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VAN SICKEL FARM TSUKUBA (Tom’s Blueberry)

VAN SICKEL FARM TSUKUBA is located at Tsukuba City, one of the top three blueberry producers in Japan. The farm is committed to cultivation that avoids pesticides and herbicides, making full use of the soil’s natural minerals.

The farm grows around 50 varieties of blueberries, with a total of 1,000 plants, as well as blackberries and raspberries. Visitors can enjoy seasonal berry picking from June to mid-August, including an all-you-can-eat plan. The farm’s processed products, such as frozen ice treats and jams made from the farm’s berries are also popular.

English support is available, provided by the American owner. Another attraction is the farm’s nature-rich location with views of Mount Tsukuba.
*Berry picking does not require a reservation on weekdays, but a reservation is needed on weekends and public holidays.

Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road

The Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road is one of the national cycling routes in Japan, spanning approximately 180 kilometers, with various courses fit for all levels of cyclists. It is easily accessible, just about an hour by train or car from Tokyo Station.
This is a popular route that takes you around Mount Tsukuba, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, and Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan.

In the Kasumigaura area, cyclists can enjoy gentle rides along the lakeshore while taking in the panoramic views. In the Mount Tsukuba area, there are dedicated cycling and pedestrian paths using former railway lines, which are easy for beginners, as well as full-fledged hill climb courses for more experienced riders.

There are historic spots such as Tsukubasan Shrine, local gourmet food, and hot springs, allowing visitors to experience both nature and culture. The area is also cyclist-friendly, with 12 locations for renting and returning bic…

Tsukuba Botanical Garden

Tsukuba Botanical Garden is a unique and fascinating botanical garden in Tsukuba City, one of Japan's leading research hubs.

The expansive grounds showcase plants that are representative of Japan, as well as rare species from all over the world. Visitors can learn about plant variety and evolution, with approximately 3,000 species from diverse climate zones such as tropical, arid, and temperate regions. It provides a chance to experience the rich diversity of nature and feel the mystery of the natural world.

The garden also has special exhibitions and workshops, providing a range of events that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The gift shop offers guidebooks, botanical postcards, bookmarks, notepapers, plant-related books, and the original products.
Tsukuba Botanical Garden is highly recommended as a place where visitors can enjoy both educational experiences and relaxation.

Tsukubasan Shrine

Tsukuba Shrine is a venerable and historic shrine, believed to have approximately 3,000 years of history, dedicated to the sacred Mt. Tsukuba in Ibaraki. It is one of Japan's most prestigious and historically significant shrines.

Mt. Tsukuba features two peaks: Mount Nantai (Male Peak) and Mount Nyotai (Female Peak). It is believed that deities associated with Japan's creation myth, Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, reside at each summit. For that reason, the shrine is believed to bring good luck in matchmaking, safety for one's family, pregnancy, and childrearing.

The shrine serves as the starting point for sightseeing on Mt. Tsukuba. Many visitors come here to pray for a safe hike up the mountain. Its location at the base of Mt. Nantai also offers convenient access to the cable car platform.

Hirasawa Kanga Ruins

The Hirasawa Kanga Ruins were established as a government office over 1,000 years ago, during the Nara (710-794) and Heian (794-1185) periods. They are designated as a national historic site.
Hirasawa is the name of the area where the ruins are located, while Kanga refers to a government office. It is believed that taxation rice was stored here.

Roughly 60 building ruins, along with traces of moats, fences, and more, have been identified as dating back to the Nara and Heian periods through archaeological excavation. Three of its buildings, each with different architectural structures, have been restored to give visitors a look into what ancient architecture was like.

Due to being near Ring Ring Road, it's a recommended place to stop by while cycling.

Oda Castle Ruins

Oda Castle was the residence of the Oda clan, an incredibly influential family in the area from the 12th to 17th centuries. Currently, only the ruins of the castle remain.

At the time, the Imperial Court was divided into the Northern Court in present-day Kyoto and the Southern Court in present-day Nara Prefecture. The castle was the regional headquarters for the Southern Court during the Nanbokucho period (1336-1392), a time of conflict between the two courts, and is a designated national historic site.

During the 20th century, the center of the castle was bisected by the tracks of the Tsukuba Railway.

After Tsukuba Railway became defunct in 1987, almost the entire line was redeveloped into Tsukuba Ring Ring Road. The section of the tracks that bisected Oda Castle was modified to go around outside the ruins. However, the railway tracks remain a passage cut and feature a cross-section view of the castle earthwork.

The earthwo…

Mount Tsukuba Cablecar and Ropeway

The distinct twin peaks of Mount Tsukuba can be seen towering above the Kanto Plain. The peaks are known as Mount Nantai and Mount Nyotai, the male and female peaks, respectively. The summit of Mount Tsukuba is accessible by foot, cable car, or ropeway.
Mount Tsukuba Cable Car
The Mount Tsukuba Cable Car climbs 1,600 meters in elevation between Miyawaki Station and Mount Tsukuba Station at the mountain's peak. There are two colors of cable car: red and green, representing the fresh green and autumnal leaves visible from the cable car. Various events, including extended opening hours, are held during the foliage season.
Mount Tsukuba Ropeway
This Swiss-made ropeway connects Tsutsujigaoka Station and Nyotai Peak Station.

Mount Tsukuba

The twin peaks of Mount Tsukuba are symbolic of Ibaraki. In Japanese, the peaks are Nyotai and Nantai, meaning the female peak and male peak, respectively. At 877 meters tall, Nyotai, the female peak, is the higher of the two. Mount Tsukuba is accessible in under two hours from Tokyo, making it ideal for escaping city life and getting in touch with nature. There are over 1000 species of flora and fauna on the mountain alone!
Both peaks are easily accessible by cable car or ropeway. If you're looking to exercise, there are plenty of hiking trails that suit all levels. Many trails have unique rock formations and historical Shinto sites.
While Mount Fuji is the symbol of western Japan, Mount Tsukuba is undeniably the symbol of eastern Japan. No trip to the Kanto region is complete without exploring this mountain!

Mount Tsukuba Stardust Cruise

Mount Tsukuba ranks among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and offers unparalleled views of the vast Kanto Plain.
From October to March each year, Mount Tsukuba Ropeway operates special nighttime services during the colder months. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Tokyo skyline at night, including lights glistening from the city center alongside Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree.

Mount Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival

In early spring, over 1000 plum trees blossom on the slopes of Mount Tsukuba. The plum groves are located at an altitude of around 250 meters, offering panoramic views over the Ibaraki countryside. Visitors can even see as far as Tokyo on clear days.

Inaba Shuzo Brewery

Founded in 1867, Inaba Shuzo uses spring water from Mount Tsukuba to brew sake. In addition to the rice and pure water that forms the basis of all good sake, Inaba Shuzo carries out each step of the brewing process by hand using skilled local staff. This results in a refined and elegant beverage unique to the slopes of Mount Tsukuba.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) opened in 2003. In addition to the research, development, and launching of satellites, JAXA is responsible for Japan's space exploration missions, including asteroid explorations.
Tsukuba City is home to JAXA's Tsukuba Space Center. This facility is at the heart of space research and exploration in Japan. It is also responsible for research and development on satellites, rockets, and tracking and controlling satellites in operation. Astronaut training and communication with the International Space Station (ISS) even occur here!
Visitors to JAXA can see actual-size models of the H-II Launch Vehicle (an actual flight model) and satellites. Tours of the facility occur five times a day at 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00 (English tours are available with advanced booking). Tours take approximately 75 minutes.