Standing at 877 meters in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Mount Tsukuba may not be the tallest peak in Japan, but it has long been revered as a sacred mountain and is considered one of the country’s most powerful spiritual spots. With convenient access from Tokyo and well-maintained hiking trails, it’s an ideal destination for a weekend day trip—even for beginners.
What makes Mount Tsukuba unique is its twin peaks: Nantai-san (male peak) and Nyotai-san (female peak). Since ancient times, these peaks have been worshipped as divine embodiments of male and female deities. The entire mountain radiates a sacred atmosphere, and several spiritually significant spots—such as sacred rocks and ancient trees near the summit—are believed to boost fortune and energy, attracting many young visitors in search of spiritual renewal.
For beginner hikers, the Miyukigahara Course starting from Tsukubasan Shrine is highly recommended. This trail takes about 90 minutes one way, with a moderate elevation gain and a well-maintained path. Along the way, hikers pass through towering cedar forests and massive boulders, all while being immersed in the raw beauty of nature. As you climb higher, sweeping views of Lake Kasumigaura and the Kanto Plain unfold below—a rewarding sight for your efforts.
For those less confident in their stamina or traveling with small children, both a cable car and a ropeway offer scenic and accessible alternatives. The cable car travels from Miyawaki Station to Miyukigahara Station in just 8 minutes, reaching mid-mountain. The ropeway departs from Tsutsujigaoka Station and brings visitors close to the summit of Nyotai-san, with breathtaking viewpoints just a short walk away. These options make it easy for seniors and first-time hikers to experience the spiritual and natural wonders of Mount Tsukuba.
At the summit of Mount Tsukuba, small shrines stand on each of its twin peaks, and visitors often stop to offer prayers. On clear days, Nantai-san offers sweeping views across the Kanto Plain, while Nyotai-san sometimes reveals vistas stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean. On especially clear days, it’s even possible to spot Mount Fuji or the Tokyo Skytree. The clarity of the air and the stunning panoramas offer a sense of elevation and wonder far beyond the mountain’s modest height.
After descending, a visit to Tsukubasan Shrine at the mountain’s base is highly recommended. This historic shrine enshrines the mountain itself as a sacred deity and is well known for blessings related to matchmaking and good fortune. Its solemn atmosphere is balanced with a sense of warmth and accessibility. Nearby, visitors can enjoy soba noodles made from local ingredients and relax in inns with natural hot springs—perfect for unwinding after a hike.
Mount Tsukuba is a mountain where spiritual depth surpasses physical height. With its roots in ancient mythology, its natural beauty, the rewarding sense of accomplishment from the hike, and its refreshing air, the mountain reveals a new facet with every visit. Thanks to well-maintained beginner-friendly trails, everyone can explore its charm at their own pace, making it an inviting destination for all.