Ibaraki Prefecture Tsuchiura City is a region with deep connections to the popular cycling road race anime “Yowamushi Pedal,” and has recently attracted attention from cyclists and fans of the work. This article comprehensively explains the relationship between Yowamushi Pedal and Tsuchiura City, details of held events, and the background of how Tsuchiura City has developed as a cycling mecca.
The Relationship Between Yowamushi Pedal and Tsuchiura City
“Yowamushi Pedal” is a popular manga and anime work about bicycle racing by author Wataru Watanabe. Through collaboration with this work, Ibaraki Prefecture’s Tsuchiura City has communicated the region’s cycling culture nationwide.
Why Tsuchiura City Was Chosen
There are several important factors behind Tsuchiura City being selected as the stage for collaboration with Yowamushi Pedal.
The Existence of Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road
The Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road, which passes through Tsuchiura City, is one of Japan’s largest cycling roads, stretching approximately 180 kilometers. In 2019, it was designated a National Cycle Route and has become a popular destination attracting many cyclists from Japan and abroad. This favorable environment was a major factor in realizing the collaboration with Yowamushi Pedal.
Opening of PLAYatre Tsuchiura
“PLAYatre TSUCHIURA,” which is directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station, began full operations in 2020 as one of Japan’s largest experiential cycling resorts. The facility is well-equipped for cyclists, featuring rental bicycles, shower facilities, maintenance space, and cafes. The existence of this facility played an important role in establishing Tsuchiura City as a cycling hub.
Yowamushi Pedal Digital Stamp Rally Walk & Ride in Ibaraki
From September 18 to November 30, 2020 (as originally planned), “Yowamushi Pedal Digital Stamp Rally Walk & Ride in Ibaraki” was held in the southern Ibaraki area centered on Tsuchiura City. This event was planned with the aim of revitalizing tourism in the prefecture that had been affected by the spread of COVID-19.
Event Overview and Participation Method
This digital stamp rally was conducted using a modern smartphone-based event format. Participants downloaded a dedicated app and could earn stamps by visiting designated spots around Tsuchiura City and reading AR markers.
Stamp Point Placement
Stamp points were placed centered along the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road, at tourist attractions, restaurants, cultural facilities, and other locations throughout Tsuchiura City and surrounding areas. This was designed so that participants could discover the charm of Tsuchiura City while touring the region alongside Yowamushi Pedal characters.
Prizes and Benefits
Depending on the number of stamps collected, participants had the opportunity to win attractive prizes. Particularly popular were clear files using original newly-drawn visuals. Participants could collect 5 stamps and receive this original clear file at PLAYatre Tsuchiura.
Furthermore, participants who collected more stamps had the chance to win limited merchandise and local specialty products in a lottery draw, creating mechanisms designed to stimulate fans’ collecting desires.
Event Characteristics and Innovations
Flexibility of Walk & Ride
A major characteristic of this event was the “Walk & Ride” concept. By allowing not only bicycle participation but also participation on foot, the design made it possible for cycling beginners, families with children, and those without bicycles to participate easily.
This flexibility successfully encouraged participation from a wide range of people and increased the overall economic impact on the region.
Use of Digital Technology
The digital stamp rally using smartphone apps and AR markers had several advantages compared to traditional paper-based stamp rallies. It allowed for collection of participant behavior data, enabled real-time information distribution, and made non-contact participation possible—qualities that were recognized as an innovative event format during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event Period Changes and Conclusion
Although originally scheduled to run through November 30, following an announcement of self-restraint requests issued by Ibaraki Prefecture on November 27, 2020, the event ended on November 27. This decision prioritized the safety of participants and local residents.
Despite the shortened period, the event attracted many participants and had a certain positive effect on promoting tourism in Tsuchiura City and surrounding areas.
Yowamushi Pedal Cycling Team and Tsuchiura City
The “Yowamushi Pedal Cycling Team,” based in Ibaraki Prefecture, participates in various cycling events held in Tsuchiura City and contributes to the development of the region’s cycling culture.
Collaboration with Ibaraki Cyclocross Tsuchiura Stage
In Tsuchiura City, the “Ibaraki Cyclocross Tsuchiura Stage” is held as an event in the JCX (All Japan Cyclocross Championship Series). The Yowamushi Pedal Cycling Team participates in this event and plays a role in boosting the competition.
Signing Event by Yowamushi Pedal’s Author
At the 2023 Ibaraki Cyclocross Tsuchiura Stage, “Yowamushi Pedal Charity Sacoche Sale & Signing Event” was held by Wataru Watanabe, the author of Yowamushi Pedal. This was a valuable opportunity for fans of the work and became an important element in enhancing the value of cycling events in Tsuchiura City.
Sales from the charity sacoche have been used for improvements to cycling environments and support for young athletes’ development, contributing to sustainable development of cycling culture.
Coexistence with the Community
The Yowamushi Pedal Cycling Team operates under the mission “From Ibaraki to the World!” and carries out community-based activities. Through their activities in Tsuchiura City, they engage in efforts including promotion of cycling sports, bicycle classes for local children, and environmental protection activities.
The Role and Functions of PLAYatre Tsuchiura
PLAYatre Tsuchiura plays a central role in Tsuchiura City’s development as a cycling mecca.
Facility Features
Well-equipped Facilities for Cyclists
PLAYatre Tsuchiura has various facilities that cyclists can use comfortably.
- Rental Bicycle Service: Crossbikes and road bikes can be rented at reasonable prices
- Showers and Changing Rooms: Clean facilities where cyclists can wash off sweat after cycling
- Cycle Pit: Space for bicycle maintenance and minor repairs
- Cycle Racks: Secure bike storage spaces
- Cafe and Restaurant: Serves nutritionally balanced menus popular with cyclists
Convenience of Direct Station Connection
Because it is directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station, cyclists arriving by train can immediately rent bicycles and depart. This design maximizes the geographical advantage of Tsuchiura City’s excellent access from the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Contribution to Regional Revitalization
PLAYatre Tsuchiura contributes significantly to local economic revitalization, going beyond being merely a cycling facility.
Increase in Tourists
Since the facility opened, the number of cyclists visiting Tsuchiura City has steadily increased. These visitors utilize not only cycling but also local restaurants, accommodations, and tourist attractions, bringing positive effects to the entire regional economy.
Hub for Regional Events
It functions as a hub for various cycling-related events, beginning with collaboration events with Yowamushi Pedal. This has created a system where many people regularly visit Tsuchiura City.
The Charm of Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road
The Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road, which passes through Tsuchiura City, is an important cycling route that became the field for Yowamushi Pedal events.
National Cycle Route Designation
In 2019, the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road became Japan’s first National Cycle Route designation. This designation resulted from evaluation of the high quality of the cycling environment, the region’s receptiveness, and abundant tourist resources.
Route Characteristics
Diverse Scenery
From the base of Mount Tsukuba to the shores of Lake Kasumigaura, a major attraction is the ability to enjoy varied landscapes. The approximately 180-kilometer route offers many different faces, including rural scenery, lake views, and historic streetscapes.
Accommodates Beginners to Advanced Riders
The route has many relatively flat sections, allowing beginners to safely enjoy cycling. Meanwhile, because of its length, it offers satisfying long rides for advanced riders.
Well-equipped Support Facilities
Rest areas, toilets, cycle stations, and other facilities are properly spaced along the route, creating an environment where cyclists can safely enjoy their ride.
The History of Tsuchiura City’s Cycling Culture
Behind Tsuchiura City becoming known as a cycling mecca lies long-term efforts by the region.
Utilization of Former Tsukuba Railroad
Part of the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road makes use of the abandoned Tsukuba Railroad line that was closed in 1987. The pioneering effort to repurpose abandoned railway corridors as regional resources drew national attention.
Active Administrative Support
Tsuchiura City and Ibaraki Prefecture have actively worked to improve cycling environments. Beyond infrastructure investments such as road improvements, directional signage, and cycle station construction, they have provided continuous support in soft aspects including event support and promotional activities.
Local government officials, including the mayor of Tsuchiura City, have positioned regional revitalization through cycling as an important policy, with the collaboration with Yowamushi Pedal realized as part of this effort.
Community Understanding and Cooperation
Understanding and cooperation from local residents is essential for developing cycling culture. Tsuchiura City emphasizes creating environments where cyclists and residents can coexist, actively conducting traffic safety education and etiquette awareness campaigns.
Economic Effects of Yowamushi Pedal Collaboration
The collaboration with Yowamushi Pedal brought various economic effects to Tsuchiura City.
Increase in Tourist Numbers
During the stamp rally event period, the number of tourists visiting Tsuchiura City and surrounding areas increased significantly. In particular, day-trippers from the Tokyo metropolitan area and overnight visitors using weekends increased, bringing positive effects to local accommodations and restaurants.
Expanded Media Exposure
The event was covered by numerous media outlets, contributing to increased awareness of Tsuchiura City. Coverage in cycling sports magazines, travel information websites, and local newspapers allowed reaching demographics that previously were unaware of Tsuchiura City.
Improved Brand Image
Through collaboration with a popular anime, Tsuchiura City established a brand image as “a municipality friendly to cycling, undertaking innovative initiatives.” This is expected to have positive effects on future regional revitalization and encouraging migration.
Future Outlook and Possibilities
The relationship between Yowamushi Pedal and Tsuchiura City holds potential for continued collaboration beyond a one-time event.
Possibility of New Collaboration Events
Following the success of the 2020 digital stamp rally, there is potential for planning new collaboration events in the future. Various developments are conceivable, including seasonal cycling events, character collaboration merchandise sales, and use of the work as a setting.
Development of Cycle Tourism
Tsuchiura City aims for further development as a cycle tourism hub. Comprehensive efforts are underway including enrichment of accommodation facilities, training of cycling guides, and wide-area cooperation with surrounding regions.
Collaboration with popular content like Yowamushi Pedal will become an important element in enhancing the appeal of cycle tourism.
Promoting Cycling Among Young People
Collaboration with anime and manga is an effective means of communicating the appeal of cycling to young people. Tsuchiura City focuses on creating opportunities for young people interested in bicycles through Yowamushi Pedal to actually begin cycling.
Efforts are also underway to develop next-generation cyclists, including conducting bicycle classes in schools and holding junior cycling events.
Points to Know When Visiting Tsuchiura City
Information that Yowamushi Pedal fans and cycling enthusiasts should know when visiting Tsuchiura City is summarized here.
Access Methods
Access by Train
Using the JR Joban Line, it takes about 50 minutes from Tokyo Station to Tsuchiura Station by limited express train or about 1 hour and 20 minutes by regular train. With PLAYatre Tsuchiura directly connected to the station, train access is extremely convenient.
Access by Car
From the Sakura Tsuchiura IC or Tsuchiura Kita IC on the Joban Expressway, it is about 15 minutes to the city center. Parking is available at various locations including PLAYatre Tsuchiura.
Recommended Times to Visit
The best seasons for cycling are spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November). These seasons have mild weather, beautiful scenery around Lake Kasumigaura, and comfortable cycling conditions.
Summer requires heat measures and winter requires cold-weather gear, but each season has its own unique charm.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
There are many attractive tourist attractions besides cycling in the Tsuchiura City area.
- Lake Kasumigaura: Japan’s second-largest lake by area, where you can spend leisurely time on its shore
- Tsuchiura Castle Ruins: A castle ruin park where you can feel history
- Mount Tsukuba: One of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, where you can enjoy hiking or visit the summit by ropeway
- JAXA Tsukuba Space Center: A facility where you can see the frontiers of space development
By combining these spots, you can create a fulfilling travel plan that enjoys both cycling and sightseeing.
Local Cuisine
There are many delicious foods to enjoy after cycling in Tsuchiura City and the southern Ibaraki region.
- Lake Fish Cuisine: Dishes featuring fresh lake fish such as smelt and ice fish from Lake Kasumigaura
- Hitachi Beef: A premium beef brand of which Ibaraki Prefecture is proud
- Lotus Root Dishes: Tsuchiura City is famous as a lotus root producing area
- Tsukuba Udon: A popular local noodle dish
Restaurants within PLAYatre Tsuchiura also offer menus using local ingredients.
Summary
The relationship between Ibaraki Prefecture’s Tsuchiura City and Yowamushi Pedal can be considered a successful case of effectively combining a popular anime with local resources. The digital stamp rally event held in 2020 attracted many participants despite the challenging COVID-19 situation and contributed to regional revitalization.
The excellent base facility of PLAYatre Tsuchiura, the attractive Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road cycling route, and the understanding and cooperation of the entire region regarding cycling culture were factors that led to the success of this collaboration.
Going forward, Tsuchiura City is expected to develop further as a cycling mecca and as a hub for collaboration with popular content such as Yowamushi Pedal. For cycling enthusiasts and anime fans, Tsuchiura City has become an attractive destination worth visiting.
Tsuchiura City, where you can experience the world of Yowamushi Pedal while enjoying beautiful nature, excellent facilities, and delicious food. Please visit once and experience its charm firsthand.
