Hitachi Fudoki no Oka (Hitachi History Park) [Ibaraki]

【Overview of Hitachi Fudoki no Oka】

Hitachi Fudoki no Oka is a vast historical park in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, where visitors can immerse themselves in the “Historical Village of Ishioka.” Through full-scale reconstructions and precious artifacts, you can learn about the region’s journey from ancient times to the early modern era. The park is also famous as one of Ibaraki’s premier spots for a “Cherry Blossom Relay.” With approximately 500 trees, different varieties bloom at different times, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing for an exceptionally long period of about one month.

【The Old Saka House】

Located just a short walk from the parking lot, the Old Saka House is a reconstructed example of a Magariya (L-shaped farmhouse), a traditional architectural style of Ibaraki.

Today, it serves as the restaurant “Magariya,” allowing visitors to enjoy a meal while experiencing history firsthand.

【A Premier Cherry Blossom Spot】

The park features about 500 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Weeping Cherry (Shidare-zakura), and Button Cherry (Botan-zakura), which bloom successively over the course of a month.

Early April: Somei Yoshino.Mid-April: Weeping Cherry.Late April: Button Cherry.
Since different varieties peak at different times, it’s heartening to know that even if you miss one, the next is just beginning.

During my visit in mid-April, about 150 weeping cherry trees were in full bloom along the promenade.

【Kinryu Bridge】

The Kinryu Bridge is a magnificent wooden structure—50 meters long and 3 meters wide—spanning Kanayama Pond. Situated on the route from the modern area to the “Ancient House Reconstruction Area,” its concept is that of a “bridge connecting the present to the ancient past.”

【The Gate of Time】

A massive stone monument stands here, symbolizing the “entrance” for a time-slip journey from the modern day to ancient times.

【Old Folk House from Aizu】

This building was the home of a Kimoiri (village headman) at the end of the Edo period. As it was an extremely rare cultural asset from South Aizu (Fukushima Prefecture), it was relocated here to preserve and showcase the diversity of old Japanese housing, beyond just Ibaraki’s local history.

【Ancient House Reconstruction Area】

Admission to this area is 310 yen for adults and 150 yen for children. Pit dwellings from the Jomon and Yayoi periods are arranged chronologically alongside Edo-period farmhouses, allowing you to physically feel the evolution of Japanese architecture.

This area recreates the “flow of history” from ancient to medieval and early modern times.

During the cherry blossom season, the trees within this area create a serene, private atmosphere.

【Japan’s Largest Lion Head (Shishigashira)】

A famous landmark of Ishioka, this giant lion head stands 14 meters high and 10 meters wide. The mouth serves as an observation deck overlooking the park. Ishioka is known as the “City of Lions,” largely due to the vibrant Grand Festival of Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu, which dates back to the Edo period. Since lion heads have long been cherished by locals as guardians against evil spirits, this massive observatory was built as a symbol of Ishioka.

【Tourist Spots Nearby】

Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu, Tayasu Shrine, Atago Shrine (Kasama), Tsukuba-san Shrine, Chuzen-ji Temple.

Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu [Ibaraki]

愛宕神社(笠間)【茨城県】

筑波山神社【茨城県】

筑波山 中禅寺 大御堂【茨城県】

【Hitachi Fudoki no Oka: Access】

Admin’s Impressions

With the scenic view of the pond from Kinryu Bridge and the month-long cherry blossom relay, historical structures here blend perfectly into the rich natural landscape. The true highlight of this park is the sensation of time flowing gently from ancient eras to the Edo period and the present day. As it isn’t yet widely known by international tourists, it remains a “hidden gem” without overwhelming crowds. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu, so I highly recommend visiting both together.

Scale / Facility Size

 (4.5)

Richness of Nature

 (4.5)

Accessibility

 (2)

Crowd Level

 (3)

Address of Hitachi Fudoki no Oka

1646 Someya, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture 315-0007

*Note: Paid parking available.

About 11 minutes by car from JR Ishioka Station (Joban Line).

参考

石岡市常陸風土記の丘

石岡市常陸風土記の丘

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu [Ibaraki] Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki] Ushiku Great Buddha(Ushiku Daibutsu) [Ibaraki] Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park [Aomori]