2024 Tsukuba Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Take a walk

Get away from the city, found a spot for a coffee break while kids play in the nature playground. It’s chill and peaceful here. Though beware of the slippery roads due to the mosses and army of ants bites when passing by .. it’s quite a distance from the town, approximately 45 mins drive, close to the hot spring area of Chiang Mai. We spend a couple of hours here with coffee and tea for adults, smoothies for kids.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)🚀🛰️

We visited the Tsukuba Space Center in Tsukuba and my kids enjoyed it! If you’re a fan of aerospace and the solar system, you wouldn’t want to miss visiting the JAXA headquarters in Tsukuba! They also have a small gift store with space food and souvenir gifts for kids and adults. We got to taste the space cheesecake and ice-cream 😅🫣 Overall, it was a good experience and my son is now into space engineering 😂🚀🛸 #JAXA #Rockets #Satellites

Chiang Mai

Spent a week in Chiang Mai. you can have Incredible experiences In ethical elephant sanctuaries. There’s lots of Buddhist temples with free entry and the best markets in Thailand. Plus, the food is INCREDIBLE and very cheap!

Hawaiian Cuisine 🌺

Address - 〒305-0817 Ibaraki, Tsukuba, Kenkyugakuen, 3 Chome−1−3 Highlights - Hawaiian & Tropical taste tropical 🌴 Avg. Price per Person - 1,200¥

homemade Icecream in Chiang Mai

Delicious homemade ice cream shop Johoney The aroma is so fragrant. There are many flavors to choose from. Each cone is 50 baht. We like the chocolate mint. The durian is also good. There are different flavors. There are also coffee and other drinks. The shop is decorated cutely. There are many beautiful angles for taking pictures. There is also a promotion for take-home. Come and follow us. The shop is located on the Ping River. It is a small house, a cafe, and also sells ice cream. #LifeAddictedToCafes#SecretLocations#CafeReviews

#familytrip #tukubahills #galaxynote20 #greatviews #cold9° #awesomepic

#100WaysOfTravel

Ibaraki: Where Innovation Meets Natural Beauty

Ibaraki Prefecture is an often-overlooked destination in Japan, but it offers a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and scientific innovation. Known for its expansive parks, like Hitachi Seaside Park with its mesmerizing seasonal flower displays, Ibaraki provides some of the most stunning natural scenery in the country. Mount Tsukuba, a popular hiking destination, also offers breathtaking views and a spiritual connection through its ancient shrines. Ibaraki’s reputation as a hub for science and technology, especially with Tsukuba Science City, adds a modern and forward-thinking dynamic to the region. It’s a place where innovation thrives alongside traditional experiences, like visiting Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most famous traditional gardens. In my opinion, Ibaraki is a prefecture that balances modernity and nature seamlessly. It offers something for everyone, from tech enthusiasts to outdoor adventurers, making it a rewarding destination for travelers seeking both innovation and tranquility.

Welcome to Chiang Mai

This is a unique resort in Chiang Mai that combines natural beauty with Japanese culture. The resort not only offers hot springs and accommodations but also features top-notch Japanese restaurants, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine while soaking in the hot springs. 🍣🍜 The resort provides various types of hot springs with excellent water quality, helping to relax the body and mind and relieve stress. 💆♂️💦 The hot spring pools are surrounded by lush greenery, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and peace in nature. 🌿🌸 The guest rooms are designed with a Japanese aesthetic, simple and elegant, with every detail paying homage to traditional Japanese beauty. 🏯✨ #ChiangMai #Resort #HotSprings #JapaneseCulture #Nature #Relaxation #JapaneseCuisine #Tranquility #Travel #Vacation

Mount Tsukuba

Mount Tsukuba, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most famous mountains, known for its dual peaks, Nyotai-san and Nantai-san. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering stunning panoramic views, diverse flora and fauna, and cultural significance. Getting There: • By Train: Take the Tsukuba Express from Akihabara Station in Tokyo to Tsukuba Station. From there, buses run regularly to the base of Mount Tsukuba. • By Car: The mountain is accessible via the Joban Expressway, with ample parking available at the base. Hiking Trails: • Miyukigahara Course: Suitable for beginners, this trail takes about 90 minutes to reach the summit of Nyotai-san. • Shirakumo Course: A steeper, more challenging trail leading to Nantai-san, taking about 2 hours. • Cable Car and Ropeway: For those who prefer a less strenuous ascent, a cable car and ropeway provide easy access to the peaks. Attractions: • Tsukubasan Shrine: Located at the base, this shrine is dedicated to the deities of the mountain and is a must-visit for its historical and cultural significance. • Panoramic Views: Both peaks offer breathtaking views of the Kanto Plain, and on clear days, you can see as far as Tokyo and Mount Fuji. • Seasonal Beauty: The mountain is particularly beautiful in autumn when the foliage changes color, and during spring, when cherry blossoms bloom. Facilities: • Restaurants and Shops: There are several eateries and souvenir shops at the base and along the trails, offering local delicacies and goods. • Accommodations: Various hotels and ryokan are available nearby for those wishing to extend their stay. Tips: • Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trip, as conditions can change rapidly. • Gear: Wear appropriate hiking shoes and bring water, snacks, and a map. • Safety: Stick to marked trails and be cautious of the terrain, especially in wet conditions. Mount Tsukuba provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure, making it a rewarding destination for both novice and experienced hikers.

Mount Tsukuba

Mount Tsukuba

Visiting Doho Park in Tsukuba, Japan, was an enchanting experience that seamlessly blended natural beauty and recreational facilities. Located in the heart of Tsukuba, the park is an oasis of tranquility and an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Upon entering Doho Park, I was immediately struck by its expansive green spaces and meticulously maintained landscapes. The park is home to a variety of trees and plants, which change colors with the seasons, offering a picturesque view throughout the year. During my visit in the spring, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, creating a stunning canopy of pink flowers that lined the pathways. One of the highlights of the park is its large central pond, where visitors can rent paddle boats. Gliding across the serene waters, I enjoyed the reflection of the surrounding foliage and the playful antics of ducks and other waterfowl. The pond is encircled by a walking trail, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk jog, and benches strategically placed for those who want to sit and soak in the view. Doho Park also caters to sports enthusiasts with its well-maintained tennis courts, baseball fields, and a swimming pool. Families were seen picnicking on the lush lawns, children playing in the designated playground areas, and elderly couples practicing tai chi under the shade of large trees. The park’s community feel was palpable, with people of all ages engaging in various activities. Another notable feature is the Japanese garden within the park, a tranquil space that offers a glimpse into traditional landscaping with its carefully arranged rocks, manicured shrubs, and a charming tea house. This serene spot provided a perfect setting for quiet reflection and photography. Overall, my visit to Doho Park in Tsukuba was a delightful experience, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural insights. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the serene side of Japan.#japantravel

Doho Park

#dreamvoyage Doho Park :: A beautiful place to relax in Tsukuba Doho Park is a large park in Tsukuba, Japan. It has a large lake surrounded by greenery. There are beautiful hiking trails around the lake. There are cafes by the lake with beautiful views. It is a good place to relax and exercise.

Sakura Traffic Park

#thingstodo Good place for kids to learn traffic rules and also riding bike itself. You can rent a bike for 50yen. There also a playground and real train box in the park so that kids can enjoy both. Seems to be quite famous park. It has car parking area, an old big train locomotive to see, and of course the area/road with traffic sign for children to learn.........

Akatsuka Park

#thingstodo Great little park. It is not as big as Doho koen, but so much cuter I think. It has real japanese touch to it. Something from Japanese garden feel to it. Love to get a coffee from nearby starbucks and sit on the bench in this park. Also great to have a nice walk. A footpath connects Akatsuka Park to the University of Tsukuba, which is one of the attractions of Tsukuba as a city. This sidewalk from Akatsuka Park to Doho Park is quite atmospheric.

Science Expo Memorial Park

#thingstodo Something just flew right into my hand, while the sound of roosters crowing (at 5:30 pm!) still keeps on ringing through the big green field where I'm now sitting on a simple backless bench. I thought the something was a frog for a moment but a large dragonfly that landed on the bench next to me was the more likely culprit. This park is great for an area that is a bit short on scenic green spaces. The drawback is it in an odd area that makes it hard to get to on foot from most residential areas (or at least where I was staying). But it is 20 minutes walking from the train station that is named after it. It's an idyllic open area great for a walk, a jog, reading a book, playing catch, or just relaxing with a book and listening to the sounds of wildlife. I'm still not sure why there are roosters here today. That's a first!

Ōike Park

#thingstodo A charming walk around two small lakes. Several fishermen out enjoying them. Can be completed in about 10mins. There is also a decent playground and well as exercise area to use. While the park is okay, right next to it was a historical site open to the public and about two mins away is Tsukuba Winery. Plenty to enjoy all in the same area so bring a lunch or some cheese and crackers, and a designated driver, and come enjoy the view. There are castle ruins nearby as well.

Matsumi Park

#thingstodo Great park in downtown tsukuba. Very close to expo science museum. Lots of ducks and koi fish. Peaceful waterfall and many benches around the water. There is a tower, you can purchase tickets to ride an elevator to top. Also can purchase koi and duck food at same place as elevator tickets. Indoor seating area. Play place for children could be better. Pay to park is easy to reach.

Doho Park

#thingstodo Very nice, well maintained and clean park. Plenty of opportunities and places to relax, play sports, let kids play and do sports. The park can get pretty busy on sunny days, but is definitely worth a visit for any occasion outside. Peaceful yet fun place to do activities. Great place to rub or just chill. If you're a tourist, must go for a walk at least

Sakura Traffic Park

#2024wish Great place for kids and even adult to practice how to bike and learn the traffic signs, you can bring your own bike or you can rent bike for kids and adult. There's also a small playground for kids to play. This park educated children about traffic in a fun way, but the minus point is the pedal go-kart. It's quite tiring and heavy for some children, it will be wonderful if they attach a battery to it.

Hirasawa Kanga Remains.

#2024wish Interesting place of historical significance...a reconstruction of a 1000 year old government office. (Bureaucracy as a system has proved quite resilient and thrives no matter what. Lots of grassy space. To sit and picnic on a warm day. A trail to hokyo-san runs from the area. I happened to pass by by car and stopped by because the scenery was pleasant. Is it a cycling road? There are more bicycles than cars🤗 I wish to go back here again in 2024

The Tsukuba Botanical Garden

#2024wish This botanical garden is not too wide but it has various plants inside. You can't go there by car because they don't provide parking lot, I like this environmental consideration. I went there as regular visitor and paid for 330¥ (sorry I don't remember well). The main building has a help desk, souvenir shop, vending machine, and common room for guest activity (especially for children). Getting more inside, I found endangered plant area which gave me important knowledge about japanese plant biodiversity. In the middle of the garden you'll find also greenhouse and museum. There's toilet too. And my favourite part is the water plant area. Overall, this place is so quiet and calm, very good for just relaxation or getting inspired by nature.

TSUKUBA Museum of Art IBARAKI

#2024wish An art museum that can be used for free. The inside of the facility is not that large. ( It's free, so I guess it can't be helped) It seems that various exhibitions are being held. It was a splendid museum, and there were a lot of watchmen.There are many works by artists from the University of Tsukuba.Stop by if you nearby this place. I wish to go to many places this year 2024.

Tsukuba EXPO Center

#2024wish We went there for the second time and still it was great to be there. A lot of activities for kids to experience science & space. Exhibition halls on floors 1 and 2 are set very creatively. A lot of experiential learning for everyone. Also got a 3D theater and a planetarium. Very entertaining shows in the planetarium 🪐 MUST try! The backyard is a beautifully maintained lawn and playground for kids. A huge place with ample facilities. Great for everyone, especially for families with kids.

Tsukuba Center Square

#2024wish Designed by Arata Isozaki. Although it is a building that has been built for more than 30 years, it is still alive and well, and the exterior design that combines abstract forms such as squares and triangles and a medieval impression square with an ellipse was interesting even now. Parts such as thick and lumpy pillars also have a strong impression that is different from the current trend of thin and flat designs, but they were unique and attractive. The hotel seemed to change its owner's company, and a notice was posted. Various things change depending on the economic environment, but I was happy that children were playing freely in the square, and the people who used it would not change forever.

Tsukubasan Shrine

#2024wish Beautiful grounds and buildings, especially the azaleas and wisteria. We visited during Golden Week, so there were lots of fresh green leaves. I'm sure the large gingko tree is beautiful in fall. If either of the shrines on the mountain peaks are closed for weather-related reasons when you visit, you can purchase the goshuin at this temple. I believe they will confirm that you visited the mountain peaks in order to purchase though. The cable car is nearby as well as a hiking trail, so there were many people in hiking gear. I wish to go back here again in 2024

Mitsuiya Sightseeing gamaland

#2024wish A very interesting place that attracts a lot of attention from people walking around... In that place, there are a lot of old things referring to the time when the place was a very popular tourist destination, and at the top there is a playground with many disabled toys and a closed area for security. What should this place be when it's at the peak of local tourism?

Chiang Mai, a great place for vacation.

Mount Tsukuba 🌸

#falltrip Mt. Tsukuba has two peaks: the east peak is Mt. Nyotai(Nyotai-san) at 877 meters, and the west is Mt. Nantai(Nantai-san) at 871 meters above sea level. Mt. Tsukuba is one of the best 100 mountains in Japan, and is known as the lowest of the 100 mountains.(Only Mt. Tsukuba and Kaimondake of Kagoshima Prefecture are less than 1,000 meters.) One of the most famous shrines in the Kanto region, with a 3,000 year history, “Mount Tsukuba-jinja”(Mt. Tsukuba shrine) is located on the mountainside. There are also main shrines on each of the peaks of Mt. Nantai and Nyotai. Because Mt. Tsukuba has two peaks,Nantai(which means male) and Nyotai (which means female), it is believed that this mountain gives the blessing of marital harmony and matchmaking. Moreover, “Power Spots” (a Japanese coined word which means sacred places with good luck for money, health and advancement in life) are interspersed at various places on the mountain.