TsukubaScienceCity

TsukubaScienceCity is regarded as a top quality research centre. Located just 45 minutes north from the national capital, Tokyo on the new TX rail express. With the new rail link having opened in August 2005 the population growth now sees it achieving the second fastest population growth area in Japan.

Location

Tsukuba is located in the southern part of IbarakiPrefecture. It is 50km northeast of Tokyo, and 60km northwest of TokyoInternationalAirport in Narita. It is some 30km from north to south and about 15km east to west. It is dominated by Mt. Tsukuba 877 metres high in the north, and sits on the Kanto Plateau. Japan's second largest lake is just 10 km away in Tsuchiura. The city has several rivers and contains forests, farmer's fields, and rice paddies, making it a place where one can feel at home in a town that is semi-rural. Because of its location on the Pacific side of the country, the average yearly temperature is a comfortable 15 degrees Celsius and has a yearly rainfall of just under 1400mm.

It snows about twice or three times a year in the winter. It can get fairly cold in the winter, however, because of the cold "Tsukuba Oroshi" wind that blows off the south of Mt.Tsukuba.

The city is the second largest city in the prefecture behind the capital, Mito.

Shopping Zones

With two major shopping centres servicing the central area of Tsukuba, both La La Gardens and Seibu (with its new extension “Q’T”) both serve the needs of the avid shopaholic in the needs of survival. Budget shoppers shall love the 100yen stores for just about anything in the nic nac department. As for clothes, it would have to be a case of shopping at UniQlo for all basic clothing needs at a very reasonable rate.

Tsukuba Center
As a part of the city's planned amenities, the Tsukuba Center complex is made up of Nova Hall, the Tsukuba Information Center, the Okura Frontier Hotel, Azuma Public Hall, banks, shops, offices, and the AiAi mall.

Environment

This fortunate city is surrounded by a rich natural environment, with one of the major mountains of the Kanto region, Mt.Tsukuba, in the north, and the second largest lake in the country, Kasumigaura, in the east.

Combined with level land, woods, and fields including paddy fields, the rivers running through the area from north to south make for a very diverse and interesting topography in the area.

There are 88 parks in the city covering a total area exceeding just over 100 ha of well manicured green area. Each of them has been designed individually according to its location and function. These areas serve as places for the residents to rest, do recreational activities, and participate in sports. This includes DohoPark with its solar heated swimming pool, NinomiyaPark with its pool and tennis courts, MatsumiPark with its 45m high observation tower, and OshimizuPark with its beautiful fountain.

There is a path for pedestrians and cyclists that extends for a total of 48 km throughout the city. The main part of this path is a 16m wide path that extends down the middle of the city center. On either side of the path are many of the city's recreational facilities and parks.

MountTsukuba has been ornated since ancient times for its striking beauty, earning the name Shiho or "purple peaks" for the rich purple hue it casts from certain angles during the seasons. It is considered to be on par with Mount Fuji, another mountain that is loved by the Japanese people.

Population

The population of Tsukuba has finally crested the 200,000 in early half of 2005. The population of the area was dwindling in the 1950s, but in the decade leading up to the International Exposition of Science and Technology (Expo '85). Based on the theme of "Humanity, Residence, Environment, and Science and Technology", the exposition established Tsukuba a reputation, both at home and abroad, as Japan's pre-eminent center for science and technology. 0Achieving an increase in population of 57% in response to this. From 1989 to 1998, the population increased a further 12.7%.

The city is divided into two population areas: the Research and Education District and the Surrounding Suburban District. The projected population for Tsukuba is 220,000, with 100,000 in the Research and Education District and 120,000 in the Surrounding Suburban District. As of August 2004

Temperature and climate

Because of its location near the Pacific Ocean, the annual average temperature is mild, around 15 degrees celcius. The annual average rainfall is just under 1400mm per annum. Two or three times a year, the area receives snow in winter scarcely affecting daily life.

Cycling

There is a 48 km long network of paths for pedestrians and cyclists that reach all corners of the Research and Education District that of the heart of TsukubaCity. One of these paths, Tsukuba Koen Dori, cuts through the center of the city from north to south, and with its urban facilities, parks, and plazas has become a city landmark that is enjoyed by all including the casual walker or the serious jogger.

Bus

In the center of the city, there is a public transportation hub called TsukubaCenter. This is the starting point for many bus lines, including highway buses and buses that link to railway stations. There are highway buses to Tokyo and Ueno stations, and Narita and Haneda airports. There is also a bus that linksMt. Tsukuba and Tokyo, which helps to bring tourism to that region.

Train

The Tsukuba Express train has finally opened after 15 years planning and 5 years under construction August 2005 final, it was realized and became reality. For a small fee of 1100yen you can catch Japans fastest commuting train taking just 45 minutes to travel the 58.3 km, 20 stations later you arrive in the middle of Tokyo (Akihabara). The train travels from Akihabara through Saitama and Chiba then up to Tsukuba in Ibaraki. There will be four stations in Tsukuba city area. With the train taking just 45 minutes to get to Tokyo, this shall result in seeing a new insurgence of people into the area with them residing here and commuting to work on a daily basis. The Tsukuba Express train line was built on the principle of integrated development of housing and train lines. Specific zones have been created for residences, public facilities and the railroad tracks so that city planning can progress in tandem with development of the train line. Five areas of the city are currently being developed along the train line: Kayamaru, Shimana/Fukudatsubo, Kami Kawarazaki/Nakanishi, Katsuragi, and Nakane/Kondadai.

Entertainment

Cable TV system
Since 1983, a cable TV system has been in operation to provide clear transmission without hindrance from buildings or other inanimate objects. This facility is used for multiple-channel broadcasts, as well as for experiments with data transmission. The cable television system currently has about 40,000 subscribers. This service includes all your regular international cable channels including, CNN, NBC, BBC, Animal Planet, National Geographic, MTV, at least five movie channels. The service has 44 channels available at the moment.

Industry

Nowadays, the city is home to the country's national testing and research facilities encompassing such research fields as science, industry, agriculture and forestry, environment and space development. It also houses institutions of higher learning including the University of Tsukuba campuses. About 19,000 researchers (40% of the total for the whole country), 5,000 of whom hold doctorate degrees, are conducting cutting-edge research here. Adding to this impressive list another 120-plus private businesses focusing on research and development, TsukubaCity has become one of the few advanced world-class science cities both in name and in substance.

Tsukuba is famous for its large collection of research and education facilities. There are 46 national and private organizations including the University of Tsukuba and the JapanAerospaceExplorationAgencyTsukubaSpaceCenter. These organizations cover a total area of 1453 ha.

Tsukuba is home to 30% of the nation's research institutes, concentrated in 8 industrial areas. More than 120 companies are represented in this space, making Tsukuba an ideal environment for the development of leading technologies. We have developed the "Tsukuba Industrial Strategy" in order to make the best use of the unique environment of research and technology in the city, forging links between the research institutes and helping to make the best use of research results.

A Multi Cultural society

The international population of Tsukuba continues to increase. As of July 31, 2004, there were around 7200 foreign residents of Tsukuba, representing 128 countries. Some are students, some are researchers, and others come to work.

The city also offers information and counseling services for the foreign residents, support for groups that promote international relations, and hosts an international fair and a sports competition.

The Tsukuba Public Library and Tsukuba Museum of Art are located in the Tsukuba Cultural Hall.

The city's Cultural Association and Tsukuba Cultural Foundation work together to provide many artistic and cultural opportunities at Nova Hall, Tsukuba Capio, and the various community centers.

International Relations

Tsukuba is paired with four sister cities (Cambridge, Irvine, Milpitas, Shenzhen).

• Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (since May 8, 1984, originally paired with YatabeTown)
• Irvine, California, USA (since August 3, 1989, originally paired with SakuraVillage)
• Milpitas, California, USA (since July 2, 1996, originally paired with KukizakiTown)
• Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (since June 9, 2004)

Tourism

Tsukuba is blessed with several major natural tourist areas, such as Mt.Tsukuba (877m), which is a part of the SuigoTsukubaNational Park, and Ushiku Marsh. Many people visitMt. Tsukuba between spring and fall as it is well-loved as a simple and familiar tourist area. The mountain is home to the famed Mt. Tsukuba Shrine and plum tree forest, and houses Fureai no Sato, a place where people can experience and learn about nature. Also, Ushiku Marsh is home to mysterious legends such as the story of Kobodaishi's Hassaki Daishidou.

Also, in the central part of the city, there are many attractions, such as MatsumiPark, DohoPark, TsukubaExpoCenter, TsukubaSpaceCenter, GeologicalMuseum, TsukubaBotanical Garden, etc. These places show off Japan's spirit of innovation and leading edge technology along with its precious natural resources.

Also, the city is blessed with several superior recreation areas, and a number of historical sites that help us to reflect upon our past.

The city also has several widely-used sports facilities and hosts popular sports events such as the Tsukuba Walk Rally and the Tsukuba (full) Marathon held every November.