Tsuchiura, Japan
Region: Ibaraki Prefecture
Geographic Coordinates: 36.066700, 140.200000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal with hot summers and cold winters.
Population: 137825
Language: Japanese
Tsuchiura is a city situated in the Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan, With a population of around 140, 000 people and an area of 122 square kilometers. The city is renowned for its picturesque nature, Rich history, And cultural heritage. Kasumigaura Bay is one of the most prominent attractions in Tsuchiura. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Japan and attracts many tourists who come to enjoy its scenic views. Visitors can engage in various water activities such as fishing, Boating, Kayaking, And sailing.
Kijo Park is another popular destination in Tsuchiura that features a beautiful Japanese garden with traditional architecture reflecting Japan’s culture and history. Visitors can take leisurely strolls around this park while admiring its stunning landscapes that include ponds filled with colorful koi fish. Apart from natural beauty spots like Kasumigaura Bay and Kijo Park, Tsuchiura also has several historical sites that are worth visiting. Tsukuba Sanjusangendo Temple built during the Heian period (794-1185) boasts an impressive collection of statues including 30 wooden statues representing Buddhist deities. Tsuchiura hosts several festivals throughout the year which attract visitors from all over Japan.
One such festival held annually on November 3rd called Tsuchiyama Hachimangu Shrine Autumn Festival where locals dress up in traditional costumes as they parade through town carrying portable shrines called mikoshi.
The economy primarily relies on agriculture with rice being one of their main crops alongside other vegetables like sweet potato and onion farming as well as livestock production like cattle raising for meat consumption or dairy products like milk production from cows or goats which are sold locally or exported elsewhere depending on demand levels worldwide markets available at any given time period depending upon global economic conditions prevailing during those times making it important for farmers to stay informed about market trends and adapt their farming practices accordingly.
Tsuchiura is a beautiful city that offers visitors a unique blend of nature, Culture, And history. Its stunning landscapes, Historical sites, And festivals make it an excellent destination for tourists who want to experience the best of Japan.
- Tsuchiura Station
- Kasumigaura Park
- Kijo Park
- Sakura no Yama Park
- Tsuchiura City Museum of History and Folklore
- Tsuchiura Castle Ruins
- Tsukuba Expo Center
- Suigo Sawara Dashi Kaikan
- Ibaraki Flower Park
- Ryujin Suspension Bridge
- Hitachi Ltd.: A multinational conglomerate company that specializes in electronics, power systems, and information technology.
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST): A research organization that conducts research on advanced materials, energy, environment, manufacturing, and information technology.
- Tsukuba Research Center: A research center that focuses on agricultural biotechnology, environmental science, food science, and nutrition.
- Tsuchiura Plant: The plant produces chemicals for various industrial applications including electronic materials.
- Toray Industries Inc.: The company is involved in the production of fibers & textiles as well as plastics & chemicals.
- Tsuchiura City Hospital: One of the largest hospitals in the city providing healthcare services to people living in Tsuchiura city as well as nearby areas.
- Nihon University College of Engineering: The engineering college provides education to students interested in pursuing a career in engineering or related fields.
- Ibaraki Airport: The airport serves domestic flights to Tokyo’s Haneda airport along with some international flights to destinations like Seoul-Incheon Airport (South Korea), etc.
- Tsuchiura Castle was built in the 15th century by the Yuki clan and played a significant role in the region’s history until its destruction during the Meiji Restoration.
- Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, visited Tsuchiura multiple times and stayed at a local temple.
- Kuniyoshi Utagawa, a renowned ukiyo-e artist who depicted historical figures such as samurai, is said to have visited Tsuchiura during his travels throughout Japan.
- During World War II, Tsuchiura housed an airfield used for Japanese military training purposes.
- After WWII, Tsuchiura became part of Tsukuba Science City – a major center for scientific research and development in Japan.
- Kenichi Fukui – Nobel Prize-winning chemist grew up in Tsuchiura and attended local schools before studying at Kyoto University.
- Lake Kasumigaura is located near Tsuchiura – one of Japan’s largest freshwater lakes known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.
- The Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History showcases exhibits about Ibaraki Prefecture’s culture & history including artifacts from prehistoric to modern times.
- Every spring brings Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) where thousands visit to see cherry blossoms bloom & participate in traditional activities like tea ceremonies & flower arrangement.
- The annual October event, Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival is one of Japan’s largest fireworks displays attracting hundreds of thousands from all over the country every year.
- Kasumigaura Bay Observatory
- Tsuchiura City Museum
- Kijo Park
- Tsukuba Space Center (JAXA)
- Tsuchiura Fireworks Museum
- Ibaraki Nature Museum
- Ryujin Suspension Bridge
- Tsuchiura Castle Ruins Park
- Kashima Shrine
- Tsukuba Expo Center
- Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition is an annual event held in October and considered one of the largest fireworks competitions in Japan.
- The Tsuchiura Matsuri takes place in late August and features traditional Japanese music, dance performances, and food stalls.
- Celebrated in early April, the Tsuchiura Sakura Festival is dedicated to the blooming of cherry blossoms and includes outdoor picnics and hanami (flower viewing) parties.
- The Tsukuba Marathon is held every November and attracts runners from all over Japan with its scenic course through the city’s parks and gardens.
- The Tsuchiura Tenjin Festival takes place at the Tenmangu Shrine annually in late July or early August, featuring traditional Shinto rituals, taiko drumming performances, and local specialty food vendors.
- The Kanto Matsuri festival occurs on September 9th each year with large bamboo poles decorated with lanterns carried through streets by performers balancing them on their foreheads, shoulders or hips.
- Hosted every year during October-November period at Tsukuba International Congress Center (Epochal), Ibaraki International Festival showcases various cultural exhibits from different countries including music shows, dance performances etc., providing a unique opportunity to experience diverse cultures around the world.
- Kasumigaura Fish: Freshwater fish caught from Lake Kasumigaura, which is the second-largest lake in Japan.
- Tsukudani: A traditional Japanese dish made from small fish or shellfish that are simmered in soy sauce and sugar until they become thick and sticky.
- Tonkatsu: Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets served with rice, miso soup, and pickles.
- Soba Noodles: Thin noodles made from buckwheat flour that are usually served cold with a dipping sauce or hot in a broth.
- Unagi (Eel): Grilled eel served over rice with a sweet soy sauce glaze.
Some popular restaurants to try these dishes include:
- Kappo Yamauchi: A traditional Japanese restaurant that serves fresh seafood dishes like sashimi and grilled fish.
- Tonkatsu Wako: A chain restaurant specializing in tonkatsu dishes like pork cutlets and katsu curry.
- Sobaya Kojima: A cozy noodle shop that serves handmade soba noodles with various toppings like tempura shrimp or grated yam.
- Iseya Honten: An unagi restaurant that has been serving grilled eel for over 200 years using their secret family recipe for the sweet soy sauce glaze.
- Tsukudaniya Honpo Hachiman-ya: A specialty shop that sells various tsukudani products made from locally sourced ingredients like seaweed, mushrooms, and fish eggs.
- Kasumigaura Park is a large park that offers visitors a beautiful lake, walking trails, and picnic areas to enjoy.
- Tsuchiura Waterfront Park is another great option for outdoor activities. It’s located along the river and has playgrounds and sports facilities available.
- The Tsukuba Mountain Range is perfect for hikers who want to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
- If you’re looking for indoor sports facilities, head over to Tsuchiura City Sports Center where you can find basketball courts, swimming pool, and gymnasium.
- Kijo Park is a historic park that’s particularly beautiful during springtime when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
- For cultural events such as concerts and theater performances, check out Tsuchiura Cultural Hall.
- Suigo Itako Iris Garden is famous for its iris flowers which bloom during the summer months – definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area at that time of year!
- Sakura no Mori Forest Park features an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
- Tsuchiura City Museum of History and Folklore displays artifacts related to local history – perfect for those interested in learning more about the area’s past!
- Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival takes place annually in October with a spectacular fireworks display over Kasumigaura Lake – definitely not to be missed!
