Mt. Tsukuba

Located in the northeastern Kanto Plain, Mt. Tsukuba is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. It consists of two peaks: Mt. Nantai at 871 m (2,858 ft) and Mt. Nyotai at 877 m (2,877 ft). It has long been revered as a sacred mountain, and the mountain itself is regarded as the embodiment of a deity. The worship hall of Tsukubasan Shrine stands on the southern slope at an elevation of about 270 m (886 ft).

One of the mountain’s attractions is its relatively accessible hiking. Six hiking routes are available, including trails that begin at Tsukubasan Shrine. A cable car provides access to Mt. Nantai, while a ropeway serves Mt. Nyotai, taking about 6 to 8 minutes to reach the areas near the peaks. From there, it is another 10- to 15-minute walk along the mountain trails to each summit.

Mt. Tsukuba is also known as the “Purple Peak” for the way its slopes change color between morning and evening. Its trails offer plenty to see, including seasonal flowers such as plum blossoms, dogtooth violets, and azaleas, as well as fall foliage and numerous unusual rock formations and massive boulders. In recent years, many people have also visited the sacred mountain in search of spiritual energy.

Local specialties include Gama no Abura, a traditional healing ointment dating back to the Edo period, and Tsukuba udon, a hearty noodle dish made with locally raised chicken and vegetables. The Mt. Tsukuba hot spring resort area is located halfway up the mountain, making it a good place to relax and refresh after a hike.