Highlights
- Cycling along Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road, one of Japan’s first National Cycling Routes
- Learning about the aviation history of Tsuchiura City and Ami Town through insightful exhibitions and the preserved firsthand accounts of pilot trainees
- Kaiseki-style lunch featuring regional Ibaraki delicacies
- Visiting a historic park with roots in the 14th century
- Tea experience in a restored old private house
Description
The Kasumigaura Naval Air Station, which is regarded as “The Largest Air Base in the East,” sits on the banks of Lake Kasimigaura, Japan’s second largest lake. In 1939, the Naval Flight Preparatory Training Unit, commonly known as the “Yokaren,” was also established in the area, leading Tsuchiura and Ami to prosper as ‘Aviation Towns.’
This cycling tour guides you through the history of Japanese aviation and the Yokaren with insightful visits to numerous facilities. In addition to highlighting the achievements and development of Tsuchiura and Ami as aviation towns, the tour also acts as a reminder of the value of life and the importance of peace.
Minimum number of participants: 3 people
Maximum number of participants: 6 people
Details
Itinerary:
| Time | Distance | Stops |
| 9:00 | 0.0km | Meet at Tsuchiura Station |
| 9:15 | Leave Tsuchiura Station | |
| (25 minutes) | (6.2km) | |
| 9:40 | 6.2km | Arrive at Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum |
| 11:10 | Leave Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum | |
| (35 minutes) | (8.0km) | |
| 11:45 | 14.3km | Arrive at Zeppelin Exhibition Hall (We will also visit Machikado Kura) |
| 12:30 | Leave Zeppelin Exhibition Hall | |
| (0 minutes) | (0.1km) | |
| 12:30 | 14.2km | Arrive at Kasumigetsuro |
| 14:30 | Leave Kasumigetsuro | |
| (0 minutes) | (0.1km) | |
| 14:30 | 14.3km | Arrive at Kijo Park and Shirofuji Tea House (Explore the neighborhood on foot) |
| 15:45 | Leave Kijo Park and Shirofuji Tea House | |
| (5 minutes) | (0.8km) | |
| 15:50 | 15.1km | Return to Tsuchiura Station. End of tour. You can purchase souvenirs at Tsuchiura Station. |
Detailed map of route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49282831
Introduction of spots:
Cycling (Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road) & Tsuchiura Station
Lake Kasumigaura is one of the "National Cycle Routes" designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and is a route that Japan proudly presents to the world. The route has 120km of well-maintained cycling roads, allowing everyone from beginners to veterans to enjoy cycling with peace of mind. Tsuchiura Station, which will serve as the base for this tour, is an ideal starting point. You can purchase regional souvenirs, such as famous sake from Ibaraki Prefecture, and even stay at nearby accommodations operated by Hoshino Resorts.
Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum
This facility is located adjacent to the former Tsuchiura Naval Air Base, which was once the heart of "Yokaren" training. Here, you can learn about young people in their teens and twenties who lost their lives in various operations such as the Kamikaze Special Attack Force, which they joined out of concern for Japan and their families, not because they wanted to do harm. The meaningful exhibits provide a powerful opportunity to reflect on war and the importance of peace.
Kagetsurou
Established in 1889, this historic restaurant has deep roots in Tsuchiura, a town with a strong connection to aviation. It served as a venue for entertaining distinguished international visitors, including Charles and Anne Lindbergh, as well as a gathering place for Japanese politicians, painters, writers, and other important figures. During the final stages of World War II, it even hosted farewell banquets for Kamikaze pilots. The poignant messages left by these pilots can still be viewed today on a folding screen. You can also indulge in a luxurious kaiseki meal (multi-course traditional Japanese meal) filled with local specialties from Ibaraki Prefecture and experience a traditional tea ceremony in the restaurant's tea room.
Tsuchiura Zeppelin Museum
The exhibition hall on Nakajo-dori street is located in a charming area with many well-preserved historic buildings. The hall features photos and displays that document the Graf Zeppelin's stop in Tsuchiura during its round-the-world flight in 1929. Just across the street, you'll find “Machikado Kura Daitoku,” a renovated former kimono shop that now acts as a local tourist information center. The facility also sells souvenirs.
Kijo Park & Shirofuji Tea House
Kijo Park developed on the grounds of Tsuchiura Castle. It was built during the Muromachi Period (1336–1573) and finalized during the Edo Period (1603–1868). The castle’s nickname is “Kijo” (Turtle Castle) since it looked like a turtle's shell floating on the water. Today, you can still see the turret gate that was erected during the Edo Period. Also, at Kijofuji Tea Shop, located very close to Kijo Park, you can enjoy tea in a restored old private house.
Important information
Included in price
- Cycling guide
- Rental bicycle
- Meal fee (lunch)
- Facility tour fee
- Insurance fee
Not included
- Travel expenses to and from Tsuchiura Station
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs
Additional details:
- The tour is available year-round
- Once we receive your order, we will adjust the schedule according to the guest(s) and finalize the tour date.
- One person can register for their entire party
- Please note that the guide cannot speak English fluently. However, they will provide foreign language materials suited to each customer’s needs and offer English explanations to the best of their ability. At the Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum, the local staff can give explanations in English.
What you need to bring:
- Comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for cycling (skirts are not allowed)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs and purchases outside of the tour package
Cancellation policy:
- Two to three days prior to your trip – 20%
- The day before – 50%
- Same day – 100%
