Tsukuba has a history dating back 1,000 years and a wealth of natural features, including Mt. Tsukuba, which is situated within Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park. It is also Japan’s largest “science city,” where 18,000 researchers conduct cutting-edge research at around 300 institutes. In addition, foreign residents from over 120 different countries give the city a decidedly international flair.
The city has served as the stage for many international conferences, including the G7 Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting in May 2016, and is scheduled to host the World Lake Conference in October 2018.
The Tsukuba International Congress Center and other convention facilities in the city are well equipped to host international conferences, conventions, corporate training and other special events.
Tsukuba is also perfectly positioned for outstanding access— reach central Tokyo in as little as 45 minutes on the Tsukuba Express (TX), or Narita International Airport in 55 minutes by expressway bus.
Narita International Airport→Tsukuba Center：Highway express bus (minimum 55 min.)
Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)→Tsukuba Center：Highway express bus (100 min.)
Ibaraki Airport→Tsukuba Center：Highway express bus (60 min.)
Akihabara Station→Tsukuba Station：Tsukuba Express (TX) (45 min.)
JR Tsuchiura Station→Tsukuba Center：Local bus (30 min.)
Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit)→Tsukuba Center：“Tsukuba-go” highway express bus (100 min.)
1. Financial Assistance for Conventions
● Subsidy Program
Up to 1.8 million yen for event expenses for academic conferences held in Tsukuba.
Requirements:
•The main venue must be a facility within Tsukuba city limits.
•The event must be held over at least 2 consecutive days, not including travel for observation or tourism.
•National conferences: At least 200 participants
•International conferences: At least 50 participants
•Programs and other materials must include mention of cooperation from the Tsukuba Tourist and Convention Association and the city of Tsukuba
● Loan Program
Up to 3 million yen for academic conferences held in Tsukuba.
Requirements:
•The main venue must be within Tsukuba city limits
•The main event must be a conference
•The event must be non-profit
•Some national conference participants must come from outside the Kanto region
•Preparations must be made at least 6 months in advance
•Japanese national and local governments must approve of the event
* For details, please contact the Tsukuba Tourist and Convention Association.
2. Other Support Services
● Providing introductory information about Tsukuba (Languages: English, Chinese)
● Providing images and videos (DVDs) (Language: English)
● Preparing written proposals for potential venues (arranging invitation letters)
● Reception for preliminary visits
● Help with reserving conference facilities and lodging facilities
● Introducing PCOs, travel agencies
● Arranging volunteers (language, conference support, Japanese cultural introduction)
● Making arrangements for local product vending
● Arranging attractions (Japanese taiko drum performances, street hawker performances, etc.)
● Selling convention bags, providing tourism pamphlets, etc.
● Setting up welcome signs, banners
Attraction: Koto performance
Hands-on experience with Japanese culture:Japanese tea ceremony
Tsukuba Tourist and Convention Association
Venues
