Mount Tsukuba Nantaisan Main Shrine [Ibaraki]

【Overview of Mount Tsukuba Shrine: Nantaisan Main Shrine】

The Nantaisan Main Shrine (Gohonden) of Mount Tsukuba Shrine is enshrined at the summit of the western peak (elevation 871m) of Mount Tsukuba’s two peaks. Mount Tsukuba is a sacred mountain with a history of worship spanning over 3,000 years, which began when a deity was enshrined on the Iwakura (sacred rock) at the summit of Mount Nantai. In contrast to the worship hall (Haiden) located halfway up the mountain, this main hall at the summit serves as the absolute core of the mountain’s faith.
Revered as a divine couple alongside Izanami-no-Mikoto of the eastern peak (Mount Nyotai), the deities are said to bring blessings such as good matchmaking, marital harmony, and family safety.

The enshrined deity is Izanagi-no-Mikoto, well-known from the Japanese creation myth.

Mount Tsukuba Shrine [Ibaraki]

【Hiking Route: Miyukigahara Course】

There is a full-fledged hiking trail called the “Miyukigahara Course” that goes all the way up to the main shrine at the summit of Mount Nantai, starting from beside the Mount Tsukuba Shrine worship hall. A torii gate stands at the starting point. Most of the trail runs parallel to the cable car tracks, and I’ve heard it is basically a physically demanding route consisting of continuous steep climbs.

Since it was my first time visiting, I chose to take the cable car.

【Overview of Mount Tsukuba Cable Car】

The Tsukubasan Cable Car connects “Miyawaki Station” (near Mount Tsukuba Shrine) to “Tsukuba Sancho Station” (the mountaintop station at Miyukigahara) in about 8 minutes. Opened in 1925 (Taisho 14), it is a historic line and the 5th oldest cable car in Japan.

The ride takes about 8 minutes, and it usually operates every 20 minutes. Round trip: 1,070 yen (Note: Half price for children).

【Tsukuba Sancho Station (Mountaintop Station)】

When you get off the cable car, you arrive at “Miyukigahara,” a plaza with shops and an observation deck. From here, the steep stairs and slope you see on your left (west) when facing forward serve as the entrance to Mount Nantai.

【The Path to Nantaisan Main Shrine】

The path from Tsukuba Sancho Station to the Nantaisan Main Shrine is short in distance, but it is a serious climb over steep, rocky terrain.

It starts with paved stairs, but soon turns into a rugged path with large, exposed rocks. Even small children were climbing it… so tough!

After walking along the steep path for a while, the main hall comes into view.

【Nantaisan Main Shrine】

Once you finish the climb, the Nantaisan Main Shrine sits right in front of you. There is a viewing spot overlooking the Kanto Plain. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see Mount Fuji this time.

The current shrine building was rebuilt in 1955 (Showa 30), but it adopts a traditional architectural style called Ikkensha-nagarezukuri. During the Edo period, it is said that a very luxurious shrine building stood here as a designated prayer site for the Tokugawa Shogun family.

【Ruins of the Weather Station】

Right next to the main shrine is the building of the former Tsukubasan Meteorological Observatory, which was once a base for mountain observation, giving the area a historical charm. Constructed in 1902 (Meiji 35), it was Japan’s first full-scale mountain weather station.

【Nantaisan Main Shrine: Access】

Admin’s Impressions

Since Mount Nantai is located on the west side, on a clear day, you can reportedly get a beautiful, direct view of Mount Fuji. It is a refreshing place where a little effort rewards you with the best views and spiritual energy. However, even though it’s not a full mountain climb from the mountaintop station, I highly recommend wearing sneakers or hiking shoes. It’s dangerous to wear heels or sandals as you might easily twist your ankle on the rocks, so please prioritize safety when visiting.

(Note: The following scores are the same as Mount Tsukuba Shrine)

Scale

 (5)

Accessibility

 (1)

History / Origins

 (5)

Nature / Scenery

 (5)

Quietness

 (3)

Goshuin Variety

 (4)

Address of Nantaisan Main Shrine

1-1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture 300-4352

*Note: No parking available at the summit.

About 40 minutes by bus from Tsukuba Station (Tsukuba Express Line).

参考

トップページ

筑波山神社

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Mount Tsukuba Shrine [Ibaraki] Mount Tsukuba Chuzen-ji Omido [Ibaraki] Atago Shrine (Kasama) [Ibaraki] Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu [Ibaraki]