• Tsukubasan Shuttle Bus () to Tsukubasan Jinja Iriguchi ( – approx 40 mins/720 yen, access to Nantaisan) or Tsutsujigaoka( – approx. 50 mins/870 yen, access to Nyotaisan)

• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Sobu line to Ochanomizu ->  Chuo Line to Takao -> Keio Takao Line to Takaosanguchi -  Approx. 2 hours 16 mins/2240 yen
• Tsukuba Express to Minami Nagareyama -> Musashino Line to Nishi Kokubunji -> Chuo Line to Takao -> Keio Takao Line to Takaosanguchi -  Approx. 2 hours 3 mins /2210 yen

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Yamanote Line to Kanda ->  Chuo Line to Ome -> Ome Line to Mitake -> Nishi Tokyo () Bus or Tama () Bus to Cable Shita ()   -  Approx 3 hours 28 mins /2560 yen

Cultural/Educational

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Kita-Senju -> Hibiya Line or Joban Line to Ueno – Approx. 49 mins./1200 yen

Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji has a spectacular gate with a huge paper lantern, a pagoda and a small shopping street selling traditional (and less traditional!) Japanese souvenirs and food. The surrounding area of Asakusa is also worth exploring, and it is possible to take a cruise down the Sumida river from nearby. The Tokyo Skytree is also nearby, and can be accessed by a 4 minute train ride (see also Entertainment/Sightseeing).

Senso-ji website: http://www.senso-ji.jp/about/index_e.html

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Shin-Okachimachi -> Ooedo Line to Kuramae -> Asakusa Line to Asakusa – Approx. 1 hour 4 mins/1320 yen
• Tsukuba Express to Kita-Senju -> Hibiya Line or Joban Line to Ueno -> Ginza Line to Asakusa – Approx. 1 hour /1230 yen
  

Dedicated to the Meiji emperor, Meiji Jingu shrine is located in vast grounds that are themselves are pleasant to walk around, with huge torii gates signifying the route to the shrine. If you go on a Sunday morning, you may also be able to see a Shinto wedding taking place, with a small procession of guests following the bride and groom in traditional dress walking under a bright red parasol. Both Harajuku and Shibuya areas are walking distance from Meiji Jingu, and the vibrant youth culture of these areas provides an interesting contrast.

Meiji Jingu shrine website: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/index.html

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Kita-Senju -> Chiyoda Line to Meiji-Jingu-Mae – Approx. 1 hour 10 mins/1270 yen
• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Sobu Line to Yoyogi -> Yamanote Line to Harajuku – Approx. 1 hour 16 mins/1360 yen
  

An impressive museum showcasing the latest science and technology, including Honda’s famous robot Asimo. There is also a full size model of a section of the International Space Station, and plenty of interactive exhibits. Oedo Onsen Monogatari is also walking distance away, so if you are interested in relaxing and experiencing some Japanese culture afterwards this could be combined into your trip (see below). If you prefer something more active, there are plenty of other things to do in Odaiba (see Entertainment/Sightseeing)

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation website: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Yamanote Line to Shimbashi -> Yurikamome Line to Fune-no-Kagakukan – Approx. 1 hour 26 mins/1730 yen

Bathing in an onsen, or natural hot water spring, is a favorite cultural pastime in Japan. The Oedo Onsen Monogatari has a number of baths to enjoy, and also has communal shopping arcades styled after Edo-era Tokyo that can be enjoyed while wearing yukata (a type of light summer kimono).

Oedo Onsen Monogatari website: http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/
Oedo Onsen Monogatari (Go Tokyo website): http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/koto/spot/40657.html

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Yamanote Line to Shimbashi -> Yurikamome Line to Telecom Center – Approx. 1 hour 28 mins/1730 yen

A great option for fans of Studio Ghibli movies, with enchanting exhibits and screenings of unique short movies. Tickets must be purchased in advance from ticket machines in Lawson convenience stores (an English language guide to purchase can be found on the Ghibli Museum website). Access is by 15 minute walk or bus from Mitaka station, but if you don’t mind a slightly longer but scenic walk  you can pass through the  pleasant surroundings of Inokashira park coming from the Kichijoji direction. The park also has a pond where boats can be hired, and is a very popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring.

Ghibli Museum website: http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Yamanote Line to Kanda ->  Chuo Line to Mitaka - Approx. 1 hour 33 mins/1580 yen (+210 yen if you take the bus)
• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Yamanote Line to Kanda ->  Chuo Line to Kichijoji - Approx. 1 hour 37 mins/1580 yen

The Ushiku Daibutsu is an enormous statue of Buddha, and is the third tallest statue in the world at 120 meters. It is possible to travel up the inside of the statue by elevator to see the views out of the top, and there is also a small museum about the statues construction and significance inside. Around the statue there are also pleasant flower beds and a small animal enclosure is also on the premises.

Ushiku daibutsu website (Japanese only): http://daibutu.net/cgi/news/index.cgi
Ushiku daibutsu (Ibaraki Guide): http://www.ibarakiguide.jp/db_kanko/?type=en&detail&id=0800000000062

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba express to Moriya -> Kantetsu Joso Line to Toride -> Joban Line to Ushiku station ->  Bus to Ushiku Daibutsu stop () - Approx. 1 hour 45 mins/1860 yen

Entertainment/Sightseeing

By purchasing a one day passport, it is possible to make a day trip to Disney Land Tokyo. With various attractions and shows relating to Disney characters, this is a popular trip for families, couples and friends alike.

Tokyo Disney Land website: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Minami Nagareyama -> Musashino Line to Maihama – Approx. 1 hour 8 mins/1300 yen

The tallest tower in the world and the second tallest structure at 634 meters tall, the Sky Tree offers panoramic views over Tokyo. There is also a shopping complex at the base of the tower that contains many restaurants and shops, as well as an aquarium. A visit to the Sky Tree can also be paired with exploring nearby Asakusa and Senso-ji (see Cultural/Educational)

Tokyo Sky Tree website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Kita-Senju -> Tobu Skytree Line to Oshiage – Approx. 53 mins/1200 yen

Odaiba is an artificial island set in Tokyo bay, which presents pleasant views out over the bay including of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower. There are also various entertainment venues, shopping centers and attractions that can be wandered around. Currently, there is a lifesize Gundam robot statue located outside the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, which periodically has a display of special effects including movement and emission of mist. Also worth checking out is the futuristic Fuji TV building and Palette Town, which contains a large games arcade, giant ferris wheel and bizarre shopping arcade styled like an 18th century European town.

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza website: http://www.divercity-tokyo.com/en/
Fuji TV website: http://www.fujitv.co.jp/en/visit_fujitv_access.html
Palette town website (Japanese only): http://www.palette-town.com/

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Yamanote Line to Shimbashi -> Yurikamome Line to Daiba  – Approx. 1 hour 34 mins/1670 yen

A number of buildings in Shinjuku provide the opportunity for great and unique views over the city, and are most impressive at night. Recommended places to see the night view from include the Park Hyatt New York Bar, which was the setting for part of the Lost in Translation film, where you can enjoy drinks while taking in the view. The drinks are fairly expensive, but if you leave before 8pm (or 7pm on Sundays) you can avoid the cover charge. Another place to see the view from is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which has free observation decks and can also be visited during the daytime. The surrounding area of Shinjuku can also be explored as part of a day trip, with many bars, entertainment venues and shops.

Park Hyatt New York Bar website: http://tokyo.park.hyatt.jp/en/hotel/dining/NewYorkBar.html
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/foreignlanguage.html

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Yamanote Line to Kanda ->  Chuo Line to Shinjuku – Approx. 1 hour 14 mins/1360 yen

Modeled after the Eiffel Tower and lit up at night, Tokyo Tower provides some great views over Tokyo from its observation deck. A visit to Tokyo Tower can be paired with a visit to Zojyoji Temple, which is nearby. At New Year’s Eve this is also one of the locations for the countdown, with the countdown numbers and the new year displayed in lights on the side of Tokyo Tower, and hundreds of balloons released at midnight by revelers in the grounds of Zojyoji. Beware that this event attacts many people and is extremely crowded, however!

Tokyo Tower website: http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/eng/secret/

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Shin-Okachimachi -> Oedo Line to Akabanebashi  – Approx. 1 hour 14 mins/1360 yen

Seasonal

Three sumo tournaments are held in Tokyo each year – in January, May and September. Tournaments last for 15 days, and matches occur over the course of a full day, though the matches happening earlier in the day are between lower ranked wrestlers and tend to have less of the ceremony and excitement as the high ranked matches happening later in the day. Tickets can be bought in advance at convenience stores or online. In the area surrounding Tokyo’s sumo stadium there is also a sumo museum, and chanko-nabe restaurants which serve typical sumo-wrestler food and sometimes have some interesting sumo themed décor inside.

Sumo Association website: http://www.sumo.or.jp/En

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Shin-Okachimachi -> Oedo Line to Ryogoku – Approx. 54 mins/1320 yen

Summer Sonic is a music festival held in Chiba in the summer, and with a mixture of Japanese and international big name acts is recommended for music lovers.

Summer Sonic website: http://www.summersonic.com/2017/

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Minami Nagareyama -> Musashino Line to Minami Funabashi -> Keiyo Line to Kaihin Makuhari – Approx. 1 hour 7 mins/1300 yen

Typically held in September, this event showcases the latest from the videogame industry. Cosplayers typically also show up dressed as their favorite gaming characters.

Tokyo Game Show website: http://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2017/exhibition/

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Minami Nagareyama -> Musashino Line to Minami Funabashi -> Keiyo Line to Kaihin Makuhari – Approx. 1 hour 7 mins/1300 yen

This event is the main convention for animation producers in Japan, and together with displays by big production companies the convention also features a fair amount of cosplay.

Anime Japan website: http://www.anime-japan.jp/en/

Access options from Tsukuba city center:

• Tsukuba Express to Akihabara -> Yamanote Line to Shimbashi -> Yurikamome Line to Kokusai Tenjijo Seimon  – Approx. 1 hour 37 mins/1730 yen