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

Tsuchiura/Tsukuba area attracts many cyclists. The area has been well known throughout Japan since it was designated as a National Cycle Route in 2019. Cyclists from beginners to serious enthusiasts can enjoy cycling to the fullest. We have compiled a list of convenient services and places to stop by in this area that has evolved into one of Japan's largest cycling resorts, so that you can enjoy a comfortable cycling lifestyle.

Bicycle spot in the station building directly connected to Tsuchiura Station.

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

Bicycle store located on the first floor of Play Atre Tsuchiura, a station building 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 web reservation system, and a wide variety of bicycles, including cross bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes with electric assist, are available for all needs, not only for families A wide variety of bicycles will be available to meet the needs of families and all other types of visitors. Rentals must be returned during business hours on the same day and start at 2,000 yen per bike (an additional 1,000 yen deposit is required).

Careful advice is provided, so beginner cyclists don't have to worry.

Helmets and gloves to rent along with the bicycles are 800 yen each and 500 yen each, respectively.
Helmets and gloves to rent along with the bicycles are 800 yen each and 500 yen each, respectively.

Many bicycle-related parts and accessories are available for sale, and helmets, gloves, and other accessories are available for rent. Staff/staff members will give you a detailed lecture on the right bike for you and how to ride it. They also offer advice on routes and other topics, so beginner cyclists can feel at ease. Sightseeing pamphlets and route maps are also available, so you can gather information about the area. In addition, people who bring their own bicycles often stop by, as the shop is staffed by mechanics with solid skills and knowledge.

Local Guide Comment
Guests of Hoshino Resorts BEB Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts can borrow helmets and gloves for free by presenting the receipt given upon check-in.
Le Cyc Tsuchiura
  • Address 1F Play Atre Tsuchiura, 1-30 Ariake-cho, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki MAP
  • Direction Directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Business hours 10:00 - 20:00
  • Closed Closed irregularly (same as Play Atre Tsuchiura)
  • TEL 029-846-3192
  • Parking Pay parking *Atre affiliated parking (200 yen per hour) is free for one hour when spending 500 yen or more, up to a maximum of two hours.

Ride-and-leave service is available, so you can enjoy cycling with a high degree of freedom.

Rin-Rin Port Tsuchiura, a cycling base for the Kasumigaura area, is also a Property.
Rin-Rin Port Tsuchiura, a cycling base for the Kasumigaura area, is also a Property.

The wide-area bicycle rental business was initiated by Ibaraki Prefecture to allow visitors to casually enjoy the scenic beauty of Mount Tsukuba and Kasumigaura while cycling around the area. Bicycles can be rented for two or more days in a row from any of the 11 properties. The bicycles can be rented for two or more days in a row, and can be returned to any of the eleven Properties other than the one where they were rented.

The latest model road bikes and tandem bicycles are also available.

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

A wide variety of bicycles are available for rent, including cross bikes, road bikes, e-bikes with electric power assist, mini-velocos, kids' bikes (suitable for heights from 130 cm), and tandem bicycles. Tandem bicycles are bicycles for two people, and can be pedaled not only by a friend but also by two people, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can enjoy cycling. Tandem bicycles are available only at Rin-Rin Port Tsuchiura. To use the rental bicycles, advance reservations must be made at least three days in advance through the website, and the rental and return Property are selected at the time of reservation. Fees are paid in cash on the day of rental.

Local Guide Comment
A wide variety of bicycles, mainly the latest models, are available, from beginner bicycles to full-fledged road bikes. The best part is that you can choose your return Property.
Ibaraki Prefecture Wide-Area Bicycle Rental
  • Address Varies depending on the Property.
  • Direction Varies by Property
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-16:00 (Kasumigaura Fureai Land from 9:30, Rin-Rin Square Tsuchiura from 10:30, Tsukuba General Information Center from 10:30 on Monday through Saturday)
  • Closed Year-end and New Year's holidays
  • Admission fee From 1,500 yen per car
  • TEL Varies by Property
  • Parking Varies by Property

Property specializing in bicycles, completed in a location overlooking Kasumigaura.

The rooftop observation area is equipped with chairs and tables for eating and drinking.
The rooftop observation area is equipped with chairs and tables for eating and drinking.

Opened in March 2019, this cycling base is located adjacent to Tsuchiura Port. The Property was built where the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road, which connects Tsuchiura Station to the Kasumigaura area, passes through the site and has an impressive blue exterior. With free parking for approximately 100 cars, many people park their cars here to enjoy cycling around Kasumigaura. Kasumigaura can be seen from the premises, and the view from the rooftop observation space is excellent. It is a popular place for cyclists to relax.

Recommended for those who want to work up a sweat after cycling.

Shower rooms are available for 200 yen per 30 minutes. Hair dryer, body soap, and shampoo are provided.
Shower rooms are available for 200 yen per 30 minutes. Hair dryer, body soap, and shampoo are provided.

In addition to a rest area with Wi-Fi access, the facility is equipped with a bicycle maintenance space, shower rooms, and restrooms for cyclists. Airing and other equipment are always available for pre-departure care. The shower rooms can be used as soon as they are available, with no reservations required, making them a great place to stop by after a long day of sweating. There are also vending machines available for a selection of sweets and maintenance tools that are perfect for replenishing energy. With prior application, private multipurpose rooms can be rented for a fee.

Local Guide Comment
In front of the site is a well-kept lawn area. Many cyclists take a break here when the weather is nice.
Rinrin Port Tsuchiura
  • Address 2-13-25 Kawaguchi, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki MAP
  • Direction Approximately 18 minutes on foot from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Business hours 9:00-18:00
  • Closed December 29-January 3
  • Admission Fee Admission free
  • TEL 029-846-3320
  • Parking Free of charge

A rest stop with a view of Kasumigaura, where you can enjoy fresh local food

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

Restaurant on the second floor of the Kasumigaura City Exchange Center, facing the Kasumigaura Course on the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road. Under the concept of "healthy x locally produced for local consumption," the restaurant offers a menu featuring foods from Kasumigaura, such as wakasagi (pond smelt) and lotus root (lotus root). The "Wakasagi and Fried Lotus Root" is a hearty dish that features wakasagi from Kasumigaura, marinated in milk to remove its odor, and fried with lotus root grown by local farmers. Inside the restaurant, you can take a break in a retro atmosphere with desks and bookshelves acquired from six closed elementary schools in the area.

A rest point where maintenance, a gourmet experience, and souvenir selection can all be done at once.

Spacious deck for cyclists with direct Direction from Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rin-Rin Road.
Spacious deck for cyclists with direct Direction from Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rin-Rin Road.

The Kasumi Kitchen is located in the Kasumiura City Exchange Center, which is operated by the Kasumiura Miraizukuri Company, which is working to revitalize the Kasumiura City area. There is also a shower room that can be used for 200 yen per 15 minutes. Bicycle racks and covered benches on the deck facing Kasumigaura are available for maintenance of your bike or a short rest.

Local Guide Comment
At the Kasumi Marche on the first floor, there is a cafe where you can take out "lotus root pork burgers" and "fruit vinegar sodas. If you want to stop by for a quick break, this is also a good place to go.
Kasumi Kitchen
  • Address Kasumigaura City Exchange Center 2F, 4784 Saka, Kasumigaura City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 30 min. by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Business hours 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:30), Saturday, Sunday and holidays - 16:00 (L.O. 15:30)
  • Closed Monday and Tuesday (or the following day if the day falls on a national holiday)
  • TEL 029-896-1227
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Dinner is served by reservation only, with a course menu *18:00-22:30 (L.O.22:00)

A hot spring property overlooking Kasumigaura that will blow away your fatigue

Outdoor hot spring made of stone. If the weather is fine, Mt. Tsukuba and Mt. Fuji can be seen.
Outdoor hot spring made of stone. If the weather is fine, Mt. Tsukuba and Mt. Fuji can be seen.

Daytrip Destinations is a hot spring property located along Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road. The hot spring area is located on the top floor, and includes an Outdoor hot spring, Public hot spring, and medicinal baths. Public hot springs and medicinal baths offer a panoramic view of Kasumigaura stretching out before one's eyes while soaking in the hot water. The outdoor hot springs are private, and you can feel the wind blowing on the lakeside, which will heal you to the fullest. The yellowish-brown water contains a lot of silicon and is known as a hot spring for beautiful skin, making it excellent for moisturizing. The medicinal baths, which are changed regularly, are also expected to relieve fatigue.

Take a break while enjoying the view of the lake at the attached "Coteras

The café also offers coffee, juice and other beverages.
The café also offers coffee, juice and other beverages.

Adjacent to the hot spring Property is the Tennozaki Tourism Exchange Center "Coteras," which has a market and a café overlooking the inner garden. The Marche sells a wide variety of drinks, ice cream, and other items, in addition to vegetables and specialty products representative of Ibaraki Prefecture. The café also offers a wide variety of drinks, and visitors can take a relaxing break at a table with a view of the lake. The Property is also certified as a "Cycle Support Station" by Ibaraki Prefecture, so air tanks and tools are available for rent. It is also attractive to be able to easily perform maintenance on your bicycle.

Local Guide Comment
Footbaths are open on weekends only. It is free to use, and is recommended for those who want to take a quick soak between cycling sessions to soothe tired feet.
Asso Hot Spring Shiraho no Yu
  • Address 421-3 Aso, Katao City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 18 min. by car from JR Ushioji Station
  • Business hours 10:00 - 21:00 (last admission at 20:00)
  • Closed Wednesday
  • Admission Fee Admission: Adults 740 yen (530 yen from 17:00), elementary school students and younger 310 yen (210 yen from 17:00)
  • TEL 0299-80-6622
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Hot spring Metasilicate-containing spring
  • Memo Rental towel 110 yen, rental robe 220 yen

A rest stop using the remains of the Tsukuba Railway platform, which still retains the atmosphere of those days

Fujisawa Rest Area, where a deserted station building remains. Surrounded by rice paddies, you can see the original Japanese landscape.
Fujisawa Rest Area, where a deserted station building remains. Surrounded by rice paddies, you can see the original Japanese landscape.

The Tsukuba Railway, which was closed down in 1987, ran north-south for about 40 km between Tsuchiura and Iwase stations. Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road was built on the site of the old railroad line. Of the 18 Tsukuba Railway stations, Mushikake, Hitachi-Fujisawa, Tsukuba, Makabe, Amabiki, and Iwase stations are used as rest areas for cyclists. The rest area also has bicycle parking racks and clean restrooms. Near the Fujisawa Rest Area is a bakery cafe called Kura Biyori is also located there, so it is recommended to stop by.

Air conditioners are available at the Tsukuba Rest Area at the midpoint of the tour.

Tsukuba Rest Area is located halfway between Tsuchiura Station and Iwase Station.
Tsukuba Rest Area is located halfway between Tsuchiura Station and Iwase Station.

The Tsukuba Rest Area, located next to the bus stop at Mt. Tsukuba's entrance, Tsukuba-Sanguchi, is equipped with free air fills. In the vicinity, there is also the popular "KARINTOU Manju" (steamed bun with a sweet bean paste) at Numataya and "Matsuya Ramen Shop" where you can taste handmade "Nama Ramen". Matsuya Noodle Factory a long-established sake brewery, and the Inaba Sake Brewery Inaba Sake Brewery You can also enjoy a side trip to the Inaba Sake Brewery, a long-established sake brewery. The Makabe Rest Area is a retro townscape, and the area around the rest area is full of charm. The final stop, Iwase Rest Stop, is adjacent to JR Iwase Station, so you can load up your bicycle and return by train. Ibaraki Prefecture Wide-Area Bicycle Rental You can also rent a bike at Tsuchiura Station and return it at Iwase Station by using the "Ibaraki Prefecture Wide-Area Rental Bike" service.

Local Guide Comment
The rest areas, which are made from abandoned railroad platforms and station buildings, are all filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, so you will be tempted to take pictures while taking a break.
Tsukuba area Rest area
  • Address Varies depending on the Property.
  • Direction Varies by Property
  • Hours of Operation Free to use
  • Regular holidays Free to use
  • TEL None
  • Parking Varies by Property

A direct sales shop where you can find a wide variety of special products from the city of Miyakonojo.

A wide variety of sweet potatoes, a local specialty, are always available. Shallots are also available.
A wide variety of sweet potatoes, a local specialty, are always available. Shallots are also available.

The direct sales shop attached to "Roadside Station Tamatsukuri" is located at the foot of "Kasumigaura Ohashi Bridge" over Kasumigaura. The interior of the building is reminiscent of a sailing boat floating in Kasumigaura, with sunlight pouring down from the ceiling, creating a bright atmosphere throughout the day. Every day, local farmers from the city of Miyata deliver their fresh morning vegetables directly to the store, which are all reasonably priced. Even the locals use this place for their daily shopping. The store is also filled with other specialties such as processed products of Kasumigaura catfish and carp, tsukudani (food boiled down in soy sauce), etc. by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the City of Mississippi.

A hamburger using catfish caught in Kasumigaura

Nameko Pakkun
Nameko Pakkun" drink set for 650 yen. The catfish patty and tomato sauce are a perfect match.

There is a fast food corner in one corner of the direct sales counter, and it boasts four kinds of "missing burgers" made from local ingredients. The "Namepakun," a patty made from ground catfish caught in Kasumigaura is the key ingredient, and has no odor at all, with a moist texture and a white fish-like flavor. In addition to the "Koi Pakkun" sandwiched with a patty of Kasumigaura carp, the "Pork Pakkun" and "Duck Pakkun" are also popular. It is recommended to eat at the terrace, which offers an excellent location with a view of Kasumigaura and Mount Tsukuba.

Local Guide Comment
This place is just the spot for a lunch break when trying to go around Kasumigaura. Namepakun, which is often talked about among cyclists, is a local gourmet dish that you should try.
Namegata City Tourism Products Center Koikoi (Namamegashi Kanko Bussan Kan Koi)
  • address (e.g. of house) 1963-5, Tamatsukuri Kou, Miyakata City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 30 min. by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-18:00 (10:00-10:00 for the "MIAKAI BURGER")
  • Regular holidays From the beginning of the year
  • TEL 0299-36-2781
  • Parking Free (55 cars)
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.