7 Recommended Cycling Pit Stops & Rental Spots in the Tsuchiura/Tsukuba Area
The Tsuchiura and Tsukuba area attracts many cyclists. While there were originally separate cycling paths for the Mt. Tsukuba area and Lake Kasumigaura, they were combined in 2016 and developed into the 180km-long "Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road." Its designation as a National Cycle Route in 2019 brought it nationwide fame. From beginners to serious enthusiasts, everyone can fully enjoy cycling here. We have compiled a list of convenient services and must-visit spots to help you enjoy a comfortable cycling life in this area, which has evolved into one of Japan's largest cycling resorts.
1le.cyc Tsuchiura Store
A cycle spot located inside the station building directly connected to Tsuchiura Station
A bicycle shop located on the first floor of "Playatre Tsuchiura," the station building directly connected to Tsuchiura Station. Since the entire station building allows bicycles to be brought inside, it is known as the first spot many cyclists stop by. In addition to online reservations, you can rent a bicycle on the day without a reservation if there is availability. They stock a wide variety of bikes to meet every need, including cross bikes, road bikes, sports-type electric assist bicycles, small-wheeled bicycles, children's bikes, and city bikes. Rental periods range from 3 hours to overnight, accommodating various travel plans.
They provide careful advice, so even cycling beginners can feel at ease
They sell a large number of bicycle parts and accessories, and also rent out accessories such as gloves and smartphone holders. The staff will carefully lecture you on the bicycle that suits you and how to ride it. They also provide advice on routes, so even cycling beginners can feel at ease. Tourist pamphlets and route maps are also available, so you can gather local information. In addition, since there are mechanics with reliable skills and knowledge on staff, people who bring their own bicycles also stop by frequently.
Local
Supporter
Guests staying at "BEB5 Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts" can receive free rentals of helmets and gloves by presenting the receipt given to them at check-in.
- le.cyc Tsuchiura Store
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1F Playatre Tsuchiura, 1-30 Ariake-cho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP 
Directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station
10:00–20:00
Irregular holidays (subject to Playatre Tsuchiura's schedule)
029-846-3192
Paid parking available. *Atre affiliated parking (200 yen per hour) offers 1 hour free with a purchase of 500 yen or more, up to a maximum of 2 hours.
2Ibaraki Prefecture Wide-Area Rental Cycle
One-way rentals are available, allowing for a highly flexible cycling experience
Ibaraki Prefecture launched a wide-area bicycle rental service to allow people to easily enjoy the scenic beauty of Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura while cycling. Nine municipalities along the "Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road"—Tsuchiura, Tsukuba, Sakuragawa, Ami, Ishioka, Kasumigaura, Namegata, Itako, and Kamisu—have collaborated to offer bicycle rentals at a total of 11 locations. A great feature of this service is that you can rent bikes for two or more consecutive days and return them to any of these 11 locations, even if it is different from where you originally rented them.
Featuring the latest road bike models and tandem bicycles
There is a wide variety of rental bike types available, including cross bikes, road bikes, E-bikes with electric assist, mini-velos, kids' bikes (for heights 130cm and up), and tandem bicycles. Tandem bicycles are two-seater bikes that allow two people to pedal together, making it easy for friends or those who are not confident in their physical stamina to enjoy cycling. Tandem bicycles are only available at "Ring-Ring Port Tsuchiura." To use the rental service, you must make a reservation via the website at least three days in advance, selecting your rental and return locations at the time of booking. Payment is made in cash on the day of use.
Local
Supporter
We have a rich variety of bicycles available, ranging from models for beginners to authentic road bikes, with a focus on the latest models. The biggest advantage is that you can choose your return facility.
- Ibaraki Prefecture Wide-Area Rental Cycle
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- Varies by facility
- Varies by facility
- 9:00–16:00 (Kasumigaura Fureai Land: from 9:30, Rin-Rin Square Tsuchiura: from 10:30, Tsukuba General Information Center: Mon–Sat from 10:30)
- Year-end and New Year holidays
From 1,500 yen per vehicle- Varies by facility
- Varies by facility
3Rin-Rin Port Tsuchiura
A facility specialized for bicycles, completed in a location overlooking Lake Kasumigaura
Opened in March 2019, this cycling hub is located adjacent to Tsuchiura Port. Built where the "Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road," which connects Tsuchiura Station and the Lake Kasumigaura area, passes through the premises, the facility is known for its striking blue exterior. With approximately 100 free parking spaces, many people park their cars here to enjoy cycling around Lake Kasumigaura. You can view the lake from the premises, and the rooftop observation deck offers an outstanding panoramic view. It is popular as a place for cyclists to relax and recharge.
Recommended for when you want to wash off your sweat after cycling
In addition to a rest area with Wi-Fi, the facility is fully equipped with a bicycle maintenance space for cyclists, shower rooms, and restrooms. Air pumps and tools are also kept on hand, making it convenient for maintenance before departure. The shower rooms do not require reservations and can be used immediately if available, making them perfect for stopping by after working up a sweat. Vending machines stocked with sweets perfect for refueling and maintenance tools are also available. Private multi-purpose rooms can be rented for a fee if requested in advance.
Local
Supporter
In front of the premises, there is a well-maintained lawn area. On sunny days, many cyclists take a break here.
- Ring Ring Port Tsuchiura
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- 2-13-25 Kawaguchi, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 18-minute walk from JR Tsuchiura Station
- 9:00–18:00
- December 29 – January 3
- Free admission
- 029-846-3320
- Free
4Kasumi Kitchen
Enjoy local fresh ingredients at a rest stop overlooking Lake Kasumigaura
A restaurant on the second floor of the Kasumigaura City Exchange Center, which faces the Kasumigaura Course of the Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road. Based on the concept of "healthy and locally produced for local consumption," it offers a menu featuring the bounty of Lake Kasumigaura, such as smelt and lotus root. The "Smelt and Lotus Root Fry" is a hearty dish where Lake Kasumigaura smelt are soaked in milk to remove any odor and then deep-fried along with lotus root grown by local farmers. Inside the restaurant, desks and bookshelves donated from six local elementary schools that have since closed are lined up, allowing you to relax in a retro atmosphere.
A rest stop where you can enjoy maintenance, gourmet experiences, and souvenir shopping all at once
The Kasumigaura City Exchange Center, which houses Kasumi Kitchen, is operated by the Kasumigaura Future Creation Company, which works on regional revitalization in Kasumigaura City. The first floor features "Kasumi Marche," where local specialties are displayed in stylish packaging, and "Kasumigaura Ride Quest," where you can easily rent bicycles starting from 500 yen per hour. It is also fully equipped with shower rooms that can be used for 200 yen for 15 minutes. On the deck facing Lake Kasumigaura, bicycle racks and roofed benches are installed, which can be used for maintaining your bike or taking a short break.
Local
Supporter
On the first floor, Kasumi Marche also has a cafe where you can take out "Lotus Root Pork Burgers" and "Fruit Vinegar Soda." This is also recommended if you want to stop by quickly for a break.
- Kasumi Kitchen
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- Kasumigaura City Exchange Center 2F, 4784 Saka, Kasumigaura City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 30-minute drive from JR Tsuchiura Station
- 11:00–15:00 (L.O. 14:30); Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: until 16:00 (L.O. 15:30)
- Mondays and Tuesdays (or the following day if a public holiday)
- 029-896-1227
- Free
Dinner is by reservation only and served as a course menu *18:00–22:30 (L.O. 22:00)
5Asou Onsen Shiraho no Yu
A hot spring facility with a panoramic view of Lake Kasumigaura that will blow your fatigue away
A day-trip hot spring facility located along the "Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road." The hot spring area on the top floor features an open-air bath, a large public bath, and a medicinal bath. From the large public bath and medicinal bath, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Kasumigaura while soaking in the water. The open-air bath offers a sense of privacy and allows you to feel the breeze blowing off the lake, providing a truly relaxing experience. The yellowish-brown water is rich in silicon and is known as a "beauty bath" for its excellent moisturizing properties. The medicinal bath, which changes periodically, is also expected to have fatigue-recovery effects.
Take a break while gazing at the lake at the adjacent "Coterasu"
Adjacent to the hot spring facility is the Tennosaki Tourist Exchange Center "Co-Terrace," which features a market and a cafe overlooking an inner courtyard. The market sells a wide variety of items, including fresh local vegetables, representative specialty products of Ibaraki Prefecture, drinks, and ice cream. You can also enjoy a wide selection of drinks at the cafe, making it a great place to take a relaxing break at a table with a view of the lake. Additionally, as the facility is certified as an Ibaraki Prefecture "Cycle Support Station," it provides air pumps and tools for loan. The convenience of being able to easily perform bicycle maintenance is another attractive feature.
Local
Supporter
A footbath is open on weekends only. It is free to use, so it is recommended for those who want to quickly soak their tired feet during a cycling trip.
- Asou Onsen Shiraho no Yu
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- 421-3 Aso, Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 18 minutes by car from JR Itako Station
- 10:00–21:00 (Last admission 20:00)
- Wednesday
- Bathing fee: Adults 740 yen (530 yen from 17:00), elementary school students and under 310 yen (210 yen from 17:00)
- 0299-80-6622
- Free
Metasilicic acid spring- Towel rental 110 yen, samue (work clothes) rental 220 yen
6Rest areas in the Tsukuba area
A rest area that utilizes the remains of the Tsukuba Railway platform, retaining the atmosphere of the time
The "Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road" was created using the former tracks of the Tsukuba Railway, which connected Tsuchiura Station and Iwase Station over a distance of approximately 40 km before being discontinued in 1987. Of the 18 original stations on the Tsukuba Railway, the former platforms of Mushikake Station, Hitachi-Fujisawa Station, Tsukuba Station, Makabe Station, Amabiki Station, and Iwase Station have been preserved and developed as rest areas for cyclists. These rest areas are equipped with bicycle racks and clean restrooms.
There is also a bicycle pump at the Tsukuba rest area, which is the midpoint
The Tsukuba Rest Area, adjacent to the Tsukuba-Yamaguchi bus stop at the gateway to Mount Tsukuba, is equipped with a free air pump. In the surrounding area, you can enjoy side trips to places like "Numataya," popular for its karinto manju, "Matsuya Seimensho," where you can taste handmade-style "raw ramen," and the long-established "Inaba Sake Brewery." Further ahead, the Makabe Rest Area is surrounded by a retro townscape, and the area around the rest area is also full of charm. The final stop, Iwase Rest Area, is adjacent to JR Iwase Station, so you can load your bicycle onto the train for your return trip. You can also use the "Ibaraki Prefecture Wide-Area Rental Cycle" service to rent a bike at Tsuchiura Station and return it at Iwase Station.
Local
Supporter
Rest areas that utilize the platforms and station buildings of abandoned railways are filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, making you want to take photos while you take a break.
- Rest areas in the Tsukuba area
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- Varies by facility
- Varies by facility
- Free to use
- Free to use
- None
- Varies by facility
7Namegata City Tourist Products Center Koikoi
A direct sales store lined with specialty products from Namegata City
This direct sales shop is attached to "Michi-no-Eki Tamatsukuri," located at the foot of the Kasumigaura Ohashi Bridge spanning Lake Kasumigaura. The interior, designed to evoke the image of the traditional hobikisen (sail-rigged boats) that float on the lake, is bathed in sunlight streaming from the ceiling, creating a bright atmosphere all day long. Every day, fresh vegetables harvested that morning are delivered directly by local farmers from Namegata City and packed into the shop, all at reasonable prices. It is even used by locals for their daily shopping. The store is also filled with local specialties, including processed products and tsukudani (simmered dishes) made from Lake Kasumigaura catfish and carp, provided by the Namegata City Society of Commerce and Industry.
A hamburger made with catfish caught in Lake Kasumigaura
There is a fast-food corner in one corner of the direct sales shop, where the pride of the house is the four types of "Namegata Burgers" made with local ingredients. The "Name-Pakkun," featuring a patty made from minced catfish caught in Lake Kasumigaura, has no fishy odor at all and offers a moist texture with a flavor similar to white fish. In addition to the "Koi-Pakkun," which sandwiches a patty made from Lake Kasumigaura carp, the "Buta-Pakkun" (pork) and "Kamo-Pakkun" (duck) are also popular. We recommend eating them on the terrace seats, which offer an outstanding location overlooking Lake Kasumigaura and Mount Tsukuba.
Local
Supporter
This is the perfect spot for a lunch break when cycling around Lake Kasumigaura. The "Name-Pakkun" is a local gourmet dish that is a popular topic among cyclists and is a must-try.
- Namegata City Tourist Products Center Koikoi
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- 1963-5 Tamatsukuri-ko, Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 30-minute drive from JR Tsuchiura Station
- 9:00–18:00 (Namegata Burger from 10:00)
- New Year's holidays
- 0299-36-2781
- Free (55 spaces)
MAP
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- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
- Shota TakebuchiA sommelier who loves Tsuchiura dearly
BEB5 Tsuchiura
Ibaraki Prefecture, Tsuchiura
Conveniently located directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station. A cycling hotel where you can stay with your bicycle.
Access Directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥4,757