Tsukubasan Shrine

Tsukubasan Shrine stands at the summit of Mount Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Tokyo. The shrine has served as a sacred site for over 3,000 years, making it one of Japan's oldest places of worship. Historical records indicate the shrine was formally established during the reign of Emperor Sujin in the first century BCE, though its origins as a mountain worship site extend much further into antiquity.

The shrine complex actually comprises two separate sanctuaries positioned at Mount Tsukuba's twin peaks. Izanagi-no-Mikoto, the male creator deity, is enshrined at the 871-meter Nantai-san peak, while Izanami-no-Mikoto, his female counterpart, occupies the 877-meter Nyotai-san peak. This arrangement reflects the mountain's ancient symbolism as a union of masculine and feminine energies. The shrine has long been revered for matchmaking and marital harmony, drawing couples and those seeking romantic blessings throughout the year.

Visitors can reach the summit shrines via cable car or ropeway from the mountain's base, with the journey taking approximately 8 minutes. Those preferring to hike can follow several trails ranging from 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route. The summit area offers panoramic views extending to Mount Fuji on clear days and across the Kanto Plain. A popular walk connects both peaks, taking about 15 minutes and allowing visitors to pay respects at both sanctuaries.

The shrine is accessible year-round with no admission fee for the grounds themselves, though cable car and ropeway tickets cost around ¥1,100 for a round trip. From Tokyo, take the Tsukuba Express to Tsukuba Station, then transfer to a bus bound for the Tsukuba-san Entrance, which takes approximately 40 minutes.