Mount Tsukuba: My first climb among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.

Hiking in Japan
Written By CPT MOW

Just two hours from Tokyo is one of my favorite escapes: Mount Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture. This was actually the very first mountain I hiked in Japan, so it feels extra special to me. Standing at 877 meters, it’s not the tallest, but it’s one of the Hyakumeizan Japan’s “100 Famous Mountains” and definitely worth the trip.

What Makes Mount Tsukuba Unique?

Mount Tsukuba is famous for its twin peaks: Nyotai-san (877 m) and Nantai-san (871 m). Local legends say the mountain is home to the deities Izanami (female) and Izanagi (male), the divine couple who created Japan. Because of this, the two peaks are seen as symbols of femininity and masculinity. Down at the base, Tsukubasan Shrine is especially popular with couples who come to pray for love, harmony, and marriage.

When is the best time to visit?

You can hike Mount Tsukuba year-round, but the best times are:

🍂 Autumn (October–November): fiery fall leaves cover the trails.
🌸 Spring (April–May): fresh greenery and blooming flowers everywhere.

I went on my 28th birthday in 2023, and I’ll never forget standing at the summit, looking out at the wide Kanto Plains below.

I made it up to Nantai Peak and enjoyed this amazing view of the Kanto Plains.

On my second trip to Mount Tsukuba, I made it up to Nantai Peak and enjoyed this amazing view of the Kanto Plains.

The Hiking Trails

There are three main trails up Mount Tsukuba that I will share with you, each with its own character.

  • Miyukigahara Course (90 min up / 70 min down): The most popular route from Tsukubasan Shrine. It has cool rock formations like Benkei’s Nanamodori and Gama-ishi (Toad Rock).

  • Shirakumobashi Course (110 min up / 95 min down): A quieter forest path with lots of mythological rock names along the way.

  • Otatsuishi Course (40 min up / 35 min down): Short but steep. It starts from Tsutsujigaoka Bus Stop and connects to the Miyukigahara Course halfway.

    💡 A popular combo is hiking up Miyukigahara and down Shirakumobashi for variety. I personally took Shirakumobashi up and treated myself to the cable car on the way down.

Picture taken in Mt. Tsukuba Trail going to Nyotai Peak.

A magnificent rock formation that resembles a gate to another dimension.

Getting There from Tokyo

It’s pretty straightforward and here it is.

  1. Tokyo → Tsukuba Station: Take the Tsukuba Express from Akihabara (about 45 minutes by express train).

  2. Tsukuba Station → Tsukubasan Shrine: Head to Bus Stop #1 outside the station (as of June 2024). The ride takes about 45 minutes.

  3. Trailheads:
    -     Tsukubasan Shrine Stop → Miyukigahara or Shirakumobashi Courses.
    - Tsutsujigaoka Stop → Otatsuishi Course.

If hiking feels like too much, you can also take the ropeway (from Tsutsujigaoka) or cable car (from the shrine) to the summit area.

My Sample Day Trip Itinerary

Here’s how a relaxed day trip could look:

Sample illustration of Mt. Tsukuba Day Hike

Final Thoughts

Mount Tsukuba might not be as famous as Mount Fuji, but that’s exactly why I love it. It feels approachable, scenic, and full of stories. Whether you’re after mythology, autumn leaves, or just a good hike with stunning views, this mountain has it all.

So pack your shoes, bring a little curiosity, and turn the idea into an adventure. Until the next trip cheers!

CPTMOW

Jeric (Moses)

Where should we go NEXT?

Where should we go NEXT?

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CPT MOW