Hitachi City is located in the northeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, facing the Pacific Ocean. Historically, it developed as a mining town. In 1905, entrepreneur Fusanosuke Kuhara acquired the Akazawa Copper Mine in what was then Hitachi Village, renamed it Hitachi Mine, and established the Kuhara Mining Company (now JX Metals). This laid the foundation for the later founding of Hitachi, Ltd., and the city became a company town centered around the Hitachi Group.
Although some of Hitachi Ltd.’s major factories were later transferred to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Hitachi City has maintained its important role as a heavy industry base. Today, it is also one of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' key locations. Other examples of mining towns transforming into company towns include Niihama City in Ehime Prefecture (Besshi Copper Mine) and Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture (Ube Coal Mine).
Hitachi City is also part of the Joban Industrial Zone and, together with nearby Hitachinaka City and Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture, forms a major industrial area.
Place Name Evolution and City Formation
The area now known as central Hitachi City was called “Sukegawa” in the 7th century. On September 1, 1939, Sukegawa Town merged with Hitachi Town (which included the Hitachi Mine) to officially become a city named “Hitachi City.” To avoid confusion with the company name, locals typically pronounce the city as “Hitachi” (ひたち) and refer to Hitachi Ltd. as “Nissei” (にっせい).
Population and Industry
After World War II, Hitachi City once surpassed Mito City to become the most populous city in Ibaraki Prefecture, with a peak population of 210,000. However, due to corporate restructuring and geographic disadvantages, the population gradually declined to below 200,000, ranking third in the prefecture. The city's economy and employment remain closely tied to Hitachi Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with employees and their families making up about half the city's population.
Tourism and Natural Attractions
Hitachi City offers rich tourist attractions and natural beauty:
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Hitachi Station: A modern glass station building offering a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.
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Heiwa Street and Kamine Park: Both selected among the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," attracting many visitors during spring.
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Kamine Zoo, Hitachi City Local History Museum, Masaru Yoshida Music Memorial Hall: Family-friendly cultural and leisure spots.
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Hitachi Civic Center: Features a science museum and planetarium—ideal for both learning and entertainment.
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Mount Takasuzu, Mount Kamine, Mount Fūjin: Great for hiking; Mount Takasuzu is also listed among the "100 Flower Mountains."
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Beaches: Kawarago, Kujihama, Mizuki, and Ishihama—many are selected among the “Top 100 Swimming Beaches.”
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Ishihama Coast: Known for its white sand and pine groves, listed in the “100 White Sand and Green Pine Selections of Japan.”
