Naka-Kasama loop

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Ibaraki prefecture, Japan

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Resumen de ruta

Dean Karlen

Road touring

72 km

865 m

This route uses small roads to travel from Naka to Craft Hills park in Kasama, which includes a number of interesting sites and restaurants. The route back includes some climbs and follows the Kuji River bank.

Enviar al dispositivo Exportación avanzada Ver ruta estándar (con archivo cuesheet)

Detalles de ruta

## This enjoyable ride is entirely on paved paths and roads.  
The route can be ridden year round and @point[starts](d,4.27) next to a large parking area across from the Naka post office. 
***If driving from elsewhere, take the #10 exit on the Joban Expressway.***

Back roads are used to avoid traffic as much as possible; the first half of the ride is flat through small towns, with a @slice[long stretch](d,16692.08,20497.37) through rice fields. Along the way to Kasama there are many interesting sites such as the @photo[earthen mausoleum and cermaic pots](2247730) at @point[Kurefushi no Sato Kofun Park](d,16290.08).  
 
 
@point[Craft Hills Park](d,28025.75) is the mid-point  of this ride.  The park is very @photo[scenic](2247731) and has interesting events on weekends. You may run into @photo[colorful characters](2247733), @photo[shoppers with their bags](2247732), @photo[bagged Japanese Koi](2247734). 
_____
*Fun fact:  The longest lived Koi is estimated to have been 225 years old!  The average age for Koi is well over 50 - <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koi>*
___
While you are exploring Craft Hills Park, be sure to check out the [Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum](http://www.tougei.museum.ibk.ed.jp/english/index.html). Along with amazing art, the museum has a good [restaurant](http://www.tougei.museum.ibk.ed.jp/restaurant/index.html).  There are other restaurants and shops on the site as well.

The route back is quite different. Riding through @photo[hilly countryside](2247746), you'll make your way to the @slice[Kuji River bank](d,64346.04,67665.61) and return to the parking area across from the Naka post office along a @photo[paved path](2247745).

# General recommendations for Cycle Touring in Japan

Do not attempt to follow a new route with only printed cue-sheets. Most roads in Japan are not identified. A GPS unit with capability to show course routes (like Garmin 500) is essential. Even better is one with capability to overlay route on local maps (like Garmin 820).

When travelling along busy roads there is often a wide paved path for pedestrians and cyclists separated from the road by a curb. It is recommended to use that pathway if there is no shoulder on the road.

Vending machines are found along the roadside and outside shops and gas stations, making it convenient for cyclists to quench their thirst with cold drinks with great sounding names like Pocari Sweat or Calpis.

Naka-Kasama loop

Resumen de ruta

Detalles de ruta

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