Ibaraki Prefecture, which has the national cycle route “Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road,” has established several cycling routes in the prefecture.
One of them is the “Oarai-Hitachi-Kaihin Seaside Route,” a 95-km route that takes cyclists on an exhilarating ride along the beautiful coastline while visiting tourist facilities such as the National Hitachi-Kaihin Park, where hills are covered with nemophila and kochias.
A monitoring tour of the 16-km course, which starts from Nakaminato Station, was conducted.

Starting point from Nakaminato Station on Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway Minato Line

Nakaminato Station is a station on Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway Minato Line, located in Hitachinaka City, and was selected as one of the “100 Best Stations in Kanto Area” because the station building from its opening in 1913 remains.

On Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway’s Minato Line, the last train of the “Kiha 20” type, which was operated by the former Japanese National Railways for regular trains from 1957 to 1966, is in regular operation.

Entry to the platform is limited from approximately 5 minutes before the train arrives until after the train departs, but there are bicycle rental and bicycle parking areas on the large platform, which may be entered when using them.

*Permission to photograph bicycles on the platform was granted by station staff.

Bridgestone Cycle’s E-bike

The bicycle used in the monitoring tour is Bridgestone Cycle’s electric cross bike TB1e (TB1e).

The frame size is a typical 450mm, so it can be ridden by a height of 151cm or taller.
The bike is also attractive for its electric assist with 7 external shifters, 3-stage mode, and “automatic charging while riding” function.

After getting ready, members were introduced and briefed, and the cycling began.

Hoshi-imo Specialty Store Daimaru-ya

First, we went to hoshi-imo (dried sweet potato) specialty store Daimaru-ya near Nakaminato Station.

They emphasize softness and sweetness in their hoshi-imo, and only the softest hoshi-imo are selected and packaged. More than 30 kinds of hoshi-imo are sold in the bright and spacious store.
In addition to hoshi-imo, the shop also sells rakkyo, potato sweets, and gelato, all of which are additive-free, and the gelato is also “egg-free,” which is safe to eat even for those with egg allergies.

Kaisendon (Seafood Bowl) at Nakaminato Osakana Market

Nakaminato Osakana (fish) Market is located about 1km from Nakaminato Station and is known as one of the leading tourist markets in Kanto area.
The market is lined with not only fresh fish stores, but also many seasonal seafood restaurants and conveyor-belt sushi restaurants.

For lunch, enjoy a seafood bowl full of seafood at Yamasa Suisan’s Restaurant Yamasa.

After the meal, enjoy strolling around the market.

Ride along the coast to Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine

From the fish market, ride along the coast to Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine, about  km away.
Part of the seaside area has been developed for the exclusive use of bicycles, separating bicycles from pedestrians.

Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine was built in 856 during Heian period (794-1185). The approach to the shrine is a 300-meter long tunnel of mysterious trees, densely covered with 300-year-old camellia and tabunoki (Machilus thunbergii) trees.

The shrine also offers prayers for winning the lottery, and has a statue of a “nadegame” turtle that is said to bring you a winning lottery ticket if you stroke it.

Hoshi-imo Shrine

About 1km from Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine is “Hoshi-imo Shrine,” with its impressive golden torii gates.

Built in 2019 on the grounds of Horide Shrine, Hoshi-imo Shrine is lined with 35 golden torii gates of various sizes.
“Hoshi-imo Attractiveness Project” was launched to promote Hitachinaka City, the largest producer of hoshi-imo in Japan, and was built with the cooperation of the Hitachinaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hoshi-imo schools, hoshi-imo growers, and others.
There is also a “cycle support station” in the precincts of the shrine, making it feel cyclist-friendly.
We took a break at the grassy area on the north side of the parking lot of the shrine.

“Sweet potato shaved ice with natural water” is 600 yen. The breeze on the lawn overlooking the ocean is very refreshing.

National Hitachi Seaside Park

2.6km from Hoshi-imo Shrine is National Hitachi Seaside Park, Kaihin-guchi, Kaze-no-gate (Seaside entrance, Wind gate).

National Hitachi Seaside Park opened in 1991 with an area of about 70ha, and the total park area is currently 350ha (about 7 times the size of Tokyo Disneyland).
The area actually used as a park is 191.9 ha on the south side, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers. The park is also full of attractions such as Giant Ferris Wheel, which offers a view from 100m above sea level, an amusement park with a variety of attractions, a forest athletic field, and a barbecue plaza.

“Seaside Train” is a convenient way to get around the vast park, but there is also equipped with an 11-km cycling course. In addition to riding your own bicycle, rental bicycles are also available.
Ride the cycling course to Miharashi-no -Oka (Miharashi Hill).

At Miharashi-no-Oka, the highest hill in Hitachinaka City, the whole hill is decorated with nemophila from mid-April to early May. After the nemophilas are finished, kochia (Bassia scoparia) is planted, and its leaves turn from green in summer to bright red in autumn, and together with cosmos, Miharashi-no-Oka is decorated.

The tour ends with a return to Kaihin-guchi,Kaze-no-Gate (Seaside entrance, Wind gate).

Stay at Oarai Hotel ANNEX GYORAI-AN

Oarai Hotel ANNEX GYORAI-AN, which was renovated and reopened in the summer of 2019, is the place to stay. All rooms have an ocean view and you can enjoy the spectacular view of “Kamiiso-no Torii” and sunrise from your room.
For bath, you can use the observation bath on the 9th floor of the main building of Oarai Hotel.

Torii of Kamiiso and Oarai Isomae Shrine

We went to bed early at night and greeted the dawn at 5:30 the next morning at Kamiiso-no Torii. Although there were a few clouds, the mysterious sunrise was spectacular.

Many people were enjoying the spectacular view along the embankment.

Oarai Isosaki Shrine also offers a spectacular view from the second torii gate and nearly 100 steps up the stairs.

Behind the torii gate is Zuishinmon gate.

After descending the stairs, we returned to GYORAI-AN to prepare for the second day of cycling.

Course Introduction

▼ Hoshi-imo specialty store Daimaruya
https://www.e-daimaruya.co.jp/

▼Nakaminato Osakana (fish) Market
http://www.nakaminato-osakanaichiba.jp

▼Sakatsura Isomae Shrine
https://sakatura.org/

▼Hoshi-imo Shrine
https://horide-hachiman.com/

▼National Hitachi Seaside Park
https://hitachikaihin.jp/en/

Summary

As the catchphrase “Oarai-Hitachi-Keihin Seaside Route” suggests, this seaside course overlooking the Pacific Ocean offers an exhilarating ride along the beautiful coastline while visiting tourist facilities, making for a fascinating cycling experience.
The 16-km course, which offers historical shrines, Ibaraki’s unique gourmet cuisine, and spectacular views, is recommended for beginners and rental bicycle users alike.
For information on the 95-km “Oarai-Hitachinaka Seaside Route,” please see below.

▼Oarai-Hitachinaka Seaside Route
https://ringringroad.com/seaside/

Advertiser: Ibaraki Prefectural Government Sports Promotion Division
Cooperation: Bridgestone Cycle Co.
Text /Photo: HANADA