2025.02.19

Tsukuba Mountain Shrine, the gods of Hitachi

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Article Table of Contents

Ancient prayers and a journey to experience the breath of nature
- The unknown charm of Ibaraki Prefecture: rich bounty and warm people

Ancient prayers and a journey to experience the breath of nature

Hitachi Province, where Japanese history and culture remain strong in Ibaraki Prefecture. Its appeal is not merely a stereotype of low national attraction rankings, but is deeply rooted in the blessings nurtured by the fertile earth and rich oceans, and, above all, the existence of gods that have been alive and alive since ancient times. This time, we will introduce you to a journey where you can visit Mt. Tsukuba, a symbol of Hitachi, and experience the history, nature, and the breath of the gods.

The unknown charm of Ibaraki Prefecture: rich bounty and warm people

Ibaraki Prefecture is sometimes described as being less attractive nationwide, but that is just a superficial impression. The rich land nurtures a variety of agricultural crops, including rice, vegetables, and fruits, and the coastline facing the Pacific Ocean becomes a rich fishing ground where the Oyashio Current and Kuroshio Current intersect, bringing a variety of seafood. Its catch is ranked at the top of Japan's catch, and the "Anko Hotpot", which is particularly famous as a winter flavor, is so delicious that it is called "East Anko and West Fugu."

However, the appeal of Ibaraki Prefecture is not just about its richness in food. When you actually visit this area, you will be able to experience the warmth of the people who live there. The people you meet are calm, kind and have a truly relaxing atmosphere. By experiencing their kindness, your impression of Ibaraki Prefecture will change dramatically.

Another attraction of Ibaraki Prefecture is its deep history. There are many ruins such as ancient tombs and shell mounds, and they speak to the lives of people since ancient times. Also dotted with venerable shrines, each of which is hidden behind its deep history and stories of faith. While visiting shrines across the country, there are many places that I would like to visit many times, and Ibaraki Prefecture has also joined us.

Hitachi-Kokudoki: A valuable record that conveys the breath of ancient times

The Hitachi Country Fudoki is an essential part of the history of Hitachi Country. Three years after the capital was relocated to Heijokyo in 710, the Imperial Rescript was issued in 6 years of Wadokoro, and was required to write down the names of the Seven Kinai Provinces, Groups and Provinces, specifically write down the product products within the county, describe the fertility of the land, write down the origin of the Yamakawa wilderness, and record other legends passed down by the old man. The Fudoki is a record of reports reported by countries in response to this edict.

Unfortunately, there are only five existing Folklore countries. One of these is the Hitachi Kuni Fudoki, which is an extremely valuable resource that shows the ancient myths, legends, and society. It vividly depicts the voices of living people, the shapes of faith, and the connections with nature, and conveys the life of forgotten ancient times to us living in the present day.

Mount Tsukuba and Tsukuba County, a land of ancient faith

Tsukuba is a town that is only 45 minutes away from Akihabara via Tsukuba Express TX, but is home to universities and advanced technology research facilities. A description of Tsukuba is left in the Hitachi Kunifudoki.

The Fudoki note states the following: "The ancient elders said: "The prefecture of Tsukuba was once called the country of Ki. When Tsukuba, a family of Chikuhan Mikoto (Emperor Sujin), under the rule of Emperor Mimanki (Emperor Sujin), was sent as the Kunimi Yatsuko, a family of the country of Ki, as the Kunimi Yatsuko, who was a member of the country of Ki, said, "I would like to have my name be given to this country and pass it on to the future of the world," and once again called the previous era "Tsukuba."

*The Uneme no Omi is a member of the Mononobe clan. The Mononobe clan is a powerful clan based in Yamabe County, Yamato Province and Shibukawa County, Kawachi Province, and is a Shinbetsu clan of the Tenson clan, whose ancestors are passed down from Ninohane Miki, who joined Yamato before Emperor Jimmu.

The history of Tsukuba Mountain Shrine also states that the Tsukuba clan has served Tsukuba Mountain Shrine with a united state of affairs since the Tsukuha Mikoto. In other words, the place name Tsukuba comes from the name of an ancient powerful clan, and tells the story of the history of the family ruled this land and worshiping the gods.

Two shrines located at Tsukubayama Shrine and Shiho

Tsukubayama Shrine (1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture) is a historic shrine that has been looked up to as an object of worship since the time when people began to live in the Kanto region. The enshrined deities are Izanagi Mikoto, the Tsukuba Male Great God, and Izanagi Mikoto, the Tsukuba Male Great God. They are enshrined on the summit of Mt. Nantai (871m) and Mt. Nyotai (Nyotai) (877m) respectively.

Mount Tsukuba is characterized by its elegant mountain shape that stands sharply in the northeast, and has been known as "purple mountain" and "Shippo" since ancient times, as a noble color, purple. As the Manyoshu worships "the precious mountains of two gods and the inheritance of man from the days of the gods," it is one of the most ancient shrines in Japan, starting with ancient mountain worship.

The blessings we receive from the mountain are truly gifts from God, and as the mountain ranges are lined up in two peaks, two ancestor gods, both male and female, were naturally enshrined in each of the Japanese stone temples.

Touring the precincts: Following the footsteps of history and faith

The grounds of Tsukubasan Shrine are dotted with numerous historic buildings and nature, captivating visitors.

Sui Jinmon, the Sanmon gate, built in 1633 (Kanei 10th year) was given to the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. It was burned twice, and although its present appearance was rebuilt in Culture 8 (1811), its state of style still overwhelms visitors today. From this mountain gate, the summit of the two peaks with the main shrine is the grounds of Tsukubasan Shrine.

Toyoki Iri Hiko Mikoto and Tsukuba Mountain Shrine also has a place where Toyoki Iri Hiko Mikoto is worshiped. Toyoki Iri Hikonomi was Emperor Jimmu's older brother and was deeply involved in his faith before the Yamato Imperial Court was established.

Goshin Bridge - The Goshin Bridge was repaired for the first time in 31 years and opened on November 1, 2019, and is a prefectural cultural property designated as a building in 1633 (Kanei 10), and is 7.3 meters long and 3 meters wide. It has a large warped shape. This restoration was beautifully painted lacquer and restored its beauty. Visitors are allowed to pass for four days a year, and the bridge can be crossed during the spring and autumn "Ozagawarisai" and "New Year's Eve Festival." Tsukubasan Shrine has a history of about 3,000 years, and was given exceptional protection from the Tokugawa family. The shrine is engraved on the front of this god bridge, "The third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, a lucky day in November 10th," and it can be seen that the shogunate offered 1,500 koku of the gods, as a gods mountain protecting the demons of Edo.

Large cedars, 800 years old. Large cedars, towering in the grounds, over the years, overwhelms the visitors with their vitality and presence. The thick trunk stands quietly, as if to speak of history.

The hall and the hall, which is the center of worship, is surrounded by a solemn atmosphere. On this day we visited in December, a Chinowa was left, and we were able to pass through the Chinowa, exorcising impurities and purifying ourselves.

Large bells are hung in the symbol of the worship hall. By ringing this bell, you can convey the intention of worship to God and cleanse your own heart.

Subsidiary shrines, Hie Shrine, and other subsidiaries are also enshrined in the grounds. Hie Shrine enshrines Oyamakui God and is worshiped as a god of mountains and earth.

Towards the summit of the mountain, head to the place where the gods lie.

When visiting Mt. Tsukuba Shrine, be sure to visit the main shrine of Mt. Nantai and the main shrine of Mt. Nantai, which is on the summit. There, God is enshrined and watches over the people who visit. You can climb to the summit by ropeway or cable car, but of course you can also climb from Mt. Tsukuba Shrine at the foot of the mountain. Mount Tsukuba is known as "Fuji in the West and Tsukuba in the East," along with Mount Fuji, but it is also famous as a low-altitude mountain that allows you to enjoy mountain climbing relatively easily.

Mikogahara is at the halfway point between the summit connecting mountains that connect Mt. Yometai and Mt. Ototai. There are tea shops and other places in Mikogahara where you can rest. It takes about 15 minutes to get from Mikogahara to the main shrine, but since you will need to climb the rocks yourself, it is best to wear climbing boots or other equipment. It was a unfortunately cloudy day with light snow falling, but it was still crowded with climbers.

View from the top of the mountain and feel the breath of the gods

This is a gagarei rock mass located on the climbing course that runs along the ridge from the Cable Car Summit Station to the summit of Mt. Yometai. There is a legend that a bird called Sekiri stopped on this stone and taught the way for men and women.

Near the summit of the Iwaza, shrines enshrined in the Iwaza are dotted with shrines enshrined in the Iwaza, conveying the ancient form of faith to this day.

The main shrine of Mt. Nantai and the main shrine, located on the summit of Mt. Nantai, is filled with powerful energy.

From the main shrine of Onnataiyama and the main shrine of Onnataiyama, head to the main shrine of Onnataiyama. After walking for about 30 minutes, you will arrive at the summit of Mt. Onotachi. The main shrine, located on the summit of Mt. Yotachi, is filled with gentle, soothing energy.

The quality of each energy comes down to you is completely different. As the name suggests, Onnataiyama is poured down with gentle, healing energy, while Onnataiyama is poured down with powerful, slurping energy, just as the name suggests. It can be said that only you can experience the essence of Tsukubasan Shrine by visiting this main shrine. Please come and visit us on a nice day and nice weather.

The view and spectacular view from the summit of Mt. Tsukuba

From the summit of Mt. Tsukuba, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Kanto Plain. On good weather, you can also view Mt. Fuji in the distance. Looking at the view gives me a refreshing feeling, as if to be rinsed.

Tsukuba Mountain Shrine - a place where nature, history and the breath of gods harmonize

Tsukuba Mountain Shrine is a special place that harmonizes ancient history, faith, and rich nature. By being exposed to this sacred atmosphere, you will be able to move away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and regain peace. Be sure to visit Mt. Tsukuba Shrine and experience its charm.

A journey through the gods of Hitachi in search of new discoveries

Tsukubasan Shrine is just one of the many shrines scattered throughout Hitachi Province. There are many shrines in this area with ancient history, such as Kashima Shrine and Ryosu Shrine, each of which conveys their own myths and beliefs. A journey through these shrines will be a valuable experience for a deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture.

And the charm of Ibaraki Prefecture is not just about shrines. There are many charms awaiting you, including beautiful nature, delicious food, and meeting warm people. Be sure to visit Ibaraki Prefecture and take a trip in search of new discoveries. It will surely be an unforgettable memory.

Through this journey, you will discover the true charm of Ibaraki Prefecture and become a lover of this place. And you will be able to discover a new self while feeling the breath of the gods of Hitachi.