Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA"

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East limited express train "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA," which connects the Tokyo metropolitan area to Katsuta Station (Joban Line). It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This train serves as an access route to the nemophila fields at Hitachi Seaside Park, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, 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 "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" is a JR East limited express train that connects the Tokyo metropolitan area with Katsuta Station via the Joban Line. It is a seasonal train that operates to coincide with the peak blooming season of nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park. Nemophila are plants that bloom with blue flowers in the spring, and the sight of them covering the entire Miharashi Hill is very popular. All seats are reserved, so you need to reserve your seat in advance to board. As this train only operates on certain days, you need to check the operating dates if you plan to ride it. Buses to Hitachi Seaside Park operate from Katsuta Station. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is a good idea to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA"?

The "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" is a special train that operates to coincide with the nemophila 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. It is said that approximately 5.3 million nemophila flowers are planted on Miharashi Hill. The sight of the entire hill covered in blue is so beautiful that it seems to blend with the sky and the sea.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" train lies in its direct service from the Tokyo metropolitan area, timed to coincide with the peak blooming season for nemophila flowers. Since all seats are reserved, you can travel comfortably even during high season. The nemophila on Miharashi Hill present a breathtaking spectacle, with the entire hillside dyed blue. The scenery, where the blue flowers and blue sky seem to blend together, is world-renowned. The best time to see the nemophila is typically from late April to early May. In autumn, the same hill is dyed red by kochia plants. The park also features an amusement park area and cycling courses. Mito's Kairakuen Garden is known as one of Japan's three most famous gardens. Checking the stations served and travel time before boarding makes it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The scenery from the train window changes significantly depending on the season, so choosing the time of year to suit your purpose is recommended. The park covers approximately 200 hectares, so moving around within the park takes time. From the nemophila hill, you can also see the Pacific Ocean.

Timetable for "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA"

*The "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" train operates only on limited days, mainly during the nemophila season.

Downbound (towards Katsuta Station) Timetable

Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Major Stations in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area)

The "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" train operates only on limited days, mainly during the nemophila season. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. Because the number of trains is limited, be sure to check the round-trip schedule when planning your itinerary. If you have connecting trains or buses, choose connections that allow ample time from your arrival time for peace of mind.

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" train is a limited-operating train timed to coincide with the peak blooming season for nemophila flowers. Operating days and routes 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 Sections of "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA"

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 park's symbol, known for its nemophila and kochia 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 spots mainly involves buses and walking, it's a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There are often 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. Ajigaura is known as a beach facing the Pacific Ocean.

Stations Served by "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA"

Main Stops

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

The stations the train stops at may vary depending on the train and the day of operation.

Fares for "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA"

Representative Section Fare

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" train is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the reserved seat limited express ticket. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the seat ticket. JR limited express fares are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a normal season, high season, or low season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express fare" for riding the limited express train. You must purchase both to be able to ride the limited express train, so please note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare 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 nemophila season. Buses from Katsuta Station to the park also get crowded, so please allow plenty of time.

How to buy tickets for "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA"

Eki-net (Internet Reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, "Eki-net," 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 Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at ticket vending machines and Midori-no-madoguchi at stations. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. Ticket vending machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Midori-no-madoguchi can get crowded during high seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

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

Purchasing for International Tourists

The "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" train is operated by JR East, and can be used with the JR 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 offices 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 "Eki-net," 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.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Please note that you cannot board the train using only an IC card. A reserved seat limited express ticket must be purchased separately.

Seating Information for "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA"

Seat Types

The "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" train is all reserved seating. The train uses special carriages designed for temporary services. Since the number of seats is limited, it is recommended to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you wish to sit together with your travel companions, booking together will make it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Seat Features

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 high 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.

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 (Station Bento Boxes) and In-train Gourmet Food on the "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" Train

On the "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" train, onboard 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. Onboard sales availability varies depending on the train and season, 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. If you eat or drink 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 "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA"

The "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" 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 nemophila flowers 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 nemophila season. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car 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. Before boarding, please check the operating status on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Summary

The "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA" is a special JR East train connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area with Katsuta Station. This seasonal train operates to coincide with the peak blooming season of nemophila flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park. Since it operates only on limited days and all seats are reserved, be sure to check the operating dates and reserve your seat in advance.

Enjoy the breathtaking spring scenery with "ZEKKEI NEMOPHILA," a scenic route leading to blue hills.

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.