Mt. Tsukuba

Mt. Tsukuba, located in the northeastern part of the Kanto Plain, is one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, consisting of two peaks, Mt. Nantai (871 m above sea level) and Mt. Nyotai (877 m above sea level). Known since ancient times as a mountain of faith, the mountain itself is considered the sacred body of God. The worship hall of Mt. Tsukuba Shrine is located on the south side of the mountain at an elevation of about 270 meters.

One of the attractions of this area is that it is relatively easy to enjoy hiking in the mountains. Six hiking courses are available, including one starting from Mt. Nantai, and Mt. Nyotai is accessible by cable car and ropeway, respectively. To reach the summit of each mountain, visitors can further walk for about 10-15 minutes along the hiking trails. It takes about 6 to 8 minutes to reach the summit.

Mt. Tsukuba, also known as "Shihou" (Purple Peak) for the beauty of its mountain surface that changes color in the morning and evening, has many highlights along its mountain paths. The mountain is dotted with seasonal flowers such as Japanese apricots, katakuris, and azaleas, autumn leaves, metamorphic rocks, and huge rocks that delight the eye. Many people have visited the mountain as a power spot in honor of the sacred mountain in recent years.

Tsukuba is known for its ointment made from" Gama-no-Abura(frog's oil), a wound remedy handed down since the Edo period, and Tsukuba-udon noodle, a dish filled with ingredients such as locally raised chicken and vegetables. There is Tsukuba Hot Spring Resort located halfway up Mt. Tsukuba, and it is an excellent place to refresh your body after a long day of hiking.