The City of Hitachi is located in the northeast of Ibaraki prefecture just north of the Kanto plain, Honshu, Japan.   It has a mild climate and it is situated on the coast it is surrounded by natural beauty with a backdrop of mountains and boasting some superb views of the pacific ocean.

Hitachi has developed into a manufacturing city from an industrial heritage in mining and electronics, and now plays a leading role in these fields.  Hitachi is also a city blessed with many sites of cultural significance.  There are also many sightseeing spots such as Kamine Park, Okuhitachi-kirara-no-sato and the six beaches stretching along the Hitachi coastline.  This attractive and lively city attracts many visitors from all over Japan as well as those from abroad. 

The Sister City Relationship
Tauranga City, New Zealand and Hitachi City Japan established a sister city relationship on April 18, 1988 after a series of Hitachi / Tauranga student and citizen exchanges. Over the 20 years the relationship has flourished with numerous exchanges and official events. Now Rotary Clubs and Boy Scout Clubs in Hitachi and Tauranga have established a sister club relationship. We have many exchanges in various fields including youth exchanges, cultural and sports exchanges.

In November of 2007 A large delegation from Hitachi visited Tauranga which was followed by a similar delegation from Tauranga to Hitachi in April 2008, to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
 

The Tauranga-Hitachi Cultural Exchange Program
As a result of the on-going relationship between the two cities, one of many objectives and goals has been to create a cultural exchange program.  A program that see residents of Tauranga being hosted by Hitachi and then a reciprocated. 

In 2008 it was proposed that a program hosted by Hitachi in April to coincide with its Cherry Blossom Festival be developed.  It is also proposed that a group from Hitachi visits Tauranga in September to coincide with New Zealand spring and Greerton Shopping Centre's Cherry Blossom Festival.  Be part of the festivities and join us!!!