BEB5 Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts is holding the inaugural "Melon Marugoto Summer Festival" from July 15 to August 31, 2026. The event fills the TAMARIBA public space with melon-themed décor, food, and activities to celebrate Ibaraki Prefecture's status as Japan's top melon-producing region for 26 consecutive years.
Background
Ibaraki Prefecture has been the nation's leading melon producer for 26 straight years (*1). The festival was conceived to introduce younger visitors to both Ibaraki's celebrated melons and the prefecture's traditional crafts—specifically the Suifu Lantern (*2) and Nishinouchi Washi paper (*3)—through the familiar format of a summer festival.
(*1) Ibaraki Prefecture Sales Strategy Division, "Eat Ibaraki" Food and Agriculture Portal Site
(*2) Suifu Chochin. A type of lantern developed during the Edo period as an industry supported by the Mito Domain. Made using a distinctive single-hook technique, the lanterns are known for their exceptional durability.
(*3) Nishinouchi-shi. A variety of washi paper produced in the Okukuji area of Hitachi Province using local clear streams and high-quality paper mulberry. Designated as an Intangible Cultural Property by both the national government and Ibaraki Prefecture.
Highlights of the "Melon Marugoto Summer Festival"
1. TAMARIBA Becomes a Festival Venue with Melon Lanterns and Food Stalls
During the event period, the 24-hour TAMARIBA public space is transformed into a summer festival venue. The centerpiece is "Melon Lanterns" suspended overhead, jointly crafted by artisans specializing in Ibaraki's Suifu Lanterns and Nishinouchi Washi, created exclusively for this event. Melon rinds—typically discarded—are incorporated as fiber into the handmade washi paper, reproducing the melon's characteristic net-like surface pattern and texture. The result is a one-of-a-kind atmosphere blending traditional craft techniques with a lighthearted, playful sensibility.
2. Summer Festival Menus Full of Melon
Classic summer festival stall dishes get an Ibaraki-inspired melon twist. The lineup includes "Gorogoro Melon Kakigori," shaved ice topped with chunky melon pieces and whipped cream; "Choco Melon," melon paired with white chocolate; and "Melon Marugoto Ramune," ramune soda poured into a whole melon used as a cup. The "Melon Marugoto Ramune" is a standout: the top of a melon is cut off and used as a generous, edible vessel for nostalgic ramune, inviting guests to enjoy the fizzy carbonation alongside fresh, sweet melon flesh in one indulgent experience.
3. Win Exclusive Merchandise at the "Melon Shooting Gallery" and "Melon Gacha"
A "Melon Stall" appears in TAMARIBA throughout the event period, offering activities with melon-themed sweets and exclusive goods as prizes. In the "Melon Shooting Gallery," targets shaped like the original character "Meronn-chi" are lined up, and knocking down harder targets earns better prizes. The "Melon Gacha" dispenses results in melon-shaped capsules, with prizes including stickers, keychains, pin badges, and tote bags featuring "Meronn-chi," as well as limited-edition tickets redeemable for BEB5 Tsuchiura's signature "Melon Marugoto Cream Soda." A special redemption ticket for an "Ice Cream 10-Variety Set" is also included in the Melon Gacha, available to 10 lucky guests.
"Melon Marugoto Summer Festival" Details
Period: July 15–August 31, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
Venue: TAMARIBA (public space)
Prices:
- Melon Marugoto Ramune: 1,600 yen (tax included)
- Choco Melon: 600 yen (tax included, set of 2)
- Gorogoro Melon Kakigori: 1,000 yen (tax included)
- Cup Melon: 1,000 yen (tax included)
- Melon Shooting Gallery: 500 yen for 5 shots (tax included)
- Melon Gacha: 500 yen per play (tax included)
Eligibility: Hotel guests
Reservation: Not required
BEB5 Tsuchiura by Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resorts' only hotel dedicated to cycling, BEB5 Tsuchiura invites all guests—from first-time riders to seasoned cyclists—to explore a range of cycling experiences designed to suit every kind of bicycle trip.
Location: Plat Atre Tsuchiura 3F, 1-30 Ariake-cho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture 300-0035
Rooms: 90 rooms
Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 11:00 AM
Rates: From 6,600 yen per night (per person, double occupancy, tax included, meals not included)
Access: 10 seconds on foot from JR Tsuchiura Station ticket gates
