Tsukuba Mom

Yukari-no-Mori illumination (ゆかりのもり)

2011-12-17T07:13:00.000+09:00

So beautiful!

Yukari-no-Mori illumination
Map
until 10 pm　

This is the illumination of Kenkyu-gakuen station.

Tribe coffee shop (トライブ)

2011-11-27T06:23:00.005+09:00

I usually buy coffee beans at Tribe coffee shop.
If you buy some beans, your family will get free delicious coffee or calpis-drink service.
I & my husband ordered cupttino. The owner and staffs are very kind, and the coffees are so delicious. It is my favorite place.

Tribe coffee shop 029-875-6455
open : 10:00~19:00
closed : Monday
Map
You can buy coffee on the internet,too.
http://www.coffee-tribe.com/

KALDI

2011-11-04T05:58:00.002+09:00

My favorite shop is KALDI. They sell imported foods, not only coffee, but snack, tea, alcohol, seasoning..etc. I love looking around, and I usually buy unique sweets from many countries.
KALDI is in iias shopping mall, and in AEON tsuchiura shopping mall.

Blueberry picking at Ninomiya

2011-06-22T06:40:00.002+09:00

I went blueberry picking at Ninomiya with my family.

The owner said it is the second year after opening the farm. The farm is big and located next to Ninomiya House.

Ninomiya Blueberry Arai
(二の宮ブルーベリー　あらい)
It opened on June 15th this year.
You can enjoy picking until the end of July. There are some kinds of blueberry trees, so try to taste the difference of them. They are chemical free production, so just pick, and eat until you are full. There is no time limit.
Make an appointment by phone.Tel : 029-852-0117 or 090-5409-1681

Fee :
Adult ・・500 yen
elementary school child ・・300 yen
preschooler ・・free

take out blueberry 200 yen / 100g
Map

Matsubokkuri preschool's flea market on 7/3

2011-06-17T06:13:00.001+09:00

Matsubokkuri preschool (まつぼっくり保育園) is going to have flea market on July 3 (Sun) from 11:00 ~ 13:00 at Namiki Kinrin park (並木近隣公園 Map). If it rains, it will be held at Namiki Shukaijo (並木集会所). It seems to sell used clothes for adults and children, and snack and some food, daily items. Don't miss it!

If you want to ask something, call Matsubokkuri preschool 029-851-7589.

Hitachi Gakuin Preschool Flea Market

2011-06-17T06:08:00.001+09:00

Hitachi Gakuin Preschool Flea Market

The flea market is held on June 18th (Sat) from 10:00 to 11:30 at Hitachi Gakuin Preschool. Map

It seems to sell daily necessaries, food and snacks, etc. Take your slippers to walk in a room.

These are the pictures of the flea market last year. ( from web site )
http://www.hitachi.ed.jp/chobi/gyouji/2010gyouji/10bazar.htm

Nemophila

2011-05-05T18:01:00.015+09:00

I went to Hitachi Kaihin Kouen (ひたち海浜公園) on May 2.
The blue flower Nemophila was full bloom, and covered the hill.
It was very beautiful.
Website : http://www.hitachikaihin.go.jp/index.htm
If you take high way, go to the Tomobe(友部) junction, and take Ooarai(大洗) way. You will get off at Hitachi Kaihin Kouen(ひたち海浜公園) I.C. which is at the end of the high way.

Map

entrance fee :
400 yen (15 year's old ~ adult)
80 yen (child)

parking lot : 500 yen

It has amusement park.
free pass : 3000 yen
You can get some coupon on the website.
Print the coupon, and write address, and show it.

See the park map, you can find Nemophila at ⑦ area. It takes 25 minutes walk from the gate, or 10 minutes by bicycle which can be rented. Bicycle-rental fee is 300 yen / 3 hours. It is good season to ride a bicycle. We enjoyed it.

How are you?

2011-04-14T13:12:00.002+09:00

There are still some aftershocks in Tsukuba.
The news of devastated area makes me sad, and I want to cry everyday.
I hope Tohoku's people will send usual life soon.

I went to Banpaku Kinen Park (万博記念公園). The cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Map

Cherry blossoms on the street near Meikei Gakuen, Map

Information after earthquake

2011-03-14T11:06:00.009+09:00

I got an email from Shaney san. ↓

I hope that all of you are safe and comfortable in your homes.

I have created a website to collect official information about the
things that concern Tsukuba residents at this time.
<http://tsukubanews.wordpress.com/>

There is also a Facebook group for Tsukuba residents.
<http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_104707536277287>

Please forward this information to your English-speaking friends in Tsukuba.

Thank you,
Shaney.

Tsukuba City now also Tweeting alerts in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.
@tsukubais
@Tsukubais_INT
@tsukubais_en
@tsukubais_cn
@tsukubais_kr

#japan #tsukuba #earthquake

http://www.savetsukuba.info/

Ibaraki foreign consultation service call 029-301-2862 in English

measurement of radiation

http://www.aist.go.jp/taisaku/ja/measurement/index.html

http://rcwww.kek.jp/norm/

http://atmc.jp/

Web news site
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/
http://www.newsonjapan.com/
http://www.japantoday.com/
http://www.asahi.com/english/
http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/freetop.aspx

Elizabeth Art School 2

2011-02-14T17:03:00.001+09:00

Elizabeth gave me the information about her new class.↓
She also made new web site. Please check it.
http://elizabethartschool.com/ebethWeb/Home.html

former information

Elizabeth Art School has 3 kinds of CREATIVITY CLASS FOR KIDS. Though all classes lead to creativity, the contents and approach used vary.

One of these classes targets verbal and visual expression. It is conducted in English as a base, but we often use Japanese to explain certain concepts or instructions. We include many original activities, games, music, among others to encourage children to think, talk. interact and do artworks. Children to create their own Book at the end of a school term. Wednesday 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm; 5-7 years old

The second class is focused on ART. This class I handle myself. I attend to each student personally. More than making 'pretty' pictures and objects, the aim is for children to CREATE works of ART. The approach is for children to appreciate and enjoy ART as they explore theories and concepts. It is a fun yet meaningful experience. My intention is for children to grow in Art and make Art an essential part of everyday life. The goal for this class is an Exhibition of Works at the end of a school term. Mondays 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm; 5-7 years old (Older children are welcome. Let me know convenient time /days. I can form another group).

Ibaraki Airport

2011-02-11T18:26:00.005+09:00

Two regular flights Ibaraki-Nagoya, Ibaraki-Sapporo went into service newly since this February. Why don't you think about the travel from the Ibaraki airport?

Ibaraki Airport
regular flights

1. Ibaraki-Kobe, 9800 yen /one way
2. Ibaraki-Sapporo, 9800 yen /one way
3. Ibaraki-Nagoya, 8800 yen /one way
You can go to the Skymark website, and make a reservation.
4. Ibaraki-Seoul (Incheon), round trip---about 48000 yen
Go asiana website, and make a reservation.
Asiana desided the service of the airline between Ibaraki-Seoul will be canceled until October because of the nuclear plant.
5. Ibaraki-Shanghai (Pudong), round trip---about 44000 yen
Go 春秋空港 website, and make a reservation.

The fee changes depending on the day, and time. If you make a reservation earlier, you might get a discount.

Shuttle Bus to Ibaraki Airport

1.Ibaraki Airport-Tsukuba station (TX station)
It takes 1hour. 1000 yen /one way.3 round trips a day. Time Table is here.
detail:029-836-1145

2.Ibaraki Airport- Mito station (JR)
It takes 40 minutes. 1000 yen / one way.3 round trips a day.Time Table is here.

3.Ibaraki Airport- Tokyo station (JR)
It takes 2.5 hours. 500 yen! / one way.4 round trips a day.Time Table is here.

Matt-san left the comment about shuttle bus↓
(Thank you, Matt-san! )

I used the Ibaraki airport last week and it was very nice. The bus from the airport to Tsukuba center actually took about an hour and a half. The traffic wasn't bad at all, so I think the bus company might have underestimated their time table.

I picked the time from the bus website,but please think it takes more time between Tsukuba, Mito, Tokyo station <--> Ibaraki Airport.

You can also go to the airport by car.There is a free parking for 1300 cars near the terminal.

Children's Club after school 2011

2010-12-11T08:16:00.000+09:00

If your child is going to elementary school next year, and there is no one to take care of your child after school because of your work, "Children's Club" will help you. Children can play and study with friends in Jidoukan(児童館) or elementary school. There is over one teacher.

Children: elementary grades 1-3

Fee: 4000 yen/month

Club Time: Monday to Friday after school 〜18:00

During the long holiday : 8:30〜18:00

You can apply from December 13, 2010 to January 14, 2011.

How to apply: You can get the Public Club's application form in the inter net or at the Jidoukan(児童館). After you fill it, submit to the Jidoukan.

Web site : http://www.tsukuba-kosodate.jp/modules/menu/main.php?page_id=344&op=change_page

If you would like Private Children's Club, please ask how to apply and monthly charge by phone.

City Office,Children section : 029-836-1111

────────────────────────────────────

Public Club (address, phone number) Map

────────────────────────────────────

Kukizaki(茎崎)児童センター　　小茎1793　　　 029(840)1321

Takezonohigasi(竹園東)児童館　　竹園3-18-1　　 029(851)5802

Takezononisi(竹園西)児童館　　　竹園2-19-2　　 029(852)5039

Azumahigasi(吾妻東)児童館　　　吾妻4-12　　　 029(852)7858

Azumanisi(吾妻西)児童館　　　　吾妻2-5-4　　　029(851)8141

Kokonoe(九重)児童館　　　　　上ノ室2094　　 029(857)4631

Sakae(栄)児童館　　　　　　横町127-4　　　029(857)4206

Namiki(並木)児童館　　　　　並木4-2-3　　　029(851)5331

Ounan(桜南)児童館　　　　　並木4-7-3　　　029(858)0791

Tesirogiminami(手代木南)児童館　松代4-15-1　　 029(852)0670

Matsusiro(松代)児童館　　　　　松代2-21-2　　 029(855)6110

Yatabe(谷田部)児童館　　　　谷田部4715　　 029(836)0611

Ninomiya(ニの宮)児童館　　　　ニの宮4-9-2　　029(855)6091

Yoshinuma(吉沼)児童館　　　　吉沼814-1　　　029(865)2070

Kamigou(上郷)児童館　　　上郷2270-1　　 029(847)5546

Higasi(東)児童館　　　　　　東2-24-1　　　 029(851)4801

Ozone(大曽根)児童館　　　　大曽根447-3　　029(864)0181

───────────────────────────────

Private Club (address, phone number) Map

───────────────────────────────

Shimana elementary school club

(島名小学校児童クラブ)　　島名537-1　　　080(6577)2163　

Katsusiro elementary school club

(葛城小学校児童クラブ)　　　苅間689　　　　090(1849)8067

Numasaki elementary school club

(沼崎小学校児童クラブ)　　　沼崎1408-2　　 029(847)2887　

Mase elementary school club

(真瀬小学校児童クラブ)　　　真瀬2103　　　 090(4610)7523　　

Imakashima elementary school club

(今鹿島児童クラブ)　　今鹿島1761　　 029(847)4061　　

Onogawa elementary school club

(小野川小学校児童クラブ)　館野443-1　　　029(836)6659

Kukizaki Daiiti Children's club

(茎崎第一児童クラブ)　高崎1873　　　 029(872)2866　

Kukizaki Daini Children's club

(茎崎第二児童クラブ)　下岩崎2116　　 029(876)4100

Aozora Chilren's club New

(あおぞら児童クラブ)　下平塚886-1 029(856)9696

Wakaba Day Care Children's club

(わかば保育園児童クラブ)　谷田部2061　　 029(838)0808

Minori Kindergarten Children's club

(みのり幼稚園児童クラブ)　高崎643-9　　　029(873)2540

Sakura Children's club

(さくら学童クラブ)　　上野1302　　　 029(863)0053

Tanaka Day Care Children's Club New

(田中保育園学童クラブ)　水守554-1 029(867)0433

Kaname elementary school club

(要小学校児童クラブ)　要449-1　　　　029(864)0571

Maeno elementary school club

(前野小学校児童クラブ)　　前野1367　　　 080(3399)0471

Yatabe Minami elementary school club

(谷田部南小学校児童クラブ)　境田191-1　　　080(1363)3330

Waiwai Club New

(わいわいクラブ in YMCA) 東新井24-7 029(852)4128

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Geospatial Information Authority (国土地理院 kokudo chiri in)

2010-12-06T08:18:00.006+09:00

My son's favorite facility is Geospatial Information Authority. It has a building which we can visit for free. The building name is "The science museum of map and survey (地図と測量の科学館 chizu to sokuryou no kagakukan)". He likes the 2nd floor, it has computers that he can play some games based on the geography. Unfortunately, they are in Japanese, so I'm wondering children from other countries can enjoy it or not, but try it~! I like the shop on 1F, it sells many geographical goods, like books, maps, memo pad, towels, pens.. They are very interesting. My second son likes playing outside, there are white earth-model, and old airplane that was used for geographical survey and taking air photo. It is good place to wile away Sunday afternoons.

The science museum of map and survey
Map
Open 9:30~16:30 except Mondays
Website : http://www.gsi.go.jp/ENGLISH/index.html

la maison de campagne

2010-11-12T16:24:00.003+09:00

This is one of my favorite sweets shops. It sells French cakes and wine. I love maccha tart and lemon tart very much! It has cafe, so you can eat sweets and quiche with drinks there. Taste it~

la maison de campagne (ラ　メゾン　ド　カンパーニュ)
Map
Website : http://www.geocities.jp/campagne_depuis_2007/index.html
Close : every Monday, sometimes Tuesday

Tsukuba Science Festival (つくば科学フェスティバル)

2010-10-22T16:05:00.000+09:00

Tsukuba Science Festival will be held on October 30 (Sat), and 31(Sun). Your children can study science with games, making crafts. This event might be for elementary school child, but I guess 4 or 5 year's old children can enjoy some activity. I haven't been there, so I want to take my son this year.

Tsukuba Science Festival

Place : Tsukuba Capio Map

Day and Time : October 30 (Sat), and 31(Sun) 10:00~16:00

You can check the program on the website in Japanese.

Website : http://www.city.tsukuba.ibaraki.jp/51/007729.html

Ami Sougou Undou Kouen BBQ site (阿見総合運動公園キャンプ場)

2010-10-07T16:29:00.008+09:00

My family and friends had BBQ in Ami Sougou Undou Kouen. It is about 30 minutes drive from Tsukuba. It has good environment with many trees and wide grass yard. We borrowed frying pan, camping pot for cooking rice, grill net, knife, cutting board, pan, ladle,tongs etc..Everythings are free. All you have to do is washing after you've done with them. The site rental fee is also free. There are a lot of brick furnace , tables, and chairs in the BBQ site. So if you have charcoal,food,and plates, you can enjoy BBQ.
You have to make a reservation before BBQ. Sad to say, you need to go there to submit an application form. You can change the date or cancel by phone after that.

Ami Sougou Undou Kouen
(阿見総合運動公園)
Map
tel :029-889-2788
Website : http://www.town.ami.ibaraki.jp/gyosei/physical-plant_undokoen.htm

ORITOMO

2010-09-24T17:41:00.003+09:00

This shop sells dishes, kitchen goods, disposable container, and party goods. I bought "Happy Birthday " decoration at that time. Now, there are a lot of Halloween decorations. My favorite is looking around the mug-section, and the cooking tool section for making sweets. The building next to this shop is professional-use supermarket "業務スーパー". The shop sells big size food and seasoning for relatively cheep price. You might see very interesting food that you have never seen in usual supermarkets. Take a look~!

ORITOMO
Map
Website : http://shop.oritomo.co.jp/

Liberty International School (LIS)

2010-09-10T12:56:00.008+09:00

I looked around Liberty International School last week. It is surrounded by good environment, tanbo & trees, and the school has big yard in the back. There are many children from different countries, and they study Math, Science, English, Japanese, Social studies, Art, Music, etc.. in English. The teachers are so nice, and talk to them with enthusiasm. The elementary class is small, 6~14 children in one class. They looked fun even they studied high level Science. The owner showed me the 3rd grade science text book, it looks very interesting content, but very high level English! She said it is widely used for 4~6 grade students in US, but children here study day by day, little by little, intensively, then every student can read and understand this book in 3rd grade. The text book's English level is equal to Japanese high school text book, so they will have no trouble with English until high school in Japan. The owner said this school was built to help the foreign family in need of education in English. She makes a discount for parents who are university students, or postdoc with low salary.

As you can see on the website, there are many classes.

Pre-Kindergarten class 9:30~14:30 For 3~4 year's old children

When I went there, 6 children played. The owner said she will make 2.5~3 year's old children class on this November.

Kindergarten class 9:30~14:00 For 4~5 year's old children, There are 14 children now.

Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten class fees : Registration fee 60000 yen, Annual fee (curriculum, Maintenance, Art/Science Resources & Library ) 84000~90000 yen, Tuition 52000~55000 yen/ month

Elementary school class 1~3 Grade 9:00~15:00, 4~6 Grade 9:00~16:30

Junior high school class 9:00~16:30

They bring lunch box by themselves.

Elementary, and Junior high class fees : Registration fee 70000 yen, Annual fee (curriculum, Maintenance, Art/Science Resources & Library ) 108000~114000 yen, Tuition 6000~65000 yen/ month

The school has child care that every student can use. Even he/ she is not LIS student, he/she can use it. 15:00~17:30

Child care fees : pre-Kinder and Kinder 18000 yen/ month, Elementary 15000 yen/ month, 500 yen/hour

It has also After School, Saturday School, and Summer,Winter School (1w, 2w).

After School (90 min) Registration fee 30000 yen is needed at the first time

1/week : tuition 14000 yen/month, maintenance and etc fees 26000 yen/ year

2/week : tuition 22000 yen/month, maintenance and etc fees 32000 yen/ year

3/week : tuition 28000 yen/month, maintenance and etc fees 38000 yen/ year

Summer School 8:30~14:00

1 week 32000 yen

2 weeks 46000 yen

Please check Summer, Winter school schedule in the website early in the season.

The school bus is available for day school and after school children living around Tsukuba station, Kenkyu Gakuen station, Matsushiro, Ninomiya, Namiki...ask others.

Liberty International School

Map

Website http://www.liberty-international.jp/index.html

Address 〒305-0813　茨城県つくば市下平塚342-16

Tel 029-855-0177

Pear Picking

2010-08-26T16:52:00.011+09:00

We went to " Little Farm" to pick sweet and juicy pears named Kousui (幸水) . It is my favorite type of pears. It will be changed to Housui (豊水) from the middle of September. Housui pears tastes sweet and sour. You can pick pears by the beginning of October.

The trees are low, so my son could pick some pears.

Little Farm Map
There is no time limit, so we brought lunch like a picnic.

Pear Picking from August 21
Adult 700 yen
elementary school children 500 yen
3~6 year's old 400 yen

Grape picking from the end of August
Adult 800 yen
elementary school children 600 yen
3~6 year's old 500 yen

Persimmon Picking from the middle of October
Adult 500 yen
elementary school children 400 yen
3~6 year's old 300 yen

Website : http://littlefarmjp.com/

〒300-4104
茨城県土浦市沢辺１８７９−２
029-862-3542

Mizuho no Mura Ichiba (みずほの村市場)

2010-08-10T16:59:00.015+09:00

We went to a farmer's market named Mizuho no Mura Ichiba (みずほの村市場). It has a experience-farm that you can pick some vegetables, such as egg plant, tomato, cucumber, okra, and you can buy them. In the farm, there are sunflower maze, and crawfishing pond, some animals, 2 goats, 3 ponies, many chickens. My children tried to pick up some eggs laid on the day. It was so warm. We bought 6 eggs for 300 yen.
The sunflower maze will be held from July 17(Sat) to August 29 (Sun ). Don't miss it~!

←crawfishing pond

You can borrow the fishing set.

←sunflower maze

Mizuho no Mura Ichiba (みずほの村市場) experience-farm

Entrance Fee : 300 yen/Adult , 200 yen/ Child
Map
Website : http://www.mizuhonomuraichiba.com/
http://www.mizuhonomuraichiba.com/himawarimeiro2010.htm

Matsuri Tsukuba (まつりつくば) 2010

2010-08-03T15:53:00.004+09:00

Matsuri Tsukuba is going to be held on August 28 (Sat) 15:00~21:00 and 29 (Sun) 13:00~20:00.

You can see Nebuta that is the a huge paper lantern in the shape of a man. The Nebuta lantern was made in Aomori and carried to Tsukuba. Aomori is located the north part in Japan and is famous for Nebuta Festival. You can enjoy seeing beautiful, dynamic Nebuta and dance, also good street food.
Parade Time : August 28(Sat) 15:00~21:00, 29 (Sun) 13:00~20:00 on the Tsuchiura Gakuen street (土浦学園通り).　Festival Map(2009 ver. )←click the color place in the map
blocked street map(2009 ver.)
Website : http://matsuritsukuba.jp/

Office
Tel: 029-836-1111

Fireworks Events

2010-07-29T17:33:00.010+09:00

Mito Koumon Festival (水戸黄門まつり)
August 6(Fri) ~8(Sun)
Fireworks : August 6, 19:30~ 21:00at Senba lake in Mito city (Map) It is near Kairakuen(偕楽園) station.
You can see 4,100 fireworks. There are over 330,000 visitors every year.

Web site: http://www.mitokoumon.com/maturi/koumon/koumon.html
Pictures : http://www.mitokoumon.com/maturi/koumon/koumon03.html
You can see the parade of Mito Koumon on on August 7 and 8.

Koga Fireworks Festival (古河花火大会)
August 7(Sat) 19:10 ~ 20:40 at Koga Golf Links.The place is a public golf course. You can see 15,000 fireworks. There are over 300,000 visitors every year.
Web site :http://www.kogakanko.jp/hanabi/top.php?ID=1
Map and parking
If you go by train, you can get JR Utsunomiya Line (ＪＲ宇都宮線) and get off at Koga station (古河駅), or get Toubu-Nikkou Line (東武日光線) and get off at Shin-Koga station (新古河駅).

If it rains, the fireworks will be next day.

Twin Ring Motegi Fireworks Festival (ツインリンクもてぎ　花火の祭典)
August 14 (Sat) 19:20~20:00 at Twin Ring Motegi. The place is the circuit. You need to buy a entrance ticket for 2000 yen / Adult in advance , and 500 yen/ Child. You can get a ticket on the inter net or by phone ( TEL:0285-64-0080). You can see 12,000 fireworks. There are over 35,000 visitors every year.
Web site : http://www.mobilityland.co.jp/fireworks/
Access: http://www.mobilityland.co.jp/access_m/
Map of the circuit : http://www.mobilityland.co.jp/map_m/

Jousou Kinu River Fireworks Festival (常総きぬ川花火大会)
August 21 (Sat) 19:00~20:20 at Hashimoto Athletic Park (橋本運動公園 Map). You can see 7,000 fireworks. There are over 95,000 visitors every year.
Web site : http://www.rurubu.com/season/summer/hanabi/detail.asp?SozaiNo=080001

Japan Fireworks Competitions in Tsutsiura City (土浦全国花火競技大会)
October 2(Sat) 18:00~20:30 around Gakuen Oohashi (学園大橋 Map). You can see 20,000 fireworks. There are over 800,000 visitors every year.
Web site : http://tsuchiura-hanabi.jp/

Toride Tonegawa Fireworks Festival (とりで利根川大花火大会)

August 14 (Sat) 19:00~20:30 If it rains, it will be next day.

Place : Toride ryokuchi undou kouen (取手緑地運動公園　Map)

Website : http://www.toride-kankou.net/hanabi

Hitachinaka matsuri Fireworks Festival

(ひたちなか祭り花火大会)

August 21 (Sat) 19:00~20:30 If it rains, it will be on August 23(Mon).

Place : SDF Camp Katsuta ( 陸上自衛隊勝田駐屯地　Map)

Website : http://www.hcci.jp/navi/hitachinakaFES/

Boulangerie encuit (ブーランジェリー・アンキュイ)

2010-07-21T10:45:00.006+09:00

I went to a new bakery "Boulangerie encuit" in Inarimae. There was a gas station at the place formerly, but it is renewed as a good looking bread shop. I got some breads, everything is very delicious. Especially, I like croissant, and orange bread.. I forgot the name. I want to taste some other bread.

Boulangerie encuit

Map
Open : 9:00~19:30

Close : Tuesday

Tsukuba Wellness Park

2010-07-06T15:54:00.008+09:00

Tsukuba Wellness Park was opened on May 30th this year. It has 4 areas.
A area has swimming pool, training gym, hot bath. (weekday 10:00~/weekend 9:00~)
B area has soccer ground.
C area has lawn yard, sports field. It will be opened on October.
D area has dog run space for free. (weekday 10:00~/weekend 9:00~)

We went to A area,called "health plaza". Everything is new and clean. There are 25M pool,infant pool, and jacuzzi. Bringing float is banned, but you'll find some kick boards, and arm helpers there. My younger son is still wearing diaper, so he can just swim in the infant pool. The bad point is the pool's change room is separated from the hot bath's change room. So we had to put on the clothes after swimming, and go to the hot bath.The pool and hot bath are warmed using the heat of waste disposal, so they are not hot springs. I wish it were much cheaper..

Health Plaza

Map
Fee : Adult 700 yen, Children 3 year's old and over 400 yen, Senior 65 year's old and over 400 yen,
You can use swimming pool, training gym, hot bath. You should wear swimming cap in the pool, and put on inner shoes in the gym.

You don't have to be a member. Just buy a ticket, then you can use everything.
If you go there by bus, wait for a bus(テクノパーク大穂行き) at Tsukuba station bus terminal No.C 8. You will get off a bus at 上沢 (kamisawa), and walk to the Wellness Park for 10 minutes.

Website : http://www.tsukubawellnesspark.com/area-a.htm

blueberry picking in Tsuchiura

2010-06-29T16:25:00.005+09:00

Last week, we went to blueberry farm, Nakamura Nouen (中村農園) in Tsuchiura city. There are many kinds of blueberries in this farm, and they are grown without any use of pesticides. You can taste a lot, and choose your best blueberry.

Nakamura Nouen (中村農園)　Map

You might better to make an appointment before picking, the phone number is 029-841-3759.

Fee : junior school child ~ adult 500 yen

elementary school child 300 yen

kindergarten and under no charge!

If you buy some picked blueberries as a souvenir, it costs 200 yen per 100g .

Website : http://www.nakamura-nouen.com/index.htm

Akeno Genki Kan (あけの元気館)

2010-06-09T05:58:00.004+09:00

I was born in Nagano where is surrounded by mountains, and has many hot springs. Though I like hot springs, I thought it might be dangerous for my super active 2 boys, so I haven't been public bath for a long time. My Korean friend told me very nice place. It is a little far from tsukuba, it takes about 40 minutes by car. Akeno Genki Kan has many training machine, tatami-restaurant, 20m pool, infant pool and jacuzzi, sauna and bath in hot springs. If you go to the pool, you have to put swimming wear and cap, even if it is baby.If your child is in a diaper, it can't use the 20m pool, but can use the infant pool and jacuzzi, both are filled with hot springs. (it is not hot). You can bring float to these pools, so we enjoyed swimming and taking hot springs with family. After swimming, you take off the swimming wear, and take a bath in hot springs (it is hot!)which is separated for man and woman . It has sauna and outdoor bath, I will recommend the outdoor bath.

Akeno Genki Kan (あけの元気館)

茨城県筑西市新井新田48-1

Open : 10:00~ 22:00

Closed : 2nd and 4th Wednesday

Map

Fee : Adult 700 yen (If you have Ibaraki kids club card, it will be 600 yen.)

Child 300 yen ---3 year's old and over

You can check the photo in the website : http://www.city.chikusei.lg.jp/a-genki/index.html

English Garden

2010-06-03T06:17:00.004+09:00

I got rhythmic class information from the teacher Deborah-san. My friend Beebee recommended me the class before, so I'm so happy to get it and share the information!

English Garden

Do you want your child to learn music and have fun in English? The English Garden offers rhythmics for children 2-6. Sing, dance, play instruments, learn ABC's, phonics and more, all in English! No registration fee. 10,000 yen for 10 lessons. 30 minutes lesson/30 minutes free play.

Day	Time	Target
Wednesday	9:45~10:45	Children 1-2
Wednesday	10:50~11:50	Children 2-3
Thursday	9:45~10:45	Children 2-3
Thursday	10:50~11:50	Children 1-2
Saturday
Saturday	9:00~10:00	Children 4-6
Saturday Family Class
	10:00~	Children 0-6 and Parents
	*3rd-sibling free

English Gardenでは2歳から6歳のこどもたちのためにリズミックのレッスンを行っています。歌って、踊って、楽器を演奏しながらアルファベットやフォニックスなどをすべて英語で学ぶことができます。

入会金は無料です。

30分のレッスンと30分のフリープレイの時間があります。

レッスン料はチケット制です。10回分のチケット10000円を購入いただいております。

teacher : Deborah Murao

"Giving our Children the Keys to Success"
www.deborahmurao.com

This is a link to a song Deborah-san wrote and is now ON SALE at ITUNES
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-you-that-i-can-see-feat/id365877999?i=365878014

Map

Waku Waku Matsuri (わくわくまつり)

2010-05-26T04:28:00.004+09:00

Aozora preschool's Flea market (コロボックル＆あおぞら保育園　春バザー) will be held this weekend.

It seems to sell recycle clothes, toys, hand made stuff and food, drink...etc.
They have the games and activities for children.
The food is very nice, so it is better to go there before noon because they will be sold out. If you bring your plate, you can save 10 yen.
Have a nice weekend~!
Website : http://www010.upp.so-net.ne.jp/corobokl/
Day and Time : May 30th (Sun) 10:00〜13:00 If it rains, it will be held on June 13th (Sun).
Place : Chuou Park (中央公園), The festival is taking place at the yard in front of the Chuou Library (中央図書館).　Map

Bazaar in Takezono Kouen

2010-05-20T11:08:00.005+09:00

I got this information from BeeBee. Thank you!

"Spring Festa" on 23th May (sunday). at Takezono-Koen Map, near "Days Town"

from 10:30-12:30 (when it rains; at Takezono 3cho-me shu-kai-jo)

It is our bazaar, there would be many handmade goods and foods.

so please come and have lunch there. children can play, also

Latin Aerobicdance Class

2010-05-13T06:57:00.003+09:00

Venezuelan lady Gaby offers Latin Aerobicdance Class.

I have only had 4 lessons so far, but they were really fun!

Some mothers bring their children, and they enjoy dance with mothers. They are so cute.

Japanese rarely dance, so it is good chance for me to dance. Gaby said "Venezuelan people have danced since kindergarten, so everyone can dance." It's amazing!

Latin Aerobicdance

Day and Time : Saturday 10:30~11:30,

As it is not every Saturday, you'd better check the date on the website.

Website : http://www.mindspages.net/dance

Place : Capio 1F refresh room (リフレッシュルーム) Map

Fee : 700 yen/ 1 time, You can have trial lesson for 200 yen.

Bring your room sports shoes, towel, drink.

Power Yoga

2010-04-28T07:23:00.004+09:00

My friend told me a Yoga group activity which you can join with your child.

They accept any age of mothers & children. Beginners are welcomed. Mothers do Yoga and children play with toys around mothers.

Power Yoga

Day & Time: every Monday, 10:30~11:30

Place : shimana community center (島名公民館)　Map

Fee : 4000 yen/month

Bring your room shoes, towel, drink, Yoga mat or bath towel.

You can try 1 lesson for free.

Detail : yoshirenjer5(at)softbank(dot)ne(dot)jp

Elizabeth Art School

2010-04-23T11:47:00.006+09:00

The art teacher, Elizabeth offers the art school programs in English from May. It seems very fun, the tuition is reasonable. So if you and your friends are interested in art, please join it.

Elizabeth Art School

email : ebethsantiago(at)ymail(dot)com

つくば市二の宮2-14-16 Central 88, room 301 Map

You can park your car at Doho park's parking lot.

You will find the building easily, but it is a little difficult to reach the room 301. Go up the outside stairs, then you will find the blue door between 2 and 3 floor. Open the door, and go up the stairs, then you will find the room at the end of right side on 3F.

Art in English

英語で想像力を身につけます。基本的な線の描き方や色づかいを現代的アートスタイルの実践で学びます。Children learn creativity in English. Elizabeth will teach how to draw the basic line, color, in modern art practice.

For : elementary school children

Day & Time : Monday 16:00~17:30, or Monday 17:30~19:00

Fee : 4000 yen / month (4 times), Sometimes it needs material cost.

Parent-Child Diary

子供が描く絵について親子で会話し、親が文章を書き添えて、日記を創ります。日常英会話の正しい使い方の重要ポイントを学びます。Child will draw as it like, then the mother and child talk about the picture. Mother will make a journal about the picture every time. You can learn the point of daily English conversation.

For : 2, 3 year's old children and mothers, Wednesday 10:00~11:00

For : 4,5 year's old children and mothers, Wednesday 15:00~16:00

Fee : 4000 yen / month (4 times)

My Notebook

英語の会話や文章、簡単なスケッチなどを通して自分の好きなテーマを表現します。最終的に一冊の本にまとめます。You will express the favorite theme through English conversation & sentences and simple sketch. All works of art will be one book.

For : adults

Day & Time : Wednesday 11:00~12:00, or Friday 19:00~20:00

Fee : 1000 yen each time

Free Expressions/想像力をつける基礎英語のフリートーク

アートや音楽、日常のトピックなどをテーマに基本的な英会話で気軽にトークします。You will enjoy conversation in basic English under the theme of art, music, and the topic of the everyday life.

I got an email from elizabeth, about this class. ↓See below.

We had Van Gogh last time during which we did a lecture/discussion of Van Gogh's life, works, style and thinking. Then everyone did a painting adopting Van Gogh's style. This allows everyone to experience and understand the artist more.

We'll start regular class 10 May.

Next 'Free Expressions' class we'll feature MIRO. As usual I prepared a lecture presentation on which we can discuss about the artist. Then everyone will make a WIRE SCULPTURE using MIRO's art principle and style.

For : adults

Day & Time : Monday 10:00~11:00, or Friday 18:00~19:00

Fee : 1000 yen each time

Basic Pencil Drawing

えんぴつ画の初心者コース。材料の選び方、基本的な線や形の描き方、明暗などを学びます。It is the basic class of pencil drawing. You will learn how to choose the materials, how to draw the basic line, shape, and tone.

For : adults

Day & Time : Tuesday 13:00~14:30, or Tuesday 14:30~16:00

Fee : 1000 yen each time

All above classes will be taught in English by Elizabeth, and will start from May 10.

Consult her if you wish other day and time, or private lesson.

One more class....

Basic Japanese Course

日本語の初心者コース。日本語と英語で教えます。

Japanese and English will be used for learning.

For : adults

Day & Time : Thursday 10:00~11:00

Fee : 500 yen each time

The teacher is a Japanese.

Learning English with your child (Kozure-English:子連れEnglish)

2010-04-14T05:53:00.011+09:00

Fei told me a very nice English class which is called Kozure-English. I have joined the intermediate class since February. All members are mothers who keep learning English. Most of them are taking their children to the class, and the children play with their toys. Many of mothers had been abroad or wants to go abroad. The teacher is a Filipino woman who is so sweet, I like her very much. If you interested in the class, you can try one lesson for 500 yen.

Kozure- English (子連れEnglish)

Day and Time : every Friday, each class time will change every 4 months.

2010 April~

10:00~10:45 Intermediate (No2)

10:55 ~ 11:40 High level (No1)

11:50~ 12:30 Beginner (No3)

Fee : 2000 yen / month　

Place : Kasuga Kouminkan, Japanese tatami room (春日公民館、和室) Map

Website : http://www2.accsnet.ne.jp/~jogwalk/english.html

Contact : reiyuikeichan(at)docomo(dot)ne(dot)jp

or Me : tsukubamom(at)gmail(dot)com

Tsukuba International School

2010-04-07T04:28:00.017+09:00

Tsukuba International School (TIS) was founded in 1992, as a non profit organization. The school building was renewed and opened in 2007. Shaney-san who is an administrator of this school showed me around.

She is also a member of International Women's Network and one of the editor of Tsukublog, and Alien Times. Her work is so great that I respect her very much, it was nice chance for me to look around the school and to see her also.

The school is originally elementary school, and the preschool was opened on September 2009 near the school yard. Additionally, the junior high school will be opened on September 2010. The school building is made of wood, classrooms are bright and cozy.

Children can learn not only usual curriculum, but also music, art, computer ..etc. The 6 core teachers are native English speakers who are certified.

TIS has the open day almost every month, so you can look around and feel warm, nice atmosphere.

←school yard &

preschool (below)

Tsukuba International School

Map

Elementary school

Website : http://tis.ac.jp/

School time : 8:30~15:05

School bus is available. Children take their lunch box every day.

Children :

grade1 - 7 people

grade2 - 10 people

grade3 - 11 people

grade4/5 - 8 people

grade6/7 - 6 people

tuition

There is no after school and summer school for others, I mean for not members.

Preschool

Website : http://www.tsukubapreschool.org/

There are 9 children in the preschool, and 1 native-English teacher, 1 Japanese nursery teacher. The capacity is 14 children.

Preschool time : 8:30~15:05

tuition

Nitori (ニトリ) opened

2010-03-31T06:03:00.009+09:00

Furniture and daily-goods shop Nitori opened in Tsukuba on March 19. Map

It is my favorite shop because everything is very reasonable price, like IKEA.

Nitori (ニトリ)

weekday 11:00~20:00

Sat, Sun, National holiday 10:00~20:00

Website : http://www.nitori.co.jp/index.html

Many shops are under construction around Kenkyu-Gakuen station, so I will pick up sweets shops and cafe later~.

Skating in iias

2010-03-21T05:44:00.004+09:00

We went to iias Tsukuba yesterday, there is a small skating rink in the mall. The rink is made from plastic panel, so it is not cold and your child doesn't get wet. My 5 year's-old son did skating for the first time, and he needed my help at first. After some minutes, he could enjoy skating by himself. Parents of 4 and 5 year's old can (should) enter the rink putting on prepared sandals with no charge.　Try it~!

Day & Time : March 20 (sat)~28 (sun)

weekday 12:00~17:00

Sat, Sun, National holiday 11:00~17:00

The skating rink is for the children aged 4~12 year's old.

Fee : 300 yen including shoes, helmet, grove, protector

You can enjoy skating for 15 minutes.

Place : iias Tsukuba 1 F

Tsukuba Football Club

2010-03-07T07:48:00.007+09:00

My 5 year's old son enjoys the foot ball class once a week.

Tsukuba Football Club (つくばＦＣ)
Website : http://www.tsukuba-fc.com/
Kids class 4~6 year's old (U-6)
Tuesday at Challenge stadium 16:00~17:00
Wednesday at ABC futsal space 15:00~16:00
Thursday at Challenge stadium 16:00~17:00
Friday at ABC futsal space 15:00~16:00
Saturday at Tsukuba Gakuin University (筑波学院大学) yard 12:00~13:00
Map

There are some other classes, you can check the schedule on the website.
http://www.tsukuba-fc.com/annai.html
Junior class 7~12 year's old(U-8, U-10, U-12)
Girls in elementary school
Adults 16~

Map in Japanese

Fee: In the case of kids class, once a week
2100 yen + facility costs 1050 yen = 3150 yen / month
annual equipment costs 5250 yen is needed at the first of the year.

If you interested in the football club,
Email : staff(at)tsukuba-fc(dot)com
TEL: 029-859-2677

Here is the information of the Tsukuba FC event coming up soon!

Tsukuba FC Festival
Date & Time : March 21 (Sun) 13:00~
Place : Doho park field
Fee : 1000 yen / person
Website : http://www.tsukuba-fc.com/event/FCFestival2010.html
The event is for all the age loving football. It doesn't matter you are a member or not.
You can enjoy several football games and exercise.
If you want to join the event, it is better to register in advance. But you can come on the day without register.
Email : event(at)tsukuba-fc.com
Write name, how old, address, tel, and which you are a member or not.
TEL : 029-859-2677

Ninomiya House Evening Forum

2010-03-03T06:02:00.020+09:00

Ninomiya House Evening Forum is held every month, and the theme is sometimes interesting for me.
I had wanted to join it, but my son was too little. Now, he grows up, and I started to join the forum again.
It has free child care service, so if you want to use it, let it know in advance. The light meal is very nice, and I can see some friends there. It refreshes me!

Ninomiya House Evening Forum
You can check the date and time on the website every month.
You need register in advance. Click "Please register from here " on the website.
Website : http://www.jsthouse.com/news/evening_forum.html
Place : ninomiya house 9F Map

2 Day Cares will open

2010-02-24T04:40:00.007+09:00

2 authorized private Day Cares will be opened on April.

Vivian gave me this information, thank you very much!

Katsuragi Daini Day Care (かつらぎ第２保育園)

Tel : 856-1016

Open : 7:15~19:15

Capacity : 60 children

Aoioka Day Care (青い丘保育園) Tsukuba & Ninomiya

Tel : 948-3266

Open : 7:30~19:00

Capacity : 120 children

Website : http://www.s-seikyu.com/hoiku/gaiyou.html

Map of Day Cares

How to apply

Obstetrics and Gynecology

2010-02-15T18:37:00.008+09:00

I picked up the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics that the doctor speaks A or B level in English, and any level in other languages. I will write other branches of medicine (internal medicine, pediatrics) later.
The source of the information:
Ibaraki Medicine Information(いばらき医療機関情報ネット)

A: The doctor speaks the language fluently
B:The doctor can understand everyday conversation
C:The doctor can communicate by a picture and a few words

Map of the all Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetrics

Shoji Sanhujinka Shounika Iin (庄司産婦人科小児科医院) English A

Address : つくば市谷田部１５６２

Tel : 029-836-0405

Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat (9:00-12:30, 14:00-17:00) Sun (9:00-12:30)

Closed : Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday

Web site : http://www.komi2.com/shojiclinic/

more detail : http://tsukubamom.blogspot.com/2007/12/obstetrics-and-gynecology3.html

Nanairo Ladies’ Clinic (なないろレディースクリニック) English B, French B

Address : つくば市西大沼６３７－６

Tel : 029-860-7716

Open : Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri (9:00-12:00, 15:00-18:00) Sat (9:00-12:00)

Closed : Wednesday, Sunday, National Holiday

Website : http://www.nanairo.or.jp/

more detail : http://tsukubamom.blogspot.com/2008/07/nanairo-ladies-clinic.html

Matsubara Women's Clinic (まつばらウィメンズクリニック) English B
Address : 稲敷郡阿見町荒川本郷２０１８−７
Tel: 029-830-5151
Open : Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri (9:30-12:30, 14:00-17:00) Wed, Sat (9:30-12:30)
Closed : Sunday, National Holiday

Website : http://www.happy-mw.com/

more detail : http://tsukubamom.blogspot.com/2008/01/matsubara-womens-clinic.html

You can give birth at Tsukuba Gakuen Hospital

and Tsukuba University Hospital as well.

I heard the doctors speak some English in both hospital, but the staff can't speak English in Gakuen Hospital. If you go to the University Hospital, you need a referral letter.

Now, city gives you money 420000 yen after you give birth, but it can't cover all of the giving birth cost. You should pay about 1000 yen each pregnant check up even if you show the ticket, and you need 550000~600000 yen to admission and give birth.

Gynecology
Maejima Ladies' Clinic (前島レディースクリニック) English C but the doctor's wife who is midwife can speak some English.
Address : つくば市松代４−１０−１２
Tel : 029-859-0726
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat (9:30-12:30, 15:00-19:00)
Closed : Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
web site : http://www1.ttcn.ne.jp/~maejima-L-clinic/

Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital(筑波メディカルセンター病院)

Address : つくば市天久保１−３−１

Tel :029- 851-3511

Open :8:30~11:30

Closed : Sat, Sun, National Holiday

Website : http://www.tmch.or.jp/center/index.html#none

There are two Gynecology doctors, and both can speak some English. If you like female doctor, you can choose Dr. Nozue. If you don't have a referral, it costs 1050 yen.

City Chat Cafe

2010-02-03T05:27:00.009+09:00

It has been almost 1 year since this international exchange meeting started.
City Chat Cafe is organized by Tsukuba University, and you can communicate with Tsukuba citizen in English or Japanese. If you can't speak English or Japanese fluently, don't worry. There are some language supporters.
I haven't been there because I have little children, but I heard 90% participants are Japanese. I think it is good opportunity to make Japanese friends, and to ask Japanese life.
The cafe is held 1 or 2 times a month. There is no charge for entry, and no reservation is needed.
Next cafe will be open on Feb. 14th (Sun) 2010, 14:00~16:00
at LALA Club in LALA Garden Map

place of LALA Club: http://www.lalagarden-tsukuba.com/floor/index.html
Website : http://www.sakura.cc.tsukuba.ac.jp/~icafe/index.html

You can bring your kids even he/she is under elementary school.
This is the notes about the children↓

Chidren are very welcome at City Chat Cafe but there are a few rules.

・City chat cafe is not an educational activity for children. There will be staff present to play with the children but they are not responsible for them. Please make sure they are always in your sight.

・Children up to and including elementary school are welcome to join our staff for games.

・Once the children have joined the group, they need to stay there and should not wander the room.

・Please make sure your child is well before joining the cafe. If your child is sick, they cannot join the cafe.

・We have a small collection of activities for the children. Please use them in the cafe and use them carefully.

Rental Farm

2010-01-22T05:25:00.010+09:00

I'm interested in growing up vegetables, so I had been looking for rental farm. At last, we found some near iias Tsukuba. See the Map. You can see Yoshiwara Farm, Gakuen Farm 1,2,3,4, Arai Farm.

The rental fee is

5 坪 (5tsubo*=16.5m2) 5000 yen / year

10坪 (10tsubo*=33m2)9600 yen / year　

(*1 tsubo means width of 2 Tatamis = 3.3 m2) I rented 5 tsubo, it is about 5 steps long and 5 steps wide with my legs.

The farm has water well that you can wash your hands and vegetables anytime, and you can use shovel, spade, other agricultural equipment for free. There is a very experienced coach in Yoshiwara Farm, he is 80 years old, and a specialist of organic farming. I sometimes ask him how to do and what vegetables is good to plant.

If you have some questions call or e-mail to Taniguchi san. He is a coordinator of the farm.

e-mail : taniguchi(at)y7.dion.ne.jp

Tel : 029-846-5080
His Blog : http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/familynouen

Wonder REX second hand shop

2010-01-08T11:47:00.009+09:00

Dear Japanese & International Friends

Happy New Year! I hope all your family will spend happy life this year, too.

My second son still drinks breast milk, and he wakes up 2 or 3 times at night. I have poor sleep every day. He is 16 months, so my objective this year is " Quit Breast Feeding".

I forgot to write about one more good second hand shop last time.

Wonder REX

It was new opened on December 18th last year.

You can sell and buy clothes, toys, and other living ware.

I bought some children's clothes, they are relatively clean, and look good.

Go and take a look. Map

To buy baby goods

2009-11-27T14:16:00.007+09:00

You can buy baby goods at these shops.

Akachan Honpo (アカチャンホンポ) at LALA garden 2F

Map

Web site : http://www.akachan.jp/

http://shop.akachan.jp/shopping/c/c

Nishimatsuya (西松屋)　

My friend calls it "rabit shop", you can see the mark of rabit.

Map

Web site : http://www.24028.jp/

Babiesurus (ベビーザらス) at iias Tsukuba 3F

Map

Web site :http://www.toysrus.co.jp/b/index.html

Jusco (ジャスコ) at Tsuchiura AEON

It sells toys and clothes on 3F.

Map

Web site : http://www.aeon.jp/sc/tsuchiura/

If you don't mind second hand goods,

Kid's Mart 10:00~18:00

Map
It has not only clothes, but also toys, stroller, shoes, bed..etc.
Close: Wednesday

Tsukuba Recycle Market 11/29

2009-11-26T06:11:00.003+09:00

Recycle Market will be held on November 29 (Sun) 10:00〜14:00.
Place : Chuou Park (中央公園)　Map
You can buy second hand clothes, daily goods,etc for reasonable price.
Don't miss it!
Web site : http://homepage3.nifty.com/AKIMOTO/recycle/recycle.htm

The flea market is held 4 times a year, so check this website.

Flea Market 11/22

2009-11-19T05:51:00.004+09:00

Aozora preschool's Flea market (コロボックル＆あおぞら保育園ワクワクフェスティバル) is taking place this weekend.

It seems to sell recycle clothes, toys, hand made stuff and food, drink...etc.
It has the games and activities for children. My family went there last year, it was really fun. My son wouldn't leave for a while. The food is very nice, so it is better to go there before noon because they are sold out.
Day and Time : November 22 (Sun) 10:00〜13:00
Place : Chuou Park (中央公園)　Map

Mr.Musipan

2009-11-09T06:23:00.005+09:00

I found that a new steamed bread shop opened near Kasumi in Takezono.

I bought some, and the price was 140~200 yen.

It tastes good, but the price is kind of high? Try it.

Map

Tsukuba Malathon for you and children's health

2009-11-04T06:39:00.009+09:00

These are 2 types of Tsukuba marathon.

29th Tsukuba marathon

Date and Times : November 22 (Sun) 2009, 9:30~

group1 : 42.195 km

group2 : 10km

You can register in the inter net by November 7.

http://runnet.jp/runtes/raceDetail/top/t11616.html

The first entry was closed, and you can apply second entry, the fee is 6500 yen for group1, and 6000 yen for group 2.

17th Tsukuba healthy marathon

Date and Times : February 6 (Sat) 2010, 8:00~

Place : athletics stadium in the Tsukuba college campus

elementary 3,4 grade 2km

elementary 5,6 grade 3km

junior high school 5km

high school, and adult 5km

senior (from age 40) 5km

family (1parent and elementary 1,2 grade child run together) 2km

Fee : elementary and junior high 300 yen, high school~500 yen

How to apply : Submit the application form by mail. Your entry must arrive by December 14.

http://www1.city.tsukuba.ibaraki.jp/dl/file/1173_1.pdf

Mail to

〒300-2642高野1197-20

つくば市教育委員会事務局

スポーツ振興課(大会事務局)

Tsukuba Industrial & Agricultural product festival

2009-10-21T12:05:00.008+09:00

Date & Time : October 24 (Sat) , 25 (Sun) 10:00~16:00
Place : Tsukuba Capio, Oshimizu Park (大清水公園 ) Map

You might see a dinosaur robot " Tyrannosaurus "
and mental commitment robot "PARO" which is modeled after a baby harp seal.
You can also enjoy other industrial exhibition.

Event
Making a key holder
Making a scale, eco crafts
quiz

They sell fresh vesitable,Tsukuba's tasty bread, ice cream, cookie, etc..

6th Tsukuba Industrial & Agricultural product Festival file

Hiraiso coast (平磯海岸) and Hitachi Kaihin Park(ひたち海浜公園)

2009-10-14T05:13:00.008+09:00

A friend of mine told me that there is good point to find fossil. The place is Hiraiso coast (平磯海岸 ). The coast was the ocean floor in the Cretaceous (dinosaur) period, and raised above sea level. So it is 80-million-year-old layer. Many ammonite fossils were discovered in the stratum.
We looked for fossil, but we didn't know which is which. So we enjoyed the 80-million-year-old atmosphere, and picked up uncommon stone.

After lunch, we went to Hitachi Kaihin Park (ひたち海浜公園). It is very big places that children love, such as amusement parks, water site, flower parks.
website: http://www.ktr.mlit.go.jp/kaihin/

On the way home, we stopped by Nakaminato fish market that you can see and eat　freshly-caught fish.
Nakaminato fish market website: http://www.hitachinaka-sa.com/kankou-osakanaitiba1.html
There is big Aquarium near the site, I 'm sure children love it, too.
Oarai Aquarium website : http://www.aquaworld-oarai.com/
Map(Hiraiso coast, Hitachi Kaihin park, Nakaminato fish market, and Oarai Aquarium)

Many Events this weekend

2009-10-06T07:00:00.006+09:00

Tsukuba Style Event 2009（つくばスタイル縁日）
October 10(Sat), 11(Sun) 10:00~ at Katsuragi Chiku Park (葛城地区公園) --the south side of Kenkyu Gakuen station Map

Tsukuba city's artists and workers will hold the festival. There are some market of crafts and food, and some shows. You can experience the solar energy cooking, hand weaving, and making some crafts. It has the demonstration of Japanese harp, dance, etc....
My son goes to a soccer class, Tsukuba Football Club. The coach said they will have the food stall of rice dumpling (だんご) with green tea for 200 yen. Please go and get it.
There will be made bamboo tunnel from Kenkyu Gakuen station to the park, I want to see it!
Website

Tsukuba University Festival
October 10 (Sat), 11 (Sun), 12 (Mon)
They will have some shows, flea market, food stall.
I haven't been there, so I can't tell the atmosphere. Take a look at the pictures.
List of shows and food stall.
I want to be there at least once!　　Map

iias Medical Court 1 year event
October 12 (Mon) 11:00~15:30
Free medical check
・bone density・age of vessel・age of lung
・visual acuity・ocular pressure・dry eye check
・dental caries check・breath odor check
500 yen check
・LDL cholesterol
・HDL cholesterol
・ratio between LDL and HDL
・Pro-BNP -----the blood test shows the risk of cardiac disease

The nearest parking lot is B or C.

Koga Navel Park

2009-09-30T11:09:00.016+09:00

Hi, everyone! How are you? My second son started to walk lately, so I have to watch him more carefully. It is a little tough, but I'm so happy to see children's growth.

Recently, we went to Koga Navel Park (古河ネーブルパーク). Map
It is about 90 minutes drive from Tsukuba on Route 354.
You can see fishing hole in the park. The cost is 300 yen for my son (5 years) to rent all of fishing equipment, including fishing rod, dough bait, and net. You might catch a big carp. I can tell one secret, the carps like "ebisen" which is children's snack, tastes shrimp. So don't forget to take it.
We got a 30 cm carp, and released it. My son was so excited.

Next, you can ride a horse for 100 yen, and play at the equipment. There is wide field, so we played soccer, and took lunch.

After lunch, we went to Kougeikan (工芸館) in the park. You can paint dish, or cup, or coin bank. My son choose money-welcoming cat (maneki-neko招き猫) coin bank. The staff prepared the paint, so you can draw as you like. After you finished, the staff will bake pottery, and send it to you. All charge was 1600 yen.

Try it! Saturday & Sunday 9:00~11:00, 13:00~15:00

There is Athletic field and maze under the ground near Kougeikan. That was also wonderful space.
You can also stay at the cabin and have BBQ.

Website : http://www.koga-kousya.or.jp/navelpark/index.htm

Psychiatric & Psychosomatic Clinics

2009-09-11T10:12:00.001+09:00

I picked up the Psychiatric & Psychosomatic Clinics that the doctor speaks A or B level in English, and any level in other languages. I don't write the general hospital because there are many doctor, and I don't know who has the language skill. I will write other branches of medicine (internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, mental clinic...) soon.
The source of the information:
Ibaraki Medicine Information(いばらき医療機関情報ネット)

A: The doctor speaks the language fluently
B:The doctor can understand everyday conversation
C:The doctor can communicate by a picture and a few words

Map of the psychiatric clinics & psychosomatic medicine

Stress Care Tsukuba Clinic (ストレスケアつくばクリニック) English A , TaiwaneseA
Address : つくば市竹園１−４−１　南３パークビル１Ｆ
Open : Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri (9:30〜13:00,14:30〜16:30, 17:00~19:00)
Sat (9:30〜13:00, 14:30~16:30 )
Close :Wednesday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-863-2888
Website : http://www.s-tsukuba.com

Ogura Naika (小倉内科)　English B
Address : つくば市東２−４−１４
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri (8:30〜11:45,14:30〜17:45) Sat (8:30〜11:45, 14:30~16:45 )
Close :Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-852-0777

Shihou-no mori Clinic (紫峰の森クリニック)　English B
Address : つくば市島名４７２−１
Open : Mon~Fri (9:00〜12:30,14:00〜17:30) Sat (9:00〜12:00, 13:30~15:30)
Close :Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-848-2348
Website : http://macrobiotic-clinic.com/

Ami Premium Outlets

2009-09-08T06:22:00.004+09:00

Finally, we went to Ami Premium Outlets. It is 40 minutes drive on R 408. It is very beautiful shopping site.
You can see the shop list here→http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/ami/brands/floor_map.php

I was going to "take a walk, just take a look", but you can't.
Once I saw the price tag, I couldn't stop thinking " I should buy ".
In the end, we got a lot of items...What a dangerous place! Ushiku Daibutu (牛久大仏) was just standing and watching us...

We took lunch at food gallery. We ate Thai restaurant "Keawjai"' rice noodle, and Ichiya's ra-men noodle. Both were so nice.
Enjoy shopping and food!

map
Website : http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/ami/

Ushiku Mirai Eco Festival (うしくみらいエコフェスタ)０９

2009-08-20T17:12:00.004+09:00

The festival place is the gymnastic hall of the Ushiku Athletic Park. Map
Date: August 23 (Sun) 10:00~15:30
There will be some shows of Precure, and science, and dance..
And you can make some crafts like postcard, Eco bag, candle.
Your child might get a toy or have the broken toy fixed. Take your children's broken toy.
You can buy some clothes and daily goods and furniture at flea market, and buy some food (shaved ice, fried noodle, curry..) and juice.
Web site :http://www.ushikujc.com/2009/eco09web/top/top/eco-top.html
Take your slippers, and chopsticks/fork with you.

Birthday Cake For Babies

2009-08-16T07:15:00.008+09:00

Sweets shop Kyu-Getsu (久月) has the service for 0~6 months babies.
They present birthday cake for free. The cake is 15 cm in diameter, valued at 1200 yen.
Mother or other family member needs to bring mother-child note (母子手帳) to the shop, and fill out the application. You can get the cake 2 days later.

Kyu-Getsu (久月)
Map
Website : http://www.kyugetsu.jp/coupon/index.html
tel : 029-821-2035

picture book cafe (えほんワールドカフェ)

2009-08-13T07:18:00.008+09:00

We went to Ehon World Cafe (えほんワールドカフェ) in AEON shopping center 3F.
The cafe is next to CINEMA SUNSHINE.
You can enjoy reading picture books with some food and drinks.

We ordered "service set" 5oo yen,including small juice,and you can choose 1 big bread or 7 kinds of small bread, and main dish (from hamburger, fried chicken, fried shrimp, sausage).

We took 7 kinds of bread and a hamburger.
Too many breads?

えほんワールドカフェ
Website : http://www.aeon.jp/sc/tsuchiura/gourmet/29.html

Ninomiya House Summer Festival 2009

2009-08-09T05:42:00.005+09:00

Last year, Anna-san told me this festival, so my family went there.
It was so nice festival,we could enjoy music, Japanese drum, and there were many interesting international food and snack.
At that time, some Japanese was making soba noodle on the spot, and we could eat freshly-made soba! I'm not sure they are planning to make soba noodle this year, but anyway, every food is so nice and interesting. I met some friends there, and could talk. We had very good time. Don't miss it!

Ninomiya House Summer Festival
August 21 (Fri ) 6:00pm ~ 8:30pm
You can enjoy : Bon Dance, Japanese Drum Performance, Rock Concert,
Stalls selling many different international cuisines

http://www.jsthouse.com/summerfestival.pdf
Print out an admission ticket on the website, and fill out in advance.
Give the admission ticket to a receptionist when you come to the festival.

Fireworks Events 2009

2009-08-01T07:37:00.002+09:00

There are some fireworks events in Ibaraki. Many many people are expected to come to each event, and sometimes the roads are blocked. So it is better to use public transportation. If you go by car, please check the parking lot and blocked road.
Take your friends and family, and enjoy!

Mito Koumon Festival (水戸黄門まつり)
"Mito Koumon" is the hiro in Mito. He was the lord of Mito and supported shogun in 17th century.The festival's origin is Tanabata or Star festival, but it was named after Mito's hero later.

August 7(Fri) ~9(Sun)
Fireworks : August 7, 19:30~ 21:00 at Senba lake in Mito city (Map) It is near Kairakuen(偕楽園) station.
You can see 4,300 fireworks. There are over 330,000 visitors every year.
Laura posted comment, the fireworks was rained out. They will have it next week on August 14. Same time, same place.
Web site: http://www.mitokoumon.com/maturi/koumon/koumon.html
Pictures : http://www.mitokoumon.com/maturi/koumon/koumon03.html
You can see the parade of Mito Koumon on on August 8 and 9.

Koga Fireworks Festival (古河花火大会)
August 1(Sat) 19:10 ~ 20:40 at Koga Golf Links.The place is a public golf course. You can see 15,000 fireworks. There are over 300,000 visitors every year.
Web site : http://www.kogakanko.jp/topic/hanabi/index.html
Map and parking
If you go by train, you can get JR Utsunomiya Line (ＪＲ宇都宮線) and get off at Koga station (古河駅), or get Toubu-Nikkou Line (東武日光線) and get off at Shin-Koga station (新古河駅).

Twin Ring Motegi Fireworks Festival (ツインリンクもてぎ　花火の祭典)
August 14 (Fri) 19:20~20:00 at Twin Ring Motegi. The place is the circuit. You need to buy a entrance ticket for 2000 yen / Adult in advance , and 500 yen/ Child. You can get a ticket on the inter net or by phone ( TEL:0285-64-0080). You can see 12,000 fireworks. There are over 35,000 visitors every year.
Web site : http://www.mobilityland.co.jp/fireworks/
Access: http://www.mobilityland.co.jp/access_m/
Map of the circuit : http://www.mobilityland.co.jp/map_m/

Jousou Kinu River Fireworks Festival (常総きぬ川花火大会)
August 29 (Sat) 19:00~20:20 at Hashimoto Athletic Park (橋本運動公園 Map). You can see 7,000 fireworks. There are over 95,000 visitors every year.
Web site : http://www.rurubu.com/season/summer/hanabi/detail.asp?SozaiNo=080001

Kashima City Fireworks Festival (鹿嶋市花火大会)
August 29 (Sat) 19:30~21:00 at Kitaura Lake (北浦湖 Map). You can see 9,000 fireworks. There are over 210,000 visitors every year.
Web site :http://www.sopia.or.jp/kashima-kanko/news.html#02
http://www.city.kashima.ibaraki.jp/info/detail.php?no=3419
You can take fee shuttle bus from JR Kashima Jingu Station (ＪＲ鹿島神宮駅前) and Kashima soccer stadium parking lot B (カシマサッカースタジアムＢ駐車場). Bus time to the lake 17:00~19:30, return bus 20:30~21:30

Japan Fireworks Competitions in Tsutsiura City (土浦全国花火競技大会)
October 3(Sat) 18:00~20:30 around Gakuen Oohashi (学園大橋 Map). You can see 20,000 fireworks. There are over 800,000 visitors every year.
Web site : http://tsuchiura-hanabi.jp/

Lake Side Tsukuba

2009-07-27T05:42:00.004+09:00

We went to the "Lake Side Tsukuba" swimming pool. It has running water pool, 2 big slide, and infant pool. The entrance fee is a little bid expensive, but it is not so crowded, I felt very confortable. My two sons, 10months boy and 4 years boy enjoyed running water pool very much. Take your float and beach ball if you have.

Lake Side Tsukuba Map
Open : 9:00~17:00 July 18~ August 31 It is closed on a rainy day.
Fee : Adult 900 yen, elementary and junior high schoolers 500 yen, kids 3 years and older : 300 yen
website : http://www.lakeside-tsukuba.e-tsukuba.jp/index.htm

dermatology clinic

2009-07-10T10:25:00.004+09:00

I picked up the Dermatology Clinics that the doctor speaks A or B level in English, and any level in other languages. I don't write the general hospital because there are many doctor, and I don't know who has the language skill. I will write other branches of medicine (internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, mental clinic...) soon.
The source of the information:
Ibaraki Medicine Information(いばらき医療機関情報ネット)

A: The doctor speaks the language fluently
B:The doctor can understand everyday conversation
C:The doctor can communicate by a picture and a few words

Map of the dermatology clinics

Sakuma Hihuka Clinic (さくま皮フ科クリニック)　English B
Address : つくば市研究学園Ｄ１４街区１５画地
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri (9:00〜12:00,14:30〜17:30) Sat (9:00〜12:00 )
Closed :Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-863-2033
Website : http://www.saphia-clinic.com/index.html

Higashi Gekanaika Iin (ひがし外科内科医院)　English B
The doctor is a specialist of emergency medical care. So he treats internal medicine, trauma, pediatrics, and dermatology.
Address : つくば市東２−２６−１６
Open : Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri (8:00〜11:30,15:30〜17:30) Wed, Sat ( 8:00〜11:30)
Sun (15:30〜17:30)
Closed :National Holiday
TEL：029-856-7070
Website : http://nttbj.itp.ne.jp/0298567070/index.html

Tsukuba cityia-bldg Hihuka (つくばシティアビル皮フ科)　English B
Address : つくば市吾妻２−８−８　つくばシティアビル３階
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri (8:45〜13:00,14:45〜18:00) Sat (8:45〜13:00 )
Closed :Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-856-5515
Website : http://nttbj.itp.ne.jp/0298565515/index.html

Yuukali Iin (ユーカリ医院 )　English B,　French C,　German C
The doctor treats internal medicine, trauma, pediatrics, and dermatology.
Address : つくば市大井正円塚１６２２番地３、４
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat (9:00〜13:00,15:00〜18:00)
Closed :Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-874-1531
Website : http://www.yuukali.com/

Takezono Hihuka Iin (竹園皮膚科医院)　English A
Lucy recommends this clinic. She said they have the forms in English and the doctor spoke good English and was friendly.
Address : つくば市竹園３−２１−３ Takezono shopping center 2F.
Open : Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri (9:30〜12:30,15:00〜18:00) Sat (9:30〜13:00 )
Closed :Wednesday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-852-1221
Website : http://www.citydo.com/prf/ibaraki/guide/sg/170000881.html

new Day-Care center opened

2009-07-02T06:26:00.011+09:00

new day-care centers were opened this year.

Bambino Kan (バンビーノ館 ) 　Map
This is a private day-care which was opened on this April. It has no yard, but provides the service for 24 hours every day. It has the kitchen to make each child's lunch. I think it is helpful for working mother.
children : 3months~ 6years

monthly contract
entrance fee 10000 yen
weekdays 7:30 ~ 18:30
0 years 36000 yen (3 times/ week) 42000 yen (4 / week) 47000 yen (5 / week)
1~2 years 32000 yen (3 / week) 38000 yen (4 / week) 43000 yen (5 / week)
3 years 30000 yen (3 / week) 36000 yen (4 times / week) 41000 yen (5 / week)
over 4 years 26000 yen (3 / week) 32000 yen (4 / week) 37000 yen (5 / week)
It is needed extra money for lunch & snack.

temporary day-care
entrance fee 4050 yen
7:30 ~ 18:30 18:30~ 500 yen/ 30min
0 years　 1000 yen (per hour ) 10500 yen (1 day )
1~2 years 800 yen (per hour ) 8400 yen (1 day )
3 years 700 yen (per hour ) 7300 yen (1 day )
over 4 years 600 yen (per hour ) 6300 yen (1 day )
500 yen/ 30min (18:30~)

Website : http://www.bambinokan.com/

Swine Flu

2009-06-21T06:56:00.007+09:00

It is reported 3 cases of swine flu in Ibaraki, 2 cases are Tsukuba citizen.
Wash your hands well, gargle after returning home.

If you have high fever, consult to
Tsukuba Health Center (つくば保健所) 029-851-9287 (9:00~17:00 ) or
Ibaraki kenchou Hoken Yobou ka (茨城県庁保健予防課)　029-301-4001 (24 hours )

If you have some question about swine flu , call
029-857-9034 (promotion of health departmentー健康増進課-kenkou zoushin ka)
029-857-3931 (Sakura Health Center 桜保健センター)
029-838-1100 (Yatabe Health Center 谷田部保健センター)
029-864-7841 (Oho Health Center　大穂保健センター)

AEON Tsuchiura shopping center

2009-06-15T10:04:00.010+09:00

We finally went to the AEON Tsuchiura shopping center (イオン土浦ショッピングセンター) which was new opened on May 28. I was so surprised that it was very big, and has many shops. Map

First of all, we looked around 3rd floor, and found Crystal World which sells fossil & beautiful natural stone. My son was amazed the triceratops's leg fossil and many shell's fossil. My father in low likes natural stone, so each of us chose "my interesting stone" for father's day.

Then, we went to food court and game & amusement place. My son enjoyed the Animal Kaiser game, and I & baby took a rest with tapioca tea. There are baby goods, kid's clothes, toy shops around amusement place, so it is very convenient for family.
We took lunch at food court, there is play space, so my boys played there waiting food.

We went to first floor, there are Disney store, Body shop, Mujirushi Ryouhin (無印良品) store etc... Mujirushi store has some children's clothes and toys. Have a look!
My friend recommended me socks store "Kutsusitaya (靴下屋)". She said she loves socks and there are many socks in the shop. I have to go there next time.

Eye Clinic

2009-06-06T04:06:00.005+09:00

I picked up the Eye Clinics which the doctor speaks A or B level in English, and any level in other languages. I don't write the general hospital because there are many doctor, and I don't know who has the language skill. I will write other branches of medicine (internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, mental clinic...) soon.
The source of the information: Ibaraki Medicine Information(いばらき医療機関情報ネット)

A: The doctor speaks the language fluently
B:The doctor can understand everyday conversation
C:The doctor can communicate by a picture and a few words

Map of the eye clinics

Kouno Ganka (こうの眼科)　English B
Address : つくば市梅園２−８−１７
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri (9:00〜12:30,15:00〜17:30) Sat (9:00〜12:30 )
Closed :Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-855-2222

Nagasawa Ganka (長沢眼科)　English B
Address : つくば市西岡２５２
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri , Sat (9:00〜12:00,15:00〜17:30 )
Closed :Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-851-1116

Sakura Ganka Clinic (さくら眼科クリニック)　English B
Address : つくば市妻木１４２４番地
Open :Mon, Wed, Fri , Sat ( 8:30〜12:00,14:00〜17:30) Tue (8:30〜12:00)
Closed :Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-850-5500
Website : http://www.sakura-ganka.com/

Shinkai Ganka (新海眼科)　English B
Address : つくば市吾妻１−５−３　つくばクレオスクエアＭＯＧ１階
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri , Sat, Sun (10:30〜13:00,14:30〜19:00 )
Closed :Thursday
TEL：029-896-5638

Suehiro Ganka Clinic (すえひろ眼科クリニック)　English B
Address : つくば市吾妻2-8-8 つくばシティアビル 3F
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri , Sat：9:00-13:00/15:00-18:00
Closed : Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-849-0177
Website : http://www.suehiro-ganka.com/

Takada Ganka (高田眼科)　English B、Mandarin C、Cantonese C
Address : つくば市春日３−１８−１
Open : Mon, Wed (9:00〜12:00,15:00〜17:00) Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat (9:00〜12:00)
Closed :Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-863-3711
Website : http://www.takada-ganka.co.jp/

Takezono Ganka (竹園眼科)　English B　German B
Address : つくば市竹園３−２１−３　竹園ショッピングセンター２階
Open : Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri (9:00〜12:00,14:00〜17:00) Sat (9:00〜12:00)
Closed :Wednesday,Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-851-5000

Tsukuba Ganka Clinic (つくば眼科クリニック)　English B ←only Tuesday and Thursday, I'm working there.
Address : つくば市研究学園Ｃ５０区１in iias Tsukuba　 Map
Open :Tue, Thur( 11:00~13:00, 14:30~18:30) Sat, Sun (12:00~18:00)
Closed :Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Website : http://tsukuba-gankaclinic.com/

Okonomiyaki Honpo (お好み焼き本舗)

2009-05-27T09:42:00.006+09:00

We went to okonomiyaki restaurant " Okonomiyaki Honpo (お好み焼き本舗) ". The restaurant’s home is Oosaka area, and the Tsukuba branch was opened the end of April. Each table has iron hot plate, so we enjoyed making okonomiyaki, with good smell and sound.

I can tell you how to cook.
#1 Mix the ingredients and fry it for 6 minutes on the iron pan.
#2 Flip the okonomiyaki using a spatula, and roast it more 6 minutes with a cover.
#3 Put sauce, mayo, nori, katsuobushi (dried bonito shavings). It's ready.

We ordered "Naniwa Mix Oozeki Yaki (なにわミックス大関焼) 880 yen" and "Torotama Takisoba(とろ玉焼きそば) 880 yen". They were so yummy~~!

Web site : http://www.okonomiyaki-honpo.jp/
Map

cold stone free coolly's day 5.20

2009-05-20T06:38:00.007+09:00

Today is ...free coolly's day!

Get coolly's (ice cream on frozen drink) for free. You can choose from 5 flavors, see the picture.

COLD STONE
place : iias Tsukuba 1F
Web site : http://www.coldstonecreamery.co.jp/news/detail.php?newsID=1240823513
coolly's day : May 20, open~19:00
It is limited to one per customer.
It doesn't sell other ice cream today.

Ear Nose Clinic

2009-05-18T06:41:00.008+09:00

I checked the Japanese Website Ibaraki Medicine Information(いばらき医療機関情報ネット) . The information is updated every 1 year by each clinic's doctor, also shows the doctor's English and other language skill.

Today, I picked up the Ear Nose Clinics which the doctor speaks A or B level in English, and any level in other languages. I don't write the general hospital because there are many doctor, and I don't know who has the language skill. I will write other branches of medicine (internal medicine, pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, eye, mental clinic...) soon.

A: The doctor speaks the language fluently
B:The doctor can understand everyday conversation
C:The doctor can communicate by a picture and a few words

Morita Clinic (耳鼻咽喉科もりたクリニック)　English B
Web site : http://www.morita3387.jp/
Address : つくば市高野台３−１２−１ Map
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9:00〜12:30, 15:00〜18:00, Sat 9:00〜12:30
Closed : Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-839-0330
My friend BeeBee says the doctor speaks English very well, and she highly recommends the clinic.

Ueno Iin (上野医院)　English B
Address : つくば市小野崎９５６−１ Map
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri ( 9:30〜12:30, 14:30〜16:30) Sat (9:30〜12:30)
Closed : Thursday, Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-851-2060

Oohashi Iin (耳鼻咽喉科大橋医院)　English B
Address : つくば市大角豆９４９−１０ Map
Open : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri (9:00〜11:45, 14:30〜17:45) Thu, Sat (9:00〜11:45)
Closed : Sunday, National Holiday
TEL：029-858-1350

Sunao Marche in May

2009-05-12T06:54:00.005+09:00

Sunao Marche is being held again at ALTO BOSCO.Map and Parking lot

Date & Time : May 17 th (Sun) am11:00-pm3:00
entrance fee : 200 yen / adult

15shops

Web site : http://sunao.cocoronet.net/

Asobi no Mori (あそびの杜)

2009-05-08T09:54:00.009+09:00

Did you enjoy your Golden Week holidays? We went to some parks. I'd like to recommend one of them. The name is Asobi no Mori (あそびの杜) in Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park (笠間芸術の森公園). Usually, it is within 1 hour drive using expressway, but it took 1.5 hours on that day because of the holiday traffic jam. My boy said "Mommy, are we there yet?" many times. After we arrived the park, children changed into a smile and played a lot.
The park has a long long slide, and you can borrow the sliding mat for free. My boy tried the slide 3 times, and he enjoyed jumping on the white trampoline. Other play equipments are also nice! The park is very big, so it is good for the family hiking.

Asobi no Mori (あそびの杜)
address : 茨城県笠間市笠間2345
Get off the express way at Tomobe I.C. (友部I.C.), and take R355. It is 15 minutes drive from Tomobe I.C. 　
http://www.koen.pref.ibaraki.jp/park/kasama04.html

大きな地図で見る
Open : 8:30〜17:00
Web site : http://www.koen.pref.ibaraki.jp/park/kasamanews.php?ind=214
http://www.pref.ibaraki.jp/bukyoku/doboku/01class/class15/003project/gairo/kasama/asobi.html

PREGNANCY CHECK UP COUPONS & HOMEVISITS

2009-04-29T07:32:00.003+09:00

Anna san gave me very useful and important information that she contributed to ALIEN TIMES April 2009　issue. It is good news for expectant mothers and the ladies planning to have a baby.
The text is bellow.↓　Thank you, Anna san!

NEW SYSTEM WILL START APRIL 1st “2009
REGARDING PREGNANCY CHECK UP COUPONS & HOMEVISITS

From April 1st, 2009 to March 31st, 2011 the government will start a “Temporary financial aid to pregnant women” which will include an increase in both “pregnancy subsidized check up coupons” and the “assistance for childbirth expenses”.

Pregnancy subsidized check-up coupons will increase from 5 to 14.
Using the coupon a portion of your cost will be subsidized and it will make your check up less expensive but not necessarily completely free.

The 14 coupons come in 5 different colors.
Pink, salmon pink, ivory, orange and green.

Pink (9) = will cover the regular pregnancy check up which usually includes
checking the blood pressure, weight, urine (for protein & glucose),size of uterus, swelling of ankles (for toxemia).

Salmon pink (1) = the one you usually use at the beginning of your pregnancy when the hospital does many tests + regular pregnancy check but it is also sometimes used later in the pregnancy, Please confirm with the hospital when is the appropriate time for you.

Ivory (2) = include an ultrasound check to determine if the fetus has any medical problems/ defects etc. + regular pregnancy check.

Orange (1) = Ultrasound + blood tests + regular pregnancy check.

Green (1) = Group B streptococcal infection test + regular pregnancy check.

The 9 pink regular pregnancy check up coupons does NOT cover the ultra sound check that doctors often do each time. Some hospitals will include this as well as a “service” free of charge but some may charge extra for it so if you are concerned, please ask.

Please have a look at the chart below to see when and for what each coupon can be used.
Also, you can not use both the “old” and the “new” coupons for a total of more than 14 subsidized check ups.

If you have the “ninpu marufuku” (special insurance for pregnant women) your cost for medical treatment may be covered but this can not be used for many tests that are for preventive purposes and since each hospital/clinic may have other tests or procedures that they want to do, you should consult with the doctor/staff beforehand if you are concerned about the cost.

You will have to sign each coupon on the back and with doing so you give permission for the hospital to send this coupon with information about the status of your pregnancy to the local health authorities and the prefecture health insurance office
(On each coupon, the hospital can write a comment if they think the women need to be contacted and consulted by the local health authorities)
If you do not want to give out such private information you will unfortunately not be able to use any of the coupons.

**************************

From April 1st 2009, for the purpose of providing care and assistance to children, Tsukuba health center will visit ALL homes that have had a baby within 4 months after the birth.
You will be given a post card to fill out with the suitable time for the visit.
If you do not send in the card, the health center will contact you and even if you decline, they will still come, just to make sure your baby (and you) are all right.

***************************

The “assistance for childbirth expenses" (出産一時金)has been changed from 350,000 yen to
380,000 yen per birth from January 1st this year and will increase to 420,000 from October 1st 2009 until March 31st 2011.

For births outside Japan (if you are abroad on a valid re-entry visa and is continuously enrolled in a Kokumin Kenko Hoken or Shakai Hoken while you are absent, you can claim this money after you have returned to Japan) the amount is a bit less;
350,000 yen until Sept. 30th.2009 and 380,000 yen from Oct 1st, 2009 until March 31st 2011.

Basic checkup : To be done at every check up
● blood pressure
● urine test (for protein & glucose)
● weight
● measure uterus

coupon/ When/ ●Other tests
1st/Decided by hosp. /● blood test : general blood test (bloodgroup, Rh-factor),Hb antigen, HCV antigen, syphilis, anemia, glucose, rubella antibodies, HIV ● ultrasound ● cervical cancer test Salmon pink coupon 15,500 yen
2nd /10〜11 weeks /Pink coupon 5,000 yen
3rd/ 12〜15 weeks /Pink coupon 5,000 yen
4th /16〜19 weeks /● ultrasound Ivory coupon 8.500 yen
5th /20〜23 weeks/ Pink coupon 5,000 yen
6th /24〜27 weeks /Pink coupon 5,000 yen
7th/ 28〜29 weeks /Pink coupon 5,000 yen
8th/ 30〜31 weeks /● blood test (anemia, glucose) ● ultrasound Orange coupon 9,000 yen
9th /32〜33 weeks/ Pink coupon 5,000 yen
10th/ 34〜35 weeks /● group B streptococcal infection test 8,000 yen
11th/ 36〜37 weeks /Pink coupon 5,000 yen
12th /37〜38 weeks/ ● ultrasound Ivory coupon 8,500 yen
13th/ 38〜39 weeks /Pink coupon 5,000 yen
14th /39〜40 weeks/ Pink coupon 5,000 yen

Strawberry picking in Tsukuba

2009-04-21T06:03:00.011+09:00

My friend told me very good strawberry picking spot.
The name is "Ichigo-ya tsukubane farm (いちご家　つくばねファーム) ". Map ....Go straight on Higashi odori (東大通り) to the north and turn left at the clean center iriguchi (クリーンセンター入口) traffic light. Then, there is the clean center on the right side, go straight still, and you can see the "ichigo(いちご)" flag, then turn left. You will find big plastic greenhouse on the right soon. When I picked strawbrry, I was surprised that the strawberries are very big and so sweet! The owner said there are 3 types of strawberries, Tochiotome(とちおとめ), Akihime(あきひめ), Benihoppe(紅ほっぺ). We enjoyed the difference of the taste. It is better to make an appointment before the picking, I recommend weekday or the morning of Saturday.

Ichigo-ya tsukubane farm (いちご家　つくばねファーム)
Tel : 029-869-0069
Open : 10:30~16:00 until the end of May
Closed : Tuesday
Fee : Adult 1200 yen, Child 1000 yen
You can pick and eat as you like for 30~40 minutes.

Website : http://tsukubanefarm.jugem.jp/

We also picked some for a souvenir, it was 300 yen.

Sunao Marche 2009 spring

2009-04-16T05:10:00.004+09:00

Sunao Marche

Many shops will get together, and sells hand made-sweets and bread, jam, and vegetables. Also you can buy very attractive north Europe's items. Every time I enjoy very tasty sweets, good fragrance of coffee, and looking around many items, you can see cute & stylish Swedish cloths that are chosen by Anna san. Some new shops will join the marche, so I'm looking forward to checking them!
I hope it will be good weather.. Have a good time!

Date and Time : April 19 (Sun) , 11:00~15:00
Web site : http://sunao.cocoronet.net/
http://www.cocoronet.net/sunaoshop.html
Place : ALTO BOSCO ←Italian restaurant Map

david pain

2009-04-08T06:02:00.004+09:00

David san from France makes and sells very nice bread.
The shop's name is "david pain". According to his home page, all bread are made by wild yeast. It makes the bread very rich taste.
I bought some bread, coco(ココ), canele(カヌレ), croissant(クロワッサン), baguette(バゲット), warnut bread(クルミパン), brown rice bread(玄米パン). Every bread is so tasty, especially I love croissant! I ate canele, small sweet bread for the first time, it is very interesting for me.
I wanted to buy quiche, but it was sold out on the day. If you want to get your favorite bread in your bag, it would be better to go the shop early time.

Web site : http://www.geocities.jp/davidpain2007/
Open : 7:30 ~18:00
Closed : Monday
Map

Thank you, BeeBee for the information!

Nanohana Cafe

2009-03-29T20:36:00.009+09:00

Bee Bee told me a good cafe. The name is Nanohana.
The owner has a very sweet girl, and makes the cafe comfortable for mom & kids.
It has playing corner for kids. My son played with the blocks and cooking toy with his friends during my tea time.
Mom can also enjoy looking around hand-made items, like bags, soaps, dishes, and sweets...and so on.
The sweets that were made by owner are very very nice! I tried pumpkin roll cake, "oyatsu plate" (tube cake, baked cheese cake, and scorn). Everything is so yummy~~~. Please try it!

Nanohana Cafe
Web site : http://www7b.biglobe.ne.jp/~nano-hana/
Open : Friday and Saturday 11:00 ~ 17:00
Tel : 029-856-0272
Map

The cafe is nearby Akatsuka park (赤塚公園).
Why don't you stop at the Nanohana cafe after playing with your kids in the Akatsuka park?

cherry-blossom viewing event

2009-03-27T05:22:00.009+09:00

It's almost cherry-blossom viewing season in Tsukuba.
I found Joyoliving site which introduces some sakura-beauty spots.
http://www.joyoliving.co.jp/special/sakura/index.html
I reccomend you Banpaku Kinen park (万博記念公園 Map) and Hukuokazeki Sakura park (福岡堰さくら公園Map) to have a picnic in early April.

I heard the cherry- blossom viewing event is going to be held at Shimin Kenshu Center (市民研修センター Map).
Date and Time : April 4 (Sat) 9:30〜15:30
You can find good items at 100 yen refreshment booth, frea market, etc..　
Detail : Shimin Kenshu Center (市民研修センター) TEL029(867)1153
It is the chance to see the full bloom of Sakura around Houjou Ooike (北条大池) that is located near the Shimin Kenshu Center.

Translation of typical school letters into 6 languages

2009-03-24T06:34:00.009+09:00

Shaney san taught me very useful site. She wrote about it on Tsukublog.
This is the text.
"Translations of Letters from Japanese Elementary Schools
One of the teachers at Tsukuba International School recently found a very good resource on the Chiba International Center website (http://www.mcic.or.jp/e_index.htm). In addition to many other interesting documents on the site, there is a page with translations in six languages (English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, and Thai) of various letters that are sent out by Japanese schools.
学校からのおたよりsite : http://www.mcic.or.jp/otayori/

If your children are enrolled in a Japanese elementary school, you might find this page useful in helping you decipher the letters that come home with your child."

Thank you, Shaney san!

Backerei Brotzeit (ベッカライ・ブロートツァイト)

2009-03-06T09:45:00.005+09:00

I found a good bread shop in Amakubo.
The name is Backerei Brotzeit (ベッカライ・ブロートツァイト) that sells many Germany bread.
Every bread is rich in taste, especially I love the walnut bread.

The rye bread and sandwich were also very nice! I will try merkornbrot (メアコーンブロート) and carrot bread next time.
The shop opens market stall at Chuou park once a month as Tsukuichi. Next Tsukuichi is on April 5, first Sunday every month.

address : つくば市天久保2丁目10-20 Map
tel : 029-859-3737

[Mon・Thu～Sat]
7:00-18:00
[Sun]
7:00-14:00

Closed : Tuesday and Wednesday

Mont Saint Michel (モン・サン・ミシェル)

2009-02-28T07:09:00.009+09:00

There is a very nice sweets shop which sells cream rolls (ロールケーキ) and cream puffs (シュークリーム) only.
The name is Mont Saint Michel (モン・サン・ミシェル) .
I bought a cream roll. The sponge was so light and fluffy. It tasted good egg. The cream was not so sweet, it goes well with the sponge.

When I went the shop, the cream puffs were sold out. I will try it next time~.

Mont Saint Michel (モン・サン・ミシェル)
closed : irregular It might be better to call the shop before you go.
つくば市春日2-8-3
Map
029-855-0506

Taiyaki (鯛焼き)

2009-02-21T07:28:00.005+09:00

I'll introduce you Japanese sweets Taiyaki which you can buy at
"Gin-no An (銀のあん)" in iias Tsukuba.
Usually, there are some people stand in line at the shop, and it takes 10~20 minutes to get the Taiyaki. If you go there at night, you can get it soon.
Taiyaki is the fish-shaped pancake filled with bean jam. This shop's Taiyaki has good amount of filling, and you can choose the filling, like bean jam, sweet potato jam, chestnut jam, sesame jam, custard etc..
The pancake is a little harder than common Taiyaki, I think it is similar to waffle, and very tasty.
The price of 1 Taiyaki is 150~180 yen. The 6 filling Taiyaki set is 990 yen.

Pool and Public Bath

2009-02-12T06:45:00.012+09:00

It is still cold. How are you doing?
During the winter months, I recommend you heated swimming pool and Public Bath,
"Hureai center Nagamine (ふれあいセンターながみね) " in Tsuchiura city.
It uses the heat produced by waste disposal for the pool and bath. Even the pool is very warm!
You have to put cap and swimming wear in the pool, and you can enjoy 15M pool & jacuzzi with your family. I went there with my 4 year boy, and he enjoyed swimming with kick board and float and my assistance. He can't stand up in the 15 M pool, because it is deep for child. But he can stand up in the jacuzzi, so he had good time there. Public bath is separated for men and for women. After you take off your swimming wear in the changing room, you can go to the bath directly. The bath's hot water will warm you up. The bath has shampoo and soap. You can use the hair dryer for free. Bring your towel and bath towel.
Fee: junior high-school student and over 300 yen,
elementary school student & younger children free
Child who is out of diapers can enjoy the pool.
open : 9:00~21:00, Every Monday is closed. Map
Web site : http://www.city.tsuchiura.lg.jp/dir.php?code=1995
http://www.city.tsuchiura.lg.jp/index.php?code=1583

TAISO LAND

2009-02-10T05:12:00.005+09:00

There is a good gym class in iias Tsukuba. Mr. Tanaka is a gym coach who was an Olympic athlete of gym. His wife Ms. Tanaka is also a gym coach who won silver and bronze medal in the world championships of aerobics.
They teach children the fun of trampoline, and exercise on the mat, training with iron bar.
I think children like it.

fee: entrance fee 3000 yen, lesson fee 6000 yen/ month (4 times)
There are some baby-parent class, and exercise class for adults.
time schedule（pdf）

Web site :
http://tsukuba.iias.jp/shop/detail/3420.html
http://taisoland.blog49.fc2.com/

You can try 1 lesson for free.
tel : 029-868-7255　10:00~17:00
Tuesday and Friday are closed.
Taiso Land is on 3F in iias.

Tsuku-ichi (つくいち)

2009-01-26T09:44:00.010+09:00

Tsuku-ichi is the market that many stores get together and sell fresh, safety products, like vegetables made in Tsukuba, organic coffee, etc... Some stores sell hand-made daily goods, bread, sweets - you can eat there. The market is held on the first Sunday every month, so check it in website!
Website : http://kusanone298.com/tsukuichi.htm
Place : Chuou park (中央公園)　Map

Strawberry picking

2009-01-19T10:36:00.008+09:00

It is long time no update this blog. How are you?
Today,it is very warm, but sometimes cold. Please take care not to catch a cold.

We went strawberry picking to Tamura farm stand (田村直売所) which sells fresh vegetable and fruits, too. Map
January~March 10:00~ I recommend you picking in the morning.
fee: Adult 1300 yen, Child aged 3 and over 1000 yen
You can pick strawberry and eat as much as you like for 30 minutes.
The strawberry is growing sweetly in greenhouse. So you can pick them without a coat, it is very warm!
You would better to make an appointment by phone. 029-851-2545

This is another strawberry farm that you can pick by yourself.

Nakanishi strawberry farm (中西いちご園) 857-1212
April~May
fee: Adult 1300 yen
You can pick strawberry and eat as much as you like for 30 minutes.
Map

If you know other good strawberry farm, please tell me!

Immunization schedule

2008-12-26T07:04:00.007+09:00

I have 3 months boy, it is my first time to raise up infant in Japan. When I gave birth my first child in US, we could get pediatric check up and immunization shots automatically. But in Japan, we have to make a plan and take an appointment of every check up and shot. It was a little bother, but I made a plan for my baby.

Polio : 2 shots (from 3 months to 18 months)　1 month interval is needed to get other vaccination, and 6 week interval is needed to get the same vaccination. You can check the day and time and place to go in the book "Sukoyaka (すこやか)" in English.　Downlord the text, and read p26~30.
Sukoyaka in English
Place to receive vaccination
BCG vaccine against tuberculosis : 1 shot (3 months to 6 months) You can get the shot at your pediatric clinic. 1 month interval is needed to get other shot.
DTP Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus mixed vaccine : You can get the shot at your pediatric clinic.
the first term--3 shots (3 months to 12 months) At least 3 weeks interval is needed to get other shots.
the second term--1shot (around 2 year's old) 12~18months after the first term.
Measles & Rubella mixed vaccine : You can get the shot at your pediatric clinic.
the first term--1 shot (1 ~ 2 year's old)
the second term--1shot ( 5~6 year's old before elementary school )

This is my plan as an example. The pediatric doctor said it is better to get the DTP shot earlier because it prevents babies from Pertussis that might become severe for baby.

3months Pediatric check up and BCG
4months DTP
5months DTP
7months DTP
8months Polio ( Child drinks Polio vaccine. )
9 months Pediatric check up
10monthsPolio
12 months Measles & Rubella mixed vaccine
18 months Check up at health center
20 months DTP

24 months dental check up at dental clinic　dental clinic.pdf

3 years Check up at health center
6 years before elementary school Measles & Rubella mixed vaccine

I think it will be better you make an appointment with a pediatric doctor 1~2 month in advance.

100 Christmas trees 2008

2008-12-12T09:43:00.007+09:00

The 11th 100 Christmas trees event is being held in iias shopping mall. Tsukuba city residents, most of them children have designed and made it with their family,friend and artist. They are very creative and decorated beautifully.

Take a look from December 6(Sat) to 25 (Thu) and vote your most favorite one. Vote-winner will get a present, and if you voted it, you might get a present by lot.

Web site : http://www.100-tree.com/
Map of iias Tsukuba : http://tsukuba.iias.jp/access/index.html

Sunao Marche

2008-12-09T13:44:00.002+09:00

When I went to the Anna-san's flower shop, I found the card written about Sunao Marche. It seems very nice market event, so I'd like to share the information.

Sunao Marche
It is going to be held on December 13 (Sat) and 14 (Sun) 10:00~14:00.
Many shops will get together, and sell north Europe's items. There will be some shops that sell hand made snacks, jam, and vegetables. See the web site. Many shops attract me very much!
Web site : http://sunao.cocoronet.net/
Map
It is located very near Doho park's parking lot. You can't miss it!

Matsubokkuri preschool's flea market 12/7

2008-11-29T06:41:00.003+09:00

Matsubokkuri preschool (まつぼっくり保育園) is having flea market on December 7 from 11:00 ~ 13:00 at Namiki Kinrin park (並木近隣公園 Map). If it rains, it will be held at Namiki Shukaijo (並木集会所). It seems to sell second hand clothes for adults and children, and snack, food, some daily items.

Flea Market 11/23

2008-11-19T11:50:00.003+09:00

Aozora preschool's Flea market (コロボックル＆あおぞら保育園　秋バザー) is taking place this weekend.

It seems to sell recycle clothes, toys, hand made stuff and food, drink...etc.
It has the games and activities for children. My family went there last year, it was really fun. My son wouldn't leave for a while. The food is very nice, so it is better to go there before noon because they are sold out.
Day and Time : November 23 (Sun) 10:00〜13:30
Place : Takezono Park (竹園公園)　Map

Tsukuba Recycle Market 11/30

2008-11-19T09:36:00.003+09:00

Tsukuba Recycle Market will be held on November 29 (Sun) 9:30〜14:00.
Place : Chuou Park (中央公園) 　Map
You can buy second hand clothes, daily goods,etc for reasonable price.
Don't miss it!
Web site : http://homepage3.nifty.com/AKIMOTO/recycle/recycle.htm

The flea market is held 4 times a year, so check this website.

Recycle Festival 11/22

2008-11-09T06:26:00.004+09:00

Recycle Festival will take place on November 22 (Sat) from 10:00~ 15:00.
If it is rain, it will be postponed on November 23 (Sun).

place: Recycle Center (リサイクル推進センター,　茎崎中学校向かい)　Map
Web site : http://www.city.tsukuba.ibaraki.jp/173/002764.html

Recycle market, Free recycle furniture, Plastic bottle handicraft class,

Recovery and recycling activity for overseas aid, Sale of recycle bicycle, Food and drinks, etc.

inquiry: Recycle promotion section (リサイクル推進課)
Tel : 029-836-1111