Climbing one of the 100 most famous Japanese mountains in Tsukuba

It is popular to visit here in autumn to appreciate the mountain’s stunning foliage, making it a great day trip from Tokyo.


As the Japanese saying goes, “Fuji represents the west, while Tsukuba represents the east.” The mountains of Tsukuba are sacred places.

Mt. Tsukuba is a twin-peaked mountain in central Ibaraki comprising Mt. Nantai. and Mt. Nyotai, rising to 877 meters. In addition to the Tsukuba Shrine at the foot, there are shrines on both peaks, making the entire mountain a sacred area. A circular route from Tsukuba Shrine around the mountain is an excellent way to explore the area. Mt. Tsukuba is climbable year-round and is easily accessible to beginners thanks to the Mt. Tsukuba Cable Car and Mt. Tsukuba Ropeway.

Mount Tsukuba, a mountain of mountain worship, is also a power spot heaven. Near the top is Miyukigahara, home to the 800-year-old giant Shihosugi cedar tree, the nearby headwaters of the Minanogawa river, and the Tateshin tree near the summit of Nantai. Many power spots, such as massive rocks and strangely shaped ones, are characteristic of Mt. Tsukuba, including the type of stone.

In addition, Tsukubasan Shrine, which enshrines two gods, a man, and a woman, is said to bring blessings for marriage and marriage! A small heart pattern is hidden in the large bell of the worship hall in the middle of the mountain. Please try to find it!

Information on Mt.Tsukuba is Here.

How to visit Mt.Tsukuba

Take a 45-minute Tsukuba express train from Akihabara and a 40-minute bus to Mt. Tsukuba shrine. Buses run about once every 30 minutes, or you can use a taxi from Tsukuba station to Tsukuba shrine for about 7,400JPY.
There are multiple routes to the top of the mountain. Choose a course according to your physical strength.
The trail map is here

Shirakumobashi trail

This time, we chose the Shirakumobashi course, a recommended course full of highlights such as huge rocks and oddly shaped ones. If you are confident in your physical strength, please choose this way.
Once at the top of Mt.Tsukuba, there was beautiful scenery from the cliff. Please watch your step as there is no barrier.


Coming down, you can select the ropeway or by foot. We used the Miyukigahara course, which is due to a lot of gaps in the stairs and some rocks. It takes 75 minutes from the Miyukigahara rest house.
We arrived back at Tsukuba Shrine around 4:30. A beautiful sunset welcomed us. The last bus was at 5:10, so we were on time.

Hiking Summary

Tsukuba, which you can enjoy all day long, is a very easy-to-reach mountain, and it has become a mountain I want to visit again because it is well-maintained.

Please note that restrooms, drinks, and food are only available at teahouses and ropeway stations, so be sure to prepare well and check the rest points before climbing to ensure a safe and secure climb.

Tsukuba is also where you can enjoy the autumn foliage. It’s a hiking and climbing spot that’s easy to reach from Tokyo, so if you haven’t experienced it yet, why not go there?

Location: Tsukuba, Duration:5h30m. Start Time:9:00 Back to Tsukuba shrine time:4:30

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