International city Tsukuba

Tsukuba City is located approx. 50 km from Tokyo, only 45 min. by Tsukuba Express line (express railway) and 60 min. by car, which is an excellent accessibility from the central area of Tokyo. The topography is rather flat covered with rich nature, such as Mt. Tsukuba at the north which is familiar to many people, and Lake Kasumigaura at the east which is the second largest lake in Japan. The climate is relatively warm throughout the year, which makes a very comfortable environment.

Tsukuba Science City was built in order to ease congestion of Tokyo and to conduct high-level research and education by transferring national research and development, and educational institutions systematically. The city is now the largest science technology accumulation site among the country, where approximately 150 public and private institutions and enterprises are located.

Tsukuba Science City, which has the high-level research and educational institutions, has cultivated many achievements such as producing several Novel Prizes winners, but recently the city is going through a greater change. In 2011, Tsukuba was designated the "Comprehensive Special Zone for International Competitiveness Development" which is an important growth strategy measure of Japan. The city will take this opportunity to promote projects that leads to create innovation by making the best use of science technology and human resources accumulated in the city.

Many foreigners such as researchers and exchange students who seek for high-level experiences and opportunities gather in Tsukuba. Approx. 9,000 foreign residents of approx. 140 nationalities live here, and including short stay visitors for business or attending international conferences, Tsukuba is an excellent city where attracting people from all over the world show their abilities.
Tsukuba offers various services to support the living of foreign residents with different languages and customs.

Tsukuba City is aiming to raise children with "Shakai-ryoku", who can cooperate with others and take an active part in making society better. Also the city has introduced its own educational curriculum such as "Tsukuba style", which emphasizes on environment, international understanding, ICT, and science technology education.

Tsukuba City was designed to be and is assessed to be one of the most convenient and suitable cities for child-raising in Japan.
Surrounded by the richly green environment, there are 146 parks in the city connected with a 48 km "pedestrian-only path" that assures the safety of citizens and the beautiful scenery. There are various city facilities including an art museum and a library along the Tsukuba Koen Dori (Tsukuba Park Street), the central area of the path.