Tsuchiura, Japan

Tsuchiura is located on the shores of Lake Kasumigaura in eastern Japan. The city is well known for its dramatic lakeside setting, popular water activities, and its "Kijo" castle built in the 17th century.

Palo Alto and Tsuchiura have been Sister Cities since 2009, but the relationship between the two cities goes back at least until 1993 when parents on each side of the Pacific started the student exchange program that endures today. The program has seen approximately 250 Japanese students and chaperones visit Palo Alto and over 200 Palo Alto residents visit Japan. For additional information about this flagship exchange program, please click here.

In 2019, Palo Alto's then-Mayor and a delegation from Neighbors Abroad visited to celebrate 10 years as Sister Cities.

Below is a 2022 video greeting from Mayor Mariko Ando to the City of Palo Alto. The video highlights the city's famous fireworks contest.

Tsuchiura VP Jennifer Buenrostro, far right, with Mayor Mariko Ando, center, in 2022, along with Jennifer's husband, Peter at left.

Other Links

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSerpHS5sUufTIWsLIoBwzbYaEXl2V0ZNF1oCkMDr810bD1UDA/viewform Tsuchiura Travel Guide
Tsuchiura Wikipedia Page
Japan Visitor: Tsuchiura
Trip Advisor: Best Things to Do in Tsuchiura
Tsuchiura City Tourist Administration
Neighbors Abroad Student Exchange Form

Neighbors Abroad board member Ed Fike completed the Tsuchiura marathon in 2019.