Tsukuba Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the Ibaraki region of Japan, Tsukuba is a city that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes, Tsukuba is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience.

One of the highlights of Tsukuba is its scientific and technological hub, which attracts researchers and academics from around the world. The city is home to Tsukuba Science City, a sprawling complex of research institutes and laboratories that focus on cutting-edge fields such as robotics, nanotechnology, and space exploration. Visitors can explore the Tsukuba Expo Center, where interactive exhibits showcase the latest advancements in science and technology.

For those interested in Japanese history and culture, Tsukuba offers a wealth of attractions. The city is home to several beautiful shrines and temples, such as the Tsukuba Shrine and the Kashima Shrine, where visitors can learn about the spiritual traditions of the region. The Kasama Inari Shrine is particularly famous for its vibrant red torii gates, which create a stunning visual spectacle.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of natural beauty in and around Tsukuba. Mount Tsukuba, a sacred mountain with twin peaks, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the top or take a cable car for a more leisurely ascent. The Tsukuba Botanical Garden is another popular attraction, boasting a wide variety of plant species and picturesque walking trails.

Food enthusiasts will find plenty to satisfy their taste buds in Tsukuba. The city is known for its fresh produce, particularly its succulent melons and mushrooms. Local restaurants serve up a range of delicious dishes, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors. Tsukuba also hosts regular food festivals, where visitors can sample a wide array of local delicacies.

Local name: つくば市 Population: 241 thous. (2019)Area: 109.54 mi²Elevation: 102 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°4'55"N, 140°6'36"E

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IbarakiJapan

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Tsukuba Top Attractions

Tsukuba Attractions - What to See and Explore

Tsukuba offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Science Museum of Map and Survey, Oda Castle, Tsukuba Botanical Garden, Tsukuba Space Center. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Science museum
Science Museum of Map and Survey
Nestled in the heart of Tsukuba, Japan, the Science Museum of Map and Survey is a unique destination that beckons geographically curious tourists and map enthusiasts alike. This specialized museum, dedicated entirely to the art and science of cartography and surveying...
Forts and castles
Oda Castle
Oda Castle is a hirayama-style Muromachi period Japanese castle located in what is now the city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, in the northern Kantō region of Japan. It has been protected by the central government as a National Historic Site since 1935.
Scenic place with native and exotic plants
Tsukuba Botanical Garden
The Tsukuba Botanical Garden is a major botanical garden near the University of Tsukuba at 4-1-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is open daily except Mondays; an admission fee is charged.

Science museum • Museum • Laboratory
Tsukuba Space Center
The Tsukuba Space Center also known by its radio callsign Tsukuba, is the operations facility and headquarters for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency located in Tsukuba Science City in Ibaraki Prefecture. The facility opened in 1972 and serves as the primary location for Japan's space operations and research programs.
Museum
Tsukubaekisuposenta
Tsukuba Expo Center is a science museum located at 2-9 Azuma, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is managed and operated by the Tsukuba Science Expo Commemorative Foundation.
36°3'53"N • 140°7'34"E
Centrifuge Accommodations Module
The Centrifuge Accommodations Module is a cancelled element of the International Space Station. Although the module was planned to contain several parts, the 2.5 m centrifuge still was considered the most important capability of the module.
Universities and schools
University of Tsukuba
The University of Tsukuba is a public research university located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. It is one of the top 10 Designated National University and selected as a top type university of Top Global University Project by the Japanese government.
Universities and schools
National University Corporation Tsukuba University of Technology
National University Corporation Tsukuba University of Technology, or NTUT, is a national university in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. The predecessor of the school was founded in 1987, and it was chartered as a university in 2005.
Universities and schools
Tsukuba Gakuin University
Tsukuba Gakuin University is a private university in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

Day trips

Tsukuba – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Tsukuba, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History (Mito), Twin Ring Motegi (Motegi), Sumida Aquarium (Katsushika).

28 milesNE
Museum, History museum
Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History, Mito
Nestled in the heart of Mito, the capital city of Ibaraki Prefecture, the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and education. This museum offers a deep dive into the rich historical tapestry of the region, presenting artifacts...
32 milesN
Theme park, Amusement park, Sport venue
Twin Ring Motegi, Motegi
Nestled in the picturesque hills of the Tochigi Prefecture, Twin Ring Motegi is a premiere sports facility that has become a mecca for motorsports enthusiasts from around the globe. Opened in 1997, this complex is not just a racetrack; it is an embodiment of Japan’s...
31 milesSW
Zoo
Sumida Aquarium, Katsushika
Nestled in the bustling city of Katsushika, Japan, the Sumida Aquarium offers a serene escape into the underwater world, right within the special wards of Tokyo. Opened to the public, this modern aquarium has swiftly become a favorite destination for both locals...
24 milesSE
Buddhist temple with a colorful pagoda
Narita-san, Narita
Narita-san Shinsho-ji is a revered Buddhist temple complex located in the heart of Narita city, Japan. Established over 1,000 years ago, this historical site has been a beacon of spiritual significance and a popular pilgrimage destination for both Japanese...
31 milesSW
Sacred and religious sites
Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Katsushika
Nestled in the heart of Katsushika, Tokyo, the Kameido Tenjin Shrine stands as a serene escape from the city's bustle. This Shinto shrine, with its storied past and picturesque grounds, is a cultural treasure that beckons visitors to explore its tranquil beauty.

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Best Time To Visit Tsukuba

Learn when is the best time to travel to Tsukuba weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May and November are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Tsukuba?

The top attractions to visit in Tsukuba are:

What is the best time to visit Tsukuba?

May and November are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and August. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.