I visited Shimotsuma City in the autumn wheat season, after the rice planting season was over, to take a solo trip.
Although the city is close to my hometown, it was the first time for me to visit the city by bicycle, so I was excited to see what kind of scenery I would encounter.

What is Shimotsuma City Like?

Shimotsuma City is located in the southwestern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, about 60km from Tokyo. With Kokai River to the east and Kinugawa River to the west, the city is one of the leading pear-growing areas in Ibaraki Prefecture.
The city is also the setting for the novel and movie “Shimotsuma Monogatari (Kamikaze Girls).”

Roadside Station Shimotsuma

Opened in 2000 and reopened in 2015, Shimotsuma Roadside Station is located along Route294 and has the appearance of a Japanese style castle.
The interior of the shop is long and wide with a modern atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping at their leisure.
In addition to a direct sales shop for agricultural products, a bakery, and restaurants, there is also a natto (fermented soybeans) factory.



There is also a bicycle rack. I started my solo ride from this roadside station.


As soon as I turned onto a road east of the national highway, I was greeted by a spectacular view of wheat fields and rice paddies.
It was truly a view of barley in autumn. In the rice paddies, I was able to photograph upside-down Mt.Tsukuba.

Kokai River Fureai Park

3-4km from the roadside station, I arrived at Kokai River Fureai Park. The park stretches alongside Kokai River, a first-class river.
There are nature observation and barbecue areas, playground equipment for children, and a park golf course.


Nature Center is in the shape of a large butterfly.
From a distance, it looks like a butterfly with its wings spread perched on the ground. The park has a flower zone where poppies bloom in May and cosmos in October.


It rained heavily the day before, but I was able to see the poppies.
It is a popular spot for taking pictures, so there were many people with their cameras ready. I would like to visit again in the fall to see the cosmos.

Shimotsuma Station, Kanto Railway Joso Line

I stopped by the station and took a picture of the train just as it arrived.

You can bring your bicycle from Ootago Station to Mitsukaido Station on Joso Line without packing. (Note that the hours are limited: from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
There is no charge for bringing your own bike. It is also recommended to take the cycle train from Shimotsuma Station to different areas.


In front of the station, there was a port for Shimotsuma City community cycle “Shimonchari.” Anyone can use it anywhere at the dedicated port.
There are 10 ports around the station and other locations, available from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for 100yen.
I saw many locals and tourists using the service in the town.



There was a shopping street nearby, so I went for a tour. There was a fireworks shop, a long-established Japanese sweets shop, and a bakery.

Waiwai Dome Shimotsuma

After pottering around the shopping street, I arrived at Waiwai Dome Shimotsuma.
The land that was once used for commercial facilities has been converted into a covered multipurpose plaza and a community center.




People can enjoy street basketball, tennis, etc., in the covered multipurpose plaza. There is also a skateboarding park.
The park is to be a reservoir equipped with a rainwater runoff control system. When the rain is not pooling, you can enjoy skateboarding in this plaza.


The outside wall is stylish and makes you want to take pictures. After a leisurely ride around the area, I went for lunch.

Gallery&Café Akariya

I visited Gallery&Café Akariya along Route125. You can feel the history from the exterior.


It is housed in an old private house built in 1929.


The entrance has a vaulted ceiling, creating an open atmosphere. Inside the tasteful interior, time passes leisurely.





There were no other customers, so I looked around the shop.
The gallery is a display of works of art, including some pieces that are available for purchase.
The second floor was a comfortable space with a tatami room.



I ordered the “Daily lunch.” It consisted of a salad, marinated chicken and bell pepper, hamburger steak, yam gratin, and a drink. The homey and wholesome taste filled my stomach.

Kinugawa Flower Line

I went to the riverbed of Kinugawa River that runs along the western side of the river.

Poppies could be seen here as well. The volunteers of “Hana to 10,000 no Kai” （Flowr and 10,000 People), the local volunteer organization, and others are taking care of the poppies.


After being healed, I headed to the next location.

Shimotsuma City Tourism Exchange Center San SUN Sanuma Walking Station

I stopped by the tourist exchange center. There is also a bicycle rack.



On the first floor, you can buy local vegetables and souvenirs, and on the second floor there is a café-restaurant with a view of Sanuma, a large reservoir.
As the temperature was rising, I decided to have a gelato.

Tofu Milk was delicious, with a strong tofu flavor and a refreshing sweetness.

Sanuma Regional Park

Sanuma is a large reservoir with a circumference of about 6km. It is visited by walkers and runners. The scenery is very pleasant.



A bicycle path is also provided. I turned the pedals slowly and looked at the scenery of Sanuma.


Sanuma Bridge spans the center of Sanuma.

A torii gate appeared on the way.


Iris were in bloom. A wooden pathway was also covered so that we could look at them up close.
There are a number of benches to view the irises, and it is truly a spot for rest and relaxation.
The shade of the trees was cool and a pleasant breeze was blowing.
I went out of the park from the side of the ball field on the north side of Sanuma.

Taiho Hachimangu Shrine

I headed for Taiho Hachimangu Shrine, said to be the oldest Hachiman Shrine in Kanto area.



There is a bicycle rack in the parking lot. Passing through a large torii gate, I found a sumo ring in the precincts of the shrine. The ring is the same size as Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

Zuishinmon Gate was erected to commemorate 60th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s accession to the throne. The statue of the deity Niou is standing at the gate with his gaze fixed on the ground.

The lush green precincts of the shrine were filled with a dignified atmosphere.
I paid my respects at the hall of worship.
I heard that hydrangeas will color the precincts in June, so it will be nice to visit the shrine in the coming season.


When I purchased a good-luck charm for my bicycle, I also received a sticker. I immediately attached it to my handlebars to pray for traffic safety.


There was also a restaurant in the precinct.
The back of the terrace seats are decorated in a photo-worthy style, and next time I would like to relax while having a light meal.
On the way back, I took a short detour and stopped at Tobanoe Station on Joso Line.


The current station building was rebuilt in 2008, and the previous station building was a wooden structure built in 1926 when the station first opened.
It was used for filming movies and promotional videos.

You can feel the charm of a peaceful local railroad. I would like to use it for cycle trains.

The scenery I encountered between Tobanoe Station and the roadside station. I felt refreshed.

Course Introduction

▼Shimotsuma City Tourism Association
http://www.shimotsuma-kankou.jp/

▼Kanto Railway Cycle Train
https://www.kantetsu.co.jp/train/cycle.html

▼Shimonchari
https://www.city.shimotsuma.lg.jp/page/page003562.html

Summary

This 30km solo trip around Shimotsuma City was a great opportunity for me to get to know the city, visiting old historic places and discovering new facilities.
I feel as if my mind has become more relaxed, enjoying the scenery and seasonal flowers that I would pass by in a car.
It is nice to take a relaxing solo trip once in a while in a familiar city.