Location and Geographical Features
Tsukuba Science City (Tsukuba City) is located approximately 50 km from Akihabara in Tokyo and about 40 km from Narita International Airport. Situated on the fertile plains of the Kanto Plain, it is surrounded by a rich natural environment, with Mount Tsukuba to the north and Lake Kasumigaura, Japan's second-largest lake, to the east. In 2005, the new urban railway “Tsukuba Express” opened, connecting Akihabara and Tsukuba in 45 minutes, making access from Tokyo faster than ever before. Consequently, population settlement has progressed around stations along the TX line and in the research and education district. As of January 1, 2025, Tsukuba City's population growth rate ranked first among cities excluding special wards nationwide.
Research and Educational Institutions
As a result of relocations and new establishments, Tsukuba Science City now hosts nearly 30% (specifically 31 institutions) of Japan's public research organizations. Numerous private research institutions are also located in the surrounding research and development industrial parks. Currently, over 300 public and private research institutions and diverse companies are actively engaged in their respective activities, making Tsukuba a vital hub for Japan, one of the world's leading nations in science and technology.
A City Home to Many Foreign Residents
The city hosts a large number of foreign residents, including researchers and international students, due to the concentration of world-class research institutions within its boundaries. As of December 1, 2023, this population reached 12,663 individuals from 144 countries, accounting for approximately 4.9% of the city's total population. Compared to Japan's national average of about 2.2%, Tsukuba City's proportion of foreign residents is notably high.
Given this situation, numerous international exchange initiatives are underway, aiming to create a “global city where everyone, regardless of nationality, can live comfortably.” Specific efforts include enhancing support for foreign residents' daily lives, promoting multicultural coexistence, and strengthening ties with overseas cities.
The Tsukuba International Association conducts cultural exchange programs such as the “Let’s talk over a cup of tea!” event, cooking classes, and Japan-Korea youth exchanges. It also provides foreign resident support services including Japanese language classes for foreigners, medical interpreter dispatch, and various volunteer training programs for Japanese language instructors, tourism interpreters, and medical interpreters.