Just 1.5 Hours from Ueno! Stunning Ocean Views at ‘Sea Birds Cafe’ Next to Hitachi Station

Ascend the Stairs to a World of Sky and Sea

Hitachi City is a prominent industrial city in Ibaraki Prefecture that’s famously home to Hitachi Ltd. The main gateway to this area is Hitachi Station, which is just about a 1.5-hour ride from Ueno Station on the JR Joban Line via the limited express train Hitachi.

▲ A station model placed inside the ticket gate, with “Sea Birds Cafe” at the far end.

Completed in 2011, the station was designed by Hitachi-born architect Kazuyo Sejima, a world-renowned architect and recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, often called the Nobel Prize of architecture. The station earned the top honor in the Station Design category at the international Brunel Awards for railway design, showcasing Sejima’s remarkable skill.

After stepping off the platform, head up the stairs toward the ticket gate…

In front of you stretches a vast curtain of modern glass, and further inside is…

Just outside the ticket gate, the stunning view unfolds! Holding back a sense of awe, you slowly move forward.

▲ The spacious corridor is lined with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, filling the bright space with sunlight.

After exiting the ticket gate, head left toward the “Seaside Exit.”

A glass box floating in the air… That’s right, this is the breathtaking sky-view cafe we’re here to visit: Sea Birds Cafe! It’s impossible not to feel excited!

▲ The east-west free passage within the station is also designed by Kazuyo Sejima.

As you walk along the open and airy corridor toward the cafe, the transparent design makes it feel as though you’re floating above ground, lifting your spirits as if you’ve entered another world. Continue down the path next to the escalator by the “Seaside Exit,” and then…

Before you stretches the vast blue sky and the expansive Pacific Ocean. With minimalist design, this space perfectly showcases the sea and sky, creating an unparalleled beauty like no other place.

▲ The benches within the station are also creations by Kazuyo Sejima.

In front of you lies a mesmerizing view that’s hard to look away from, and the cafe, Sea Birds Cafe, is just beside this grand hall.

Impossible to Choose a Seat! A Resort-like Escape from Everyday Life

With the motto “A Space to Escape Everyday Life,” Sea Birds Cafe offers a dreamlike atmosphere inside. It truly lives up to its reputation as a sky-high scenic cafe.

▲ Inside, the most popular seats are at the counter, where you can enjoy coffee with a direct view of the ocean.

Sitting at this counter places your line of sight perfectly level with the horizon, creating a seamless blend of sea and sky.

▲ Sunlight dances on the sea’s surface, sparkling in a way that never grows old.

The entire cafe is smoke-free, with a total of 38 seats. From the layout to each chair, every element was designed by Kazuyo Sejima. The bright, airy atmosphere evokes the relaxed feel of a tropical island getaway.

▲ From brightly colored accents to simple DIY-style pieces, the cafe offers a variety of unique chairs to choose from.

The Ever-Changing Ocean: A New View with Each Season and Time of Day

The restaurant is laid out in a long, narrow design, with the entire left side facing the ocean. No matter where you sit, you’re guaranteed a beautiful sea view.

Hmm… where’s the best place to sit? As we searched for the perfect ocean-view spot, the manager, Ms. Yuki Nishi, kindly shared a tip: “The most popular seats are on the left side, all the way to the back.”

▲ “Sometimes the designer, Kazuyo Sejima, even stops by for a visit,” manager Yuki Nishi shared.

The manager pointed to the pink seat at the very end. Sitting there, you realize this spot offers a stunning, uninterrupted view of the coastline stretching endlessly to the right—all to yourself!

Perched on an elevated platform, the cafe seems to float in the air, offering an exceptional, unobstructed view.

▲ This is the view from the seat recommended by Manager Nishi.

“While the ocean’s beauty speaks for itself, don’t forget to notice the stunning colors of the sky,” she advises. Facing the eastern coastline, Sea Birds Cafe offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and moonrise over the horizon.

“When the sun sets, the sky blushes in pink, and a full moon reflects off the sea. Each season and time of day brings a new, unique scene,” she says.

▲ Sunrise on New Year’s Day 2019, captured by Manager Nishi from the kitchen.

Each New Year’s Day, the cafe opens before dawn, allowing guests to witness the stunning first sunrise of the year. What a beautiful way to start the year!

During our visit in mid-spring, just before noon, the warm sunlight fills the space, making it the perfect time to recharge and soak in the atmosphere. With hours from 7 AM to 10 PM, you can experience the cafe’s unique ambiance across different times of day and seasons.

Fluffy Pancakes and Refreshing Juices: A Taste of a Tropical Getaway

Next, at this stunning sky-view cafe, you can enjoy a selection of tropical-inspired dishes and drinks. First up is the “Banana Acai Smoothie,” a refreshing treat that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise with each sip.

“Banana Acai Smoothie” (630 yen, tax included)

The smoothie features a lovely contrast of white banana and purple acai, topped with oats. It’s irresistibly cute, making it hard to stop taking photos! Its light, not-too-sweet flavor pairs perfectly with desserts.

And when it comes to tropical resorts, pancakes are an absolute must!

The “Honey Caramel Pancakes” (980 yen, tax included) have a balanced sweetness, making them a favorite among male guests as well.

This is the ultimate tropical pancake! Two thick, fluffy pancakes layered with banana, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and finished with a rich drizzle of honey caramel sauce.

Enjoying the stunning view along with fluffy pancakes topped with generous whipped cream… this perfect combination is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

For lunch and dinner, the cafe also offers a variety of dishes. Their Southeast Asian-inspired options, like Thai basil pork rice, are slightly adapted to suit Japanese tastes and are incredibly popular.

“Phad Gaprao Rice” (1,030 yen, tax included)

Additionally, the coffee of the day (M 420 yen, L 470 yen, tax included) is made with beans from the renowned Ibaraki coffee shop, SAZA COFFEE in Katsuta City. Each cup is brewed to order, a testament to the cafe’s commitment to quality.

Not only on weekends but even on weekdays, the lunch hours (11:30 AM – 2 PM) are very popular. It’s recommended to visit a bit earlier to secure a spot more easily.

Take in the beauty of iconic architecture from the outside!

Let’s put the coffee shop we just mentioned aside for now. It’s time to take the escalator and step out from the Seaside Exit at Hitachi Station for a look around.

Also, be sure to take in the entire station. It’s no exaggeration to say that the whole station is a tourist attraction in itself.

And don’t forget to take a good look at the station as a whole — it’s no exaggeration to say the entire station is a tourist attraction in its own right.

▲On the left is the ticket gate area, while the free passage on the right stretches further down.

▲The entire walkway to the café is lined with glass walls.

Who would have thought that there’s a cliff right below Sea Birds Café?

Taking advantage of the height difference between the station and the coastline, the design allows for breathtaking views of the horizon from inside the café. This is the secret behind the spectacular scenery at this iconic café.

In short, Hitachi Station is stunning from every angle. Nearby, you’ll also find Hitachi Kamine Park, complete with a beach, zoo, and adventure park, as well as Okukuji Kirara no Sato, home to Japan’s longest slide and other thrilling attractions. Why not start your journey exploring Ibaraki Prefecture from Hitachi Station and Sea Birds Café, a spot that transports you away from the everyday?

Written by: Yuka Takamatsu

(Note: Information is based on 2020 details and updated in November 2024; please check the official website for updates.)