Lake Kasumigaura: Life on the Shores of Japan's Second Largest Lake

Lake Kasumigaura spans approximately 220 square kilometers, making it Japan's second largest lake after Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Spreading gracefully across the flat Kanto Plain, the lake resembles an inland sea. The magnificent view where sky and water become one sets the spirit free. This iconic natural landmark of Ibaraki is full of unique pleasures, from the traditional fishing method of hobiki-bune (sail boats) that hoist sails to catch fish, to cycling along the lakeshore.

Japan's Second Largest Lake

Lake Kasumigaura spreads across the southeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture. The lake is so vast that the opposite shore is lost in haze, and this very characteristic is said to be the origin of its name. It was once an inlet connected to the sea, but over long ages it became the enclosed lake it is today. Rich in aquatic resources, the lake has long supported active fishing, with smelt, ice fish (shirauo), carp, and eel among the catches. The expansive water surface and the peaceful rural scenery surrounding it form an open landscape characteristic of the Kanto Plain. The grand view woven by water and sky welcomes those who visit.

The Traditional Hobiki-bune

The most iconic sight of Lake Kasumigaura is the hobiki-bune, boats that spread large white sails. Devised in the Meiji era, this fishing method drifts the boat sideways with the power of the wind while drawing in the nets to catch fish. The sight of large white sails floating on the lake is graceful and conveys the fishing scenery of old Kasumigaura to the present. Today the operation is recreated seasonally for tourism, and you can view the beautiful boats from a sightseeing vessel. The scene of white sails against the blue water is popular with photographers. Since operating days are limited, it is safest to check the schedule in advance with the local tourism association.

Lakeshore Cycling and Sightseeing

Lake Kasumigaura is also known as a cycling destination around its shore. The "Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road," linking Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura, is a National Cycle Route of about 180 kilometers, and the course circling Kasumigaura is about 125 kilometers. With much of the route flat, it can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to serious riders. Rental bicycles are available, and pedaling while taking in the grand lake scenery is exceptionally refreshing. Parks and facilities where you can learn about the lake's nature dot the shore, and families can enjoy it too. There are also eateries serving fresh lake produce, letting you savor the bounty of Kasumigaura.

The Tsuchiura Fireworks

In Tsuchiura City, close to Lake Kasumigaura, the "Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition" is held in autumn. Counted among Japan's three great fireworks events, this traditional competition, held along the banks of the Sakura River, gathers pyrotechnicians from across the country to compete in skill. It is a major Ibaraki event that draws many spectators each year. Since dates and seating information vary by year, check the latest details on the competition's official website.

Access and Basic Information

From Tokyo: About one hour by JR Joban Line limited express from Ueno Station to Tsuchiura Station. Tsuchiura Station is close to the shore of Lake Kasumigaura and is convenient as a cycling base. By car: The lakeshore can be reached from the Tsuchiura-Kita IC and other exits on the Joban Expressway.

Practical Travel Notes

• Recommended season: The lake can be enjoyed year-round, but cycling is most comfortable in the mild seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November). The tourism operation of the hobiki-bune is often carried out from summer into autumn.
• Time needed: Allow a half day for a lakeshore stroll or short ride, and a full day or more if you attempt the long ride around the entire lake.
• Avoiding crowds: On the day of the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition, the city of Tsuchiura becomes extremely crowded. If your aim is the fireworks, arranging transport and lodging early is essential.
• Nearby spots: Combining a walk through Tsuchiura, lakeside parks, and rest spots along the Rinrin Road makes for a full outing.
• Budget sense: Strolling the lakeshore and using the cycling road are basically free. Rental bicycles, sightseeing boats, and hobiki-bune viewing carry separate fees.

A Word of Advice

Lake Kasumigaura is a vast lake with two draws, lakeshore cycling and the hobiki-bune. The Rinrin Road is flat and easy to ride, recommended even for beginners. Because the hobiki-bune operates only on limited days, those wanting to see it should check the schedule in advance. If you time your visit for the autumn Tsuchiura fireworks competition, booking transport and lodging early is the key to enjoying it comfortably.

📚 Sources

This article is based on information published by Tsuchiura City and local tourism organizations, guidance for the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road and rental cycles, and details published by the organizers of the sightseeing sail boat operation and the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition. The sail boat operating days, fireworks dates and seating, and sightseeing boat services may vary by year. Before your visit, please confirm the latest details through official organizer and tourism information.

Visitor Checklist

• Approximate time: About half a day for a lakeside stroll or short ride; a full day or more to attempt the roughly full circuit of the lake
• What to bring: The lakeside offers little shade or wind cover, so bring a hat, a jacket, and water; rental cycles are available for riding
• Suggested route: Starting from Tsuchiura Station, ride the Ring Ring Road along the shore, view the sail boats from a sightseeing boat, and stop at lakeside parks and nature learning facilities
• Seasonal tip: Cycling is comfortable in spring and autumn; the sightseeing sail boat operation is often held from summer to autumn
• Avoiding crowds: The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition day makes the city very busy, so book transport and lodging early if fireworks are your goal

Practical Information for Your Visit

• The Lake Kasumigaura sightseeing cruise boat "White Iris": Departs from Tsuchiura Port (2-13-6 Kawaguchi, Tsuchiura City). The 30-minute cruise runs from Tsuchiura Port past the waters off the former Yokaren site and off Kasumigaura City, with views of Mount Tsukuba
• Fares and operation of the same: 1,570 yen for adults and 780 yen for children (under 12). It operates year-round with 10 sailings a day from 9:30 to 16:30 (the 9:30 and 16:30 departures do not run from November to March). It does not operate on Wednesdays from December to March (the following day when Wednesday is a public holiday) or at the year-end. The 13:30 sailing is the cruise for viewing the sail-fishing boats
• Sightseeing sail-fishing boats: They operate on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from July 21 to mid-October, from around 13:00 to around 15:00. Operations may be suspended when there is no wind or the weather is bad
• Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum: Open 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30). 500 yen for adults (university students and older) and 300 yen for elementary, junior high and high school students. Closed every Monday (the following day when Monday is a public holiday) and from December 29 to January 3. Parking for 56 ordinary cars and 5 large buses
• Access to the same: From the west exit of JR Tsuchiura Station, take a Kanto Railway bus bound for "Ami Chuo Kominkan" or a JR bus bound for the "Edosaki direction" for 15 minutes, get off at "Ami Sakashita" and walk 3 minutes
• Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ringring Road: A National Cycle Route about 180 km long. The prefecture's wide-area rental cycle service costs, per bicycle per day, 2,500 yen for a cross bike, 3,000 yen for a road bike and 3,500 yen for an e-bike, among others (per official Ibaraki Prefecture information). Bicycles can be rented and returned at 12 facilities along the route, and dropping a bicycle off at a different facility costs 500 yen per bicycle per day. Reservations must be made by 3 days before the day of use

Note: The "Tsukuba" jetfoil has been out of service since March 2023 (Reiwa 5). Rental cycle fees may differ depending on the operator, so please check the official information of each base. (Sources: Tsuchiura City; Tsuchiura City Tourism Association; Yokaren Peace Memorial Museum; Cycling Ibaraki, Ibaraki Prefecture)