59th Map Exhibition 2026: "Tsukuba" - From Ancestors of Hitachi to Science City Tsukuba -

About this event

The "Map Exhibition," hosted by the Japan Map Center and organized by the Map Exhibition Promotion Council composed of surveying and mapping-related organizations, is held with the purpose of helping the general public deepen their understanding of national land and regions through maps, while becoming more familiar with and utilizing maps. The 59th Map Exhibition will be held at the Science Museum of Map and Survey of the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. This exhibition features displays tracing the transition of Tsukuba City from the Meiji era to the Reiwa era using topographic maps and aerial photographs, as well as displays of old maps drawn by pioneers from Ibaraki Prefecture such as Ino Tadataka's maps, Sekisui Nagakubo, Rinzo Mamiya, and Senseki Takami. In addition, there are plenty of visually enjoyable exhibits, including "Tsukuba City Time-Layered Map" which displays topographic maps and aerial photographs of various eras from Meiji to modern times on a large touch display, and a 7m x 6m "Tsukuba City Aerial Photograph" taken by GSI in March 2026 spread across the floor. Furthermore, an interior tour of the survey aircraft "Kunikaze," which is normally not open to the public, a special lecture by Map Ambassador Yoshizumi Ishihara, and a keynote lecture by a Hosei University professor are also scheduled. On Kids' Day, hands-on programs such as "Challenge Making a Handmade Globe!" will also be held. Admission is free.

Venue

Science Museum of Map and Survey

1 Kitasato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0811