Omitama: Cycling, Views of Tsukuba and Culture

Omitama offers several reasons to get outdoors: cycling routes along Lake Kasumigaura, two special sunsets over Mount Tsukuba, and excursions to cultural and activity destinations. When planning your trip, it’s worth choosing your main focus first: will it be mostly about cycling and scenery, or are you also interested in temple visits, flowering seasons and a factory tour?

Cycling by the Lake and Activities in the Park

The lakeside road along Lake Kasumigaura serves as a cycling route. In spring, blooming rapeseed flowers line the route, and in autumn, cosmos flowers do; as you cycle, you can enjoy views of the lake and Mount Tsukuba. The route’s scenery changes with the seasons: rapeseed flowers take center stage in spring, and cosmos flowers in autumn.

Ōido Lakeside Park covers about 2.8 hectares. Its facilities include a walking path, an artificial hill, play equipment for small children, and fitness and health facilities. By the lake, you can walk, cycle and fish. The park is also located on the Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road, designated as a National Cycle Route. Cyclists can take a break at the bicycle racks, benches and shelter; one of the bicycle racks also serves as a rest area. If a particular play or fitness facility is important to your plans, check its current status in advance.

Two Sunsets over Tsukuba

In Omitama City, Diamond Tsukuba can be seen around mid-May and mid-July: twice a year, the sun sets over the center of Mount Tsukuba. In the Shimotamari area of Omitama, the sun sets between the mountain’s two peaks, coloring the landscape crimson. This sight can also be seen around mid-May and mid-July, or twice a year.

The two sights occur around the same time of year, but offer different views of the mountain: Diamond Tsukuba centers on the middle of Tsukuba, while Shimotamari offers a view of the space between its peaks. Visibility for Diamond Tsukuba depends on conditions; the timing and weather are key to seeing the view at Shimotamari. Allow some flexibility in your plans for these observations.

Flowering Seasons and Culture

Yasuragi no Sato Ogawa is home to about 2,000 hydrangeas. Yamayuri lilies usually bloom in early July, though the flowering season can vary from year to year. Many visitors from the city and beyond come each year during the hydrangea festival season, from June to early July; the specific festival dates may vary.

Hōrinin holds a zazen meditation session on the third Saturday of each month. In February and August, a sutra-copying session is offered instead of zazen. Beginners can participate, reservations are not required, and the fee is 500 yen. Before your visit, check the temple’s latest announcements for possible cancellations. Hōrinin’s gate is also noteworthy: it was built in 1715 and is designated a municipal cultural property.

On a tour of the Kagome Ibaraki Factory, you can see the production lines for Yasai Seikatsu 100 and Labre, learn more about Kagome’s history, and sample vegetable juices at the end. Tour arrangements may change, so confirm current availability before visiting.

A View of the Airport

Another perspective is available from the observation deck on the second floor of the terminal at Ibaraki Airport. From there, you can watch passenger planes and Japan Self-Defense Forces aircraft take off. The deck is described as unique in the Kantō region. Check the latest access information before visiting.

The destinations and dates suit different travel plans: someone focusing on cycling and seasonal scenery will plan differently from someone arranging their stay around a zazen session or factory tour. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Omitama, choose one based on the excursions that matter most to you, and check the location of any accommodation you’re considering against your plans.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Chuo, Toride, Ryugasaki, Koga, Jōsō, Miho, Kamisu, Shimotsuma.

For the broader travel overview: Ibaraki Prefecture.