Just a 15-minute drive from Hitachi Seaside Park—famous for its baby blue nemophila and fluffy red kochia—lies a quiet and often overlooked town: Tokai Village.
While not well-known as a tourist destination, Tokai is actually a hub of cutting-edge research. It’s home to Japan’s major nuclear and physics research facilities, drawing scientists and engineers from around the world. Yet, despite its global connections, very few international travelers find their way here.
And that’s exactly why Tokai is special.
Tucked away in this unassuming village are hidden culinary gems—local, authentic restaurants that even seasoned Japan travelers may never have come across.
In this article, I’ll introduce four of my personal favorite places to eat in Tokai Village. Whether you’re planning a trip to Hitachi Seaside Park or visiting the area on business, these local spots are well worth discovering.
Uoyasu (Takeout Available): Fresh Local Seafood Set Meals
Uoyasu is a beloved local restaurant known for serving fresh seafood straight from Nakaminato Port. Thanks to its excellent quality and reasonable prices, it’s always bustling with locals—especially during lunch hours, when lines are common.
Must-Try Dishes at Uoyasu
Daily Set Meal – ¥1,400
The contents change daily depending on the catch, but you can usually expect a mix of sashimi, fried seafood, and other local specialties. It’s a great way to sample several dishes at once, all at a very reasonable price.
Chef’s Choice Sashimi Set – ¥2,480
Packed with fresh local sashimi, this is the perfect choice for first-time visitors who want the full Uoyasu experience.
Access
While local buses do run from Tokai Station to the general area, timing can be inconvenient. Driving is highly recommended.
Hours & Info
Hours: 11:30–14:00, 17:00–20:30
Closed: Tuesdays
Parking: Available
Payment: Cash and cashless accepted
Things to Know Before You Go
The menu is in Japanese only. We recommend using a translation app that can scan and translate images.
Parking is available in front of the restaurant and across the street. First-time visitors may want to check the location on Google Maps in advance.
Kitchen KAI (Takeout Available): Bento Boxes Made with Ibaraki Ingredients
Kitchen KAI offers delicious and healthy bento meals made with fresh local ingredients from Ibaraki Prefecture. You can order online in advance and pick up your lunch to enjoy at Hitachi Seaside Park or other scenic spots nearby.
Must-Try Dishes at Kitchen KAI
The fried chicken bento made with Tsukuba chicken is a standout. Also, don’t miss the sweet and flavorful sweet potato included in every bento—it’s a small local treat you’ll love.
Things to Know Before You Go
Menus include photos and online ordering is available.
Cashless payments are accepted.
Note: Staff may not speak English, so simple Japanese phrases or translation apps can be helpful.
Access
There are no direct buses from Tokai Station. It’s about a 20-minute walk, or accessible by car.
Hours & Info
Order hours: 10:30–13:30, 16:30–19:30
Pickup hours: 11:00–14:00, 16:30–20:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Takenoko: Relaxed Yakiniku Restaurant Featuring Hitachi Beef
Takenoko is a casual eatery that serves set meals during the day and transforms into a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant in the evening. The standout here is the flavorful garlic-heavy house sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
Must-Try Items at Takenoko
Original Yakiniku Sauce
It’s not a “dish,” but this sauce deserves the spotlight. Rich with garlic, it enhances every bite of meat or offal. Refills are free—dip generously!
Domestic Beef Kalbi
While the restaurant specializes in horumon (offal), pairing their signature sauce with classic kalbi (short rib) is highly recommended.
Kashira (Pork Cheek)
This lean yet flavorful cut comes from the pig’s head and has just the right amount of chew. A local favorite!
Things to Know Before You Go
Menus are in Japanese only—image translation apps will be useful.
There is no dedicated parking.
Access
No buses from Tokai Station. It’s about a 20-minute walk, or accessible by car.
Hours & Info
Hours: 11:30–13:30, 17:30–21:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Groovy Tokai: Western-Style Pasta with a Japanese Twist –
A Local Favorite for Comfort Food Lovers
Located just a short drive from research facilities and Tokai Station, Groovy Tokai offers hearty Japanese-style Western cuisine in a cozy, retro setting. Known for its generous portions of pasta and nostalgic atmosphere, it’s a popular spot among both locals and visiting researchers looking for a casual yet satisfying meal.
What to Try: Spaghetti, Soup, and More
Groovy’s menu centers on pasta, but this isn’t your typical Italian fare. Try the “Tarako Spaghetti” with cod roe and seaweed, or the classic “Napolitan”, a ketchup-based dish that’s uniquely Japanese. Each meal comes with creamy corn soup and the option to add a salad or dessert. The fried shrimp spaghetti is a signature dish you won’t find elsewhere.
A Relaxing Spot with Retro Charm
Step inside Groovy Tokai and you’ll be greeted by warm wood interiors and a nostalgic ambiance that feels like stepping into the Showa era. With comfortable booths, friendly staff, and plenty of parking, it’s an ideal lunch or dinner stop for travelers exploring Tokai Village.
How to Get to Tokai Village – 3 Easy Routes
From Tokyo – The Fastest and Most Direct Route
The most convenient way to reach Tokai Village from central Tokyo is by train.
🚉 Take the JR Joban Line Limited Express “Hitachi” or “Tokiwa” from Tokyo Station.
Get off at Tokai Station (東海駅).
Travel time: ~90 to 110 minutes
Fare: Around ¥3,500–¥4,000 (one way)
Japan Rail Pass: ✅ Accepted
Tokai Station is the village’s main transportation hub. From there, taxis and local buses are available to reach your destination within the village.
From Hitachi Seaside Park – A Quick Local Transfer
If you’re visiting the popular Hitachi Seaside Park, getting to Tokai Village is quick and easy.
🚉 From Katsuta Station (closest station to the park), take a local JR Joban Line train heading north.
Get off at Tokai Station (2 stops away).
Travel time: ~15 minutes
Fare: About ¥240
Trains run every 20–30 minutes.
Perfect for a lunch or dinner stop at one of Tokai’s local restaurants after enjoying the park!
From Daigo Town (Daigo-machi), Northern Ibaraki – Scenic Route
Traveling from Daigo Town, known for Fukuroda Falls and hot springs, requires a mix of train lines but offers a scenic journey through Ibaraki’s countryside.
🚃 Take the JR Suigun Line from Hitachi-Daigo Station to Mito Station (approx. 90 min).
Transfer to the JR Joban Line at Mito Station and head south.
Get off at Tokai Station (next stop).
Total travel time: ~2 to 2.5 hours
Fare: Around ¥1,500–¥2,000
Tip: Check train schedules in advance, as rural lines may have fewer departures.
🧭 Bonus Tips for International Travelers
🗺️ Google Maps or NAVITIME apps are useful for real-time train schedules.
💳 IC cards (Suica/PASMO) are accepted on most trains, but rural stations may require paper tickets.
🧳 Travel light: Some rural stations don’t have elevators or coin lockers.
Getting to Tokai Village by rental car is simple and stress-free.
But if you’re arriving by train or bus from Tokyo or nearby cities, there’s one thing to keep in mind:
public buses within the village are limited, and not very convenient for short-term travelers.
That said, you can still reach some great spots on foot.
Both Uoyasu, a popular seafood restaurant, and Groovy, a retro-style pasta café, are just a 10-minute walk from Tokai Station.
And here’s some good news — you’ll almost always find taxis waiting right outside the station.
Just hop in and go! Since Tokai Village often welcomes international researchers, many taxi drivers understand basic English, which makes things much easier.
Whether you’re in the mood for a local lunch or a relaxed dinner, getting around Tokai is surprisingly simple — even without a car.
✅ Call to Action
Whether you’re strolling through fields of blue nemophila or wrapping up a business visit, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal in Tokai Village.
Skip the convenience store lunch—opt instead for fresh seafood, flavorful yakiniku, or a nostalgic plate of Japanese-style pasta.
With local gems just minutes from the station, Tokai is the perfect stop for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Japan, far from the tourist crowds.
Make your trip memorable—discover where locals eat in Tokai Village.