Mt Tsukuba筑波山

Let us speak about Mt Tsukuba(筑波山). This is quite famous for its stories and its rich abundance of nature. But there is a story about Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)and its nature which I choose to say!

?A heavenly being descended to earth. He wanted to rest and first approached Mt Fuji. He requested Mt Fuji to let him rest and be blest. Mt Fuji, with all its might and beauty arrogantly turned him down saying he does not need the heavenly beings’ blessings. Disappointed and hurt, the heavenly being approached Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)who not only allowed him a great resting place but humbly bestowed good care and hospitality. The heavenly being after resting blest Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)with rich nature and beauty.

Mt Fuji in turning down the heavenly being now is a cold, barren and lonely mountain, and Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)is blest with lush green vegetation, natural and scenic richness, and seasonal colours.

Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)- description

Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)is 877 meters tall and is in the northern end of Tsukuba. Famously known for its double peaks, namely the Nyotai san(女体山) or the Female peak at 877mts and nantai san（男体山）, the male peak at 871 mts. This mountain appears purple and hence called Shihou (紫峰―しほう/Purple Mountain) and is open for climbing throughout the year. From its summit the Kantou plain is seen. If the day is clear one can see the Tokyo Skyline, Lake Kasumigaura and Mt Fuji when on the summit.

Unlike Volcanic mountains which are typical in Japan, Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)is non volcanic and has reserves of granite and gabbro. The northern side has granite quarries.

?How Mt Tsukuba got its name?

The Mount Tsukuba was named after noble names tsukuha no Mikoto (筑箪命). Emperor Sujin (Mimaki no Simeramikoto (美麻貴天皇) ruled the area around Mt Tsukuba(筑波山). Tsukuha no Mikoto (筑箪命)　was the governor of the area and always wished to leave behind his name. Therefore, the area was named Tsukuha which became Tsukuba over time.

Another legend speaks of the parents of Japanese race namely the male Izanagi no Mikoto and the female Izanami no Mikoto are enshrined in Mts Nankai and Nyotai respectively. These two persons are supposed to have entered wedlock and given birth and many deities of Japan and Japan itself. Mt Nyotai was venue for harvest festivals which symbolised fertility, referred to as Kagai. Mountain’s weddings and weddings between people happened here and the place also gained fame as matchmaking spot making single persons to throng to pray for good life partners. ?

?Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)is equated to Mt Fuji by the line西の富士、東の筑波or ?“Mt Fuji to the West and Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)to the East.” Only the direction is different but both are revered equally.

The peaks of the mountain are superbly accessible to even the beginners thanks to the Ropeway and cable cars.

Since the Kantou plains are visible briefly making for a breathtaking view in the night, Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)is also called Japan’s Night View Heritage(日本夜景遺産?にほんやけいいさん)

?Rope ways and Cable cars

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Ropeways and Cable cars are available to reach the peak of Mt Tsukuba(筑波山). The Cable car station is near the Tsukubasan Jinja and the Ropeway station is near the parking area. During certain special and scenic times of the year nighttime rides makes possible the panoramic night view of the Kantou area.

?Rocks with unique stories along the way

?All along the climb to the summit, one comes across rocks with histories and impressive names. Like the gama-ishi which looks like a frog and is a product of natural weathered gabbro。Benkei nanaｍodori is the name of another interestingly formed rock. The rock is named after a courageous warrior priest named Musashibo Benkei, who climbed the rock after failing 6 times due to fear of falling off the rock. He succeeded the seventh time.

Plum Blossoms

?Tsukuba hosts the blooming of the plum blossoms between mid-feb and mid-March. 30 varieties of plum blossoms bloom giving white or light pink hue.

Tsukubasan Jinja and other viewpoints

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Tsukubasan Jinja is shrine dedicated to Tsukuba ono okami and Tsukuba meno okami, otherwise called Izanagi and Izanami the mythical god and goddess. The path leading to these shrines has steps and paths which will give a picturesque view. These gods favour happy wedlock and bless the couple with a happy wedded life.

Just near the cable car station, a torii gate rises which on entering you would see the steps to the shrine with smaller torii gates. Nearby is the cable car station, the Miyawaki station. There are vending points where you can get tickets There are two types of cable cars. The red coloured cable cars named Momiji and the green coloured Wakaba.

On exiting the Summit station, you would welcome by Miyukigahara viewpoint from where you get a beautiful view of the Kantou areas.

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Beyond this is the Koma observatory which gives a better bird-eye view of the Kantou region below. The circular observatory gives a 360degrees view of the Kantou area.

Getting to Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)

From Tokyo- Highway buses can be boarded in Yaesu-South entrance of the Tokyo station. It would be an hour drive by bus to Tsukuba centre Bus Terminal.

A ticket type called Tsukuba Story Ticket (which offers the trip from Tokyo Station to Mt Tsukuba(筑波山)covers privileges like shuttles cars, ropeway, and cable cars. Its cost is JPY 4000 for adults and JPY 2000 for kids. This saves JPY 1000 and saves from buying multiple tickets at different points.

From the Tsukuba Bus Terminal hop onto the shuttle bus and light at Bus Stop Number 1 . The fare is JPY 720.

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