Mt Tsukuba

Mt Tsukuba (Japanese: 筑波山) is the shortest of the hyakumeizan*. It rises at the northern edge of Tsukuba City and is  double‑peaked mountain whose twin summits of Mts Nyotai (女体山) and Nantai (男体山) form one of the most recognizable skylines in the Kanto region. Tsukuba's position at the very edge of the Kanto Plain gives it an unusual presence as a solitary mountain standing above vast flatlands. It offers sweeping views all the way to Tokyo, the Pacific coast and even Mt Fuji (富士山).

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Tsukuba is compact and steep in places but never overwhelming. The slopes are covered in old forest, dotted with giant boulders and curious rock formations. Because it is relatively low, Tsukuba is accessible year‑round. I was told it was the only hyakumeizan to never have snow - which was not true because I hiked it in snow in February one year.

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Hiking Mt Tsukuba is straightforward and varied, with several well‑maintained courses radiating from Tsukuba Shrine at the base. I used the popular approach from Shirakumobashi, which climbs through forest and past large granite outcrops before reaching the summit of Nyotai. From there, a short connecting ridge leads to Nantai, completing the twin‑peak experience. There's another even shorter course, which I ignored so maximize the experience of climbing this mountain.

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Tsukuba also offers a cable car, allowing visitors to combine a partial ascent with a short summit walk. But Tsukuba is easy on foot, a half‑day climb with rewarding views, rich seasonal colors and a lot of history.

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* 100 famous mountains of Japan

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)