Discover Ibaraki, Japan ~ Hidden Gems Away from the Crowds

The Nemophila Hill at Hitachi Seaside Park (Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture) is usually in full bloom from mid-April to early May. Nemophila, native to North America, is an annual herb belonging to the genus Nemophila in the family Hydrophyllaceae. Its beautiful blue flowers are called "ruri-karakusa" in Japanese. Approximately 5.3 million enchanting nemophila flowers bloom on the vast hills of Hitachi Seaside Park, dyeing the entire hillside in vibrant blue. Looking down from the hilltop, you can see a vast expanse of blue ocean and sky.