I would like to introduce one of the unknown but good sightseeing place near Tokyo.
Tsukuba within two hours from Tokyo
Asakusa, Akihabara or Sky tower trees?
Yes, I think they are very famous places to visit in Tokyo.
But, If you have time to go out to unknown sightseeing spots in the country, one of the good place is Tsukuba area.
The location of Tsukuba
Tsukuba city is about 62km from Tokyo station.
Almost no convenient transportation to get to Tsukuba before, but we have “Tsukuba express” from Akihabara to Tsukuba.
Tsukuba Ume festival
The Mt.Tsukuba plum grove is located halfway up the mountain and approx. 1000 ume trees will bear white or pink blossoms in early spring.
If you visit Japan during March (actually end of Feb. to Mar.) I suggest to see Ume.
Many Ume trees they look like Sakura.
Also, mountain view in Tsukuba is very beautiful.
One good restaurant for your lunch or dinner in Tsukuba
I suggest one of good restaurant that I and my family also visit sometimes when we were living in Tsukuba.
- Tsukuba ham (Official site: Japanese)
They serve fresh pork dish, diary products in a cosy buffet style.
We came the restaurant for our lunch. They serve a lot of variety of pork dishes, buffet style salad and drinks and sweets after your meal.
Pork main dish that I ordered.
The buffet area.
They serve all organic vegetables. So healthy!
Good for walking after your lunch or dinner around the restaurant.
Entrance of Tsukuba ham
Location of Tsukuba ham
For travelers, I think taking a taxi from Tsukuba station or Kenkyugakuen station is better way to get into Tsukuba ham.
How to get to Tsukuba to see Tsukuba Ume festival
If you will come from Tokyo or any other places in Japan, taking Tsukuba Express (TX) train is the easiest choice to get to Tsukuba.
If you come from Narita airport taking shuttle bus is also good choice.
From Tokyo to Tsukuba:
1 . Head to Akihabara Station.
It might be hard to find Akihabara TX station. You may follow the blue mark of “TX”.
2. Take the Tsukuba Express (TX) to Tsukuba Station (approx. 45 minutes).
3. At Tsukuba station, take the shuttle bus bound for Tsukuba Shrine (approx. 40 minutes).
4. Get off at either Tsukuba Shrine or if you opt for the Mt. Tsukuba ropeway, exit at Tsutsujigaoka bus stop (approx. 50 minutes).
From Narita airport to Tsukuba:
They have Narita to Tsukuba station direct shuttle bus.
You can book your bus at the Narita airport.
For more details about Narita to Tsukuba bus, please check the website.
Planning to purchase your flight tickets
As a conclusion, If you plan to purchase your flight tickets and hotel reservation, "Expedia" is our recommendation.
Expedia is cheaper when you buy your tickets and hotel reservation as a set.
Where to stay to explore Tokyo
Staying in Tsukuba area is recommended to explore around Tokyo.
But, I personally think, center of Tokyo is too crowded to stay also Tsukuba is much cheaper than Tokyo.
Tsukuba may be not so famous, but please do not forget that there are also many hotels or Ryokans in Tsukuba area.
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