The Tsukuba Express (TX) is a modern railway line that opened in late 2005, connecting Akihabara with the high-tech city of Tsukuba.
The opening of the Tsukuba Express station at Akihabara has significantly boosted the area’s development, attracting several large electronics retailers. Some of the biggest camera and computer stores in the world are located here, making Akihabara one of the most competitive shopping areas in Tokyo, offering an overwhelming variety of options.
Akihabara is a haven for tech enthusiasts—not just for computers and electronics but also for anime culture. The Tokyo Anime Center, one of the largest anime hubs in Japan, is within walking distance of the Tsukuba Express station.
Tsukuba – Japan’s Science City
The Tsukuba Express runs about four times an hour to Tsukuba, a city well worth visiting. Tsukuba hosted Tokyo’s World Fair (Expo 85) and has since grown into Japan’s leading science and research hub over the last two decades.
Located about 40 kilometres from Akihabara, Tsukuba is a planned city that houses more than 60 research institutes, including the University of Tsukuba and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). JAXA is often referred to as Japan’s version of NASA, and its Tsukuba Research Center features free exhibits, guided tours, and a gift shop with models, books, and even space food.
For visitors, there’s plenty to see, including a full-size rocket in the city park that commemorates Expo 85. Another popular remnant of the expo is the Planetarium and Expo Center, both of which are well worth a visit.
The Tsukuba Express – A High-Tech Railway Experience
The Tsukuba Express is an engineering marvel—an express line with no railway crossings along its entire length. Each station is equipped with platform doors and safety barriers, ensuring that nothing can fall onto the tracks and disrupt the 130 km/h trains.
Each six-car train is highly automated, requiring only one operator to oversee the entire system. However, it’s important to note that the Tsukuba Express is operated by the Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company, meaning standard JR or Tokyo Metro tickets are not accepted.
While paper tickets from other railway companies are not valid, travellers can conveniently use IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, and other compatible transit cards on the Tsukuba Express for seamless travel.
JAXA Tsukubu Site (English)
https://global.jaxa.jp/
Tsukuba Express
https://www.mir.co.jp/en/
