Firebush

Often listed as one of the most surreal places in the world, Hitachi Seaside Park is a must visit destination in Japan. The park is very popular in Ibaraki Prefecture just days before the peak of autumn. The red-colored firebushes / kochia flooding the park is a sight to behold especially to photo enthusiasts like me. One would want to stay there forever.

Greens

Hitachi Seaside Park is one of my favorite parks in Japan. Mainly because of its surreal landscapes all year-long. And as a photo enthusiast, I could not ask for more to see reality and fantasy merge before my eyes and my camera. The park is quite popular during spring and autumn, but not in summer. Maybe because it’s too green?

Surreal

Between summer and autumn, there is a must-see place in Japan that everyone must see. The Hitachi Seaside Park is often listed as one of the most surreal places to visit. Though seasonal flowers are being showcased throughout the year, mid-April to mid-May and end of September to mid-October are considered perfect time to visit. Nemophila or baby-blue eyes turns the park into a blue mountain in April / May and kochia bushes turn it to a blushing hill in October. It must be noted that Kochia or fire bushes are quite selfish as they turn green just after two weeks of being red.

Bloomsville

It’s a wrap! Springtime’s over. And if you think that Japan only showcases cherry blossoms or popularly known as sakura during spring, think again. Japan is blessed with various flower species, which in one way or another, have the same charm and appeal as that of cherry blossoms. It’s about time to know some of them. It may be a year early but here are some of the places you should visit next spring in Bloomsville aka Japan. Again, I am not including the cherry blossoms spots.

Ibaraki

The BER month just started. And while almost everyone is looking forward for my birthday (just kidding), for the holidays of course, I am anticipating the arrival autumn. It's still my favorite season. If only we could have it for a year.

Last year, together with my fellow expats, we went to Ibaraki Prefecture to see a more colorful fall than that of Tokyo's. It was a long ride from Chiba but it was a much longer ride from Kawasaki. No complaints whatsoever especially with this view shouting Irasshaimase! (いらっしゃいませ！) Welcome to Ibaraki! to us.

the weeds of summer

paving way to royalty

autumn's enchantment

Our first stop was at Ryujin Great Suspension Bridge. It is suspended 100 meters above Ryujin Dam. The walk on the other side of the bridge is enough to lose some unwanted fats.

Above

Below

Took a quick lunch or else we're going to miss the bus to Fukuroda Falls. Lots of tourists were already there making it difficult to take photos of this majestic falls. We squeezed our way to the center and was able to take some souvenir shots.

Ibaraki is a paradise in orange and brown. A must-visit place especially during autumn season. I heard that some parts of it were affected during the March 11 earthquake but hopefully I hope everything's back to normal.

I shall see you again, autumn. Very soon.

/totomai
09/04/2011