Local Guide
7 sightseeing spots with children to go with overnight stay in Tsuchiura

Ibaraki Prefecture has both ocean and mountain attractions. Direction is only about 60 minutes from central Tokyo by car or 45 minutes by train, and if you go to Tsuchiura City, you will find a wealth of natural attractions such as athletic facilities where you can enjoy a walk in the air in the forest, Mount Tsukuba where you can climb to the top by vehicle, and a dynamic national park with an amusement park. In addition, there is a cutting-edge space development Property in Tsukuba Science City and the Prefectural Museum of Nature, where you can see a moving dinosaur model.

Explore the Secrets of the Universe at the State-of-the-Art Research Property

Dream Port,
Dream Port," a one-millionth scale model of the Earth

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is located in the heart of Tsukuba Science City. The 530,000 m2 site includes a real giant rocket exhibit, the "Space Dome," an exhibition hall where you can see the cutting edge of space development, and a museum store where you can get various space goods. At the entrance to the Space Dome, visitors can experience the scale of the universe through a model of the shining blue Earth. Visitors can get up close and personal with exhibits such as a scale model of a rocket that is large enough to look up at, and a full-scale model of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the International Space Station.

Many model exhibits allow visitors to Experience the fascination of space.

The real, purely domestic
The real, purely domestic "H-II rocket" (ground test model) is a powerful photo spot

If you want to learn more about space, we recommend a guided tour (paid tour, reservation required). You can take a bus to see areas that are not normally accessible, such as the training area used for astronaut selection and training, and the operation control room of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" as seen through the window. Visitors can also experience the earth-shaking acoustics of a rocket launch. Visitors can also enjoy looking for space-related souvenirs at the museum store, such as JAXA-certified "Space Curry" and other space food, and "H-II rocket"-shaped ballpoint pens to display on their desks.

Local Guide Comment
A life-size model of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" in the Space Dome bears the signatures of past Japanese astronauts. Please try to find it.
JAXA Tsukuba Space Center (JAXA Tsukuba Space Center)
  • Address 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki MAP
  • Direction Approximately 18 minutes by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Business Hours Space Dome is open 10:00-16:00, Museum Shop in Planet Cube is open 10:00-16:30
    Advance reservations via the website are required to visit the museum.
  • Closed Closed on regular holidays, year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29-Jan. 3), Property inspection days, etc.
  • Admission Fee Free admission (¥500 for tours; free for visitors under 18 years old)
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Diaper changing stations available in the multipurpose restroom of the Space Dome
    As of November 2021, tours are suspended. Some exhibits may be restricted.

Take the cable car up the famous mountain with two peaks!

Two cable cars, the green
Two cable cars, the green "Wakaba" and the red "Momiji", are in operation.

The 877-meter-high mountain is the lowest of Japan's 100 most famous mountains. The cable car and ropeway make it easy to get to the top and feel like you are hiking. The cable car, popular among children, runs for about 8 minutes from Miyawaki Station, located halfway up Mt. Tsukuba. The train runs at a steep gradient of up to approximately 20 degrees, with curves and tunnels along the way, providing an unexpected thrill. The point where the train passes the cars coming back from the summit is an unforgettable photo opportunity. The large trees and huge rocks along the tracks are also a highlight.

Enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view from the top of the mountain

The rooftop of the
The rooftop of the "Koma Observatory" directly operated by the cable car, which used to be a revolving observatory.

Outside the summit station, visitors can enjoy souvenir stores, Dining Area, shaved ice, and soft-serve ice cream. 3-story observation deck is an eye-catching structure with a store on the first floor and a restaurant on the second floor. The restaurant's popular menu items include oyakodon (a bowl of rice topped with chicken and eggs) made with Tsukuba chicken and Tsukuba udon, a specialty made with Ibaraki Prefecture's lotus root kneaded into the noodles. Visitors climbing up from the spiral staircase in the center of the Restaurant to the free rooftop observation deck will be greeted by a spectacular view of the Kanto Plain. While resting on a bench, look for the Tokyo Sky Tree and Mt.

Local Guide Comment
Although the mountain is attractive for visitors who can Direction near the top of the mountain by vehicle, stone steps lead up to the Miyawaki station of the cable car. For those with babies, we recommend carrying them in a baby carrier instead of using a stroller.
Mt. Tsukuba
  • Address 1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 43 minutes by car from JR Tsuchiura Station (near Miyawaki Station on the Mt. Tsukuba Cable Car)
  • Business hours Mt. Tsukuba Cable Car 9:00-17:00
    Temporary service is available when there are many passengers.
  • Closed Mt. Tsukuba Cable Car: Open year-round (may be closed for maintenance during winter)
  • Admission Fee Mt. Tsukuba Cable Car Adults: 590 yen one-way, 1,070 yen round-trip
    Children: 300 yen one-way, 540 yen round-trip (free for children under 6 years old)
  • TEL 029-866-0611 (Tsukuba Kanko Railway Co.)
  • Parking Charged

Meet a variety of creatures at the aquarium along the coast

Impressed by the sea lion performances, in which they successfully perform a series of advanced tricks.
Impressed by the sea lion performances, in which they successfully perform a series of advanced tricks.

The largest aquarium in Ibaraki Prefecture, with an attractive location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is home to some 580 species of sea and river creatures in 60 tanks. The highlight of the aquarium is the Ocean Theater, where dolphins and sea lions perform ocean live. The dynamic jumps of the dolphins and the comical performances of the sea lions draw loud cheers from the children. In the "Aqua Hall," where the dolphins that perform in the performances swim, they sometimes come up to the glass surface of the tank to say hello.

Watch tidewater fish swimming in a large aquarium

The dynamic sight of a school of Japanese eagles swimming in a circle
The dynamic sight of a school of Japanese eagles swimming in a circle

The aquarium's largest "Encounter of the Seas Tank" is home to sharks, stingrays, and 15,000 Japanese sardines, making you feel as if you are under the sea as you gaze upon them. The best of the various programs in the aquarium is the "Meal Time" at the penguin tank in the outdoor area. Visitors can observe the penguins eating their food and ask questions to their keepers. The upstream tank in the "Forest and River Zone" is a great place to experience feeding iwana (char) and yamame (landlocked salmon) (100 yen per feed). Children will be very excited to see the fish that are so eager to eat.

Local Guide Comment
If you want to take a break during the tour, go to the "Shark Daddy's Room. There is a sofa in the center of the room and a space with benches for viewing the VR tank of great white sharks.
Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium
  • Address 8252-3 Isohama-cho, Oarai-cho, Higashiibaraki-gun, Ibaraki MAP
  • Direction Approx. 57 min. from JR Tsuchiura Station by car / Approx. 15 min. from Mito Oarai Interchange on Higashi-Mito Road
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. from Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai Stn. by Oarai-cho circular bus "Kaiyugou", Aqua World Oarai route.
  • Business Hours 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:00) *Changes according to season.
  • Closed Closed in June and December
  • Admission Fee Adults 2,000 yen, elementary/junior high school students 900 yen, children over 3 years old 300 yen
  • TEL 029-267-5151
  • Parking Available
  • Memo Baby strollers are available for free rental at the entrance.
    Nursing rooms are available at two locations in the park.

A theme park with a farm full of exciting Experiences

Ponies, alpacas, and owls in the pasture area and the Animal House in the Forest.
Ponies, alpacas, and owls in the pasture area and the Animal House in the Forest.

This leisure property, full of greenery, is designed to resemble a tranquil French farm village. The park is divided into six areas, and each area offers various experiences, such as the "Ranch Area," where you can ride a pony, the "Vehicle Area," where you can play with go-carts and ATVs, and the "Pond Area," where you can slide on the grass. There are also many other activities to tickle children's curiosity, such as a Craft Experience Class and the "Long Zip Slide," which allows children to glide like a bird. Restaurants and fast food restaurants are also available, so families can spend a whole day at leisure.

Become a member of the Sylvanian Families at Sylvanian Village

The entrance to
The entrance to "Sylvania Park" where a chocolate rabbit girl peeks out of a second-floor window.

Sylvanian Park, located in a corner of the expansive grounds, is an outdoor theme park that recreates the world where the Sylvanian Families live. The park includes a "big house with a red roof" where the Chocolat Rabbit family lives, and visitors can actually enter the house and have fun. If you answer all the questions correctly in the "Exciting Quiz Rally" while touring the park, you will receive a baby doll dressed in original clothes. Limited-edition products are available at the "Forest Market" store. The Sylvanian Families raffle, in which you are guaranteed to win a prize, is also very popular.

Local Guide Comment
After passing through the beautiful flower garden approach from the entrance gate and entering the "town area," you will find a photogenic spot with fluffy soap bubbles flying around.
Komorebi-Mori no Iba Ride
  • Address 2060-1 Kamikimiyama, Inashiki-shi, Ibaraki MAP
  • Direction 35 min. drive from JR Tsuchiura Station / 10 min. drive from Inashiki Interchange on Ken-O Expressway
  • Direction None available
  • Business Hours 10:00-17:00 (varies according to season)
  • Closed Tuesdays (varies according to season)
  • Admission Fee Adults 1,000 yen, elementary school students and younger 600 yen, 3 years old and younger free
    Admission to Sylvanian Park is 600 yen (free for children 2 and under)
  • TEL 029-892-3911
  • Parking Parking ticket can be used as a 500 yen coupon when spending more than 1,000 yen at the park's restaurants and stores.
  • Memo Baby strollers are available for rental at the entrance gate (200 yen per stroller).

A great adventure in the trees that fosters a sense of responsibility and independence

The spectacular view seen in the middle of the course is a reward for your hard work and challenge!
The spectacular view seen in the middle of the course is a reward for your hard work and challenge!

This is a nature-symbiosis-type outdoor Property where visitors can play dynamically in the forest halfway up Mount Tsukuba. Two courses of different difficulty levels are available for parents and children to enjoy adventures together. The introductory "Canopy Course" allows visitors from 110 cm in height and up to wear a harness (safety equipment) and take a thorough safety course before starting out. There are four sites (sections) on the course, including the "Turtle Bridge," a log crossing at a height of 7 meters above the trees. At the end of each site, a "Zip Slide," in which visitors use pulleys to slide down a tree, awaits them.

Glide through the air as if you were a bird!

In spring, experience zip-sliding over a plum grove in full bloom!
In spring, experience zip-sliding over a plum grove in full bloom!

The "Adventure Course," open to 4th grade elementary school students and up, offers a total of 36 activities at four sites, with a maximum height of 12 meters above the tree line. The highlight of the course is the spectacular view of the Kanto Plain from the midpoint of the course. The "Long Zip Slide" at Site 4 is the longest in the Property, sliding down 100 meters in about 10 seconds. The sense of accomplishment after completing this thrilling Activity is sure to make children grow up. Adults and children alike will enjoy this extraordinary Experience above the forest together.

Local Guide Comment
The Omotenashi Pavilion, where the reception desk is located, has a municipal café attached and is air-conditioned. It is also air-conditioned and can be used as a rest area.
Forest Adventure Tsukuba
  • Address 1688 Numata, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 35 min. from JR Tsuchiura Station by car
  • Direction None available
  • Business Hours 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 15:00, varies according to season)
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • Admission Fee Adventure Course / Adults: 3,800 yen, 4th grade to 17 years old: 3,800 yen *Height 140cm or taller. Advance reservation recommended.
    Canopy Course/2,800 yen (110cm or taller)
  • TEL 090-4755-7800
  • Parking Parking available (Municipal Parking Lot No. 1, 500 yen per car)
  • Memo Skirts, sandals, and crocs are not permitted.

An urban park full of playgrounds with seasonal flowers and grasses

The
The "Seaside Train," a 40-minute ride around the park's 2.15 million m² of open space

Located in Hitachinaka City in central Ibaraki Prefecture, this national park faces the Pacific Ocean. The "Seaside Train" is a convenient way to get around the vast park, which is divided into seven areas, and visitors can freely get on and off at any of the stops. Bicycle rentals are available near each entrance gate, and visitors can use children's bicycles or bicycles with assistive devices to get around. A dedicated cycling course is also provided, so children can enjoy cycling safely around the park.

Pleasure Garden Area" full of attractions for the whole family to enjoy

Blue Eyes,
Blue Eyes," a Ferris wheel with a color scheme reminiscent of the nemophila that adorns the park in spring

The most popular area for children is the Pleasure Garden area, which has more than 25 different attractions, including a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster through the forest. 6-seater Ferris wheel "Blue Eyes" takes visitors to the top, where they can enjoy a view from 100 meters above sea level. Within the area, there is the "Moon and Earth Plaza" where you can move around on the net playground equipment and dome-shaped sliders, satisfying even the most active children to the fullest. In the liberating "Meadow Area," enjoy playing with a ball or having a picnic at your leisure.

Local Guide Comment
There are places in the park where parents and children can experience nature and culture together: guided tours at the "Sawada Spring Area," a nature preserve, on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April to early November, and a walk through "Miharashi no Sato," a row of old houses with thatched roofs.
National Hitachi Seaside Park
  • Address 605-4 Onuma, Mawata, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki MAP
  • Direction Approx. 58 min. by car from JR Tsuchiura Stn. / Near the Hitachi-Kaihin Koen Interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway
  • Direction Approx. 15-20 min. by Ibaraki Kotsu Bus bound for Kaihin Koen Minamiguchi from JR Katsuta Stn. and alight at Kaihin Koen West or South Exit.
  • Business Hours 9:30-17:00 (varies according to the season)
  • Closed Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a national holiday), year-end and New Year's holidays, and the first Monday through Friday of February
  • Admission Fee High school students and older: 450 yen, 65 years old and older: 210 yen, elementary and junior high school students: free *Admission fees vary depending on the season. Glide tickets must be purchased separately.
    Seaside train 1-day pass: 600 yen (children over 3 years old are charged)
    Bicycle rental: ¥450/3 hours (¥250 for junior high school students and younger)
  • TEL 029-265-9001（Hitachi Park Administration Center)
    Pleasure Garden 029-265-8185 (Hitachi-Sunrise Park)
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Baby strollers are available for rent (about 150 strollers, free of charge at each gate)
    Children's restrooms available (8 locations in the park)

A museum full of nature to develop children's "likes

A battle between a Tyrannosaurus parent and child and a Triceratops from the Cretaceous period is right in front of you
A battle between a Tyrannosaurus parent and child and a Triceratops from the Cretaceous period is right in front of you

The Ibaraki Prefectural Museum is a fusion of a museum and a vast park. The 158,000 m2 outdoor field to the south of the main building is a place where visitors can learn about a wide variety of knowledge while leisurely interacting with nature. Upon entering the entrance, visitors are greeted by a 9.1-meter-long skeletal specimen of the Shokagoe Mammoth, one of the largest mammoths in the world. The most popular exhibit is the "Tyrannosaurus parent and child vs. Triceratops" diorama in Exhibition Hall 2. Children are fascinated by the feathered, occasionally barking, and moving figures.

Come into contact with living creatures in the forests and waterside areas of Museum Park

Discounted admission for use of the Outdoor Property only
Discounted admission for use of the Outdoor Property only

In the vast park area attached to the museum, visitors can enjoy nature observation in a variety of environments, such as by the water, in the woods, and in flower gardens. Visitors can borrow binoculars, loupes, and other observation tools from the "Nature Discovery Studio," a base for outdoor observation, and take an "outdoor quiz" on flowers and trees. At the "Ancient Square," visitors can experience digging out shell fossils with a shovel, and the "Animal's Nest," a large trampoline, is popular with children. The lawn area is open for eating and drinking, so families can enjoy a picnic on sunny days.

Local Guide Comment
The dinosaur excavation curry at Restaurant "Le Cinq" is very popular among children. If there is a dinosaur-shaped carrot in the curry, it is a "win-win" and you will receive a small prize.
Museum Park Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Nature (Museum Park Ibaraki Ken-Shizen Hakubutsukan)
  • Address 700 Osaki, Bando-shi, Ibaraki MAP
  • Direction Approx. 40 min. by car from JR Tsuchiura Station / Approx. 20 min. from Joban Expressway "Yawahara" IC
  • Direction None available
  • Business Hours 9:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
    Museum store 9:30-16:30
    Restaurant 11:00-15:00 (L.O.14:30), Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10:30-16:00 (L.O.15:30)
  • Closed Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays
  • Admission Fee Adults 750 yen, high school and university students 460 yen, elementary and junior high school students 150 yen, 70 years old and over 370 yen when exhibitions are held in both the main building and the outdoor Property (separate fee when exhibitions are not held).
    Outdoor Property only: Adults 210 yen, High school/University students 100 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 50 yen
    Admission on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and special days requires advance reservation. Admission on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and special days is by advance reservation only.
  • TEL 0297-38-2000
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Baby strollers are available for rent. (As of November 2021, this service is not available.)
    Nursing room available in the Dinosaur Hall on the 1st floor of the Main Building.
    As of November 2021, the rental of observation equipment, fossil excavation experience, and trampoline are not available.

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.