Rinrin Road
Rinrin Road is a 40km mostly separated cycling path that runs between Tsuchiura and Iwase in Japan. It follows the route of an old railway line, offering a flat and easy ride through rural landscapes. The path is popular with cyclists for its scenic views and well-maintained conditions, making it an enjoyable route for both beginners and experienced riders.
Many road cyclists also climb some of the roads over the Mt. Tsukuba to the East.
On the other side of the Mt. Tsukuba Mountains there are also plenty of nice roads for cycling
It is paricularly beautiful during cherry blossom season with large sections of the route being lined with cherry blossoms. In particular late-blooming Yaezakura lines large sections
Route
The route is well signposted from Tsuchiura Station to Iwase station.
The Wabisabi Route (see right) differs just in the middle section where the offical route takes the sidewalk of the main road for a bit whereas we find taking the old road that runs parallel more enjoyable. (However, this is where the only convenience store on the route is located, so if you need a refreshing drink, follow the official route!)
As is often common in Japan, the bike path used to have many slalom gates, but they were removed and replaces with the narrowings pictured below in 2022 making the route a pleasure for road cyclists
Getting there and away
Tsuchiura Station on the Joban Line is the main gateway to the Rinrin road and proves quick and easy connections into Tokyo.
The Northern end of the cycling route is Iwase Station on the Suigun Line that connects Oyama to Mito but this isn’t a particularly convient arrival point.
Alternatively, arriving by car is a possibility, many of the old station areas have space to park and it generally shouldn’t be hard to find somewhere along the route to park for free.
