Ibaraki Seafood Market Tour Kochia Hill and Mentaiko Tasting

Ibaraki Seafood Market Tour Kochia Hill and Mentaiko Tasting

By VIP Japan Tours

Features

Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

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

Activity location

Roadside Station Hitachi Osakana Center
- 5779-24 Minatochō
- 319-1223, Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Shinjuku Post Office
- 8 8
- 163-8799, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Thu, Oct 23

Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

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

Know before you book

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.
Please refrain from booking any time-sensitive activities such as restaurant reservations, cruise ship departures, or other scheduled commitments immediately following your tour.
Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book under the children's price.
In the event of severe traffic caused by holidays or adverse weather conditions, there may be a reduction in planned attractions without refunds.
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at your selected meeting point, as your assigned bus & guide will be based on that specific location. The guide has a list of participants for each bus & may not be able to accommodate guests who arrive at a different meeting point. Late arrival or arrival at the wrong location will result in missing the tour, & refunds won't be issued. If you'd like to change your meeting point or are unsure about the meeting point, please notify us at least 2 days before departure for assistance.
The bus will be departing on time (no exceptions).
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.
Please check the photo in the product page & scan the QR code for the meeting point reference.
Our contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Mon–Fri, 9:30AM–6:00 PM JST).
Visit order may vary by bus.
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.
Regarding luggage, we allow one piece of luggage per person during the excursion. Please also ensure that the luggage is manageable and fits comfortably within our vehicle. (The maximum size for luggage stored in the trunk should not exceed a total of 155cm- combined height, width, and depth.) Please also be aware that any items stored in the trunk will not be accessible in between stops on the tour, so keep all valuables with you.
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.

Activity itinerary

Roadside Station Hitachi Osakana Center

1h 20m

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.

Hitachi Seaside Park

1h 40m
Admission ticket included

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.

Mentai Park Oarai

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.

井戸道丸漁業 (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.

Nishiguchi Cycling Center (West Entrance Cycling Center) (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.

Hitachinaka Shizen no Mori (Hitachinaka Nature Forest) (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.

Miharashi no Sato (Field of Miharashi Village) (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.

Location

Activity location

Roadside Station Hitachi Osakana Center
- 5779-24 Minatochō
- 319-1223, Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Shinjuku Post Office
- 8 8
- 163-8799, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan

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