplace of Hitachi Ltd., one of Japan's major global manufacturers.
- ・ The city stretches between the Pacific coastline to the east and the Taga Mountain Range to the west.
- ・ Hitachi has six beaches, including some selected for the Ministry of the Environment's “Top 100 Swimming Beaches.”
- ・ About 150 km from Tokyo and 40 km from Mito, by limited express train which connects Tokyo to Hitachi in about 90-100 minutes.
- ・ Hitachi Port functions as a major logistics hub for the northern Kanto region.
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茨城県庁 日本三名園 偕楽園 茨城をたべよう いばらき食と農のポータルサイト 他 |
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Pre- of Post-race Excursion
Hitachi Sightseeing Spots
1. Kamine Park
Kamine Park is a large hillside recreational park located in the center of Hitachi City. Covering about 150,000 square meters, it attracts roughly 650,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most popular destinations in Ibaraki Prefecture. The park offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the cityscape, and the Abukuma Mountains. Its night view has been selected as part of the Japan Nightscape Heritage.
2. Hitachi Sakura Festival
(Important Note)
Cherry blossom blooming varies from year to year. We cannot guarantee whether cherry blossoms
will be in bloom during the race period.
- ・ Hitachi Sakura Festival is one of the most famous spring events in Ibaraki Prefecture. It takes place every year in early April, when the cherry blossoms reach full bloom. The festival is held mainly in Heiwa Street, Kamine Park, and Juo Panorama Park, all of which are known as top cherry blossom spots in Japan.
- ・ Heiwa Street is selected as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.” During the festival, part of the street becomes a pedestrian-only zone, allowing visitors to walk under a long tunnel of cherry blossoms. At night, the cherry trees are illuminated, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
3. Oku-Hitachi Kirara-no-Sato
- ・ Oku-Hitachi Kirara-no-Sato is a large outdoor recreation park located in the mountains of Hitachi City.
- ・ It offers beautiful nature, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions.
- ・ It's a perfect place for visitors who want to enjoy Japan's countryside, relax in nature, or try outdoor adventures.
- ・ In this park, there is the longest slide in Japan. The “Waku Waku Slider” boasts a total length of 1,188 meters, with a sliding section descending 877 meters from the mountaintop. Feel exhilarated! It's a thrilling attraction packed with excitement.
Sightseeing Spots nearby Hitachi City
1. Fukuroda Falls
- ・ Fukuroda Falls is one of Japan's Three Great Waterfalls, located in Daigo Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is 120 meters tall and 73 meters wide, with water flowing down in four distinct tiers, which is why it's sometimes called “Yodo no Taki” — the Four-Time Falls
- ・ Each season offers a completely different view — colorful leaves in autumn, fresh green in spring, and sometimes the whole waterfall freezes in winter. It's easy to visit thanks to a tunnel leading to viewing platforms, and the area has great local food like soba and apple pie.
2. Hitachi Seaside Park
- ・ Hitachi Seaside Park is a vast national park in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, famous for its spectacular seasonal flower fields. It covers 350 hectares, with large open spaces, forests, sand dunes, cycling paths, and even a small amusement park.
- ・ It is one of the most photographed flower parks in Japan, often featured in international media such as CNN.
3. Kairakuen Garden
- ・ Kairakuen Garden is one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. It was created in the 1840s as a place for everyone to enjoy, not just samurai. The garden is famous for 3,000 plum trees that bloom beautifully in early spring.
- ・ You can also visit the traditional wooden villa called Kobuntei, which offers a great view of the garden. It's a peaceful place where nature, history, and Japanese culture come together.
- ・ Unlike many feudal gardens that were exclusive to samurai, Kairakuen was designed as a place “to be enjoyed together with the people” — the meaning of its name.
Gourmet Information
Hitachi City is famous for fresh seafood, winter anglerfish hot pot, premium Hitachi wagyu beef, and local specialties like dried sweet potatoes and melons. You can also enjoy great meals with ocean views.
1. Fresh Seafood
Hitachi is a seaside city, so you can enjoy very fresh seafood. Local restaurants serve excellent grilled fish, sashimi, and seafood bowls.
2. Hitachi Beef
- ・ Hitachi Beef is a premium wagyu brand from Ibaraki Prefecture, produced from carefully raised Japanese Black cattle.
- ・ Only beef that meets strict quality standards—grade A4 or A5—is allowed to be called “Hitachi Beef”.
3. Melon
Ibaraki Prefecture is known as Japan's No.1 melon producer, holding the top spot for 26 consecutive years and accounting for about 25% of all melons in Japan. Because of its warm climate and well-drained soil, the region is perfect for growing high-quality melons.
It's a very exciting race event. We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the race venue.
