Provited by Hyotan Group, Hitachi City
Hitachi port and the circumference August, 2010
Hitachi port (Ibaraki Area) 　The Hitachi port along Route 245 was opened in 1959 for the countermeasure of the situation that the transportation of large-scale freights by mainly the national railroad got difficult. At first it started with only No. 1 wharf with 3,000 ton capacity quay and now total 17 quays have been provided including the quays of No.4 and No 5 wharves which correspond to water depth of 12 meters. Through the Kita-kanto Expressway which was completed recently, the shipment of products from Tochigi and Gunm prefectures are increasing. Lately Hitachi port is used for exporting the Nissan motor company mobiles manufactured in Tochigi prefecture bound for North America, though it has been known as the port for importing Mercedes-Benz. Till April, 2007, the container cargoes were handled on the No.4 wharf but now such a ship is in service as loading trucks and trailer cars themtselves , which is so called “RORO (roll-on/roll-off ship)” service. In classification of handling cargoes, the quantity rate of completed cars is the largest compared with the petroleum products, nonferrous metals, and nonmetal ores. As the regular lines, ships are in service every day between Hitachi and Kushiro(in Hokkaido), and three times a week between Hitachi and Kitakyushu respectively.
Hitachi Port Festival 　Hitachi port festival and a display of fireworks were held at the 2nd, 3rd and the 4th wharves of Hitachi port on July 25, 2010. The spectators were estimated to be about 80,000. In the event of the sea which started from 9:00am, people could experience of sailing by the patrol boat of the Maritime Safety Agency. 200 citizens applied through Hitachi city bulletin could participate this event. There was also the discharge of water for welcoming visitors by a fire fighting boat. As for the event on the land, nearly 80 shops opened street stalls side by side. In other area, there were exhibitions by enterprises such as Hitachi, Ltd., its groups and Tokai atomic energy company groups. Besides, there was a program to make the setup of smuggling known to public by a customs house, which was the good example of cooperation between public and private. 　As for main festival events, parading of a portable shrine(Mikoshi) and floats(Dashi) were crowded with people. The performance by drums and the hula livened up the atmosphere of the festival. The parade under the light of lanterns looked fantastic especially after the sunset. 　At night, a display of fireworks was held and about 2,000 fireworks were set off. The day was unfortunately threatening sky, and it became as if fireworks were competing with thunderbolts. The fireworks display was ended earlier than scheduled due to a warning for thunder However, the fireworks set up on the sea appealed strongly to visitors and they took their breathes away with such a spectacle scene. Some people who wanted to enjoy the fireworks and glasses of beers without worrying the weather occupied the room of the near by hotel. 　Hitachi port festival is a big event which can draw so many audiences. The power of both public and private staffs was very impressive. We hope this event will be succeeded to the future as the festival boasted in Hitachi city.
Demonstration by a fire fighting boat	Dance by young people
Parade of floatings at night	Fireworks
Nagisa Park It is adjacent to Hitachi port and its wharf is open to people for enjoying field. The details of the park is introduced separately on this Web site.
Kuji Sunpia Hitachi It used to be known as “Wel Sunpia Hitachi” which was a facility of the welfare pension. Now it started again with the new name but there are almost same in utilizing way and the contents of the facilities such as restaurants, lodgings, meeting rooms and a big bathroom. Kuji Sunpia Hitachi Sports Center 　Tennis court, gymnasium (summer season) skating rink (winter season) and swimming pool (flowing water pool with rotating water slide) are available. Contact to: Kuji Sunpia Hitachi Tel.: 0294-53-8000 E-mail; nbs@k-sunpiahitachi.com	Kuji Sunpia Hitachi Sports Center
Fish Center They sell mainly fresh fish caught in this district. It is a popular spot both tourists and local people. There are also restaurants. Please see other file on this Web site.