Tsukuba / Ushiku

Top Things to do

• Ushiku Daibutsu

  Ibaraki Pref. Ushikushi Kunochou 2083

  World’s largest free-standing bronze statue—at 120 meters. The inner body is divided into five levels—one floor for trying sutras, one floor with 3,400 internal buddha statues, and an observatory deck where you can see Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree from a height of 85 meters. There’s plenty to enjoy in the area too, from the small zoo where you can see monkey acrobatics or feed small animals to the Pure Land-style gardens with beautiful flowers in each season.

• Mt. Tsukuba

  Ibaraki Pref. Tsukubashi Tsukuba

  An 877 meter tall mountain located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture which has two peaks—Nantai-san and Nyotai-san (“men's body” and “female body,” respectively). Due to the color the mountain takes on in the morning and at dusk, it is also known as “Violet Peak,” and has been popularly worshipped as a sacred mountain since ancient times. Over 1,000 varieties of plants grow on the mountain, and visitors can enjoy the sight of various plant lives here throughout the year. A cable car and ropeway provide convenient access to the top of the mountain, making it easy even for children and senior citizens to enjoy the beautiful view. On Saturday, Sunday, and holiday evenings from October to the end of February (excluding during bad weather, the New Year's holidays, and safety inspections), visitors can ride the ropeway as part of a special “Stardust Cruising” event and take in the beautiful nightscape of the surrounding area.

• JAXA's Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC)

  Ibaraki Pref. Tsukubashi Sengen 2-1-1

  The Tsukuba Space Center is a facility encompassing approximately 530,000 square meters, surrounded by nature, and with state-of-the-art testing facilities. At the center, visitors can learn about space development research and various initiatives as a development site through exhibitions and inspection tours. Visitors are free to look around the center and reservations are unnecessary for individuals. There are five guided tours conducted daily.

• Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine

  4.0

  142 Reviews

  Ibaraki Pref. Tsukubashi Tsukuba 1-1

  Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine enshrines the spirits of Mt. Tsukuba, a holy mountain in the eastern Kanto region. Its mention in 25 of the poems in the Nara period collection of poems the Manyoshu shows that it was well known even then but its history is said to stretch back almost 3,000 years. Tsukuba’s god and goddess Izanagi and Izanami give benefits towards marriages and harmonious unions. Many visitors come to the shrine for the New Year’s Eve and New Year festivals.

• Asahi Beer Ibaraki Factory

  Ibaraki Pref. Moriyashi Midori 1-1-1

  There is a 10-minute free shuttle bus from Moriya Station on the Tsukuba Express Line to reach the Asahi Beer Ibaraki Factory. Starting with a video at the orientation theater enjoy learning about the bottling process and environmental initiatives from the tour guides. After the tour try a sample of Asahi Super Dry and Dry Black fresh from the factory (there is a 20-minute, three drink per person limit). There’s also a giftshop with novelties and factory exclusive items as well as a garden that you can explore either before or after your tour.

• Kirin Beer Toride Plant

  4.5

  34 Reviews

  Ibaraki Pref. Torideshi Kuwabara 188-1

  You can take a free tour (reservations required) of this Kirin plant, where they make “Kirin Ichiban Shibori” and “Heartland Beer.” You can compare the first-squeezed and second-squeezed wort, try some malt, and taste-test Kirin beer and soft drinks during the tour. There is a family tour every Saturday, and a heartland tour every 2nd Saturday of the month, and a special tour once a month that costs extra.

• Tsukubasan Cable Car

  Ibaraki Pref. Tsukubashi Tsukuba 1

  Tsukuba cable car established in 1925 is a historic cable car which was the 2nd earliest cable car to operate in Kanto and the 5th earliest in Japan. It connects the 1,643 meters between Miyawaki Station half way up Tsukubasan (305 meters above sea level) and Tsukubasancho Station (800 meters above sea level) in about eight minutes. From its windows, you can gaze at seasonal plants and flowers, and it is a perfect place for foliage especially in fall. The view from the peak is magnificent, and you can see Tokyo Skytree in the distance.

• Tsukuba Expo Center

  Ibaraki Pref. Tsukubashi Aduma 2-9

  At this science museum you can see, touch, and enjoy leading edge science. Along with displays that let you learn and experience the mysteries of science you can view miraculous videos and gorgeous starry skies in one of the world’s largest planetariums. With regular events including science shows and lectures you’re sure to make a new discovery every time you visit.

• Boulangerie encuit

  Ibaraki Pref. Tsukubashi Inarimae 33-1

  A popular bread bakery located south from the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center on Prefectural Route 244 heading towards the Joban Expressway. In addition to standard Japanese shokupan bread and sweet buns, the bakery's diverse selection of over 60 bread varieties includes French bread, bagels, rusks, and tarts. The bakery's skilled owner, Hiroki Ogawa, worked at famous Tokyo hotels such as the Tokyo Prince Hotel and has won awards in numerous bakery competitions. Ogawa also likes a challenge, as is revealed by his choice to set up shop in Tsukuba City, a hotly contested market home to many delicious bakeries.