JAXA Space Center — Tsukuba
Japan's main space mission control and astronaut training facility — free tours show the ISS operations control room, a full-size replica of the Japanese Kibo module, space suits, and recovered rocket components. The exhibit building includes hands-on simulations and genuine JAXA mission footage.
2–3 hours
Free
Space Center: 10:00–17:00; closed Mon and year-end holidays; advance reservation required for some exhibits
Year-round
Bus from Tsukuba Station (Tsukuba Express, approx. 10 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Free entry to Japan's space mission control — the same room that operates the ISS Kibo module
- 2
Full-size Kibo module replica you can walk through — identical to the one orbiting Earth right now
- 3
Guided tours available in English on request — book one week in advance online
Local Tips
The H-II rocket, space shuttle experiments, and ISS module replicas are genuinely impressive. Free guided tours (English available) run multiple times daily — the guide access is worth booking. Combine with the Tsukuba Science Expo Center nearby. The Tsukuba Express from Akihabara reaches Tsukuba in 45 minutes.
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