Local Guide
7 Recommended Cycling Stops and Rental Spots in the Tsuchiura and Tsukuba Area

Many cyclists gather in the Tsuchiura-Tsukuba area. There were already bicycle paths going around Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura, but in 2016 they were combined to form the 180km long Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road. It was designated a national cycle route in 2019, and has since gained nationwide recognition. Everyone from beginners to hardcore cyclists can enjoy cycling to their heart's content. Here we have compiled a list of convenient services and places to stop by in this area, which has evolved into one of Japan's largest cycling resorts, to help you enjoy a comfortable cycling experience.

A cycle spot in the station building directly connected to Tsuchiura Station

The most popular model is the cross bike "C-Sport1" from Italian manufacturer "Bianchi".
The most popular model is the cross bike "C-Sport1" from Italian manufacturer "Bianchi".

This bicycle shop is located on the first floor of the station building "Play Atre Tsuchiura" directly connected to Tsuchiura Station. Since the entire station building allows bicycles to be brought in, it is known as the first stop for many cyclists. Bicycles can be rented by reservation online, and there is a wide variety of bikes to meet all needs, including cross bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric-assist e-bikes, for families as well as for other bikes. Rentals must be returned within business hours on the day of rental, and can be rented from 2,000 yen per bike (a separate deposit of 1,000 yen is required).

They will give you detailed advice, so even beginners can feel at ease.

Helmets to rent with the bike: 800 yen each, gloves: 500 yen each
Helmets to rent with the bike: 800 yen each, gloves: 500 yen each

They sell a wide variety of bicycle-related parts and accessories, and also rent out accessories such as helmets and gloves. Staff/staff member will give you a thorough lesson on which bicycle and how to ride is best suited to you. They also give advice on routes, so even beginners can feel at ease. They also have tourist brochures and route maps, so you can gather information about the area. In addition, they have skilled and knowledgeable mechanics on-site, so people who bring their own bicycles often stop by.

Comments Local Guide
Guests staying at Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts can borrow helmets and gloves free of charge by showing the receipt given to them at check-in.
Le Cycle Tsuchiura store
  • URLhttps://lecyc.jp/
  • 住所1-30 Ariakecho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture Play Atre Tsuchiura 1st floor MAP
  • アクセスDirectly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station
  • 営業時間10:00～20:00
  • 定休日Irregular holidays (same as PLAY Atre Tsuchiura)
  • TEL029-846-3192
  • 駐車場*Atre affiliated Parking (200 yen per hour) are free for 1 hour for purchases of 500 yen or more, with a maximum of 2 hours of parking available

You can leave the bike wherever you like. Enjoy cycling with a high degree of freedom.

The cycling base for Lake Kasumigaura, "Rinrin Port Tsuchiura," is also included in Property
The cycling base for Lake Kasumigaura, "Rinrin Port Tsuchiura," is also included in Property

Ibaraki Prefecture started a wide-area bicycle rental business to allow people to easily enjoy cycling through the beautiful scenery of Mt. Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura. The nine cities and towns along the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road - Tsuchiura City, Tsukuba City, Sakuragawa City, Ami Town, Ishioka City, Kasumigaura City, Namegata City, Itako City, and Kamisu City - have joined forces to rent out bicycles at a total of 11 Property. Another great feature is that you can rent bicycles for more than two consecutive days, and you can return them at any of the 11 locations, except for Property where you rented them.

The latest models of road bikes and tandem bicycles are also available.

The latest tandem bicycle, the "T-20," can be rented for 4,000 yen a day.
The latest tandem bicycle, the "T-20," can be rented for 4,000 yen a day.

There are a wide variety of bikes available to rent, including cross bikes, road bikes, electric-assist e-bikes, mini velos, kids' bikes (suitable for people 130cm and taller), and tandem bikes. Tandem bikes are two-seater bikes that can be ridden by friends or even by two people, so even people who are not confident in their physical strength can enjoy cycling casually. Tandem bikes are only available at Ring Ring Port Tsuchiura. To rent a bike, you must make a reservation on the website at least three days in advance, and select the rental and return Property when making the reservation. Payment is made in cash on the day.

Comments Local Guide
There is a wide variety of bikes available, from beginner bikes to full-fledged road bikes, with a focus on the latest models. The biggest advantage is that you can choose the return Property.
Ibaraki Prefecture Wide Area Bicycle Rental
  • URLhttps://www.ringringroad.com/rentalcycle/
  • 住所Varies by Property
  • アクセスVaries by Property
  • 営業時間9:00-16:00 (Kasumigaura Fureai Land opens at 9:30, Ring Ring Square Tsuchiura opens at 10:30, Tsukuba General Information Center opens at 10:30 Monday through Saturday)
  • 定休日New year holiday season
  • 入場料Starting from 1,500 yen per unit
  • TELVaries by Property
  • 駐車場Varies by Property

A bicycle-focused Property completed in a location overlooking Lake Kasumigaura

The rooftop observation space is equipped with chairs and tables, and eating and drinking is also permitted.
The rooftop observation space is equipped with chairs and tables, and eating and drinking is also permitted.

This cycling base adjacent to Tsuchiura Port opened in March 2019. It was built where the "Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road", which connects Tsuchiura Station and Lake Kasumigaura, passes through the Property, and is a building with an impressive blue exterior. There is free Parking for about 100 cars, so many people park their cars here and enjoy cycling around Lake Kasumigaura. Lake Kasumigaura can be seen from the premises, and the view from the rooftop observation space is also excellent. It is a popular place for cyclists to relax.

Recommended for when you want to wash off your sweat after cycling

The shower room is 200 yen for 30 minutes. Hair dryers, body soap, and shampoo are provided.
The shower room is 200 yen for 30 minutes. Hair dryers, body soap, and shampoo are provided.

In addition to a rest area with Wi-Fi, the facility is also equipped with a bicycle maintenance space for cyclists, shower rooms, and toilets. Air pumps and equipment are always available, making it convenient for maintaining your bike before setting off. The shower rooms can be used immediately if they are available and do not require a reservation, making them a great place to stop by after working up a sweat. There are also vending machines offering sweets perfect for replenishing your energy, as well as maintenance tools. If you apply in advance, you can rent a private multi-purpose room for a fee.

Comments Local Guide
There is a well-maintained lawn area in front of the site, where many cyclists come to take a break on sunny days.
Ring Ring Port Tsuchiura

Enjoy fresh local ingredients at a rest stop overlooking Lake Kasumigaura

From the front: "Fried smelt and lotus root with tartar sauce" 1,120 yen, "Fresh (raw) icefish rice bowl" 920 yen
From the front: "Fried smelt and lotus root with tartar sauce" 1,120 yen, "Fresh (raw) icefish rice bowl" 920 yen

Restaurant is located on the second floor of the Kasumigaura City Community Center, facing the Lake Kasumigaura Course of the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road. Based on the concept of "healthy and locally produced for local consumption," the restaurant serves dishes using Lake Kasumigaura's bounty, such as smelt and lotus root. The hearty "Smelt and lotus root fry" is made by soaking smelt from Lake Kasumigaura in milk to remove the odor, then frying them together with lotus root grown by local farmers. Inside the restaurant, desks and bookshelves donated from six closed elementary schools in the area line the restaurant, allowing you to take a break in a retro atmosphere.

A resting spot where you can Experience, and pick out souvenirs all at once

A spacious deck for cyclists, directly Direction from Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road
A spacious deck for cyclists, directly Direction from Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road

The Kasumigaura Community Center, where Kasumi Kitchen is located, is run by the Kasumigaura Future Creation Company, which is working to revitalize the local area of Kasumigaura. On the first floor, you'll find Kasumi Marche, where local specialties are lined up in stylish packaging, and Kasumigaura Ride Quest, where you can rent bicycles for as little as 500 yen per hour. There are also shower rooms available for 200 yen for 15 minutes. The deck facing Lake Kasumigaura is equipped with bicycle racks and covered benches, so you can have your bike serviced or take a short break.

Comments Local Guide
Kasumi Marche on the first floor also has a cafe where you can get takeaway items like lotus root pork burgers and fruit vinegar soda. We also recommend stopping by here for a quick break.
Kasumi Kitchen
  • URLhttp://kasumigaura.miraidukuri.jp/kitchen/
  • 住所2nd floor of Kasumigaura City Community Center, 4784 Saka, Kasumigaura City, Ibaraki PrefectureMAP
  • アクセスApproximately 30 minutes by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • 営業時間11:00-15:00 (last orders 14:30), Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays - 16:00 (last orders 15:30)
  • 定休日Mondays and Tuesdays (or the following day if the Monday or Tuesday falls on a public holiday)
  • TEL029-896-1227
  • 駐車場free
  • メモDinner is by reservation only and is served as a set menu. *18:00-22:30 (last orders 22:00)

A hot spring Property with a panoramic view of Lake Kasumigaura that will blow away your fatigue

A stone Outdoor hot spring. If the weather is good, you can see Mount Tsukuba and Mount Fuji.
A stone Outdoor hot spring. If the weather is good, you can see Mount Tsukuba and Mount Fuji.

This day-trip hot spring Property is located along the "Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road." The hot spring area on the top floor is lined with Outdoor hot spring, Public hot spring, and medicinal bath. From Public hot spring and medicinal bath, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Kasumigaura that spreads out before you while soaking in the water. The private Outdoor hot spring allows you to feel the breeze blowing by the lakeside, providing a deep relaxation experience. The yellowish-brown water contains a lot of silicon and is known to be good for the skin, making it highly moisturizing. The medicinal baths, which are changed regularly, are also expected to have a fatigue-relieving effect.

Take a break while looking out at the lake at the adjacent "Co Terrace"

The cafe also serves drinks such as coffee and juice.
The cafe also serves drinks such as coffee and juice.

The hot spring Property is adjacent to the Tennozaki Tourist Exchange Center "Coterrace," which has a market and a cafe overlooking the inner garden. The market sells a wide variety of products, including vegetables directly from the farm and Ibaraki Prefecture's representative specialties, as well as drinks and ice cream. The cafe also offers a wide variety of drinks, so you can take a relaxing break at a table seat overlooking the lake. Property has also been certified as a "Cycle Support Station" by Ibaraki Prefecture, so they also rent out air pumps and tools. Another attractive feature is that you can easily get your bicycle maintained.

Comments Local Guide
The foot bath is open only on weekends. It is free to use, so it is recommended for those who want to take a quick soak to soothe tired feet between cycling rides.
Aso hot spring Shiraho no Yu
  • URLhttps://shirahonoyu.com/
  • 住所421-3 Aso, Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 18 minutes by car from JR Itako Station
  • 営業時間10:00～21:00（20:00最終受付）
  • 定休日Wednesday
  • 入場料Bathing fee: 740 yen for adults (530 yen from 17:00), 310 yen for elementary school students and younger (210 yen from 17:00)
  • TEL0299-80-6622
  • 駐車場free
  • 温泉Metasilicic acid-containing spring water
  • メモRental towel: 110 yen, rental kimono: 220 yen

A rest area that retains the atmosphere of the past, using the former Tsukuba Railway platform

Fujisawa Rest Area, where the dilapidated station building remains. Surrounded by rice fields, you can encounter the original Japanese scenery.
Fujisawa Rest Area, where the dilapidated station building remains. Surrounded by rice fields, you can encounter the original Japanese scenery.

The Tsukuba Railway, which ran a distance of about 40km between Tsuchiura Station and Iwase Station from north to south, was abandoned in 1987 (Showa 62). The Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road was created using the remains of the tracks. Of the 18 Tsukuba Railway stations, the platforms of Mushikake Station, Hitachi Fujisawa Station, Tsukuba Station, Makabe Station, Amabiki Station, and Iwase Station have been utilized and developed into rest areas for cyclists. The rest areas are also equipped with bicycle parking racks and clean toilets. Near the Fujisawa rest area is the bakery cafe "Storehouse weather" is also available, so we recommend stopping by.

There is also an air pump at the Tsukuba rest area at the midpoint.

Tsukuba Rest Area, located approximately halfway between Tsuchiura Station and Iwase Station
Tsukuba Rest Area, located approximately halfway between Tsuchiura Station and Iwase Station

At the Tsukuba Rest Area, adjacent to the Tsukuba-sanguchi bus stop at the entrance to Mount Tsukuba, there is a free air pump.Numataya" and handmade "fresh ramen" can be enjoyed at "Matsuya Noodle Factory", a long-established sake brewery "Inaba Sake Brewery" is a great place to stop by. The Makabe Rest Area is a charming area with a retro townscape. The last stop, Iwase Rest Area, is adjacent to JR Iwase Station, so you can take your bike back by train.Ibaraki Prefecture Wide Area Bicycle RentalIf you use this service, you can rent it at Tsuchiura Station and return it at Iwase Station.

Comments Local Guide
The rest areas, which use abandoned railway platforms and station buildings, are all filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, so you'll find yourself wanting to take photos while taking a break.
Tsukuba direction Rest areas

A direct sales store with a wide selection of Namegata City's specialty products

There is always a wide variety of local sweet potatoes. They also sell shallots.
There is always a wide variety of local sweet potatoes. They also sell shallots.

This direct sales store is attached to the "Tamatsukuri Roadside Station" at the foot of the "Kasumigaura Ohashi Bridge" that spans Lake Kasumigaura. The interior of the building, which is reminiscent of a sailing ship floating on Lake Kasumigaura, is filled with sunlight pouring in from the ceiling, creating a bright atmosphere all day long. Every day, local farmers in Namegata City deliver fresh vegetables picked that morning directly, lined up in a small space, all reasonably priced. Even locals use the store for their daily shopping. The store is filled with local specialties, including processed products and tsukudani (food preserved in soy sauce) made by the Namegata City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, such as catfish and carp from Lake Kasumigaura.

Hamburger made with catfish caught in Lake Kasumigaura

"Name Packun" drink set 650 yen. Catfish patty and tomato sauce go perfectly together
"Name Packun" drink set 650 yen. Catfish patty and tomato sauce go perfectly together

There is a fast food corner in one corner of the direct sales store, and they boast four kinds of "Namegata Burgers" made with local ingredients. The "Name Packun" is a burger with a patty made from catfish paste caught in Lake Kasumigaura, and has no odor at all, a moist texture, and a taste similar to white fish. In addition to the "Koi Packun" which is a sandwich with a carp patty from Lake Kasumigaura, the "Pork Packun" and "Duck Packun" are also popular. We recommend eating on the terrace seats, which have a great location overlooking Lake Kasumigaura and Mount Tsukuba.

Comments Local Guide
This is a perfect lunchtime rest spot when you are going around Lake Kasumigaura. Namepackun is a local delicacy that is often talked about among cyclists and is not to be missed.
Namegata City Tourist and Product Center Koikoi
  • URLhttps://www.namegata-koikoi.com/
  • 住所1963-5 Tamazukuri-ko, Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 30 minutes by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • 営業時間9:00-18:00 (Namegata Burger is available from 10:00)
  • 定休日New Year
  • TEL0299-36-2781
  • 駐車場無料（55台）
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