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Minami Kanto Area
Chubu / Kansai Area
Tsukuba is located in a region that was originally farm land. It was converted to a "Science City" by the Japanese Government almost 40years 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 sight seeing around this town.
(1) Within a Tsukuba City limit
Geological Museum :
Part of the Geological Survey of Japan. Geology related displays, rocks, fossils etc.
Part of the National Science Museum. Over 14 hectares (35 acres) area is filled with 80,000 plants of 3500 types.
Nova Hall :
This acoustically well designed hall is appreciated by many recording engineers. I even met John Lewis who visited here just to see (hear) the hall acoustics.
One of many parks in the city. Solar-energy-assisted indoor swmming pool, baseball field, a pond to walk around, tennis courts are there.
Central Shopping Area :
Department stores, such as Seibu, Jusco and Q't shopping mall, are within a walking distance from each other. Located near Okura Frontier Hotel, Tsukuba Center Bus terminal and
Tsukuba Express Station.
Yasaka Jinja (Shrine):
10 minutes bus ride from the Tsukuba bus terminal 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.
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. 9th century. 12km (half an hour drive) from KEK.
This temple also shows a classic example of shrine architecture. 13th century. North of KEK, 27km drive.
Located on the North-East slope of Mt.Tsukuba, this temple provides nice view of Tsuchiura area. 40km from KEK.
Ishioka City (ca. 13th century) Said to be related to famous priests, Shin-ran and Ho-nen. Nice garden to walk around.
Oldest winery in Japan. (1903). Located 25km south west of KEK.
Yahata-zuka Ko-fun (ancient tomb) :
Before 7th century. Off Rt.125 just before you come to the entrance road for Mt.Tsukuba. This 90m long tomb have a shape of 8m high mound with a rectangular shaped platform attachment where people prayed for the former governor.
Gokaku-Doh :
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 are on display . Located near Tsukuba City Hall (Yatabe), 15km south of KEK.
Kasama City :
Well known for "Kasama-Yaki" potteries. Kasama-Yaki style started in late 18th century by a potter 'Cho-e-mon'. Visit museums and various potters. Small but a nice art gallery, Nitchi-Doh Bijyutukan, has some nice collections. Located 30km north east of KEK. Driving time will be around an hour.
Mashiko city :
Well known for "Mashiko-Yaki" potteries. Famous potter Shoji Hamada made this city well known. Mashiko-Kinenkan (Museum) was a house/workshop of Hamada, which originally was a large farm house. Excellent collection of various potteries. Located 30km north of KEK. Requires about an hour of driving. You could try a wheel and make your own art. They will teach you how to use a wheel.(Tsukamoto- Seito) Be aware that many places hibernate in winter since there are insufficient number of tourists in winter. Visit there when weather is warm.
(3) Requiring over 2 hours of driving
In this range, there are too many places to see. Below are only a few examples.
Kashima-Jingu (shrine) :
One of the oldest and most famous shrines. 7th century. There is a museum where you can see many treasures that belongs to the shrine (300yen). Inside the shrine is a nice place to walk around. Located around 2hrs driving from KEK.
Probably the best and largest collection of famous Japanesepottery, "Imari" and "Nabeshima" in the world. World famous collectors of Imari and Nabeshima, such as Ms. Elizabeth Taylor, visit here often. Open 9:30am to 5pm throughout the year. (Closed on Dec.28, 29, 30, 31, Jan. 1st, 2nd) 1542 Komaba-Cho, Ashikaga-Shi, Tochigi-Ken Phone 0284-91- 1026. 5 minutes walk from Ryoge-sen Tomita train station. Two and a half hours drive from KEK.
It is located not too far from Narita Airport. If you want to know about the Japanese history and cultural background, it is worth visiting there.
Enshiring 'To-ku-ga-wa I-e-ya-su', the first general of Edo era who reigned Japan. Interesting place to visit, although it is not done to my taste. Two and a half hours drive from KEK.
If you can not afford to go to Kyoto or Nara which are the older capitals of Japan, I would suggest you to visit Tokyo, which has so much to offer. Probably the easiest way to get there is to take a Tsukuba Express line. It will get you to Akihabara in 45minutes. Once inside the Tokyo, all sorts of public transportation are available to get you to anywhere inside Tokyo.
One could drive a car to Tokyo, although I would not recommend you to do so. Not only the traffic jam inside the Tokyo Metropolitan area is terrible and road signs are done to maximize the chances of your getting lost, public transportation is cheaper, faster and quite convenient. Finding a parking spot is also a difficult task, besides they charge you an outrageous price for a parking.
Kyoto and Nara
These are the places to go if you have time to do so. Kyoto and Nara had been the capital of Japan prior to Edo-era (1603-1868) when they moved the capital of Japan to present-day Tokyo.
Osaka is another interesting city. Try Osaka Casle, Bunraku puppet play and so forth.
This home page to Tsukuba is produced to make life a bit easier forthose who are visiting KEK. Although I try hard to make it as accurate as possible, you may find mistakes in it. I would appreciate very much for any suggestions/ corrections.
Ohska (e-mail : ohska@post.kek.jp) and Shibasaki (e-mail : hshiba@post.kek.jp),
KEK Research Service Office, Tel: 0298-64-5123/ Fax 0298-64-5195
For more Travel Tips, check out ;
Japan -guide.com (Transportation in Japan)
Japan National Tourist Organazation
botan 123bus.net :
http://www.123bus.net/
Official Network of Local Infometion
Randy Johnson's Japan Page
Tokyo Sightseeing Tours(Hato bus)
Tokyo Big Sight
JTB Sunrise Tours
Yokoso Japan
Japan Economy Hotel Group
ohskapost.kek.jp 029-864-5123 (#5123)
updated on April 14, 2009 h.shiba