Surrounded by the beauty of northern Ibaraki Prefecture, the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail is a journey through Japan’s timeless beauty. Hitachi Province is one of Japan's former regional administrative divisions. The Hitachi-no-kuni Fudoki, a geographical record compiled during the Nara Period (710–794), describes the area as “a vast land with fertile soil and abundant marine and mountain resources where people live prosperously, much like the land of eternity” (Tokoyo no Kuni).
Ibaraki Prefecture, which has a historical connection to Hitachi Province, remains one of Japan’s leading regions for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries and continues to be a place where people live in abundance. This trail of stories, revealed within breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers the chance to time travel and experience the land of the Hitachi Province.
The Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail stretches across six cities and towns with an allocated length of 320 kilometers (scheduled) that traverse diverse terrains, including mountains, forests, and coastal areas. The trail is a loop without a designated start or end, allowing you to begin your walking journey at your own preference and pace. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, you are invited to experience the soul of Hitachi.
Hitachi Station, one of the entrances to the trail, is 90 minutes from Tokyo via the Hitachi and Tokiwa Line. An accessible commute from city to countryside, you can easily begin your journey in a sustainable way, as this trail makes effective use of local resources, history, and culture. On this journey, you will meet traditional sceneries and unique attractions in the following areas.
Hanazono Area
Located in the northern area of the trail in Kitaibaraki City, the Hanazono Area has a religious history and a tranquil natural environment. Hanazono, which translates to “flower garden” in English, earned its name due to the clusters of Azuma rhododendrons that bloom beautifully during spring. In this area, you can discover Hanazono Shrine, Mt. Hanazono, and Hanazono Valley.
Hanazono Shrine, located at the foot of Mt. Hanazono, is a place of worship to the mountain gods. It is also a place for prayers of thanksgiving, particularly for the prosperity of descendants and a good harvest. Within the shrine grounds, there is a cedar tree, which is believed to provide blessings for an easy childbirth. Scattered across the shrine grounds are fourteen sacred monkeys, who are the deities' messengers. Hanazono Shrine welcomes guests to seasonal community events, especially during the peak of autumn leaves.
Nearby is Mt. Hanazono, one of the “Hitachi-Gozan” (five mountains of Hitachi). Mt. Hanazono is a deeply sacred place surrounded by waterfalls and serene beauty in every season. Neighboring the mountain is Hanazono Valley, an ideal place of autumnal foliage. The valley offers the perfect opportunity for exploration, whether you’re looking for a warm ambience or the grandeur of nature.
The Hanazono Area is a place where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and spirituality of Hitachi-no-kuni.
Hanazono Shrine
- Prayer Reception Hours: 9am–4:30pm
Izura Area
The Izura Area is a prominent region located in Kitaibaraki City, where you can experience the harmony of seascape and nature. This area has a history of attracting many Japanese artists and contributed to numerous works of art.
Most notably, the philosopher and writer Okakura Tenshin spent the last years of his life in Izura. At the Izura Coast, you can connect with Okakura’s philosophies at two places—Rokkakudo and Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art, Ibaraki.
Rokkakudo refers to hexagonal structures in Japan, and it was built by Okakura himself in 1905. It is said that Okakura wanted to express traditional Asian philosophy through a single architectural structure. The original building was lost to the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, but it was rebuilt a year later. Today, Rokkakudo remains in Izura as a place that embodies Okakura’s philosophy and aesthetic sensibilities, as well as a symbol of recovery.
Nearby is the Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art, Ibaraki which traces the achievements of Okakura’s life and exhibits works by artists associated with Izura.
With the shining sea and such artists gracing this area, Izura is an inspiring place connected to the landscape and great legacy of Okakura Tenshin.
Rokkakudo (Izura Institute of Art & Culture, Ibaraki University)
- Opening hours
- Apr-Sep: 8:30am–5:30pm
- Oct, Feb, Mar: 8:30am–5pm
- Nov-Jan: 8:30am–4:30pm
- Admission until 30 minutes before closing time
- Closed on Mondays (closed the following day if a public holiday or substitute holiday falls on a Monday)
Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art, Ibaraki
- Opening hours: 9:30am–5pm
- Admission until 4:30pm
- Closed on Mondays (closed the following day if a public holiday or substitute holiday falls on a Monday)
- Closed December 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Takado Kohama Area
Traveling down south to the Takado Kohama Area is the chance for an up close seaside glimpse. The area includes Takado Kohama Beach, Kansha Shrine, and the Manyo Road Walking Trail.
From Takado Kohama Beach, the sunrise and moonrise views are worth the wait. For an elevated sight at any time of the day, there are forest trails above the beach cliffs. As you reach closer to the edge of the cliffs, you will be able to admire the sea waving up to a sandy beach nearby.
Make your way down the Manyo Road Walking Trail to Sasaki Beach, and come in contact with the beach. The belief is that granite from the Abukuma Mountains in the Takahagi mountain range was carried to sea via the Hananuki Gorge, which flowed through the Takado Kohama Area. The gorge was then washed by the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean to form fine-grained sand.
Takado Kohama’s sandy beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean with lush forest cliffs above invites you to relax and become a part of the charming landscape.
Oiwa Shrine Area
The Oiwa Shrine Area is a part of eastern Hitachi City and nestled within evergreens. With an ancient history, Mt. Oiwa and Oiwa Shrine are nationally well known sites.
Mt. Oiwa is said to be the oldest sacred mountain in Hitachi Province. Excavations on the mountain have uncovered ritual sites from the late Jomon Period (14,500 BCE–300 BCE), suggesting that it has been a place of worship since ancient times. At the foot of Mt. Oiwa stands Oiwa Shrine, which enshrines “Yaoyorozu no Kami,” the myriad deities of Japan, making it a place where visitors can pay their respects to almost all of Japan’s gods.
Considering the amount of time that has passed by, it can seem as if the gods have been watching over the safety of mountain walkers since long ago.
Oiwa Shrine
- Opening hours: 6am–5pm
- Shrine office: 9am–5pm
Mt. Oiwa
- Climbing time: 6am–3pm
Mt. Tatsuware Area
The Mt. Tatsuware Area is a mountainous region in Hitachi City in the central part of Hitachi Province. It is famous for its legendary rock formations. The mountain’s symbol is a seven-meter-wide Tachiwariishi, which is located in the middle of one of the mountain’s hiking trails. Tachiwari Stone, which seems as if it has been split in half with a sword, is said to have been cut in two by Minamoto no Yoshiie, a historical samurai during the Heian Period (794–1185).
There is an observation spot, where you can take in a view of the Pacific Ocean and memorable mountains in northern Kanto.
The Mt. Tatsuware Area is the perfect place to set aside time for a recharge on the trail before heading to your next adventure.
Machiya Area
The Machiya Area is in the southern region of Hitachiota City, which includes Kuroiso Bakke and Tanagura Kaido Road.
The Machiya Area faces the Tanagura Kaido Road, a once busy road that prospered as a post town. Today, the townscape retains the atmosphere of a departed era with a quiet appearance that welcomes visitors back in time. The townhouses retain the old transformer station with a Meiji era (1868–1912) architectural style. The modern brick building showcases the spirit of the Machiya Area. And as if watching over this historic setting, the Kuroiso Bakke stands tall. From its peak, you can take in views of quaint townscapes, rolling mountains, and the timeless Japanese countryside.
Near this area is a historic road that once transported salt and seafood from the coast to the inland. The “Salt Trail” is a trail that invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of the traders of that time.
For the embodiment of a trip to the countryside, the Machiya Area is an ideal start to the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail.
Daigo Town Central Shopping Street Area
The Daigo Town Central Shopping Street area is the central commercial hub of the region. Known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and nostalgic atmosphere, Daigo Town illuminates with its retro Showa-era (1926–1989) buildings, rich history, and vibrant culture.
For those seeking a break from the remote nature in Hitachi Province, Daigo Town welcomes you to an unchanging warmth of historical buildings and charming shops. You will be enveloped with nostalgia at cafes converted from old private houses and izakayas.
A unique experience awaits you, where you can expect to enjoy an opportunity to interact with the local people. As for nostalgia, consider it a part of the journey.
Okukuji Area
The Okukuji Area, located in the northern stretch of the trail, is a region of mountain worship and natural wonders. Situated in the town of Daigo, it is home to Fukuroda Falls, Mt. Nantai, and Mt. Namase-Fuji.
Fukuroda Falls is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan and a must visit in every season. There is also Okukuji Hot Spring Village, which has welcomed visitors since the Heian Period (794–1185). It is the perfect place to try the region’s local cuisine.
The worshipped Mt. Nantai is a low mountain at 653 meters above sea level. The mountain earned its name “Nantai,” which translates to male body, due to its steep cliffs and masculine appearance. At the summit, Izanagi, a male deity from Japanese mythology, is enshrined. The mountain holds spiritual significance as a site that has been climbed by ascetic practitioners. For all walks of life, the summit’s scenery and seasonal nature welcomes many people to the mountain.
The Okukuji Area offers seasonal beauty nurtured by its rich nature and history and a chance for a warm stay at a hot spring village.
Fukuroda Falls
- Opening hours
- Dec-Apr: 9am–5pm
- May-Oct: 8am–6pm
- Nov: 8am–5pm
- No holidays
Kanasago Area
The Kanasago Area is a place steeped in history and culture in Hitachiota City. It is here where the Kanasa Shrine Isode Grand Festival is held once every 72 years. This extraordinary festival has been held since 851. The festival consists of about 500 participants embarking on a 75 kilometer round trip from the shrines to Mizuki Beach in a one week period. The next event is scheduled to be held in 2075, making it a rare and treasured tradition for the area.
While it may be a challenge to attend the grand festival, the Kanasago Area promises a stunning landscape of natural beauty where you can immerse yourself in its serene environment.
Time Traveling on the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail
Travel back in time on the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail and encounter historical landscapes, traditional cultural experiences, and authentic interactions with local people. From beginning to end, this journey promises a moment of discovery, adventure, and genuine immersion into the Hitachi Province.
If you are interested in being guided with hidden stories and helpful tips along the way, an exclusive tour can be reserved on the official website.
Whether it is with a local guide or with your own personal rhythm, the trail is calling to be discovered.
