"KAIHIN KOEN KOCHIA" Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information

This article provides information on the JR East special train "KAIHIN KOEN KOCHIA" that runs from the Tokyo metropolitan area to Katsuta Station, including its timetable, fares, stops, seating information, how to buy tickets, whether ticketing is required, and IC card compatibility. Since it operates on limited days, please check the operating dates and sales conditions before traveling.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, times, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

The "Kaihin Koen Kochia" is a special JR East train that operates to coincide with the peak blooming season of the kochia plants at Hitachi Seaside Park. The operating section, starting station, and stops vary depending on the year and operating day. If the train is operated with all reserved seats, a reserved seat express ticket is required in addition to the regular fare ticket. From Katsuta Station to Hitachi Seaside Park, you can use a regular bus or a seasonal direct bus.

What is "Kaihin Koen Kochia"?

The "Kaihin Koen Kochia" is a special train that operates to coincide with the kochia season at Hitachi Seaside Park. Hitachi Seaside Park is a national park located in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is known to domestic and international tourists for its nemophila in spring and kochia in autumn. Kochia, also known as broom cypress, is an annual plant that changes from green in summer to red in autumn. It is said that there are more than 30,000 kochia plants planted on Miharashi Hill.

Train features and popular points

The appeal of "KAIHIN KOEN KOCHIA" lies in the fact that you can travel directly from the Tokyo metropolitan area to coincide with the peak season for kochia. Since all seats are reserved, you can travel while seated even during the crowded season. The kochia on Miharashi Hill present a breathtaking sight, with the entire hill covered in crimson. The best time to see the kochia is usually around mid-October. At the same time, cosmos flowers are also in full bloom, allowing you to enjoy the interplay of red and pink. In the spring, during the nemophila season, the entire hill is dyed blue. The park also has an amusement park area and cycling courses. Kairakuen Garden in Mito is known as one of Japan's three most famous gardens. Checking the stops and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stopovers. The impression of the scenery from the train window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose. From Katsuta Station, you can also extend your trip to Ajigaura via the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway. Because the park is so large, using the park bus or renting a bicycle is also convenient.

Timetable for "Kaihin Koen Kochia"

The "Kaihin Koen Kochia" train operates on limited days. Please check the actual operating days and times on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Downbound (towards Katsuta Station) timetable

Timetable for northbound trains (towards major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area)

Train schedules vary depending on the year and the final destination station. Please check the schedule, including the connection time between the train and the return bus.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Important information regarding operating days and days when the service is suspended.

The "Kaihin Koen Kochia" train is a limited-operating train timed to coincide with the peak blooming season for kochia plants. Operating days and sections may vary from year to year. Operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride the train.

Operating section of "Kaihin Koen Kochia"

Main sections

• From a station in the Tokyo metropolitan area to Ueno Station (Yamanote Line, etc.)
• Ueno Station to Tsuchiura Station (Joban Line)
• Tsuchiura Station to Katsuta Station (Joban Line)

Katsuta Station is the gateway to Hitachi Seaside Park. The park can be accessed by bus from Katsuta Station in about 15 minutes. Miharashi Hill is the symbol of the park, known for its kochia and nemophila flowers. The park also has a Pleasure Garden area with a large Ferris wheel. At Nakaminato Fish Market, you can enjoy fresh seafood. Kairakuen Garden in Mito is one of Japan's three most famous gardens, known for its plum blossoms in spring. The Hitachinaka Seaside Railway is a local line that extends from Katsuta Station towards Ajigaura. Since getting to nearby tourist attractions mainly involves buses and walking, it's a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There are sometimes tourist information centers around the station where you can get maps and brochures. On lines with limited service, it's reassuring to check the return train and bus schedules as well. After the kochia season is over, it is sometimes harvested and used as material for brooms.

The station where "Kaihin Koen Kochia" is located.

Main stops

• Major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area
• Ueno Station
• Tsuchiura Station
• Mito Station
• Katsuta Station

The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the operating day and the specific train. Please check the timetable for the most up-to-date information on the stations where the train stops.

Admission fee for "Kaihin Koen Kochia"

Representative section fare

Because the operating section and train type for "Kaihin Koen Kochia" vary depending on the operating day, we cannot list a uniform fare for a representative section. Please specify your travel date and section and check the Ekitan website or the official JR East website.

Breakdown of train ticket and reserved seat fee

The fare for the "Kaihin Koen Kochia" train is the sum of the train ticket (fare) to your destination and the reserved seat ticket. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board without securing a seat. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the train ticket and the seat ticket. JR reserved seat fares are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a normal season, peak season, or off-season. The fare is divided into the "train ticket (fare)" for the journey to your destination and the "reserved seat fare" for riding the express train. You must purchase both to be able to ride the express train, so please note that you cannot ride the express train with just a train ticket.

Park entrance fee

The entrance fee for Hitachi Seaside Park is not included in the train fare. The entrance fee must be paid separately on-site. The park becomes very crowded during the kochia season. Buses from Katsuta Station to the park also get crowded, so please allow plenty of time.

How to buy tickets for "Kaihin Koen Kochia"

Ekinet (Internet reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, "Ekinet," allows you to reserve reserved seats using a credit card. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to certain conditions and fees.

Reserved seat ticket machines and ticket counters

You can purchase reserved seat tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket machines or at the ticket counter. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. Ticket machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket counter, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket counters can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

travel agency

Major travel agencies may offer travel packages that combine admission tickets to Hitachi Seaside Park with train tickets.

How to buy for foreign tourists

The "Kaihin Koen Kochia" train is operated by JR East, so it can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or JR East Area Pass. Even when using a pass, all seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. Some station ticket counters offer assistance in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Even if you purchase your ticket through "Ekinet," you may still need to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, it's best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

Since the operating section is within the Suica area, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their area.

If the route is within the Suica-enabled area, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion of the ticket. Since all seats are reserved, a separate reserved seat express ticket or reserved seat ticket is required.

We do not support contactless payment via credit card for boarding at ticket gates.

Seating information for "Kaihin Koen Kochia"

Seat type

If you are riding a reserved-seat train, you will need a reserved seat ticket in addition to your regular train ticket.

Distinctive seating

The seats recline, ensuring a comfortable journey. The type of train used may vary depending on the day of travel. Since seats are reserved, you can travel comfortably even during peak seasons. From the windows, you can enjoy the rural scenery of the Kanto Plain. The view changes depending on the direction of travel, so it's a good idea to check your seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable if ease of boarding and alighting is a priority. For long journeys, it's best to check your seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large luggage storage area

Luggage racks may be provided at the ends of the train cars.

Barrier-free facilities

If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to consult with JR East's ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and configuration.

Enjoy ekiben (train station bento boxes) and in-train gourmet food at "KAIHIN KOEN KOCHIA"

On the "Kaihin Koen Kochia" train, in-car sales service may not be available. It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks at a station shop before boarding. Mito is nationally known as a production area for natto (fermented soybeans). In Nakaminato, you can enjoy seafood bowls made with fresh seafood. In-car sales service availability varies depending on the train and time of year, so it is best to purchase drinks and snacks before boarding. Station shops may have limited operating hours, so it is best to stop by early. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or at the station after disembarking.

Points to note when riding the "Kaihin Koen Kochia" ride.

The "Kaihin Koen Kochia" train operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. All seats are reserved, so you will not be able to board without a reserved seat. The best time to see the kochia varies depending on the weather each year. The park entrance fee is not included in the train fare. The park and station become very crowded during kochia season. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, carriage number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments to avoid blocking the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Operating days and sections may vary from year to year. Please check the operating status on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

summary

The "Kaihin Koen Kochia" is a special JR East train connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area with Katsuta Station. It is a seasonal train that operates to coincide with the peak blooming season of the kochia plants at Hitachi Seaside Park. Since it operates on limited days and all seats are reserved, be sure to check the operating dates and reserve your seat in advance.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Ibaraki at "KAIHIN KOEN KOCHIA," a seaside park with red hills in autumn.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.