Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
Did you know that Tsuchiura is one of only two regions in Japan officially recognized as a National Cycle Route (NCR)? It’s also home to the country’s only full-circuit lakeside cycling path, the Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road (つくば霞ヶ浦りんりんロード). Thanks to this unique geographic advantage, Hoshino Resorts opened a bike-friendly hotel directly connected to Tsuchiura Station: BEB5 Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts.
My boyfriend and I chose Tsuchiura for a short getaway from Tokyo. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but it’s full of local charm and interesting stories. Neither of us are serious cyclists, but bikes are easy to rent almost anywhere around the area. That made it easy for us to hop on and ride along parts of the certified NCR route at a leisurely pace, soaking in the laid-back atmosphere and natural scenery. In this post, I’ll be sharing my experience staying at BEB5 Tsuchiura, a bicycle-themed hotel that’s surprisingly stylish, fun, and affordable.
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About BEB5 Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts
BEB5 Tsuchiura is part of Hoshino Resorts’ BEB series, which is designed specifically for the younger generation. The hotel is located on the second floor of Tsuchiura Station, so the entrance is literally just steps away once you step off the train.
It’s inside the station’s commercial building, with easy access to a department store, supermarket, and food court, perfect for grabbing a bite or a late-night snack, or just doing some quick shopping.
What makes this hotel truly unique is its bike-friendly concept: the very first of its kind in Japan. Every detail is designed with cyclists in mind: from in-room bike racks to repair tools and maintenance stations. Even more amazing? You can walk your bike straight from the station platform into the hotel, check in, and wheel it right into your room, no need to leave your precious ride outside.
And despite being under the Hoshino Resorts brand, don’t assume it’s expensive, BEB5 Tsuchiura is incredibly affordable.
I still remember chatting with some local ladies during our sightseeing in Tsuchiura. When I mentioned that we were staying at this hotel, they immediately said, “Oh! That cheap Hoshino hotel, right?” It made me laugh, an unexpected but very real seal of approval from the locals!
BEB5 Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts
Address: 1-30 Ariakecho, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki 300-0035 (Google Maps)
Access: About 1-minute walk from Tsuchiura Station
Check prices: [Agoda] | [Trip.com]
Highlights of BEB5 Tsuchiura
The Only Hotel in Japan Where You Can Bring Your Bike Into the Room
The biggest draw of BEB5 Tsuchiura is its bike-friendly design. Every guest room is equipped with a dedicated bike rack, so you can literally roll your bike into the room and hang it on the wall like a prized display.
But it’s not just the bike rack, the hotel also offers thoughtful extras for cyclists, like repair kits, air pumps, shoe dryers, and even a small retail area for bike gear.
Even if you’re not a hardcore cyclist, you’ll still fall for these well-thought-out details. And once you realize that Tsuchiura is a key stop along Japan’s officially certified National Cycle Route (NCR), you’ll understand why this hotel is such a perfect fit for the area.
Spacious Common Area – Ideal for Groups and Gatherings
Another highlight of BEB5 is its open and inviting common space, which includes cozy sofas, communal tables, and bar-height counters. This space is open 24/7 and perfect for unwinding with friends.
During our stay, we saw a few travel groups gathered in the lobby playing board games, chatting, and sipping drinks.
One thing I really appreciated was the variety of board games and local travel info tucked into corners throughout the lobby. If you haven’t finalized your plans for the next day, the sightseeing guides here can be surprisingly helpful!
If you want to check out how others have explored Tsuchiura, be sure to visit the official Tsuchiura Exploration Team website. And here’s a piece I personally contributed as a proud member:
“A Light Trip Through Tsuchiura: Zeppelins, Fireworks, and Lotus Root Cuisine“
Clean, Comfortable Rooms with Everything You Need
The rooms at BEB5 Tsuchiura follow a simple and functional design, but they don’t skimp on comfort. The beds are wonderfully cozy, and the placement of outlets is smartly designed, perfect for charging devices, working on your laptop, or drying your hair.
There’s also plenty of space to open up your suitcase, or even to wheel your bike inside and do some quick maintenance.
The overall style could be described as “modern minimalist with a soft, premium touch.” It’s clean and unfussy, yet warm and welcoming, staying true to Hoshino Resorts’ signature design philosophy, but without feeling too upscale or formal.
One of my favorite details? The bike-themed decor throughout the hotel. Even the wall clocks are designed with bicycle gears, a clever little touch that made me stop and smile every time I passed by.
Special Services at BEB5 Tsuchiura
Beyond the essential bike-friendly features, BEB5 Tsuchiura also offers a range of fun and practical services to make your stay even more enjoyable, whether you’re a serious cyclist or just looking for a unique travel experience.
Electric Bike Rentals
The hotel offers three models of electric bikes for rent, with rates ranging from ¥1,700 for 3 hours to ¥4,800 for 9 hours, depending on the duration and bike type.
My boyfriend and I chose the most affordable model, Benelli, and rented two bikes for 6 hours at ¥2,500 each. We cycled all the way from Tsuchiura Station to the famous Ushiku Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Ushiku)!
If you’re planning to use a bike for two days or more, I recommend checking out Le.cyc, a professional bike shop on the first floor of the same building.
They offer multi-day rental options, and although electric bikes aren’t available, the selection is great, including well-known brands like Giant.
Breakfast Vouchers
While the hotel doesn’t serve breakfast directly, it partners with several cafés and restaurants in the same building. By purchasing a breakfast voucher, you can enjoy a tasty and convenient morning meal.
The ¥750 voucher can be used at COURONNE bakery, Tully’s Coffee, or the Japanese breakfast spot Ryusuke (特級鶏蕎麦 龍介), known for its premium chicken soba.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, there’s also a ¥500 “one-coin” breakfast option, which gets you local specialties like a TKG set (tamago-kake gohan – raw egg over rice) or a breakfast tsukemen set, both affordable and authentically local.
This time, we went with the ¥750 plan and chose COURONNE bakery, where we tried two different set menus that included a main dish, salad, soup, and a drink. The portions were generous, and the value was excellent.
Pedal-Powered DIY Milkshakes
One of the most unique experiences at BEB5? Pedaling your own smoothie!
For ¥800, you can make your own blender-free smoothie by pedaling a bike that powers the blender! It’s fun, sustainable, and a great way to cool down and recharge after a ride.
There are three flavors to choose from: banana, strawberry, and melon, all made with fresh, visible fruits. The only ingredients are milk, sugar, and fruit, no additives or artificial flavoring, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind.
Perfect after a long ride when you need a little energy boost, not only does it taste great, but the process itself is just as fun.
BEB5 Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts
Address: 1-30 Ariakecho, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki 300-0035 (Google Maps)
Access: About 1-minute walk from Tsuchiura Station
Check prices: [Agoda] | [Trip.com]
Additional info
What is the NCR (National Cycle Route)?
To promote cycling tourism across Japan, the government has designated select routes as National Cycle Routes (NCRs), paths recognized for their scenic beauty, road quality, and rich tourism resources. As of now, there are only two official NCRs in the country:
・Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road in Ibaraki Prefecture (Tsuchiura)
・Biwaichi (Lake Biwa Loop) in Shiga Prefecture (from Ōtsu to Ōmi-Imazu)
BEB5 Tsuchiura is located right at the starting point of the Kasumigaura NCR route, making it the perfect “gateway hotel” for cyclists beginning their journey. It almost feels like a ceremonial launch point for your cycling adventure.
Bringing Your Bike on the JR Joban Line
Already renting a bike in Tokyo and want to bring it with you on the train to Tsuchiura?
Good news, you can hop on the “Joban Line Cycle Train”, a special JR train that runs between Ueno Station and Tsuchiura Station, designed specifically for cyclists.
What makes it special is that you can bring your bike onboard without disassembling or bagging it. Just roll it onto the train, no hassle!
However, there are a few important things to note:
・This service is only available on weekends and national holidays.
・During major events like fireworks festivals, service may be suspended.
・Reservations are required, so be sure to check the official JR website for the latest schedule and how to book your spot in advance.
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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