Hitachinaka
Arrived at 08:00am on a windy overcast morning. And temperature around 16C. Hitachinaka Kaihia Koen in the Ibaraki prefecture developed primarily as a company town for Hitachi group factories, and Hitachi remains the primary employer. Secondary industries include commercial fishing, agriculture and seasonal tourism. Hitachinaka was formed when Nakaminato and and Kasuta merged in 1994. The population is over 150,000. This is the middle of Golden week and today the 4th is the Greenery Holiday. Out on tour at 09:15 going to the Seaside Park and fish market. A group of about 20 led by our local tour guide Mr Mita also known as Tony. A short bus ride of about 20 minutes took us to the entrance of Hitachi Seaside Park. A large park of gardens and amusements. As we entered the park we came across numerous food vendors selling everything from sweet potatoes to ice cream to chestnuts to beef. Heading out through the main park we came to the featured Miharashi hill. In Spring it is a sea of blue with all the nemophila (Baby blue eyes) plants covering the hill but unfortunately we were there just at the end of the season. Although still blue it was just past full bloom. There are over 5.3 million plants covering the hillside. A continual line of people were climbing the hill which made it interesting. Apparently by the fall the hill is covered with Kochia flowers and very red. Around the bottom of the hill were fields of yellow Rapeseed which made a contrast from the blue. Climbed up the hill along with all the crowd. Back to the bottom we visited the preserved traditional old Japanese houses then wandered through the scenic grounds. Returning to near the entrance stopped to try a nemophila flavoured ice cream. By now the threat of rain had subsided and the sun began to break through with temperatures rising into the low 20s. Reboarded our bus at 11:40am and headed towards the Nakaminato fish market. Extremely busy roads made it slow progress and after about 30 minutes our guide decided we should walk the final short distance to the market. The market consisted of a road along by the harbour dedicated to fresh fish stores and stalls. A very busy crowded area with long lines of people waiting for the restaurants and buying fresh fish and oysters. Viewed all the different types of fish and shellfish as we walked along. Eventually returned down the road to our waiting bus and a 20 minute ride back to the dock. This is the main export harbour for Subaru cars and they are all lined up on the dock side waiting to be loaded on to car carriers.
