Lab Tour
KEK welcomes visitors. Many people can experience the forefront of accelerator science. We offer free guided tours on weekdays from 09:30 to 17:00 for groups of 10 or more people. The tour lasts about 60-120 minutes.
Typically, you can visit two major labs at the Tsukuba Campus.
One is KEK’s B-Factory (Super KEKB accelerator and Bell II detector), which explores new physics phenomena that may hold the keys to solving the mysteries of the universe.
Another is the Photon Factory, where researchers investigate the structure of materials using brilliant light known as synchrotron radiation produced by our accelerator.
Before visiting both laboratories, you will watch the video introducing KEK. The tour lasts about 90 minutes. If you want to tour the KEK Communication Plaza, it will take 30 more minutes.
How to Apply for the Lab Tour
Please download the application form and fill out the necessary information. Then, send it to kengaku@kek.jp at least three weeks before your visit. The reservation is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Additional Notes
- Please get together in your group before the tour starts.
- If you arrive at KEK by a chartered sightseeing bus, please continue to ride on the bus as a means of transportation within the campus during the tour.
- If you are a group that cannot use a bus or is travelling by means other than a bus, please consult us when making your application.
- Please refrain from wearing sandals, as there are some areas where the footing may be unstable.
- If you are under the influence of alcohol, please refrain from attending.
- You are allowed to take photos during the tour (pictures and videos may only be taken for personal usesenjoyment. For other purposes, please consult with the staff)
Lunch Service
KEK has a cafeteria, restaurant, and kiosk. We can also prepare bento (lunch boxes) for groups. If you want bento, you must make a reservation when you apply for a tour.