Tsukuba Overview
Tsukuba is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. As of January 1, 2024, the city had an estimated population of 256,526 in 121,001 households and a population density of 900 persons per km2. The percentage of the population aged over 65 was 20.3%. The total area of the city is 283.72 square kilometres (109.54 sq mi). It is known as the location of the Tsukuba Science City , a planned science park developed in the 1960s.
Tsukuba Key Statistics
Population217315
Area284 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés104 / 3 / 33
Practical Essentials for Tsukuba
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Tsukuba.
Visit ↗Getting Around Tsukuba
Tsukuba Main Station & Rail Lines
研究学園 (Kenkyū-gakuen)
Train Travel to Tsukuba
Tsukuba is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Tsukuba
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Tsukuba
Cover Your Trip to Tsukuba
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Tsukuba
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Tsukuba downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Tsukuba.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Tsukuba Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Tsukuba.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Tsukuba.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Tsukuba
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Tsukuba
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Tsukuba
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Tsukuba
When was Tsukuba founded?
Tsukuba was founded on November 30, 1987.
How old is Tsukuba?
Tsukuba is roughly 39 years old.
What is the population of Tsukuba?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 217,315.
What is the land area of Tsukuba?
Tsukuba covers roughly 284 km².
What is the main railway station in Tsukuba?
The primary hub is 研究学園 (Kenkyū-gakuen).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Tsukuba?
The city has roughly 104 parks, 3 museums and 33 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Tsukuba expensive to live?
Tsukuba is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Tsukuba?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Tsukuba?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Tsukuba has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Tsukuba?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Tsukuba?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Tsukuba?
Tsukuba hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Tsukuba?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Tsukuba?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Tsukuba?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Tsukuba?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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