Tsukuba: Mt. Tsukuba, Shrine Culture and Science

Tsukuba can be explored from several perspectives: Mt. Tsukuba offers a cable car, hiking and panoramic views; halfway up the mountain, Tsukubasan Shrine adds a cultural dimension. The city of Tsukuba also has botanical gardens, cycling and science attractions. If you are looking for a hotel in Tsukuba, you can start by deciding whether mountains, shrine culture, nature or science will be the focus of your stay.

Mt. Tsukuba: Cable Car, Hiking and Views

The Mt. Tsukuba Cable Car is a 1.6-kilometer funicular that travels to the mountain’s summit. From Mt. Tsukuba, you can enjoy panoramic views. Mt. Tsukuba is also accessible by bus from Tsukuba Station. The bus connection between the station and the mountain is a practical point to consider when planning your journey.

Tsukubasan Shrine and Cultural Connections

The historic Tsukubasan Shrine is located halfway up Mt. Tsukuba. The deities Tsukuba-no-ōkami Izanagi and Tsukuba-no-me-no-kami Izanami are enshrined there as deities of matchmaking and marital harmony. The shrine also houses a sword called “Yoshimune.” It was presented by Shogun Iemitsu and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The religious connections and the sword offer two distinct ways to understand Tsukuba’s cultural side.

Nature in Tsukuba City

Within Tsukuba City, Tsukuba Plum Grove is located halfway up Mt. Tsukuba at an elevation of about 250 meters. It is a point of interest in the Tsukuba Area Geopark. Tsukuba Botanical Garden is also in Tsukuba City. More than 7,000 different wild plant species are grown across its 14 hectares; about 3,000 of them are on permanent display outdoors and in greenhouses. Nine outdoor areas recreate vegetation types typical of Japan, while four greenhouse areas emulate tropical and semi-arid regions. The garden brings together different vegetation types and recreated regions.

Mount Hōkyō, in the northeastern part of Tsukuba City, offers another panorama: the mountain is 461 meters high and commands a 360-degree view. At Forest Adventure Tsukuba, a 100-meter-long zipline runs above a stand of about 1,000 plum trees. The availability of individual courses may change; check the latest information if this activity is important to your plans.

Science and Getting Around

Within Tsukuba City, the Tsukuba Science Tour Bus connects six research and educational facilities. It operates on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, except during the New Year holidays. It departs from bus stop 8 at Tsukuba Center Bus Terminal, by Tsukuba Station. Operating and departure details may change, so check the latest information before traveling.

At the Space Dome at JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, in Tsukuba City, visitors can see scale models of satellites, an actual rocket engine and a scale model of Japan’s Kibo Experiment Module up close. Exhibition contents may change. If a particular exhibit is important to you, check the latest information in advance.

Bicycles are available for rent at three locations in Tsukuba City: Tsukuba Station, Tsukubasan-guchi and Cycle Park Tsukuba. The Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road national cycling route runs directly beside the bicycle rental location at Tsukubasan-guchi. This connection may be useful when planning a cycling-focused stay. Rental services and route conditions may change; check the latest information if you plan to cycle.

Discover more destinations: Miho, Itako, Chikusei, Hitachinaka, Naka, Hokota, Mito, Bandō.

For the overall travel guide: Ibaraki Prefecture.