Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I would like to introduce Kashima-nada Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture, which I toured by motorcycle from central Tokyo. Kashima-nada Seaside Park is a vast park with one of the largest artificial beaches in Japan, and is a spot where you can enjoy swimming, barbecuing, cycling, and more. I arrived there in about two and a half hours on my favorite Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide via the Shuto Expressway and Higashi-Kanto Expressway. In this article, we will explain in detail what Kashima-nada Seaside Park is, what route we took to get there, what to see, and where the bike parking lot is. So let’s take a look.
What is Kashima-nada Seaside Park?
Kashima-nada Seaside Park is a nationally-run seaside park located in Hokota City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The area is approximately 76 hectares. The artificial sand beach is one of the largest in Japan, with a length of approximately 3 kilometers. On the sandy beach, there are areas where you can go clam hunting and kite surfing, as well as an area where you can have a barbecue. There are also cycling roads and promenades within the park, so you can enjoy cycling or walking. The park also has a lawn, flower garden, and observation deck. Kashima-nada Seaside Park is a place where you can experience nature in all four seasons, with cherry blossoms and rape blossoms in spring, sunflowers and cosmos in summer, kochia and cosmos in autumn, and daffodils and plum blossoms in winter. Kashima-nada Seaside Park can be described as a seaside oasis rich in nature.
Route to Kashima-nada Seaside Park
I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Kashima-nada Seaside Park. The starting point is Nihonbashi, central Tokyo. I crossed the Sumida River Ohashi Bridge and entered the Metropolitan Expressway No. 9 Fukagawa Line. From Shuto Expressway No. 9 Fukagawa Line, transfer to the Shuto Expressway Wangan Line at Tatsumi JCT. I entered the Higashi-Kanto Expressway from the Shuto Expressway Wangan Route. I drove about 93 kilometers on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway and got off at Itako IC. From Itako IC, I headed south on National Route 51. We drove about 27 kilometers along National Route 51 and arrived at Kashima-nada Seaside Park. The whole trip took about 2 and a half hours. Along the way, I was able to see the sea, airport, factories, etc. on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway. Also, along National Route 51, we were able to see rural scenery and historical buildings such as Kashima Shrine. The appeal of touring by motorcycle is that you can enjoy not only the destination but also the scenery along the way.
Highlights of Kashima-nada Seaside Park
There are many attractions at Kashima-nada Seaside Park, but I particularly recommend the following three.
- Artificial sand beach: The artificial sand beach, which can be said to be the highlight of Kashima-nada Seaside Park, is one of the largest in Japan. The sandy beach stretches for approximately 3 kilometers, and the white sand and blue sea create a beautiful contrast. The sandy beach has areas for various activities. Shellfish picking is available for a limited time from April to June. I was able to collect a lot of clams and clams. You can barbecue and eat the shellfish you catch on the spot. The fresh shellfish were very tasty. You can also enjoy marine sports such as kite surfing and paragliding. The artificial sandy beach is the perfect place for swimming and leisure.
- Walking path: There are walking paths within Kashima-nada Seaside Park where you can take a stroll while admiring the scenery. Walking paths connect each area of the park, and you can enjoy the scenery from the sandy beach and nature while taking a leisurely stroll. You can feel refreshed as you can enjoy the scenery such as the sea, mountains, and flower fields while running.
- Observation deck: There is an observation deck called “Miharashi no Oka” in Kashimaranada Seaside Park. You can see the ocean from this observation deck, and the view of the sunset over the ocean is spectacular. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea, sky, and city all integrated into one, and you can gaze at it forever.
Motorcycle parking lot at Kashima-nada Seaside Park
You can park your car in the park parking lot at Kashima-nada Seaside Park. The parking lot is located near the park entrance and has parking spaces for approximately 100 cars. Parking is available free of charge. However, the motorcycle parking lot is unmanned and does not have security cameras or locks. Therefore, you must carry valuables such as helmets with you or leave them at your own risk.
Summary
This time, I introduced Kashima-nada Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture, which I toured by motorcycle from central Tokyo. Kashima-nada Seaside Park is a seaside oasis rich in nature, with Japan’s largest artificial sandy beach, walking paths, and observation decks. I enjoyed the view from the observation deck and felt refreshed. Kashima-nada Seaside Park is a perfect place for swimming and leisure activities. If you go by bike, the advantage is that there is a parking lot where you can park your bike and you can enjoy the scenery along the way. Kashima-nada Seaside Park is a recommended spot in Ibaraki Prefecture. Please come and visit us at least once.
