Located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tsukubasan Shrine sits on the slopes of the sacred Mount Tsukuba, overlooking the Kanto Plain, and boasts approximately 3,000 years of history. Praised since ancient times as “Fuji in the West, Tsukuba in the East,” this venerable sanctuary enshrines the famous mountain—celebrated in the Man’yoshu poetry anthology—as its sacred body. Approximately one million worshippers visit annually, making it one of the Kanto region’s premier power spots.
The principal deities are “Tsukuba-no-Otoko-no-Okami” (Izanagi-no-Mikoto) and “Tsukuba-no-Onna-no-Okami” (Izanami-no-Mikoto), who dwell on the mountain’s twin peaks. As these are the divine couple who gave birth to the Japanese islands according to mythology, the shrine is particularly renowned for blessings of matchmaking and marital harmony.
Upon entering the grounds, visitors are immediately struck by the “Goshinboku” sacred tree—a great cedar approximately 800 years old. This giant with a trunk circumference of about 9 meters commands overwhelming presence. Behind rises Mount Tsukuba’s distinctive twin peaks, with the beautiful silhouettes of Nantai-san (871m) and Nyotai-san (877m) glowing with divine radiance. Taking the cable car or ropeway to the summit allows visitors to worship at the main halls on the peaks while enjoying panoramic views of the Kanto Plain.
Tsukubasan Shrine’s founding dates back to the era of Emperor Sujin, the 10th emperor (around 97 BCE), giving it approximately 3,000 years of history as one of the Kanto region’s oldest shrines. Mount Tsukuba itself has been worshipped as a sacred body and has gathered faith as a “Mountain of the Gods” since ancient times.
The Man’yoshu poetry anthology contains 25 poems about Mount Tsukuba, revealing how special this mountain was to ancient Japanese people. Particularly famous is the poem “From the peak of Tsukuba flows the Minanogawa river of man and woman / Love accumulates to become a deep pool,” which likens the merging of streams from Nantai-san and Nyotai-san to romantic love.
During the Heian period, “Tsukubasan-ji Temple” was established, and the mountain flourished as a sacred site of Shinbutsu-shugo (syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism). From the Kamakura period onward, it received deep reverence from warrior clans. After Tokugawa Ieyasu entered the Kanto region, he donated 500 koku of temple lands to Tsukubasan Shrine. The current worship hall was donated by the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1633 and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Due to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the Meiji era, Tsukubasan-ji Temple was abolished, resulting in the current form of Tsukubasan Shrine. However, traces of the Shinbutsu-shugo era can still be seen throughout the grounds, creating a unique atmosphere.
Architecture and Natural Features
Tsukubasan Shrine’s buildings are known for their architecture incorporating the ornate Momoyama style. The worship hall, donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, is particularly noteworthy, with its elaborate polychrome carvings and gold leaf decorations creating a magnificent structure. The main halls are located on the summits of Nantai-san and Nyotai-san respectively, accessible by hiking or cable car.
The “Goshinboku” sacred tree in the grounds is a great cedar approximately 800 years old with a trunk circumference of about 9 meters, revered as the shrine’s symbol. Numerous other cedars and Japanese cypress trees several hundred years old stand throughout, forming a sacred forest.
Mount Tsukuba itself, at 877 meters, is not particularly tall, but its presence is outstanding as an isolated peak rising from the Kanto Plain. The twin peaks of Nantai-san and Nyotai-san are also called “Shiho” (Purple Peak), and their appearance dyed by sunset is exceptionally beautiful. Throughout the mountain, strange rocks and unusual stones are scattered, including natural power spots created by nature such as “Benkei Nanamodori” and “Haha-no-Tainai-Kuguri” (Passing Through Mother’s Womb).
What Makes This Spot Special
Tsukubasan Shrine’s greatest feature is that the entire mountain is enshrined as a sacred body. From the worship hall at the foot to the main halls at the summit, Mount Tsukuba itself constitutes one great sacred precinct. This “Sacred Mountain Faith” is an ancient Japanese form of nature worship, and Tsukubasan Shrine is considered its representative example.
Additionally, the format of enshrining the divine couple on the two peaks of Nantai-san and Nyotai-san is rare even in Japan. This structure has made the shrine nationally famous as a power spot for matchmaking and marital harmony.
The “Gozagae-sai” festival held on April 1st and November 1st each year is Tsukubasan Shrine’s largest celebration. This ceremony involves priests exchanging the divine garments between the mountain summit and foot—in spring from summit to foot, in autumn from foot to summit. Visiting during this festival is said to bestow special blessings.
Spiritual Benefits and Effects
Known Spiritual Benefits
Tsukubasan Shrine is known for diverse blessings due to enshrining the divine couple.
Matchmaking and Romantic Success: As the shrine enshrines the married deities Izanagi and Izanami, visitors seeking good connections never cease. The “Enmusubi-no-Ki” (Matchmaking Tree) within the grounds is a particularly popular power spot.
Marital and Family Harmony: As divine blessings of the couple known for the mythology of giving birth to the islands, the shrine is believed to have power to strengthen bonds between spouses and family members.
Conception and Safe Childbirth: As Izanami is a goddess who gave birth to many deities, prayers for conception and safe delivery are also said to be particularly efficacious here.
Business Prosperity and Success: “Tsukuba” is said to connect to “minoru” (to bear fruit), offering blessings for businesses and enterprises to bear fruit.
Fulfillment of Wishes: As the entire mountain is a sacred body, it is said to possess great power to embrace all manner of wishes.
The Unique Energy of This Site
Tsukubasan Shrine is a place filled with energies of “harmony” and “connection.” The harmony of yin and yang represented by Nantai-san and Nyotai-san, the union of the divine couple—as these symbolize, the shrine is said to harbor power to balance matters and connect people with one another.
The summit of Nyotai-san in particular is known both as a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Kanto Plain and as a place where strong spiritual energy can be felt. On clear days, views extend to Mount Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, and the Pacific Ocean, allowing visitors to receive the earth’s energy throughout their entire bodies.
Visitor Testimonials
“I visited when I was exhausted from marriage hunting. When I made a wish at the Matchmaking Tree, I met my current husband three months later. I still visit every year to express gratitude.” (Woman in her 30s, Tokyo)
“My husband and I worshipped while hiking together. After placing our hands together at the summit’s main hall, we mysteriously felt our bond deepen. It became a wonderful memory for our 10th wedding anniversary.” (Couple in their 40s, Saitama)
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossoms bloom from early to mid-April, and azaleas from late April to early May. You can enjoy watching flowers bloom progressively from foot to summit. The “Gozagae-sai” on April 1st is the year’s largest festival. Comfortable temperatures of 15-22°C (59-72°F) make this ideal for hiking. Recommendation: ★★★★★
Summer (June–August)
Fresh green leaves are beautiful, and the mountain is popular as a summer retreat. The “Nagoshi-sai” festival in August offers chi-no-wa kuguri (passing through a sacred grass ring) to purify impurities. The summit is 5-6°C cooler than the foot, allowing comfortable worship even in midsummer. However, watch out for heatstroke when hiking. Recommendation: ★★★☆☆
Autumn (September–November)
The autumn foliage season from late October to mid-November is Mount Tsukuba’s most beautiful time. The entire mountain is dyed in reds and yellows, and the view from the ropeway is spectacular. The “Gozagae-sai” on November 1st is also a highlight. Temperatures of 12-20°C (54-68°F) make for ideal hiking weather. Recommendation: ★★★★★
Winter (December–February)
The air is clear, offering the best views from the summit. Mount Fuji can be seen clearly across the Kanto Plain. New Year’s visits attract approximately 150,000 people. Temperatures of 0-10°C (32-50°F) require warm clothing. Be careful of icy hiking trails when there’s snow. Recommendation: ★★★★☆
Best Times of Day
Early Morning (6:00-8:00 AM): Few visitors allow for worship in refreshing air. Mount Tsukuba wrapped in morning mist is fantastical.
Morning (9:00-11:00 AM): Time your visit with the first cable car and ropeway runs. Less crowded than afternoon.
Late Afternoon (4:00-5:00 PM): Beautiful time to see shrine buildings lit by western light. The sunset-dyed “Purple Peak” of Mount Tsukuba is also a highlight.
Visitor’s Guide
Basic Worship Etiquette
1. Great Torii Gate: Bow before passing through. Walk along the sides of the approach.
2. Temizuya (Purification Fountain):
– Hold the ladle in your right hand and rinse your left hand
– Transfer to your left hand and rinse your right hand
– Return to your right hand, pour water into your cupped left palm, and rinse your mouth
– Tilt the ladle vertically to rinse the handle
3. Worship at the Main Hall:
– Quietly offer your monetary offering
– Ring the bell
– Bow twice, clap twice, bow once
4. Summit Main Hall Worship:
– Take the cable car or hike to the summit
– Worship at both Nantai-san Main Hall and Nyotai-san Main Hall
Highlights and Recommended Route
Suggested Route (Approximately 3-4 hours)
1. Great Torii & Approach (10 min): Walk the stone-paved path
2. Sacred Bridge & Zuijin Gate (5 min): Pass through the Important Cultural Property gate
3. Worship Hall (15 min): Worship at the hall donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu
4. Goshinboku Sacred Tree (5 min): Receive power from the 800-year-old giant
5. Enmusubi-no-Ki (5 min): Matchmaking power spot
6. Cable Car to Summit (8 min): Miyawaki Station → Tsukubasan Summit Station
7. Nantai-san Main Hall (20 min): Located on Nantai-san summit
8. Nyotai-san Main Hall (30 min): Located on Nyotai-san summit, spectacular viewpoint
9. Strange Rock Tour (30 min): Benkei Nanamodori, Haha-no-Tainai-Kuguri, etc.
10. Descend & Amulet Office (10 min): Receive goshuin and charms
Goshuin and Amulet Information
Goshuin (Shrine Seal):
Fee: ¥500
Hours: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Available at the shrine office at the foot and on the summit
Popular Amulets:
Enmusubi Mamori/Matchmaking Charm (¥800): Blessings of the divine couple
Meoto Mamori/Couple’s Charm (¥1,000): Pair of charms
Anzan Mamori/Safe Childbirth Charm (¥800): Blessings of Izanami
Tozan Anzen Mamori/Hiking Safety Charm (¥500): Pray for safe hiking
Dress Code and Items to Bring
Hiking boots or trekking shoes essential if hiking
Comfortable walking shoes even if using cable car
Bring jacket as summit is 5-6°C cooler than foot
Hat and water essential in summer
Warm clothing in winter (gloves, knit cap, etc.)
Basic Information
Access
Address: 1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
By Car:
30 minutes from Joban Expressway Tsuchiura-Kita IC
40 minutes from Kita-Kanto Expressway Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC
30 minutes from Tsukuba Express Tsukuba Station
Public Transportation:
From Tsukuba Express “Tsukuba Station”: Shuttle bus to “Tsukuba Jinja Iriguchi” approximately 40 minutes, get off at terminal, 10-minute walk
From JR Joban Line “Tsuchiura Station”: Bus approximately 50 minutes
Parking: Municipal parking available (¥500 for standard vehicles, approximately 450 spaces)
Visiting Information
Hours: Grounds open freely (Amulet office 9:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Closed: None (Cable car closed on inspection days)
Duration: 1 hour for foot only, 3-4 hours including summit
Contact
Phone: 029-866-0502
Official Website: https://www.tsukubasanjinja.jp/
Area Information
Nearby Attractions
Mount Tsukuba (Hiking/Cable Car)
Twin peaks of Nantai-san (871m) and Nyotai-san (877m). Cable car and ropeway allow easy access to the summit. Hiking trails are well-maintained, challenging even for beginners.
Tsukubasan Plum Grove (5 min by car)
Famous spot with approximately 1,000 plum trees in bloom. Best viewing from mid-February to mid-March. Plum blossoms with Mount Tsukuba as backdrop are spectacular.
Tsukuba Expo Center (30 min by car)
Museum themed on science and technology. Planetarium and hands-on exhibits are popular.
Recommended Restaurants
Tsukuba Udon (Around Mount Tsukuba)
Tsukubasan Keisei Hotel
Hotel restaurant on Mount Tsukuba’s slopes
Specialties: Tsukuba Udon Set (¥1,500), Hitachi Beef Steak (¥3,800)
Hours: 11:30 AM-2:00 PM
Closed: None
Numata-ya Honten (In front of shrine gate)
Established over 100 years
Specialties: Karinto Manju bun (¥150), Fukure Mikan Daifuku (¥200)
Hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Closed: Irregular
Handmade Soba Shop in front of Ichinoya Yasaka Shrine
Karinto Manju: Deep-fried bun, specialty of Mount Tsukuba
Fukure Mikan: Small citrus from Mount Tsukuba’s foothills
Gama-no-Abura: Traditional ointment of Mount Tsukuba
Enmusubi Mamori: Tsukubasan Shrine original
Model Itineraries
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 hours)
9:30 AM Arrive at Tsukubasan Shrine
10:00 AM Worship at worship hall, visit Goshinboku
10:30 AM Cable car to summit
11:00 AM Worship at Nantai-san and Nyotai-san Main Halls
12:00 PM Lunch at summit
1:00 PM Descend, purchase souvenirs
1:30 PM Depart
Full-Day Course (Approximately 7 hours)
9:00 AM Arrive at Tsukubasan Shrine
9:30 AM Worship at worship hall, explore grounds
10:30 AM Begin hiking (Shirakumo-bashi Course)
12:30 PM Worship at Nyotai-san Main Hall, lunch
1:30 PM Strange rock tour, worship at Nantai-san Main Hall
2:30 PM Descend by cable car
3:00 PM Explore temple town, souvenirs
4:00 PM Depart
Visitor Reviews and Experiences
“Experienced Real Matchmaking Blessings” (Woman in her 20s, Chiba)
“I visited at a friend’s recommendation. When I prayed earnestly at the Matchmaking Tree, I had a wonderful encounter the following month. Now I’m engaged. I’m truly grateful.”
“Enjoy Both Hiking and Worship” (Man in his 50s, Kanagawa)
“I wasn’t confident in my physical strength, but using the cable car, I could easily reach the summit. The view from Nyotai-san summit was the best—I could even see Mount Fuji. I was moved by the concept that the entire mountain is a deity.”
“Autumn Foliage Season is Exceptional” (Couple in their 40s, Ibaraki)
“We’re locals, but this was our first time taking the ropeway during autumn foliage season. The bright red-dyed mountainside and the view of the Kanto Plain were so beautiful they left us speechless.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can hiking beginners reach the summit?
A: Using the cable car or ropeway, you can reach the summit without hiking. The Shirakumo-bashi Course (approximately 90 minutes) is suitable for beginners if hiking.
Q: Should I worship at Nantai-san or Nyotai-san Main Hall first?
A: There’s no specific rule, but Nantai-san is closer when using the cable car, and Nyotai-san is closer when using the ropeway.
Q: Does the parking lot get crowded?
A: It gets very crowded during autumn foliage season (late October to mid-November) and New Year’s. Early morning arrival is recommended.
Q: Which is better, the cable car or ropeway?
A: The ropeway is recommended for enjoying views; the cable car is recommended for going directly from the worship hall.
Summary
Tsukubasan Shrine is one of the Kanto region’s premier power spots with approximately 3,000 years of history, enshrining the entire mountain as its sacred body.
The format of enshrining the divine couple Izanagi and Izanami on Nantai-san and Nyotai-san respectively is rare even in Japan, drawing worshippers from across the country seeking blessings of matchmaking and marital harmony. Highlights abound, including the 800-year-old Goshinboku sacred tree, the Important Cultural Property worship hall donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, and spectacular views from the summit.
Using the cable car or ropeway allows even those lacking hiking confidence to easily worship at the summit’s main halls. The strange rock formations including “Benkei Nanamodori” and “Haha-no-Tainai-Kuguri” are popular as power spots created by nature. The ability to enjoy both hiking and worship is Tsukubasan Shrine’s greatest appeal.
For those seeking good connections, couples wishing to deepen their bonds, those wanting to take new steps in life—the energy of the sacred peak praised as “Fuji in the West, Tsukuba in the East” will powerfully support your wishes.
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*Information in this article is current as of December 2025. Please verify the latest details via the official website before visiting.*
