Tsukuba, Ibaraki

This week, "journeys in japan" visits a city of science -- Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, at the foot of Mt. Tsukuba. In 1963, under a national policy, the city was opened up as a place for research on advanced technology. It's now home to 300 research institutes. Our reporter Judit Kawaguchi discovers the charms of the city and its state-of-the-art technology. Judit visits the Tsukuba Space Center, a research facility that plays a central role in Japan's space development. There, visitors can see a full-scale experimental model of an artificial satellite and experience what it's like inside Japan's Kibo lab on the International Space Station. Judit also tours Tsukuba's largest research facility -- the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology -- to observe firsthand one of the important studies being done there: research on nanotechnology, a field that involves working with objects as small as a billionth of a meter. She also drops in at a robotics company to see some of its amazing technology. Tsukuba is not only a place for science; it's also located amid beautiful natural surroundings, including Mt. Tsukuba, which has long been revered by local people. Judit also gets to spend time with area residents and experience the local culture, including a festival and performing arts.