Visit

Sakihama Oyster Fossil Bed

The Sakihama Oyster Fossil Bed and Tunnel Tombs formed approximately 120 to 130,000 years ago when this area was at the bottom of the ocean. This oyster shell bed was shaped by the exposure of geological formations deposited with fossil oyster shells. During the late Kofun period between the 6th and 7th century AD, this place was used as tunnel tombs dug into the slopes. A total of 17 tunnel tombs were discovered in various types, including tombs with only a main area for the coffin, while other tombs had three parts in the front and two sides.

Because it is near Ring Ring Road, it's a great place to visit while cycling if you're interested in Japanese history.

Yoshida Lotus Root Farm

Ibaraki Prefecture is the top lotus root producer in Japan, with the vegetable growing especially well around Lake Kasumigaura. Yoshida Lotus Root Farm not only cultivates the root vegetable but also produces lotus leaf tea and lotus root products. They aim to grow lotus roots in a way that is great for the environment and your body while avoiding using pesticides as much as possible. Lotus roots―eaten boiled, stir-fried, and even raw―are highly nutritious in vitamin C, tannins, potassium, and dietary fibers and offer many health benefits. Lotus leaf tea is also effective for swelling and constipation, expelling toxins from your body, and is great for beautifying the skin.

At Yoshida Lotus Root Farm, you can visit the lotus fields and purchase lotus root products as souvenirs. Lotus root must be eaten fresh, so advance reservations are required if you wish to buy any produce.
Due to being near Ring Ring Road, it's a recommended place to stop by while cycling.

Hirasawa Kanga Ruins

The Hirasawa Kanga Ruins were established as a government office over 1,000 years ago, during the Nara (710-794) and Heian (794-1185) periods. They are designated as a national historic site.
Hirasawa is the name of the area where the ruins are located, while Kanga refers to a government office. It is believed that taxation rice was stored here.

Roughly 60 building ruins, along with traces of moats, fences, and more, have been identified as dating back to the Nara and Heian periods through archaeological excavation. Three of its buildings, each with different architectural structures, have been restored to give visitors a look into what ancient architecture was like.

Due to being near Ring Ring Road, it's a recommended place to stop by while cycling.

Oda Castle Ruins

Oda Castle was the residence of the Oda clan, an incredibly influential family in the area from the 12th to 17th centuries. Currently, only the ruins of the castle remain.

At the time, the Imperial Court was divided into the Northern Court in present-day Kyoto and the Southern Court in present-day Nara Prefecture. The castle was the regional headquarters for the Southern Court during the Nanbokucho period (1336-1392), a time of conflict between the two courts, and is a designated national historic site.

During the 20th century, the center of the castle was bisected by the tracks of the Tsukuba Railway.

After Tsukuba Railway became defunct in 1987, almost the entire line was redeveloped into Tsukuba Ring Ring Road. The section of the tracks that bisected Oda Castle was modified to go around outside the ruins. However, the railway tracks remain a passage cut and feature a cross-section view of the castle earthwork.

The earthwo…

Kijo Park

The park is a historical symbol of Tsuchiura and was developed from part of the former Tsuchiura Castle. The castle, constructed in the late Muromachi period (1429-1440), was commonly known as "Kijō" ("Turtle Castle") because it resembled a turtle floating in the water. This also carried over to the park, which was named Kijo Park. Castanopsis trees, designated as a natural monument by the prefecture, and a lawn square can be found in the park. You can also see historical heritages that portray the vestiges of the former castle, such as Yagura Gate and Kasumi Gate.

Ring Ring Square Tsuchiura

Ring Ring Square Tsuchiura is a facility that offers cycling services and is directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station. The facility has bicycle and rental shops and is fully furnished with coin lockers and shower rooms. Additionally, it offers information on Ring Ring Road and other cycling routes.
The available rental options cater to a wide range of needs, from road bikes to electric bicycles. Three rental services (Japanese only) have their own respective rental methods, so you can choose the option that best suits your preferences.

1. le cyc (1st floor shop and rental service)
Rentals are available for a wide variety of bicycles, gloves, and other cycling gear. Reservations are required. The equipment must be returned to the original rental location.
Rental time:
Weekdays: 10:30-19:30
Weekends & national holidays: 10:00-19:30

2. Ibaraki Wide-Area Rental Cycle (available via the 1st floor Le cyc counter)
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Kasama Inari Art Museum

This museum is the place to learn about the rich history of Japanese pottery.

Located on the grounds of Kasama Inari Shrine, the museum displays six styles of ancient pottery in the permanent exhibition.

Their collection consists of works from the Heian, Kamakura, and Muromachi periods, spanning over 1,000 years old. Elaborate hanging scrolls and folding screens with drawings depicting scenes of Japanese landscapes and seasonal motifs are also displayed in special exhibitions.

Visitors can gain valuable knowledge about the history and development of Japanese ceramics at this museum.

Kasama Nichido Museum of Art

While Kasama is known for its beautiful ceramics, a few museums in the city also exhibit paintings and sculptures. Kasama Nichido Museum of Art opened in 1972 and is one of the foremost institutes.

The Museum was created to provide all people access to inspiring works of art. The collection comprises works by Japanese artists and works by the Impressionists, who influenced the Japanese art. Visitors will be greeted with drawings of renowned artists such as Renoir, Monet, van Gogh, and Degas. There is also a rare exhibition of palettes used by well-known artists, which has been critically acclaimed. There are also sculptures installed in the attractive garden.

Kasama Ekimae Tourist Information Center, Rental Cycle

The center, located near Kasama Station, provides guidance to visitors while operating as a rental bicycle station.

A bicycle is an ideal transportation method for exploring Kasama, and the center offers reasonable options. The rental fee for an electric bicycle is 300 yen for the first hour. Afterward, 100 yen will be added every 30 minutes. The maximum fee is 1,500 yen per day.

Yakimono Dori (Pottery Street)/To no Komichi (Pottery Lane)

Long-established pottery studios and large-sized wholesale stores are lined up at Kasama Yakimono Dori, a street along National Route 355. The numerous facilities include Katsura Tougei, which specializes in handling Kasama-yaki, a Japan Heritage, and Hisa Toukoubou, where visitors can participate in a pottery workshop.

To no Komichi is also a pottery street. It starts from the eastern side of Kasama Yakimono-dori and runs parallel to another craft street, Gallery Road. There are about ten stores directly managed by pottery studios, where visitors can meet the potters directly.

Gallery Road

Gallery Road is a place where you can feel a deep connection between Kasama and artistic crafts.

Shops handling Kasama-yaki recognized as a Japan Heritage, are lined up along Gallery Road, which stretches for about 2 kilometers. There are galleries like Kouzangama and Gallery Mon and pottery shops such as Kilala-kan and Space Nico. There is also a gallery featuring beautiful glass art, a retro jazz café designed in the Showa Period style, a bakery, and other charming dining establishments.

Mito Plum Blossom Festival

The Mito Plum Blossom Festival began in 1896 when the railway between Mito and Ueno opened, and trains for viewing plum blossoms were implemented. The festival is held annually from mid-February to late March, coinciding with the blooming season of plum blossoms. Mainly, the festival takes place at Japan Heritage sites: Kairakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and Kodokan, previously the domain school of the Mito Domain. At Kairakuen, there are approximately 100 varieties and 3,000 plum trees, while at Kodokan, there are around 60 varieties and 800 plum trees. During the festival, there will be various events such as evening illuminations, fireworks, and the Japan Umeshu (plum liqueur) Festival. At this festival, you can try over 150 varieties of plum liqueur from all parts of the country.
The Mito Plum Blossom Festival is a beloved annual festival that brings the spirit of spring to Mito, attracting both locals and visitors.