Attraction of Tsukuba
Environment
Aerial view of the city with Mt Tsukuba in the distance. The city has high proportion of greenery which makes it unique in Japan.
The city was developed as a national project to ease overcrowding in Tokyo and to serve as a hub for high-level research and education. It is Japan’s largest science city, with approximately 20,000 researchers. As a result, you have regular opportunities to engage with advanced research institutions such as Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA), Experimental Botanical Garden of National Science Museum, the Geological Museum within the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organisation (KEK). As a result, the city is home to many highly educated individuals, and the standards of state primary, secondary, and high schools are high.
Mount Tsukuba. The lowest of 100 most known mountains of Japan. As it only takes 30minutes from Tsukuba Station, one can access it with ease for hiking; you can even see the locals hiking with their dogs for a Sunday stroll.
Urban Planning
The urban planning within the central area is well-organised, with well-maintained green pathways that separate pedestrian and bicycle paths from the roadways. Many infrastructures branch off from these green pathways, making it ideal for bicycle commuting and walking dogs. Also this makes it easy for those on wheel chair to get out.
The centre of Tsukuba features numerous parks throughout, with urban planning reminiscent of European cities. Dōhō Park in particular is very attractive, covering 20 hectares of green space and equipped with sports facilities such as a 50-meter indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, and tennis courts with flood lights.
University of Tsukuba, together with the University Hospital is connected to the “Green Spine”
Access
From Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit, it takes as little as 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach Tsukuba Station by highway bus. Unlike the train, your seat is guaranteed and has space for bulky and heavy luggage, such as suitcases, in the lower compartment. Additionally, there is a toilet on board, and you can charge your mobile phone using the USB ports or a plug provided. In addition, if you take the Tsukuba Express, you can reach Akihabara in as little as 45 minutes.
Access to the airports. Although the number of the busses are limited, there are highway buses directly connecting Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport. It takes as little as 1 hour / 1 hour 40 minutes respectively.