Weak Pedal and Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture: Deep Connection—Appeal and History as a Cycling Mecca
Tsuchiura City in Ibaraki Prefecture has recently attracted attention from cyclists and fans of the popular cycling road race anime “Weak Pedal” as a region with deep connections to the work. This article comprehensively explains the relationship between Weak Pedal and Tsuchiura City, details of events held there, and the background of how Tsuchiura City has developed as a cycling mecca.
The Relationship Between Weak Pedal and Tsuchiura City
“Weak Pedal” is a popular manga and anime work featuring bicycle racing as its subject matter, created by Wataru Watanabe. Through collaboration with this work, Tsuchiura City in Ibaraki Prefecture has promoted the region’s cycling culture throughout the nation.
Why Tsuchiura City Was Selected
There are several important factors behind Tsuchiura City’s selection as the stage for collaboration with Weak Pedal.
The Existence of Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road
The Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road that passes through Tsuchiura City is one of Japan’s largest cycling roads, spanning approximately 180 kilometers. In 2019, it was recognized as a National Cycle Route and has become a popular destination visited by many cyclists from Japan and abroad. This favorable environment was a major factor in realizing the collaboration with Weak Pedal.
Opening of PLAYatre Tsuchiura
“PLAYatre TSUCHIURA,” directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station, is Japan’s largest experiential cycling resort, which began full-scale operations in 2020. It features comprehensive facilities for cyclists, including rental bicycles, shower facilities, maintenance spaces, and a café. The existence of this facility played an important role in establishing Tsuchiura City as a cycling hub.
Weak Pedal Digital Stamp Rally Walk & Ride in Ibaraki
From September 18 to November 30, 2020 (originally planned), the “Weak 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 restoring vitality to tourism destinations in the prefecture that had been affected by the spread of COVID-19.
Event Overview and Participation Method
This digital stamp rally was implemented using a modern smartphone-based event format. Participants could download a dedicated app and visit designated spots around Tsuchiura City to scan AR markers and earn stamps.
Stamp Point Placement
Stamp points were placed mainly along the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road, as well as at tourist spots, restaurants, cultural facilities, and other locations in Tsuchiura City and surrounding areas. This design allowed participants to explore Tsuchiura City’s attractions while discovering its charm alongside Weak Pedal characters.
Prizes and Benefits
Participants were offered luxurious prizes according to the number of stamps they collected. Particularly popular were clear files featuring original drawn-down visuals. By collecting five stamps, participants could receive these original clear files at PLAYatre Tsuchiura.
Additionally, for those collecting more stamps, a lottery system was set up offering exclusive merchandise and regional specialty products as grand prizes, designed to stimulate fans’ collecting enthusiasm.
Event Characteristics and Ingenuity
Flexibility of Walk & Ride
A major feature of this event was the “Walk & Ride” concept. By allowing participation both by bicycle and on foot, the design accommodated cycling beginners, families with children, and those without bicycles, making it easy for a wide range of people to participate.
This flexibility successfully encouraged broad participation and increased overall economic benefits to the region.
Utilization of Digital Technology
The digital stamp rally using smartphone apps and AR markers had several advantages compared to traditional paper-based stamp rallies. These included the ability to collect participant behavior data, enable real-time information sharing, and allow contactless participation—features that were praised as a new event format suitable for the COVID-19 era.
Changes to Event Period and Closure
Although originally scheduled through November 30, following an announcement by the Ibaraki Prefecture government on November 27, 2020, requesting people refrain from going out, 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 brought certain benefits to tourism promotion in Tsuchiura City and surrounding areas.
Weak Pedal Cycling Team and Tsuchiura City
The “Weak Pedal Cycling Team,” which operates based in Ibaraki Prefecture, participates in various cycling events held in Tsuchiura City and contributes to the development of the region’s cycling culture.
Cooperation with Ibaraki Cyclocross Tsuchiura Stage
“Ibaraki Cyclocross Tsuchiura Stage” is held in Tsuchiura City as one of the JCX (All Japan Cyclocross Championship Series) events. The Weak Pedal Cycling Team participates in this event and plays a role in exciting the competition.
Signing Event by Weak Pedal Author
At the 2023 Ibaraki Cyclocross Tsuchiura Stage, “Weak Pedal Charity Sacoche Sales & Signing Event” was held by Wataru Watanabe, the author of Weak Pedal. This was a precious opportunity for work fans and served as an important element in enhancing the value of cycling events in Tsuchiura City.
Revenue from the charity sacoche sales is utilized for cycling environment improvements in the region and support for young athlete development, contributing to sustainable development of cycling culture.
Coexistence with the Community
The Weak Pedal Cycling Team operates with the mission “From Ibaraki to the World!” and conducts activities rooted in the community. Through activities in Tsuchiura City, they engage in popularizing 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
Comprehensive Equipment for Cyclists
PLAYatre Tsuchiura features various facilities for comfortable cyclist use.
- Rental Bicycle Service: Diverse bicycles such as cross bikes and road bikes available at reasonable prices
- Shower and Changing Rooms: Clean facilities for rinsing off after cycling
- Cycle Pit: Space for bicycle maintenance and minor repairs
- Cycle Rack: Secure bicycle parking spaces
- Café and Restaurant: Nutritionally balanced menus popular with cyclists
Excellent Accessibility with Station Direct Connection
Being directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station allows cyclists arriving by train to immediately rent bicycles and depart. This design maximizes Tsuchiura City’s geographic advantage of good access from the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Contribution to Regional Revitalization
PLAYatre Tsuchiura contributes significantly to regional economic activation beyond simply serving as a cycling facility.
Increase in Tourists
Since the facility’s opening, the number of cyclists visiting Tsuchiura City has steadily increased. These visitors utilize not only cycling but also local restaurants, accommodation facilities, and tourist attractions, benefiting the regional economy as a whole.
Hub for Regional Events
It functions as a hub for various cycling-related events, including collaborations with Weak Pedal. This has created a mechanism for many people to regularly visit Tsuchiura City.
The Appeal of Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road
The Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road passing through Tsuchiura City is an important cycling route that served as the field for Weak Pedal events.
National Cycle Route Designation
In 2019, the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road became Japan’s first National Cycle Route. This designation resulted from evaluation of the high quality of the cycling environment, the region’s acceptance infrastructure, and abundant tourism resources.
Route Characteristics
Diverse Scenery
A major appeal is the ability to enjoy varied scenery from the foothills of Mount Tsukuba to the shores of Lake Kasumigaura. The approximately 180-kilometer route features various aspects including farmland views, lake vistas, and historic townscapes.
Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Cyclists
The route is relatively flat in most sections, allowing beginners to enjoy cycling with confidence. Meanwhile, the long distance enables advanced cyclists to experience satisfying long-distance rides.
Comprehensive Support Facilities
Rest areas, restrooms, and cycle stations are appropriately spaced along the route, providing an environment for safe, comfortable cycling.
History of Tsuchiura City’s Cycling Culture
The background to Tsuchiura City becoming known as a cycling mecca involves long-standing regional initiatives.
Utilization of the Former Tsukuba Railway
Part of the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road utilizes the tracks of the Tsukuba Railway, which was abandoned in 1987. This pioneering effort to reuse abandoned railway lines as regional resources attracted attention nationwide.
Active Government Support
Tsuchiura City and Ibaraki Prefecture have actively worked on cycling environment development. Beyond hardware investments such as road improvements, signage installation, and cycle station construction, continuous support has been provided on the software side, including event support and promotional activities.
The mayor of Tsuchiura City and other government officials have positioned regional revitalization through cycling as an important policy, with the Weak Pedal collaboration realized as part of this effort.
Understanding and Cooperation of Local Residents
The development of cycling culture is impossible without understanding and cooperation from local residents. Tsuchiura City has focused on creating an environment where cyclists and residents can coexist, actively implementing traffic safety education and manner awareness activities.
Economic Effects of Weak Pedal Collaboration
The Weak Pedal collaboration has 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-trip tourists from the Tokyo metropolitan area and overnight guests using weekends increased, benefiting local accommodation facilities 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 enabled outreach to audiences previously unfamiliar with Tsuchiura City.
Brand Image Enhancement
Through collaboration with a popular anime, Tsuchiura City established a brand image as “a municipality friendly to cycling with forward-thinking initiatives.” This is expected to have positive effects on future regional promotion and migration attraction.
Future Prospects and Possibilities
The relationship between Weak Pedal and Tsuchiura City holds potential for continuous collaboration beyond one-time events.
Possibilities for New Collaboration Events
Following the success of the 2020 digital stamp rally, future collaboration events may be planned. Seasonal cycling events, character collaboration merchandise sales, and use as a work setting are among various possibilities.
Development of Cycle Tourism
Tsuchiura City aims for further development as a cycle tourism hub. Comprehensive efforts are underway, including enhanced accommodation facilities, cycling guide training, and regional cooperation with surrounding areas.
Collaboration with popular content such as Weak Pedal will be an important element in enhancing cycle tourism appeal.
Cycling Promotion Among Youth
Collaboration with anime and manga is an effective means of conveying cycling’s appeal to younger generations. Tsuchiura City is focusing on creating opportunities for young people who developed interest in bicycles through Weak Pedal to actually begin cycling.
Efforts are also underway to develop next-generation cyclists, including bicycle classes at schools and junior cycling event organization.
Points to Know When Visiting Tsuchiura City
Here is information worth knowing for Weak Pedal fans and cycling enthusiasts visiting Tsuchiura City.
Access Methods
Access by Train
Using the JR Joban Line, the journey from Tokyo Station to Tsuchiura Station takes approximately 50 minutes by express train or about 1 hour 20 minutes by regular train. With PLAYatre Tsuchiura directly connected to the station, train access is extremely convenient.
Access by Car
From Sakura Tsuchiura IC or Tsuchiura Kita IC on the Joban Expressway, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the city center. Parking is available throughout the city, including at PLAYatre Tsuchiura.
Recommended Seasons
The best seasons for cycling are spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). The mild climate and beautiful scenery around Lake Kasumigaura during these periods allow for comfortable cycling.
Heat countermeasures are necessary in summer and cold-weather gear in winter, though each season has its own unique appeal.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
The Tsuchiura City area has numerous appealing tourist attractions beyond cycling.
- Lake Kasumigaura: Japan’s second-largest lake by area, perfect for leisurely lakeside relaxation
- Tsuchiura Castle Ruins: A historic castle ruins park
- Mount Tsukuba: One of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, offering hiking and mountain-top visits via ropeway
- JAXA Tsukuba Space Center: A facility where visitors can see the frontlines of space development
Combining these spots allows for comprehensive travel plans enjoying both cycling and sightseeing.
Regional Cuisine
The Tsuchiura City area and southern Ibaraki region offer delicious foods to enjoy after cycling.
- Lake Kasumigaura Fish Dishes: Dishes using fresh lake fish such as smelt and icefish
- Hitachi Beef: Ibaraki Prefecture’s proud brand beef
- Lotus Root Dishes: Tsuchiura City is famous as a lotus root production area
- Tsukuba Udon: Locally popular udon noodles
Restaurants within PLAYatre Tsuchiura also offer menus featuring local ingredients.
Conclusion
The relationship between Ibaraki Prefecture’s Tsuchiura City and Weak Pedal represents a successful example of effectively combining a popular anime with regional resources. The digital stamp rally event held in 2020, despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, attracted many participants and contributed to regional revitalization.
The excellent PLAYatre Tsuchiura facility, the appealing Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road cycling route, and community-wide understanding and cooperation regarding cycling culture were the factors that led to this collaboration’s success.
Looking ahead, Tsuchiura City is expected to continue developing as a cycling mecca and as a collaboration hub for popular content such as Weak Pedal. For cycling enthusiasts and anime fans alike, Tsuchiura City is becoming a worthwhile and appealing destination.
Tsuchiura City, where you can experience the world of Weak Pedal while enjoying beautiful nature, comprehensive facilities, and delicious food. Please visit once and experience its appeal firsthand.
