Mt. Tsukuba — The Lowest of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains

Trail Overview

Mt. Tsukuba (筑波山, Tsukuba-san) is an 877m mountain in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It holds the distinction of being the lowest peak among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains (Hyakumeizan No. 38). Since ancient times, it has been celebrated alongside Mt. Fuji with the saying “Fuji in the west, Tsukuba in the east,” and is referenced in Japan’s oldest poetry collection, the Man’yoshu.

The mountain features twin peaks — Mt. Nantai (871m) and Mt. Nyotai (877m) — each offering distinct panoramic views. With both a cable car and ropeway in operation, it is an excellent choice for families and those looking for a less strenuous mountain experience.

Recommended Route: Miyukigahara Course

The most popular route, ascending from Tsukuba Shrine to Miyukigahara, the saddle between the two peaks.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Tsukuba Shrine → Miyukigahara	About 90 min
Miyukigahara → Mt. Nantai summit	About 15 min
Miyukigahara → Mt. Nyotai summit	About 15 min
Mt. Nyotai summit → Tsukuba Shrine (Shirakumo-bashi Course)	About 80 min
Total	About 3.5 hours

Tip: A popular loop plan is to ascend via the Miyukigahara Course to Mt. Nantai, walk along the connecting trail to Mt. Nyotai, and descend via the Shirakumo-bashi Course.

Shirakumo-bashi Course

This route heads directly for the Mt. Nyotai summit and features fascinating rock formations along the way.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Tsukuba Shrine → Benkei Chaya ruins	About 70 min
Benkei Chaya ruins → Mt. Nyotai summit	About 40 min
Total (one way)	About 110 min

• Named rock formations such as “Benkei’s Seven Returns” and “Mother’s Womb Pass” appear along the trail
• Some steep rocky sections near the summit — watch your footing
• More varied than the Miyukigahara Course with a true hiking feel

Access Information

• Train: Tsukuba Express to Tsukuba Station (about 45 min from Akihabara)
• Bus: From Tsukuba Station, take the Tsuku-Bus North Shuttle or Kanto Railway bus to Tsukuba Shrine entrance (about 40 min)
• Cable Car: Miyawaki Station to Tsukuba Summit Station (Miyukigahara), about 8 min one way
• Ropeway: Tsutsuji-ga-oka Station to Mt. Nyotai Station, about 6 min one way
• Parking: Municipal paid parking available near Tsukuba Shrine

Note: Buses and the cable car get very crowded on weekends and holidays. An early start is recommended.

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores (within 5 min of trailhead)

• Seven-Eleven near Tsukuba Station (stop by before boarding the bus)
• No convenience stores near Tsukuba Shrine — stock up at the station

Shops & Teahouses

• Miyukigahara: Several teahouses serving local specialties like kenchin udon
• Mt. Nantai summit: Small shop available
• Mt. Nyotai ropeway station: Shop available

Restrooms

• Tsukuba Shrine (trailhead)
• Miyukigahara (saddle between peaks)
• Mt. Nyotai ropeway station

Highlights

🌸 Spring (February–May)

• Late February to March: Tsukuba Plum Grove with about 1,000 plum trees in bloom
• April to May: Spring wildflowers including katakuri (dogtooth violet) on the slopes

🍁 Autumn (October–November)

• Colorful foliage tunnels, especially along the cable car route
• Tsukuba Momiji Festival with illumination events in November

❄️ Winter (December–February)

• Clear air offers panoramic views of the Kanto Plain, with Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree visible on clear days
• Light snowfall possible — watch for icy sections

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers OK, but hiking shoes recommended)
• ✅ Water bottle (also available at Miyukigahara)
• ✅ Towel
• ✅ Rain gear (folding umbrella or rain jacket)
• ✅ Warm layer (summit is 5–6°C cooler than the base)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful for rocky sections on the Shirakumo-bashi Course)