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- Ibaraki
Mount Tsukuba
Comfortable hiking at a low altitude still provides a splendid view from the mountain top
Situated in the Kanto Plain, Mount Tsukuba is the tallest mountain in Ibaraki Prefecture and is often compared alongside Mount Fuji for its stunning beauty as in the phrase "Fuji of the west, Tsukuba of the east." Its distinctive twin peaks are called Mount Nantai (male body) and Mount Nyotai (female body). The mountain surface continuously changes its color with the seasons and time of day and is also nicknamed Shihou (purple mountain) for its breathtaking purple shade when lit by sunset. Standing at an altitude of just 877 meters, Mount Tsukuba is a great location for climbing and hiking throughout the year to appreciate its rich natural environment, including the habitat of over 1,000 species of rare plants. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the amazing view using the cable car and ropeway.
Tsukubasan Shrine, a power spot that inspires good relationships
The entire Mount Tsukuba serves as an object of worship for Tsukubasan Shrine, known to bring luck in romantic relationships, harmonious marriage, the safety of the family and the bearing of children. It has a remarkable history of around 3,000 years, and the 370-hectare shrine grounds stretch from the worship hall in the middle of the mountain to its top. Nearby the shrine is a hot spring source with many inns lining the streets of Tsukubasan Onsen, so you can even enjoy a hot spring day trip together with hiking. There is so much to see and do at Mount Tsukuba, from admiring the beautiful scenery to visiting the shrine and relaxing in a hot spring bath.
View the twinkling stars in the sky and below on the Stardust Cruising
Stardust Cruising is a nighttime ropeway ride that operates from 17:00 only from October to March. Take in the special view as twilight turns to night while you travel from the middle of the mountain to the top. The evening provides a breathtaking shift of colors as the sun sets and accentuates the silhouette of Mount Fuji in the distance, while the night brings a twinkling world of starry skies above and city lights below. The unforgettable panoramic scenery of the Kanto Plain can only be seen on the Stardust Cruising during crisp winter nights.
Plum Festival at Mount Tsukuba
From mid-February to late March, the Plum Festival is held at a city-operated plum grove located at around 250 meters elevation on Mount Tsukuba. The 4.5-hectare plum grove becomes enveloped in the sweet fragrance of plums as around 1,000 white and red plum trees come to full bloom. Giant moss-covered rocks known as Tsukuba-ishi are scattered throughout the grove, creating a uniquely distinct atmosphere. The grove also has a sloped pathway so that children, elderly and wheelchaired visitors can enjoy climbing the mountain as well. With various events and food stalls, this is a festival that the whole family can enjoy.
Location
| Name | Mount Tsukuba |
|---|---|
| Website | https://english.ibarakiguide.jp/kanko-spot/mt-tsukuba |
| Address | Tsukuba, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki |
| Access | From Tsukuba Station on the Tsukuba Express, take the direct shuttle bus to Mount Tsukuba (Kantetsu Bus station No. 1) for approximately 40 minutes Approximately 40 minutes' drive from the Tsuchiura-Kita IC on the Joban Expressway Approximately 40 minutes' drive from the Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway |
| Inquiries | TEL: 029-869-8333 |