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.
Within a Tsukuba-City limit
Geological MuseumPart of the Geological Survey of Japan. Geology related displays, rocks, fossils etc.
Tsukuba Botanical Garden :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.
Doh-hoh Park: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.
Within one hour driving
Mt.Tsukuba Shrine: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.
Amabiki Kan-non (Temple):This temple also shows a classic example of shrine architecture. 13th century. North of KEK, 27km drive.
Saikoh-in (Temple) :Located on the North-East slope of Mt.Tsukuba, this temple provides nice view of Tsuchiura area. 40km from KEK.
Daikakuji (temple) :Ishioka City (ca.13th century) Said to be related to famous priests, Shin-ran and Ho-nem. Nice garden to walk around.
Ushiku Chateau: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.
Requiring over 2 hours of drivingIn 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.
Kurita Museum: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 10 am to 5 pm 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.
National Historical Museum: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.
Nikko To-sho-ghu Shrine: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.
Japan. Endless Discovery
Japan -guide.com (Transportation in Japan): Transportation, Japan Sightseeing Guide
Willer Express (Easy online booking) : List of Highway-bus Service Routes.
Tokyo Sightseeing Bus-tours (Hato bus)
Tokyo Big Sight
JTB Sunrise Tours : Sightssing Tours in English
Japan Economy Hotel Group
Hotel & Ryokan Search (Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association)(English)
Japan Rail Pass(English)
Guide to Riding the Train in Japan (Randy Johnson's Web)(English)
Timetables, Rail Passes, Reservations, etc