A Seasonal Flower Journey Along Japan’s Diamond Route

Our journey begins in Ibaraki Prefecture at the world-renowned Hitachi Seaside Park, a vast 190-hectare paradise that draws visitors year-round with its stunning flower displays.

In spring, the park’s Miharashi Hill becomes a surreal ocean of blue, blanketed by more than 5.3 million nemophila flowers. Under the bright sky, the horizon seems to blur — sky, sea, and flowers melting into one gentle shade of blue. It’s one of Japan’s most photographed sights, attracting travelers from across the globe who come to stroll the winding paths and capture its dreamlike beauty.

Then, in autumn, the same hill transforms into a vivid red landscape of kochia (summer cypress). These fluffy, round bushes turn fiery crimson, creating a soft, almost otherworldly glow. Visitors can enjoy both walking trails and panoramic viewpoints that reveal how dramatically the scenery shifts through the seasons.

The park also features tulip gardens in spring, poppies and zinnias in summer, and dazzling lights in winter, ensuring there’s always something in bloom no matter when you visit. A ride on the park’s seaside cycling course or a picnic near the Ferris wheel makes the perfect complement to this floral wonderland.

Next, let’s turn to the breathtaking natural beauty of Nasu Highlands, a region that comes alive with the colors of every season.

In early summer, the slopes of Yawata blaze with vibrant red as clusters of azaleas burst into bloom against the fresh green landscape. As the rainy season follows, hydrangeas gently tint the Nasu Kaidō road in soft hues of blue and purple, creating a serene, dreamlike atmosphere.

When the first signs of autumn appear, white mountain lilies quietly yet proudly bloom in the forest, their elegant fragrance carried on the cool breeze. And in the Minozawa district, fiery red spider lilies transform the rice field paths into what looks like a vivid carpet of color.

Each season paints a new face on Nasu Highlands — come and experience the healing beauty of its ever-changing flowers.

Our final destination lies in Fukushima Prefecture, at the breathtaking Lake Inawashiro, also known as the “Heavenly Mirror Lake” for its crystal-clear reflections of Mt. Bandai. Here, flowers frame the landscape throughout the year, turning the area into a living canvas of seasonal color.

In spring, over 1,000 cherry trees bloom along the Kannonji River, forming a spectacular “tunnel of cherry blossoms” that arches over the water. The sight of pale pink petals floating on the calm river surface captures the fleeting beauty of Japanese spring.

Come early summer, the Inawashiro Herb Garden awakens with the soothing scents of lavender and chamomile. Visitors can walk through purple fields in full bloom, participate in flower-picking experiences, and enjoy herb-infused ice cream or tea at the garden café while gazing at the tranquil lake.

From late summer to autumn, the scene changes again as yellow asaza flowers spread across the lake’s edge, while cosmos and sunflower fields brighten the surrounding countryside. Each bloom is perfectly framed by the majestic presence of Mt. Bandai — creating one of the most picturesque settings in northern Japan.

Whether you’re exploring by car, bicycle, or leisurely stroll, the harmony of mountain, lake, and flowers leaves a lasting impression of peace and renewal.

The Diamond Route is more than a travel corridor — it’s a journey through Japan’s natural rhythm. From Ibaraki’s ever-changing hills to Tochigi’s fragrant gardens and Fukushima’s lakeside blossoms, each destination reveals a different side of the country’s beauty.

Hitachi Seaside Park Basic Information

Name:

Hitachi Seaside Park

Address:

605-4 Onuma, Mawatari, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture 312-0012

Business Hours:

9:30 AM– 5:00 PM (seasonal variations apply)
March–July & September–October: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
August: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM
November–February: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM

Closed:

Mondays(open if Monday is a national holiday, then closed the following day)
December 31 – January 1
Late February for maintenance (approx. 1 week)

Access:

・By train: From JR Katsuta Station, take the Ibaraki Kotsu Bus bound for “Kaihin Koen Iriguchi” and get off at the stop (approx. 15 minutes).
・By car: About 15 minutes from Hitachinaka IC on the Hitachinaka Toll Road.
Late February for maintenance (approx. 1 week)

Official Website:

https://hitachikaihin.jp/

Nasu Highlands

Official Website:

https://www.nasukogen.org/

Inawashiro Herb Garden Basic Information

Name:

Inawashiro Herb Garden Kannonji River Cherry Blossoms

Address:

Inawashiro Herb Garden: 2480 Yonezawa Highway, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture 969-2696

Business Hours:

Herb Garden: 9:00 AM– 5:00 PM（mid-April to mid-November）

Closed:

Closed during winter (mid-November to mid-April)

Access:

・By train: From JR Inawashiro Station, about 10 minutes by taxi.
・By car: About 10 minutes from Inawashiro Bandai-Kogen IC on the Ban-Etsu Expressway.

Official Website:

https://www.listel-inawashiro.jp/english/

Kannonji River Cherry Blossoms Basic Information

Name:

Kannonji River Cherry Blossoms

Address:

Kawageta, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture 969-2275

Business Hours:

No closing time

Closed:

Open year-round, but best time to see the cherry blossoms is in late April

Access:

・By Train: Take the JR Ban-etsu West Line to Kawageta Station— the cherry blossom path begins right near the station, just a 3-minute walk away.
・By Car: About 10 minutes from the Inawashiro Bandai-Kogen IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway. Free and paid parking areas are available near the river during the cherry blossom season (mid-April).

Official Website:

https://bandaisan.or.jp/ib/en/