2025.04.12

Tsukubasan Shrine, the gods of Hitachi Province

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Against the backdrop of the rich nature and history of Hitachi Province, Tsukubasan Shrine, which enshrines its gods, is known as a mysterious place that attracts many worshippers. Mt. Tsukuba, one of the Seven Sacred Mountains of Japan, is a place that is closely linked to Japan mythology as well as its beautiful scenery.

Mt. Tsukuba Shrine has two peaks, Mt. Otai and Mt. Ontai, each of which is said to have different deities, adding to its mythical presence. By visiting this shrine, you can feel the power of the gods and experience the history of the faith, which stretches from ancient times to the present day.

The charm of this awe-inspiring mountain and shrine attracts people as more than just a tourist destination, and continues to tell the story of the gods to the present day. In this article, we will approach the profound charm of Tsukubasan Shrine and unravel the other side of its mythology. Please enjoy the continuation.

Article Contents

A journey through ancient prayers and the breath of nature
- The Unknown Charm of Ibaraki Prefecture: Abundant Blessings and Warm People

A journey through ancient prayers and the breath of nature

Hitachi Province, where the history and culture of Japan remain strong, present-day Ibaraki Prefecture. Its charm is not limited to the stereotype of a low national attractiveness ranking, but is deeply rooted in the blessings of the fertile land and abundant sea, and above all, the existence of gods that have been alive since ancient times. This time, we will visit the Tsukubasan Shrine, which can be said to be a symbol of such a landlocked country, and introduce a trip to experience its history, nature, and the breath of the gods.

The Unknown Charm of Ibaraki Prefecture: Abundant Blessings and Warm People

Ibaraki Prefecture is sometimes described as unattractive compared to the rest of the country, but that is only a superficial impression. The rich land nurtures a variety of agricultural crops such as rice, vegetables, and fruits, and the coastline facing the Pacific Ocean becomes a rich fishing ground where the Oyashio and Kuroshio currents meet, bringing a variety of seafood. The catch is one of the highest in Japan, and the "anko nabe", which is especially famous as a winter taste, is so delicious that it is called "anko in the east, blowfish in the west".

However, the charm of Ibaraki Prefecture is not just the richness of food. When you actually visit this place, you can experience the warmth of the people who live there. The people you meet are calm, kind, and have a truly relaxing atmosphere. By touching their kindness, your impression of Ibaraki Prefecture will change greatly.

Another attraction of Ibaraki Prefecture is the depth of history. There are many ruins such as burial mounds and shell mounds, which tell the story of the activities of people since ancient times. It is also dotted with venerable shrines, and behind each shrine hides a deep history and story of faith. While visiting shrines all over the country, there are many places that you will want to visit again and again, and Ibaraki Prefecture has joined one of them.

Hitachi Kokufudoki: A valuable record that conveys the breath of antiquity

An indispensable part of telling the history of Hitachi Province is the "Hitachi Country Fudoki". Three years after the capital was transferred to Heijokyo in the 3rd year of Wado (710), a chant was issued in the 6th year of Wado, and it was required to add a favorable character to the names of the seven provinces of Kinai, the counties, and townships, to write down the specific items of goods in the county, to describe the fertility of the land, to write down the origin of the names of the mountains and rivers, and to record other traditions handed down by the elders. The records reported by the countries in response to this chant are the "Fudoki".

Unfortunately, however, there are only five extant climates. One of them is the Hitachi Kokufudoki, which is a very valuable resource that tells us about ancient myths, legends, and the state of society. It vividly depicts the voices of living people, forms of faith, and our relationship with nature, conveying to us living in the present day a forgotten breath of antiquity.

Mt. Tsukuba and Tsukuba County, a place of ancient faith

Although it is only 45 minutes to Akihabara by Tsukuba Express TX, Tsukuba is a city where universities and cutting-edge technology research facilities are gathered. A description of Tsukuba is preserved in the Hitachi Kokufudoki.

In the Fudoki, there is the following description. "The elder said: The prefecture of Tsukuba used to be called the Land of Ki. It is said that when the Emperor of Mimanki (Emperor Sujin) sent Tsukuha Mikoto, who was a member of the same clan as the Emperor of Mimanki, as the founder of the country of Ki, he said, 'I want you to put my name on the name of this country and pass it down to future generations.'

* Uneme Omi is the same clan as the Mononobe clan. The Mononobe clan is a powerful clan based in Yamabe County and Shibukawa County in Yamato Province, Kawachi Province, and is a Jinbetsu clan of the Tenson clan that is said to be ancestor of Haya Hiyomi, who entered Yamato before Emperor Jimmu.

In the history of Tsukubasan Shrine, it is written that after the birth of Tsukuha, the Tsukuba clan served Tsukubasan Shrine as a unity in the festival. In other words, the place name Tsukuba is derived from the name of an ancient noble family, and it tells the history of the family ruling this area and continuing to worship the gods.

Tsukubasan Shrine, a shrine of two gods enshrined in Shimine

Tsukubasan Shrine (Tsukuba 1, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture) is a historic shrine that has been looked up to as an object of worship since people began to live in the Kanto region. The deities of the festival are Izanagi Mikoto, the Tsukuba male deity, and Izanami Mikoto, the Tsukuba female deity. They are enshrined on the summits of Mt. Nantai (871 m) and Mt. Nyotai (877 m), respectively.

Mt. Tsukuba is characterized by an elegant mountain that stands tall in the northeast, and has been called "Purple Mountain" or "Purple Peak" since ancient times, represented by the noble color purple. As it is revered in the Manyoshu as "the precious mountain of the two gods and the inheritance of people from the age of the gods", it is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, which began with ancient mountain worship.

The many blessings received from the mountain are truly gifts from the gods, and because the mountain has two peaks side by side, two ancestor gods, a man and a woman, are naturally enshrined in each of the shrines.

Exploring the Precincts: Following in the Footsteps of History and Faith

The precincts of Tsukubasan Shrine are dotted with numerous historical buildings and nature, attracting visitors.

Built in the 10th year of Kanei (1633), the mountain gate was a gift from Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun. It was burned down twice, and its current appearance was rebuilt in 1811, but its style still overwhelms visitors. From this mountain gate to the top of the two peaks where the main shrine is located, is the precinct of Tsukubasan Shrine.

Within the precincts of Tsukubasan Shrine, there is also a place dedicated to Toyoki Irihiko. Toyoki Iruhiko is the elder brother of Emperor Jimmu and is a god who is deeply involved in the beliefs before the establishment of the Yamato Imperial Court.

Gokamibashi, repaired for the first time in 31 years and opened to the public on November 1, 2019, is a prefectural designated cultural property that is said to have been built in 1633 (Kanei 10), and is 7.3 meters long and 3 meters wide. It has a large warped shape. In this restoration, it was beautifully painted with lacquer and restored its beauty. Worshippers are allowed to pass through the bridge four days a year, and they can cross the bridge during the "Throne Replacement Festival" and "New Year's Eve Festival" in spring and autumn. Tsukubasan Shrine has a history of about 3,000 years, but it received exceptional protection from the Tokugawa family. The front of this shrine is engraved with the inscription "Kanei 10th year 11th month auspicious day 3rd shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu public dedication", which shows that the Tsukuba Shrine in the direction of the Demon Gate as seen from Edo Castle was dedicated by the Shogunate as a sacred mountain to protect the Demon Gate of Edo.

The 800-year-old cedar tree towering over the temple grounds overwhelms visitors with its vitality and presence over the years. Its thick trunk stands quietly, as if telling history.

The worship hall, which is the center of worship, is surrounded by a solemn atmosphere. On this day when I visited in December, there was a thatch ring, and I was able to pass through the thatch ring to exorcise impurities and purify myself.

The symbol of the worship hall, the large bell ・ A large bell is hung in the worship hall. By ringing this bell, you can tell the gods that you want to worship and purify your heart.

Suesha, Hie Shrine, and Sue Shrines are also enshrined in the precincts, including Hie Shrine. Hie Shrine is dedicated to the god Oyama and is worshipped as the god of the mountains and the god of the earth.

Aiming for the top of the mountain, to the place where the gods sit

When you visit the Tsukubasan Shrine, be sure to visit the main shrine of Mt. Otai and the main shrine of Mt. Ontai at the top of the mountain. There sits a god and watches over the people who visit. You can climb up to the summit by ropeway or cable car, but of course you can also climb from the Tsukubasan Shrine at the foot. Mt. Tsukuba is called "Fuji in the west, Tsukuba in the east" along with Mt. Fuji, but it is also famous as a mountain that has a low altitude and can be enjoyed relatively easily among the 100 famous mountains in Japan.

At the halfway point of the summit connection road connecting Mt. Ontai and Mt. Ontai is Miyukigahara. There is a teahouse in Miyukigahara where you can take a break. It takes about 15 minutes to get from Miyukigahara to the main shrine, but you will need to climb the rocky area on your own, so equipment such as mountaineering boots is optimal. Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy with light snow on this day, but it was still crowded with climbers.

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

Sekireishi is a block of porphyry rock on the mountaineering course from the summit of the cable car to the summit of Mt. Ontai along the ridge. Legend has it that a bird called Seki perched on this stone and taught the way of men and women.

Shrines that sit on the Banda Throne The shrines that sit on the Banza are scattered near the top of the mountain, and the form of the belief from ancient times is transmitted to the present day.

The main shrine of Mt. Otai, which sits on the summit of Mt. Otai, is full of powerful energy.

From the main shrine of Mt. Ontai and the main shrine of Mt. Mentai, we will go to the main shrine of Mt. Ontai. After walking for about 30 minutes, you will arrive at the summit of Mt. Metai. The main shrine, which sits on the summit of Mt. Ontai, is full of gentle healing energy.

The quality of the energy that comes down from each of them is completely different. As the name suggests, Mt. Ontai is filled with gentle and soothing energy, and Mt. Mentai, as the name suggests, is filled with powerful and soothing energy. It can be said that you can touch the essence of Tsukubasan Shrine only by visiting this main shrine. Please visit us when you are in good physical condition and the weather is good.

The view from the summit of Mt. Tsukuba, the superb view spreads

From the summit of Mt. Tsukuba, there is a spectacular view overlooking the Kanto Plain. When the weather is nice, you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distance. Looking at the scenery makes me feel refreshed.

Tsukubasan Shrine, a place where nature, history, and the breath of the gods are in harmony

Tsukubasan Shrine is a special place where ancient history, faith, and rich nature are in harmony. By experiencing that sacred air, you will be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and regain your peace of mind. Please visit Tsukubasan Shrine once and experience its charm.

A journey through the gods of the landlocked country, in search of new discoveries

Tsukubasan Shrine is just one of the many shrines scattered throughout Hitachi Province. There are many shrines with ancient histories, such as Kashima Shrine and Susu Shrine, in this area, each of which conveys its own mythology and beliefs. A trip to these shrines will be a valuable experience in gaining a deeper understanding of Japan's history and culture.

And the charm of Ibaraki Prefecture is not limited to shrines. Beautiful nature, delicious food, and warm people await you. Please visit Ibaraki Prefecture once and travel in search of new discoveries. It will surely be an unforgettable memory.

Through this journey, you will realize the true charm of Ibaraki Prefecture and come to love this place. And while feeling the breath of the gods of the landlocked country, you will be able to discover a new self.