Tsukuba-kenkyūgakuen-toshi, Japan
Region: Ibaraki prefecture
Geographic Coordinates: 36.083500, 140.076000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Tsukuba-kenkyūgakuen-toshi has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The rainy season occurs in June and July, while typhoons are common in September.
Population: 246647
Language: Japanese
Tsukuba-kenkyūgakuen-toshi, Also known as Tsukuba Science City, Is a planned city in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1963 with the aim of becoming a hub for scientific research and development, The city covers approximately 28 square kilometers and is home to over 70 national and private research institutes, Universities, And academic institutions. The city’s design reflects its focus on science and technology. Its layout is based on a grid system with wide streets that allow for easy transportation of equipment and materials. The buildings are modern and functional, With many designed specifically for research purposes.
One example is the Tsukuba Expo Center which houses exhibitions showcasing the latest advancements in science and technology. Mount Tsukuba stands at an elevation of 877 meters above sea level and serves as a popular destination for hikers who come to enjoy its scenic views. The mountain has two peaks known as Nantai-san (male peak) and Nyotai-san (female peak). The commitment to scientific research has led to several notable achievements over the years.
In 1985, Researchers at the National Institute for Environmental Studies discovered a hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica which led to international efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Additionally, Researchers at Tsukuba University were involved in developing some components used in creating DVD players. Efforts have been made by local authorities to make Tsukuba Science City more accessible to tourists. Visitors can explore various museums dedicated to different fields such as space exploration or robotics or attend events like science lectures or stargazing sessions organized by local institutions.
Overall, Tsukuba Science City represents Japan’s dedication towards advancing scientific knowledge through collaboration between various institutions. Its unique design, Natural surroundings, Numerous research facilities make it a fascinating destination not just academics but anyone interested in science and technology.
- Tsukuba Space Center
- Mount Tsukuba
- Tsukuba Botanical Garden
- Science Museum of Map and Survey
- Kasuga Shrine
- Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum
- Namiki-dori Street
- Tsukuba Expo Center
- Sakura no Yama Park
- Doho Park
- Information Technology:
- Fujitsu
- Hitachi
- NEC Corporation
- NTT Data Corporation
- Biotechnology: The city has several biotechnology companies that work on developing new drugs and medical devices.
- Agriculture: Due to its location near the countryside, Tsukuba Science City has a thriving agricultural industry that produces high-quality crops such as rice and vegetables.
- Education: The city is home to several universities such as University of Tsukuba which attract students from all over Japan.
- Aerospace: The National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL) is located in the city which conducts research on aircrafts and space exploration.
- Environmental technology: AIST (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology) has its headquarters here where they conduct research on environmental technologies like renewable energy sources etc.
- Pharmaceuticals: Several pharmaceutical giants like Astellas Pharma Inc., Eisai Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited have their R&D centers here.
Overall, Tsukuba-kenkyūgakuen-toshi is a hub for scientific innovation with many leading-edge technologies being developed by startups, established firms & academic institutions alike.
- Establishment of Tsukuba Science City: In 1963, the Japanese government decided to establish a new science city in Ibaraki Prefecture to promote scientific research and development.
- Development of Superconductivity: The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity by Japanese physicist J. Georg Bednorz and K. Alex Müller at IBM’s Zurich Research Laboratory in Switzerland led to them being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1987.
- International Conferences: Several international conferences have been held at Tsukuba Science City including the International Conference on High Energy Physics (ICHEP) in 1978 and 2005.
- Establishment of Research Institutions: Several research institutions have been established at Tsukuba Science City including the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), and National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences (NIAES).
- Notable Scientists: Many notable scientists have worked or studied at Tsukuba Science City including Nobel laureate Yoichiro Nambu who worked at KEK from 1985 until his death in 2015.
- Technological Innovation: The city has been a hub for technological innovation with several companies such as Hitachi, Toshiba, Fujitsu, NEC Corporation having their headquarters or research facilities located there.
- Sports Events: The city has hosted several sports events including the World Triathlon Championships held annually since 1991 and some games during FIFA Women’s World Cup held jointly by China & Japan & Korea Republic during September–October’2002 .
Overall, Tsukuba-kenkyūgakuen-toshi has played a significant role in promoting scientific research and technological innovation in Japan.
- Tsukuba Space Center is the main headquarters of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and houses a museum that showcases Japan’s space exploration history.
- The Tsukuba Botanical Garden boasts over 4,000 species of plants and is renowned for its stunning cherry blossom displays during springtime.
- The National Institute for Environmental Studies has a museum that highlights environmental research and conservation efforts in Japan.
- The Tsukuba Science City Museum offers exhibits on the history of science and technology in Tsukuba, including robotics, nanotechnology, and space exploration.
- Mount Tsukuba is a favored hiking destination with picturesque views of the surrounding area.
- Doho Park is a beautiful park that features cherry blossom trees, walking trails around a lake, and a playground for children.
- Kasuga Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine dating back to the 9th century with impressive architecture and gardens to explore.
- Visitors can learn about satellite-based earth observation technology at JAXA Earth Observation Center open to visitors run by JAXA itself.
- The Tsukuba Expo Center provides an interactive science museum experience featuring hands-on exhibits on various topics such as energy, transportation, communication technology among others.
- Tsukubasan-jinja Shrine is one of Japan’s most famous shrines dedicated to Mt Fuji worshiped as one of three sacred mountains since ancient times.
- Tsukuba FC: This is a local soccer club that was founded in 1996 and currently plays in the Kanto Soccer League.
- Tsukuba Marathon: This annual marathon event attracts thousands of runners from across Japan and around the world.
- Tsukuba International School (TIS) Sports Teams: TIS offers various sports programs for its students, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and cross country.
- Tsukuba Science City Triathlon: This triathlon event takes place annually at Lake Kasumigaura and attracts participants from all over Japan.
- Ibaraki Prefecture High School Baseball Tournament: Many high schools in Tsukuba participate in this annual baseball tournament which is held throughout Ibaraki prefecture.
Overall, while Tsukuba-kenkyūgakuen-toshi may not have a rich history of sports teams compared to other cities or regions in Japan, it still offers many opportunities for athletes to compete and participate in various events throughout the year.
- Tsukuba Festival is a three-day event that takes place in October and offers visitors a chance to enjoy food stalls, live music performances, and a parade.
- The Tsukuba Science City Marathon is an annual marathon that’s organized by the city government and attracts runners from all over Japan.
- The Tsukuba International School Spring Fair takes place in April and features international food, games, and activities.
- The Tsukuba Summer Festival is held in August for two days and showcases traditional Japanese dance performances as well as fireworks.
- The Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences Cultural Festival is an annual event held in November that highlights student performances and exhibitions related to health sciences.
- The Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition is one of the largest fireworks competitions in Japan that occurs annually on the first Saturday of October at nearby Tsuchiura City.
- The Kasumigaura Sunflower Festival happens every year from late July to early August at Kasumigaura Lake where millions of sunflowers bloom around the lake area attracting tourists from all over Japan.
- Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum Autumn Festival takes place during mid-November every year where visitors can sample various soy sauce products made by Kikkoman Corporation along with Japanese traditional games & crafts for children’s entertainment.
- Tsukuba Ramen – a famous ramen dish in the area, known for its rich broth and chewy noodles.
- Katsu Curry – a dish made with breaded pork cutlet served with Japanese curry sauce and rice.
- Sushi – fresh sushi is widely available in many restaurants in the area.
- Tonkatsu – deep-fried pork cutlet served with rice and miso soup.
- Okonomiyaki – a savory pancake made with cabbage, meat or seafood, and topped with various condiments such as mayonnaise and bonito flakes.
- Izakaya (Japanese pub) – there are many izakayas in the area where you can enjoy local dishes along with drinks like sake or beer.
Some popular restaurants to try these dishes are:
- Ramen Kagetsu Arashi
- Tonkatsu Wako
- Kura Sushi
- Ootoya
- Ajikobo Izakaya
- Tsukuba Expo Center: This large park offers a variety of recreational activities, including walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Tsukuba Botanical Garden: Visitors can enjoy strolling through this beautiful garden featuring a wide range of plant species from around the world.
- Tsukuba Space Center: This museum is dedicated to space exploration and science, featuring exhibits on rockets, satellites, and other space-related topics.
- Kasumigaura Bay: A popular spot for boating and fishing in the area surrounding Tsukuba-kenkyūgakuen-toshi.
- Mount Tsukuba: Hiking enthusiasts will love this popular destination with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Science Square TSUKUBA: An interactive science museum where visitors can learn about various scientific concepts through hands-on exhibits.
- Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival: Held annually in August over Lake Kasumigaura, this festival features a spectacular fireworks display that’s not to be missed.
- JAXA Earth Observation Center: This research facility is focused on studying the Earth’s environment using satellite imagery and other tools.
- Amabiki Kannon Temple: Located on Mount Amabiki, this ancient temple offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Tsuku-Bus Sightseeing Bus Tour: Explore some of the most scenic spots in Tsukuba-kenkyūgakuen-toshi by taking this bus tour which covers major tourist attractions like Mount Tsukuba Shrine or Science Square TSUKUBA etc.
