Japan: Ibaraki [Day 2]

Mikawashima Station (Tokyo) → Katsuta (勝田) Station: by train "JR Joban-Line" (80min by "Fresh Hitachi") → Katsuta Station bus terminal (East Entrance) → Bus stop "Kaihin koen nishiguchi (Seaside Park West Entrance)": by bus (17min)

We took a rapid train bound for Katsuta (勝田) from Mikawashima station and it took about 2 hours. Based on Hyperdia, a train was scheduled at 6:21 am. But being the worrywart that I was, once a train stopped at Mikawashima, I was curious whether we should ride it or not. Considering that on the first day, we missed our stop because we took the special rapid train. For wanting not to be wrong for two consecutive days, I waited for the English translation. Until the train doors closed on us. And again, I was aghast. Whew. That was the right train. Thus, we had to wait another 30 minutes for the next one. 

Hyperdia also told me to transfer at Mito eki (eki is Japanese for station). I was confused why we had to transfer to a same line. Turns out, even if we did have the same destination, it will leave earlier than our current train. Thus, saving you another five (5) minutes. Noted! That's how the Japanese trains roll. Lesson: Always do what Hyperdia tells you! *wink*

Also, if you want to save some time, and you have spare cash, you can take an express train called 'Fresh Hitachi' and pay double. 

After getting off the train at Katsuta eki, we looked for the seaside train but we cannot find it. So we transferred to a local bus which took us to the West entrance of the Hitachi Seaside Park. You can see in front of the bus an electronic fare marker. Take note which bus stop you hopped on. The number below this indicates the fare you have to pay when you alight.

Anyway, that was difficult to write. More so to read. And even more so, to do (for a first-timer). I had to ask a Caucasian who seemed to know her way around how much it would cost us for a ride to the park. I guess it was around 440 yen. I can't quite remember now. But it was cheaper than taking the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway which costs ¥570.

Park admission was 410 yen. We rented a bike for three (3) hours for 310 yen.

And proceeded with our awesome sightseeing.

Kochias! Loads and loads of 'em.

At the height of autumn, these bushes turn into Kenshin reds.

But I was happy enough with these:

Now there are more to see at this park. And I'm pretty sure I'm coming back here one November.

This is what my handy dandy Canon D20 camera caught when I turned on the super vivid:

Saw some pretty big cats inside a baby carrier:

While we were roaming around a little village with two huts, a staff from the park decided he wanted to take a picture of us sitting inside a hut with the fire on like this:

More flowers:

That's it.