Tsukuba is located in a region that was originally farm land. It was converted to a "Science City" by the
Japanese Government almost 50years ago. Large area of farm lands were purchased by the government
and many research institutions all around Japan were moved here one after another, including Tsukuba
University.
There are not many historical points of interest worth seeing within a walking distance from the center
of the city.
A day trip with a car will get you to wide variety of things to see, however. Nikko Toshogu Shrine,
Kashima Shrine to name a few. Public transportation is very limited for sightseeing around this town.
| Within a Tsukuba-City limit |
 Mt.Tsukuba  (Mt.Tsukuba Shrine ) ＜Access ＞
Mt.Tsukuba Shrine is a classical example of shrine architecture. Worshippers invoke the male god
Izanagi and the female god Izanami for lasting marriages, safety, prosperity and warding off evil spirits.
12km (half an hour drive) from KEK.
Ichinoya Yasaka Jinja (Shrine) (Japanese)
5 minutes bus ride from the KEK to Ichinoya Kosaten bus stop get you to a nice small shrine, Yasaka
Jinja, founded in 9th century. The Tengyo-no-ran (war) destroyed the original building so that present
buildings were restored in 1676 and 1711.
A 750years old zelkova tree is also something to see.
There is an Antique market "Kotto-nomino-ichi" is held on fourth Sunday of every month between
morning and sunset.
Part of the National Science Museum. Over 14 hectares (35 acres) area is filled with 80,000 plants of
3500 types. 10 minutes bus ride from the KEK to Tsukuba Jikken Shokubutsu-en bus stop.
Tsukuba Expo Center 
The full-scale rocket indicates that you have arrived at the Tsukuba Expo Centr.
Entrance fee is 400yen / Adult
Tsukuba Space Center
As JAXA's center for the latest research and development in space, Tsukuba Space Center offers tours
of its facility for a better understanding of its work from the past, in the present, and for the future.
The exhibition space is divided into rocket, satellite, and space-utilization sections. There are full-scale
test models. About 5 minutes from Tsukuba Center on foot.
Geological Museum
Part of the Geological Survey of Japan. Geology related displays, rocks, fossils etc. Take the Kanto-
tetsudo bus for "Arakawaoki Station", 10 minutes bus ride from the Tsukuba Bus terminal to Namiki 2-
chome bus stop, about 5 minutes from bus stop on foot.
Doh-hoh Park
One of many parks in the city. Solar-energy-assisted indoor swimming pool, baseball field, a pond to
walk around, tennis courts are there. Take the Kanto-tetsudo bus for "Hitachi-no-ushikui Station", 10
minutes bus ride from the Tsukuba Bus Terminal to Doh-hho-koen bus stop.
Tsukuba Botan-en (Peony Garden) ＜Access Map＞
Spreading out near Lake Ushiku is the 60,000 m2 Peony Garden, which features 10,000 plants and 550
varieties of peonies;5,000 plants and 215 varieties of Chinese peonies; and 500 plants and 80 varieties
of roses. Visitors can see important new varieties, and even rose varieties that have won the Grand Prix
at international rose expositions. Located around 40 minutes (18km) driving from KEK .
Gokaku-Doh (Japanese)
House of Iizuka Igashichi (1762-1836) who was a great inventor of the time. This house was also
designed by himself and it has an unusual pentagonal shape. Wooden clock and mechanical puppets of
his art on display. 15km south of KEK.
 Japan. Endless Discovery
Japan -guide.com (Transportation in Japan): Transportation, Japan Sightseeing Guide
Willer Express (Easy online booking) : List of Highway-bus Service Routes.
Tokyo Sightseeing Bus-tours (Hato bus)
Tokyo Big Sight
JTB Sunrise Tours : Sightseeing Tours in English
Japan Economy Hotel Group
Hotel & Ryokan Search (Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association)
Japan Rail Pass(English)
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Sightseeing in Tsukuba