Tsukuba is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 50 kilometres northeast of Tokyo. It is known as Japan’s “science city” due to its many research institutes and universities. It is also a popular tourist destination for its many natural attractions, such as Lake Kasumigaura, the Tsukuba Space Center, and the Tsukuba Botanical Garden. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful city streets, or take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and biking. It is also home to many festivals throughout the year, including the Tsukuba Fireworks Festival and the Tsukuba International Festival. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip, Tsukuba has something to offer for everyone.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Akihara: Akihara is a popular residential district located close to the center of the city. It is well connected with public transportation and offers plenty of shopping and dining options.
2. Tsukuba Science City: Tsukuba Science City is the city’s main research and development hub, and it is home to many universities, research institutes, and high-tech companies. It also offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities.
3. Tsukuba Center: Tsukuba Center is a popular shopping district located in the heart of the city. It has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
4. Futakata: Futakata is a residential area located east of the city center. It is known for its large parks and open-air markets.
5. Shimotsuma: Shimotsuma is a traditional Japanese town located in the northern part of the city. It is known for its hot springs, shrines, and temples.
1. Tsukuba Space Center: The Tsukuba Space Center is a research facility dedicated to the study of space exploration, technology, and research. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, simulators, and educational programs.
2. Tsukuba Expo Center: This event center hosts a number of festivals and exhibitions throughout the year, including a summer music festival and an international marathon. It also features a variety of educational and cultural activities.
3. Tsukuba Shrine: This Shinto shrine is one of the oldest in Japan and is dedicated to the god of the sea. It features a number of traditional buildings, including a main hall and a prayer hall.
4. Mt. Tsukuba: Mt. Tsukuba is a popular hiking destination, featuring a variety of trails and scenic views. It is also home to a number of shrines and temples.
5. Ushiku Daibutsu: The Ushiku Daibutsu is a 120-meter-tall bronze statue of the Buddha, making it one of the tallest in the world. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a museum and an observation deck.
1. Ibaraki Kōchin Chicken – This is a specialty dish from Ibaraki prefecture, and it is a grilled chicken marinated in a soy sauce-based sauce. It is served with a variety of garnishes such as garlic chips, garlic butter, and grated daikon.
2. Tsukuba Soba – This is a type of soba noodle made with buckwheat flour from Tsukuba City. It is served with a variety of toppings such as grated daikon, scallions, and pickled ginger.
3. Mitarashi Dango – This is a popular Japanese dumpling made with mochi and served with a sweet soy sauce-based sauce. They are usually grilled on a skewer and are commonly found at festivals and other events.
4. Umeboshi – These are salty pickled ume plums. They are commonly eaten as a side dish to rice, and are said to aid in digestion.
5. Tama Kuzu – This is a type of sweet dumpling made with sweet potato starch and served with a sweet syrup. It is said to be a popular snack in Tsukuba, and it can be found in many shops.