Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road
The Tsukuba Ring Ring Road is well-known cycling track in the west of Ibaraki. It was once the Tsukuba Railway, which was discontinued in 1987 and eventually turned into a scenic cycling track stretching 40km from Iwase Station to Tsuchiura Station. Recently it was extended to join the road around Lake Kasumigaura and form the 180km Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road. With the extension of the cycling course, the Ibaraki Prefectural Government has teamed up with seven municipalities around Lake Kasumigaura (Tsuchiura, Ishioka, Tsukuba, Itako, Kasumigaura, Sakuragawa, and Namegata) to set up a bicycle rental system allowing you to rent bikes from one of seven locations and return them to any of the other locations. We rented cross bikes and cycled one of the most popular sections of the course – the old railway track.
We set out from Iwase Station at around 10am. We were immediately given a preview of the scenery we would enjoy along the way – rolling fields, spring flowers, and distant mountains. Not long in we discovered an optional side trip of about 3km up to Amabiki Kanon Temple http://www.amabiki.or.jp/ – unfortunately, we didn’t have time to go the whole way, but if you want an extra challenge (the roads are quite steep) and are keen to see one of the most scenic temples in Ibaraki, this is definitely an accomplishable sidetrack from the main path. The road is marked quite clearly with signs so with the help of a map you shouldn’t have much difficulty finding it.
Our first stop was in the Makabe Rest Area. The Ring Ring Road is punctuated by six rest areas between Iwase and Tsuchiura that were once stations on the Tsukuba Railway. Now they have seats, bathrooms, and some have pumps for your bike tires. When we reached the Makabe Rest Area we departed from the road once again to cycle through the old streets of Makabe, a castle town that was planned in the Sengoku period and completed in the Edo period. 99 buildings around the town have been designated as National Registered Cultural Properties. The town is renowned for its Hinamatsuri doll displays in February and March. There is a café called Hashimoto Coffee where you can drop in for a cuppa – unfortunately, it is closed on Tuesdays, which is the day we visited.
As we continued along our path we drew closer and closer to Mt. Tsukuba. When we reached the Mt. Tsukuba Rest Area, we decided to veer off the track again in search of somewhere to eat and we found
Maruchu, a soba restaurant. The food was delicious so I would definitely recommend it for lunch, but take care as the location of the store is not exactly where it says it is on google maps. If you head toward the google maps pin but turn left when you reach the street with a Lawson you will find it on the right side of the street.
After lunch, we powered along until we got to Tsuchiura. When we arrived in the city, we ventured off toward Lake Kasumigaura. Once you arrive at the lakeside you are treated to a beautiful view of the water. If you continue around the lake you have the option of visiting the Lake Kasumigaura Environmental Science Center, a museum and research centre on the northwestern side of the lake. Inside are a number of exhibits introducing the flora. fauna, and history around Lake Kasumigaura.
Finally, we headed back toward central Tsuchiura to return our bikes and have a well-earned ice cream before catching the train back to Mito. We explored just one section of the cycling path – there are many more recommended courses to check out. Whether you want a relaxed 10km course or a more intense 80km one (you could do the whole 180km if you’re up to it!), this well-serviced cycling course has something for everyone. Check out the information below and start planning your own adventure!
Bicycle Rental
Time: 9am – 4pm Cost: Road Bike: 2000 yen Cross Bike/Mini Velo: 1500 yen Child’s Bike: 500 yen
Recommended Courses
1. 80km Course JR Iwase Station – JR Itako Station (approx. 6 hours) 2. 50km Course JR Tsuchiura Station – JR Itako Station (approx. 4 hours) 3. 40km Course JR Iwase Station – JR Tsuchiura Station (approx. 3 hours) JR Iwase Station – TX Tsukuba Station (approx. 3 hours) 4. 10km Course Explore the cutting edge technological city of Tsukuba and the historical city of Tsuchiura! TX Tsukuba Station – JR Tsuchiura Station (approx. 1 hour) Websites: Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Cycling Road Official Website: <http://www.rinrin-road.com/ Ibaraki Guide to the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road (you can watch videos of the course and download maps!) <http://www.ibarakiguide.jp/seasons/ring-ring-road.html>
Locations to Pick up and Drop off Bikes
The hours listed refer to the opening hours of the facilities – pick up and drop off of bikes can be done every day between 9am – 4pm.
Sakuragawa Iwase Station Square Takasago Ryokan Hours: 9am -4pm (Closed during Obon and New Year’s) Address: 174 Iwase, Sakuragawa PH: 0296-75-2165
Tsuchiura Lacus Marina Hours: 9am – 5pm (closed Wednesdays from December – March) Address: 2-13-6 Kawaguchi, Tsuchiura PH: 0298-22-2437
Tsuchiura Machikado Kura Daitoku Hours: 9am – 6pm (Closed on New Years Holiday) Address: 1-3-16 Chuo, Tsuchiura PH: 029-8242810
Ishioka Nakamura Parking Lot Hours: 8:30am – 5:15pm (closed weekends and public holidays) Address: 425 Kitanemoto, Ishioka PH: 0299-23-3399 (Ishioka Chiho Koiki Silver Jinzai Center)
Tsukuba Tsukuba General Information Center Hours: 8:30am – 6:30pm every day Address: BiVi Tsukuba 1st Floor, 1-8-10 Azuma, Tsukuba PH: 0298-79-5298
Kasumigaura Hours: 9am – 5pm (closed Mondays except public holidays in which case it will be closed the following Tuesday) Address: 4784 Saka, Kasumigaura PH: 0298-40-9010
Namegata Lake Kasumigaura Fureai Land Hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm (closed Mondays except public holidays in which case it will be closed the following Tuesday. Closed over New Year’s) Address: 1234 Tamatsukurikou, Namegata PH: 0299-55-3927
Itako Suigo Itako Tourism Association Hours: 9am – 5pm every day Address: 1-1-16 Ayame, Itako PH: 0299-63-3154
How to Make a Booking
Note: If possible, please make reservations in Japanese. If you wish to book in English, please fax or email the information.
You must book three days in advance. Same day reservations will not be accepted unless there are extra bicycles available. Please note that Nakamura Parking Lot in Ishioka is reservation-only. Call, fax, or email the Lacus Marina Support Desk (details below) with the following information:
1. 氏名(グループの代表者。以下２～３同様) Name (if you are a group, the name of one person in the group. Use the same person’s information for 2 and 3): 2. 住所及び郵便番号 Address (including post code): 3. 連絡先（携帯番号） Contact Information (mobile phone): 4. ご利用日 Date of reservation: 5. 貸出施設及び予定時刻 Location and time you would like to collect the bikes: 6. 返却施設及び予定時刻 Location and time you will return the bikes: 7. 利用車種(台数)・ロードバイク（ 台）・クロスバイク（ 台）・ミニベロ（ 台） Type and number of bike(s): Road Bike (Number of bikes you wish to reserve: ) Cross Bike (Number of bikes you wish to reserve: ) Mini Velo (Number of bikes you wish to reserve: )
There are a limited number of bikes available, so Lacus Marina will contact you to let you know if they can cater to your request after they receive it. Bikes can only be rented on a daily basis – you cannot keep them overnight.
On the day, pick up your bikes from the facility you designated. Make sure to bring some form of ID. You can also borrow a helmet free of charge (either child size, L, or M), but please understand if your size is unavailable.
Please return the bikes to the facility you designated by the time you designated.
Cancellations: Please contact the Support Desk by 4pm the day before your booking if you wish to cancel. If you are more than an hour late to pick up your bikes, your booking will be cancelled.
Caution
The bicycles all have a TS Mark sticker, insuring the rider with personal accident insurance and liability insurance
The bikes are not insured for theft or damage. If you leave the bike at any point make sure that you lock it
If you lose or damage the bike’s attachments (e.g. light), helmet, or key, or if they are stolen, you will have to pay for their replacement
Responsibility for accidents or theft that were not caused by the actions of the organisers will not be taken by the organisers
Please obey the traffic laws and cycling manners, and cycle safely
Please ensure that the tires, breaks, and gears are working correctly before you leave
If you are in an accident or if you have any trouble such as your bike breaking down, please call the Support Desk
Lacus Marina Cycling Support Desk Hours: 9am – 5pm Address: 2-13-6 Kawaguchi, Tsuchiura PH: 0298-22-2437 FAX: 0298-26-2839 Email: info.cycle@lacusmarina.com Website: http://www.lacusmarina.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacusmarina.ibaraki