Ride along the lakeside with a spectacular view! Guided cycling tour + lotus root digging experience for parents and children (Tsuchiura, Ibaraki)
・Cycle along the national cycle route of Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road! Ride along Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan. Enjoy cycling while looking at the beautiful lake.
・A new sensation of digging lotus roots! Tsuchiura City produces the most lotus roots in Japan! The lotus root fields are knee-deep for adults, so you can enjoy digging lotus roots with your children! If you wish, we will give you a gift of the lotus roots you dug up!
・We have bicycle rental options available for those who wish to rent one (pay on site, separate fee).
For details, please check the Pre-booking Checks.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Minimum participant requirement | 2 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
・Guided tours are conducted in Japanese. For other languages, translation tools will be available. (You may also arrange for your own interpreter.)
・Participants must be at least 140cm tall.
・Elementary and junior high school students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, and high school students must have prior parental consent.
Lunch is not included in the tour price.
・You can take the lotus root home with you, but please note that it cannot be transported or shipped overseas.
This plan does not include lodging, so if you require lodging, please make your own reservations.
-When digging lotus roots, you will be required to wear a wetsuit-like garment that covers your entire body, so your clothes should not get dirty. However, if you are worried, please bring a change of clothes.
Please also bring a change of clothes for your children.
・There are no showers or changing facilities at the lotus root digging experience site.
・Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will be riding a bicycle. We recommend that you bring gloves as your hands may get cold.
・The tour will proceed even if it rains lightly. In the case of stormy weather, the tour will be cancelled. We will make a decision based on the weather forecast two days in advance and contact you. If the tour is cancelled due to weather, there will be no cancellation fee.
If the minimum number of participants (2) is not met, we will refund your money or reschedule your tour date up to 4 days before the tour.
・Please purchase insurance yourself if necessary.
Options ・Rental bicycle (cross bike): 4,400 yen A bicycle suitable for cycling.
・Rental bicycle (electrically assisted bicycle): 5,500 yen We recommend this option for those who do not normally exercise and are not confident in their physical strength.
・Rental bicycle (junior sports): 3,300 yen. Bicycles for children.
If you would like to do so, please fill in the model and number of bikes in the comments section of the purchase/reservation page and let us know your height (so we can help you choose a bike that fits your size).
Please go directly to the PLAY Atre Tsuchiura Le Cycle Tsuchiura store to make the rental arrangements (on-site payment).
Reminders
Due to bad weather or natural disasters, the tour may be canceled after the reservation is confirmed.
[In case of cancellation due to decision to proceed] If there are not enough participants, the tour may be cancelled. If the tour is cancelled, we will contact you. Please check your email and phone.
[Language support] Supports simple English, translation devices and translation apps
[Parking availability] Parking available (paid) *For details about affiliated parking lots, please check the following link. https://playatre.com/access
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 5 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 4 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Tsuchiura cycling tour takes you along the flat, scenic Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road, tracing Lake Kasumigaura, Japan's second-largest lake. It's a relaxed 90-minute round trip with regular breaks, designed to be enjoyable even for those less confident in their physical endurance. You will enjoy beautiful lake views throughout the ride.
Tsuchiura City is renowned as Japan's top producer of lotus roots, making it a cornerstone of local agricultural identity and culinary tradition. While the cultural meaning can vary, the lotus flower itself often symbolizes purity, beauty, and rebirth in many Asian cultures, influencing the local appreciation for its roots as a versatile and valued ingredient.
Participants will venture into the lotus root fields, where the water typically reaches adult knee-level, offering a unique sensory experience. A local guide will demonstrate and assist with the digging process. It's an interactive and hands-on activity, providing a fresh perspective on how this vegetable is harvested from the muddy terrain.
Along the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road, cyclists are treated to picturesque views of Lake Kasumigaura, which is Japan's second-largest lake. The route offers expansive waterfront vistas, lush natural landscapes, and the tranquility of the lakeside environment, perfect for a relaxing ride.
Yes, the Tsuchiura guided cycling route is designed to be accessible for various fitness levels. It features a flat road for the entire 90-minute round trip and includes regular breaks. This thoughtful design ensures that even those who are not confident in their physical strength can comfortably participate and enjoy the journey.
A local guide, deeply familiar with Ibaraki Prefecture and Tsuchiura, leads the entire tour. They not only navigate the cycling route and direct the lotus root digging but also share insights into the area's unique charms and culture. This personalized guidance ensures a smooth, informative, and enriching experience for all participants.
Absolutely. The Tsuchiura lotus root digging experience is designed to be a unique and engaging activity for parents and children alike. The lotus root fields are typically knee-deep for adults, making it an exciting and manageable adventure for younger participants to explore and interact with nature.
Yes, participants have the option to take home the lotus roots they successfully dig during the experience. These freshly harvested lotus roots can be a wonderful memento of your visit and an ingredient to enjoy in your culinary adventures, adding a personal touch to your Tsuchiura memories.
Get Help
