Cute, round, bright red fluffy kochia [National Hitachi Seaside Park].
- Ibaraki
- Sightseeing
Autumn at Hitachi-Seaside Park
Kochia is an annual herb belonging to the family of the daylily (formerly known as the family of the broomrape), and its native country is Asia. Its Japanese name is "broom grass," and in the past, its stems were dried to make brooms. The fruit is called "tonburi," or "caviar of the field," and is popularly known as "caviar of the field. （The lime green kochia, which grows in the summer sun from early July, has a lovely round shape and is soft to the touch. This year, approximately 40,000 green-leafed kochia will begin to change color in early October, turning Miharashi no Oka bright red by mid-October. The "beautiful color change" of the kochias, which are the main attraction, together with the cosmos and buckwheat flowers at the foot of the hill, create an autumn-colored landscape. During the event, visitors can enjoy the changing colors of the kochia, gourmet foods available only during this season, and craft events to fully enjoy the appetite, art, and autumn.
Kochia showing various expressions
Mid-August to late September
Kochia from summer to early autumn is a bright, vivid green. Small kochia seedlings, initially about 15 cm in length, grow to 60 cm to 70 cm in length under the summer sun. The bright green color will gradually turn yellow in the fall.
Early October
The kochia stops growing at about 70 cm. The fuzzy appearance of the kochia attracts visitors who come to view it! From this point on, the color changes to red, and visitors can enjoy the gradation of colors during this period. Kochias do not suddenly turn bright red, but rather turn red little by little, starting from the top of the head. The gradation of red and green colors is vivid during the period until all kochia turn bright red. This is a precious period when you can observe the kochia's reddish hue increasing day by day. Miharashi no Oka is the best viewing point!
Mid-October
As autumn deepens, the kochia trees finally turn bright red. The bright red kochias are a poetic feature of Hitachi-Kaihin Park! The kochia trees are a must-see at Hitachi-Kaihin Park!
From the end of October to the beginning of November
From the end of October to the beginning of November, the kochia trees gradually lose their color and become "broom-colored. Until the colors fade, you can enjoy the chic gradation of red and brown in late autumn. Visitors can also enjoy the harmony of colors with the cosmos blooming at the foot of the trees. The golden glow of the cosmos in the autumn sunlight seems to herald the deepening of autumn.
Autumn plants you can enjoy with kochia
Native to South America (Brazil, Chile, Argentina). It grows up to 2 m tall, with the largest growing up to 4 m. It is soft and feathery. It produces spikes of soft, feather-like flowers. The name comes from its English name meaning "grass" that grows in the South American prairies (pampas). In addition to silvery white, you can also see pampas grass with pink or reddish-black ears.
Kibana Cosmos *Late September to early October
It is a type of cosmos, but the flowers are slightly different in color, such as orange and yellow, and the grass is shorter. They are tolerant of heat and bloom earlier than cosmos.
Cosmos *Early October to late October
Although native to Mexico, the cosmos is one of the most popular autumn flowers in Japan, as it is very easy to grow in the Japanese climate. It is one of the most popular autumn flowers in Japan.
Buckwheat *Early October to mid-October
Produces numerous small white flowers about 6 mm in diameter. The sepals, which look like petals, are about five in number. The main planting is of the brand name "Hitachi-Aki Soba," which is a variety promoted by Ibaraki Prefecture. Pretty buckwheat flowers color the field in front of the old house, creating a nostalgic scene that will make you feel relaxed and at peace.
Come, see, and touch the kochia carnival
Date: October 1 (Tue.) - October 31 (Thu.) *Open every day during the period
The number of kochia trees in Miharashi no Oka will be scaled up from 33,000 to 40,000! Please enjoy the changing colors of kochia from green leaves in summer to red leaves in autumn and golden color. In addition to the kochia, visitors can also enjoy the cosmos and buckwheat flowers at the foot of the hill, and this year, the "Welcome Garden" will make its first appearance! In addition to the kochias, the cosmos and buckwheat flowers at the foot of the hill will be in full bloom, and this year, for the first time, the "Welcome Garden" will open, creating a gorgeous flower garden that looks like a bouquet. We hope you will enjoy this special scenery that can only be seen at this time of the year.
Kochia Light-up 2024
Location：West Exit Area - Miharashi Area
Date：September 27 (Friday) to October 6 (Sunday)
Time: 17:00 - 21:30 (Lights on from 17:30 to 21:15)
Fee: A separate admission fee is required in addition to the park entrance fee.
Colorful lights will illuminate the kochia, which have grown large under the summer sun.
During the festival, lively music and dance stage shows, craft events, and the "Gurumoguri" food and drink event with many delicious gourmet foods will also be held.
Please enjoy these limited-time events, which are different from those held in the park during the daytime.
In addition, there are many other autumn events! For details, please visit the official website.
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Location
Hitachinaka City, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0012
605-4 Onuma, Mawatari, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access
From Shinagawa Station to Katsuta Station (85 min. by express train)
From Iwaki Station to Katsuta Station by limited express train: approximately 60 minutes.
Approx. 15 minutes by bus bound for Kaihin Koen from JR Katsuta Station East Exit, Bus Stop No. 2.
Short walk from West or South Exit bus stop.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
. *The "West Exit, Wings Gate" is convenient for those who wish to see the kochia.