Kochia, known as "broom grass" due to its past use in making brooms, turns a vibrant red in the fall, transforming the landscape of Miharashi Hill. This year, approximately 40,000 kochia of the “Rouge” variety are planted across 2.3 hectares. These ornamental plants begin their change from green to red by mid-October, with this year’s peak from around October 18 to 26. After the 26th, visitors can admire the unique red-to-brown color shift.

While the kochia could be considered the stars of the show, the park is also home to other seasonal flowers like cosmos and Japanese buckwheat (soba) flowers. These delicate flowers, highlighted in recent photos, add pastel shades of pink and white to contrast with the red kochia, creating a colorful and diverse autumn display.

The cosmos, also visible in the most recent images, are in full bloom from late September through mid-October. Their soft tones provide a beautiful backdrop to the kochia’s deepening reds, enhancing the overall charm of the park’s autumn scenery.

For those seeking the perfect autumn photo, Miharashi Hill offers panoramic views of the colorful fields. Images taken recently showcase how the combination of kochia and cosmos create an ideal spot for photography. The meandering paths within the park also provide immersive opportunities to capture the season’s beauty.

Catch a glimpse of the park’s current beauty with the photo gallery below, featuring stunning images of the kochia and cosmos fields taken just days ago. Whether you're planning a visit or simply admiring from afar, these photos offer an exciting preview of what the park looks like right now.

Around 2.36 million cosmos are currently in their prime bloom at Miharashi Hill. Enjoy the stunning combination of red, white, and pink cosmos flowers alongside the deep red kochia. The cosmos are expected to remain in bloom until the end of October.

Soba flowers are also in full bloom at Miharashi-no-Sato. Enjoy the white blossoms of the "Hitachi Aki Soba" and the vibrant red flowers of the "Takane Ruby" variety. The soba fields will be in bloom until the end of October.

This year, the Multiflora Mums make their debut at the park. These bright flowers come in yellow, pink, and purple, adding color to Miharashi Hill. The mums will be at their best until the end of October.

This area showcases a variety of 15 colorful flower species, including marigolds and blue salvia. Capture stunning photos as you walk the winding paths, creating the illusion of standing amidst the flower fields.

A new photogenic spot has been added to highlight the beauty of the soba fields. Here, you can capture the colorful scene with kochia, cosmos, and soba flowers in the background.

A new monument spelling out “HITACHI” has been introduced as a photo spot. Take photos here with the kochia plants nearby for a perfect park memory.

At the base of Miharashi Hill, near the cosmos flowers, a photo service is available. Capture a memory of the kochia at their peak bloom, and purchase a photo with a special holder if you wish.

During the event, there are many desserts made with local ingredients.

Highlights include the seasonal “Marukoro Kochia Soft” ice cream, the “Kochia Latte,” which features Ibaraki’s renowned Sashima matcha with a strawberry sauce to represent the kochia colors, and the “Ibaraki Fruit Lassi,” made with locally sourced fruit and yogurt. The menu is packed with delicious autumn-themed sweets that showcase the region's flavors.

Location: Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki Prefecture
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Admission Fee: 450 yen (for high school students and older, free for junior high school students and younger)

As autumn deepens, Hitachi Seaside Park transforms into a vibrant spectacle, offering visitors a fusion of seasonal colors. Just two hours from Tokyo, this is a must-see spot for anyone looking to embrace the fall season. Whether you come for the stunning kochia, the delicate cosmos, or the many other autumn blooms, make sure to visit soon before the colors fade!