JAXA Tsukuba Space Center
The JAXA Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) in Tsukuba, Ibaraki has displays of satellites, launch vehicles and the Japanese section of the ISS.
JAXA Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) 筑波宇宙センター
Space Dome entrance, JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, Tsukuba
The Japanese-built section of the International Space Station, JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, Tsukuba
The JAXA Tsukuba Space Center in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture is one of the city's most popular attractions.
A free facility, it is a fun, must-see for visitors interested in space exploration in general and Japanese space technology in particular.
It is particularly popular during the school holidays with parents with young children.
Models of Japanese space rockets, JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, Tsukuba
NASA Astronaut Suit
History
JAXA's Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) opened in 1972. It oversees the development of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" of the International Space Station. In addition astronaut training and technological research on satellites and launch vehicles takes place on the premises.
Kiku Satellite, JAXA Tsukuba Space Center in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture
The Space Center in Tsukuba displays a number of Engineering Test Satellites (ETS)
Exhibits
The Space Dome is the main exhibition space. Visitors first encounter a 1:1,000,000 scale model of the Earth on entrance. Within the building are several reproductions of Japanese satellites, a full-scale mock up of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" of the International Space Station and models of rockets.
Of interest are the actual LE-&A and LE-5 rocket engines used in combustion tests and 1:20 scale models. There is also a full scale model of the Hayabusa2 Asteroid Explorer and a test model of the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) known as Daiichi.
Visitors can learn about the history of Japan's space program, communications in space and satellite observations of the Earth. QR codes are available to access audio guidance in either Japanese or English.
Various tours of the facilities are available. The 70 minute tour is 500 yen for adults but free for school students and teachers. It requires advanced reservations online in Japanese at fanfun.jaxa.jp/visit/tsukuba/tour.html#visit_tour or by phone at 029 868 2023. Tours in English are also available. (If you would like us to book a tour for you we charge a small handling fee).
The tours focus on how astronauts are selected and trained and how their health is maintained before, during and after space trips.
Satellites on display at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, Tsukuba
Kids having fun in the Space Center in Tsukuba
Planet Cube
The Planet Cube section features revolving special exhibitions, posters and photographs.
The Space Dome also offers workshops for small kids with a space theme and a shop.
The shop sells a variety of novel products such as Space Curry and Freeze-dried ice cream which make for excellent souvenirs of your visit.
The Rocket Square outside has a H-II Launch Vehicle on display.
Another excellent space museum in Japan is the Tanegashima Space Center in faraway Tanegashima. Here Japan's rockets are launched in to space.
JAXA Tsukuba Space Center and H-II Launch Vehicle with JAXA HQ in the background, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture
JAXA Tsukuba Space Center Access
JAXA Tsukuba Space Center (global.jaxa.jp)
2-1-1 Sengen
Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505
Tel: 029 868 2023
Hours: 10 am - 5 pm daily; the museum has some irregular closing days for maintenance (check the official website above). Also closed December 28 to January 3.
Admission: Free.
H-II Launch Vehicle and JAXA HQ, Tsukuba
The JAXA Tsukuba Space Center is north of Doho Park. It is fairly close to Science Square run by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) as well as the Geological Museum.
In the summer a loop bus runs from Tsukuba Center (at Tsukuba Station) to Tsukuba Botanical Garden, Expo Center and Tsukuba Space Center. A one day ticket is 500 yen.
From Tsukuba Station on the Tsukuba Express Line take a Kantetsu bus bound for Arakawaoka Station and get off at the Busshitsu-kenkyu-jo-mae stop.
From Arakawaoka Station on the Joban Line take a Kantetsu Bus bound for Tsukuba University Chuo and get off at the Busshitsu-kenkyu-jo-mae stop.
Other worthwhile museums in Tsukuba include the Science Museum of Map & Survey, the Tsukuba Expo Center and the Geological Museum.
Planet Cube and bus stop, JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, Tsukuba
