Tsuchiura(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For a peaceful countryside escape, stay at Tsukuba Grand Hotel, located near Tsukuba Station and surrounded by green spaces. This hotel offers serene Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and private balconies overlooking a tranquil garden. It’s ideal for travelers seeking tranquility amid nature, just minutes from Tsukuba Science City and Ibaraki Prefecture's rural landscapes. The on-site kaiseki dining experience highlights local seasonal ingredients, enhancing the authentic regional charm.

The Tsukuba Station area is the most convenient district for travelers relying on public transport. Major hotels like Toyoko Inn Tsukuba and Sunroute Plaza Tsukuba offer direct access to the Jōban Line, connecting quickly to Tokyo (approx. 50 min) and Mito (approx. 20 min). The vicinity also features shopping streets, restaurants, and easy access to Tsukuba City Hall and local markets, making it perfect for business travelers and tourists alike.

Visit the Tsukuba Inari Festival, held annually in summer, featuring traditional kagura dances and illuminated lantern processions that reflect Edo-period customs. Additionally, explore Tsukuba Agricultural Market where you can participate in hands-on rice planting workshops using local Ibaraki rice. These immersive activities provide deep insight into rural Japanese life and sustainable farming practices rooted in the region’s heritage.

Key landmarks include the Tsukuba Castle Ruins, remnants of a historic daimyo stronghold with preserved stone walls and watchtowers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Don’t miss the Sakura Avenue along the Tsukuba River, especially stunning during cherry blossom season. Also, the Jōban Railway Culture Museum showcases vintage train carriages and exhibits on Japan’s railway evolution—ideal for rail enthusiasts and history lovers.

While Tsukuba itself lacks natural hot springs, Kasama Onsen in neighboring Kasama City is just a 30-minute train ride away. Stay at Kasama Onsen Yashuku-en, a traditional ryokan offering private outdoor baths with mountain views. Guests can enjoy kaiseki meals and soothing therapies, making it an ideal retreat after exploring Tsukuba Science City or touring the Ibaraki countryside.

Yes, Tsukuba City is excellent for road trips. With access to the Kanto Expressway and Jōban Expressway, it serves as a strategic base for visiting Mito, Mount Tsukuba, or even Tokyo. Drive through scenic farmland routes and stop at Rice Field Viewing Points for breathtaking sunrise and sunset photography. Most hotels offer free parking, making it convenient for self-drive travelers.

Must-try dishes include Tsukuba Gyudon, a rich beef rice bowl made with locally raised beef, and Mito Natto served over steamed rice—a breakfast staple in the region. During winter, savor Mizuna Hot Pot, a hearty stew made with fresh local mizuna greens. Diners at renowned eateries like Daihachiya and Matsumoto can taste authentic flavors that reflect Ibaraki’s agricultural roots and culinary traditions.

Explore the Tsukuba Station Front Shopping Street at night, where vibrant lights illuminate cozy ramen shops, izakayas, and dessert cafes. Try the famous Tsukuba Curry Rice or grilled yakitori. For a quieter evening, stroll along the Tsukuba River Promenade, admiring the illuminated water reflections, or attend seasonal light festivals at Tsukuba Civic Center Square, perfect for romantic or family-friendly evenings.

Absolutely. Stay at Tsukuba Grand Hotel’s romantic suite with a private balcony and garden view. Couples can enjoy a quiet walk through the Sakura Avenue during cherry blossom season or share a kaiseki dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. For deeper intimacy, take a day trip to Kasama Onsen, where a shared onsen bath under the stars enhances the ambiance of a true Japanese love story.

Tsukuba City is highly accessible, with Tsukuba Station providing frequent trains to Tokyo Station (approx. 50 minutes) via the Jōban Line. International visitors can use JR Pass or Kanto Regional Pass to reduce travel costs. The city’s multilingual signage, English-speaking staff at major hotels, and clear public transportation maps make navigation straightforward for foreign tourists planning multi-city tours across Kanto.