Hotel Route-Inn Mitsukaido Ekimae

I often visit Tsukubamirai City and usually stay at a Hotel along the TX line, but this time I came by car and decided to look for a Hotel in Joso City. It is more affordable than in Tsukuba City, but the quality of the Hotel remains the same. Located behind Mizuhodai Station on the Kantō Railway, there didn’t seem to be many restaurants or convenience stores nearby. With no large buildings around, there’s an unobstructed view of the scenery. The Room was clean and comfortable. On the first floor is Route Inn's signature "Tabibito no Yu" bathhouse. Upon entering, you take off your shoes and place your slippers in a shoe locker. There’s a space for resting or waiting with washing machines available for free use; detergent can be purchased at reception for 50 yen, while dryers are paid services. The bath isn’t very large—if 10 people were using it, both the tub and washing area would feel full—but with only about four users during my visit, it wasn’t an issue. The restaurant was open until around 9:30 PM; however, I heard that their takeout service will end starting April. Breakfast was standard as with any Route Inn—not particularly good or bad—and after eating I relaxed in the lobby with coffee from their dispenser while reading a newspaper. When traveling by car, staying at Route Inn is always reliable without disappointment.

I stayed at the Route Inn in Mizukaido for the first time, in a twin room for two nights. It is located in front of Mizukaido Station, and since there are no tall buildings around, it is quite noticeable even from a distance. It seems like an unusual place to have a hotel, but it is conveniently located for driving to Tsukuba or Moriya, making it a hidden gem. The beds at Route Inn Hotels are usually firm, which is a downside for me personally, but... This hotel uses special bed mattresses, which are slightly softer than those at other Route Inns, GOOD.