Cycle Routes in Ibaraki
Routes 1 & 2 together make up the 180-km long Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road. There is information in English about the route here.
There is a cycling-specific hotel in Tsuchiura called BEB5. This is part of PLAYatré Tsuchiura which is billed as Japan's largest cycle resort. You can read an article about "Japan's New Bicycle Tourism Dimension" in Cycling Industry News about PLAYatré Tsuchiura, BEB5, and cycling in the area.
1. Kasumigaura Loop
Clockwise loop, starting near Tsuchiura (120 km loop, road / TT)
Access: Starts & finishes near Tsuchiura Station.
Much of this route follows the lakeside cycle path, It is perfect for riding down on the aero bars.
The cycle path also goes around the north part of the lake.
2. Kasumigaura - Mt Tsukuba - Kasumigaura
Along the "Rin-Rin Road" cycle path to Mt Tsukuba with a loop up to the cable car station (550 metres climb)
Access: Starts & finishes near Tsuchiura Station.
The start of the ride is near Tsuchiura at our usual start point for the bike path that loops around Kasumigaura lake. From Tsuchiura to the foot of Mt Tsukuba, there is an excellent bike path along an old railway line. This bike path is signposted from the lake. There is information here:
mlit.go.jp/road/bicycleuse/good-cycle-japan/national_cycle_route/tsukuba.html
The climb of Mt. Tsukuba is probably best done anticlockwise up a narrow road which winds steeply up through the trees. It is marked as a cycle route.