Guide to Shrines and Goshuin in Tsukuba City

(1) Tsukubasan Shrine Spot Information

Tsukubasan Shrine is a shrine that enshrines Mt. Tsukuba as its sacred body.
Divine Virtues: Marital harmony, safe childbirth and child-giving, matchmaking, romantic fulfillment, family safety, prosperity of descendants, warding off evil, good health, recovery from illness, longevity
There are main halls on both peaks, Nishimine (Mt. Nantai) and Higashimine (Mt. Nyotai). The Nantai-san Main Hall (Tsukuba Otoko Okami / Izanagi) is an Engishiki-naisha (Myojin-dai), and the Nyotai-san Main Hall (Tsukuba Onna Okami / Izanami) is an Engishiki-naisha (Sho), both having a long history of high status. The worship hall is located halfway up the mountain, making it easy to visit by bus or car. Within the shrine grounds are the hiking trails for Mt. Tsukuba and the Miyawaki Station for the cable car, making it a popular tourist spot in Tsukuba City visited by many throughout the year. There is a katana designated as a National Important Cultural Property, a sacred bridge, Itsukushima Shrine main hall, Kasuga Shrine and Hie Shrine main halls and worship halls designated as Ibaraki Prefectural Important Cultural Properties, and Zuijinmon Gate, Hoshizaki Yukinoshita, and Marubakusu (Maruba Kusunoki) designated as Tsukuba City Cultural Properties. All buildings and natural monuments except for the katana can be seen in person. Hoshizaki Yukinoshita is Tsukuba City's "city flower" and is a type of saxifrage wild plant that grows only on Mt. Tsukuba. Goshuin (red seal stamps) can be received at the shrine office.

Prayer Reception9:00-15:45

Location〒300-4352 1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Contact: Tsukubasan Shrine, Phone 029-866-0502

(2) Tsukubasan Shrine VR Tour (20 Scenes)

The image above is a VR panorama photo of the Zuijinmon Gate at Tsukubasan Shrine. This VR tour consists of aerial photography of the Great Torii Gate at 110m, Goshinbashi Bridge and Tsukuba Town Road Origin Marker, Zuijinmon Gate, Giyo-hi Monument and Great Cedar, Kasuga Shrine within the grounds, Itsukushima Shrine, Asahi Inari Shrine, in front of the Worship Hall, Miyawaki Station of the cable car, and more.

• From the Ground
• From the Air

(1) Guide to Tsukubasan Shrine - Nantai-san Main Hall

The Nantai-san Main Hall is a shrine located on the summit of Mt. Nantai (Nantai-san), the western peak of Mt. Tsukuba (elevation 871 meters). It enshrines Tsukubao no Kami (Tsukuba Otoko Okami) and is a prestigious shrine of Engishiki-naisha, Myojin-dai, with the deified person being Izanagi-no-Mikoto. In the "Hitachi Fudoki," it is stated that the western peak (Mt. Nantai) of Mt. Tsukuba was steep and forbidden to climb as it was considered a divine peak. It is a famous spot for sunrise and night views.

Location〒300-4352 1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Contact: Tsukubasan Shrine, Phone: 029-866-0502

(2) VR Tour of Nantai-san Main Hall

The image above is a VR panorama photo of the Nantai-san Main Hall.

(1) Guide to Tsukuba-san Shrine, Nyotai-san Main Shrine

Nyotai-san Main Shrine is a shrine located at the summit (877 meters above sea level) of Nyotai-san, the eastern peak of Mt. Tsukuba. Tsukubame no Kami (Tsukubame Okami) is enshrined, and it is a prestigious shrine of Engishiki Jinja, Myojin-sho rank, and its deity is Izanami-no-Mikoto.Although the eastern peak (Nyotai-san) is steep, springs flow constantly in summer and winter, and men and women gathered there in spring and autumn for Utagaki (courtship songs). The summit of Nyotai-san is a famous spot for sunrise and night views.

Location〒300-4352 1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Contact: Tsukuba-san Shrine, Phone: 029-866-0502

(2) VR Tour of Nyotai-san Main Shrine

The image above is a VR panorama of Nyotai-san Main Shrine.

Azatoko Shrine is an auxiliary shrine of Tsukuba-san Shrine, located near the summit of Nyotai-san on Mt. Tsukuba. The enshrined deity of Azatoko Shrine is Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
Divine Virtues: Ward off water disasters, fire disasters, and illnesses; bountiful harvests; improvement in literature and academics; matchmaking.
In mythology, Susanoo-no-Mikoto is the child of Izanagi and Izanami, meaning Azatoko Shrine, which enshrines the child, is located below Nyotai-san Main Shrine, which enshrines the mother goddess. Approximately 100 meters down from the summit along the walking path, there is a giant rock called "Daibutsu-iwa" (Great Buddha Rock), which is 19 meters high. From there, about 40 meters away (mostly flat ground), there is Byobu-iwa (Folding Screen Rock). Azatoko Shrine is located beside Byobu-iwa, generally below the cable car.

Inamura Shrine is a subsidiary shrine of Mt. Tsukuba Shrine, and its enshrined deity is Amaterasu Omikami. In mythology, Amaterasu is the child of Izanagi and Izanami, so it makes sense that the shrine is located below the summit of Mt. Nyotai.
Divine Virtues: National Security, Good Fortune, Victory, and Good Luck
While the Tsukuba-san Shrine Honden (main hall) is located at an elevation of 260 meters, Inamura Shrine is situated on a giant rock at a higher elevation of 730 meters. This giant rock is called "Takamagahara" and is a famous spot on Mt. Tsukuba. Inamura Shrine is located on the 'Otatsu-ishi Climbing Course,' which ascends Mt. Nyotai from Tsutsujigaoka, and cannot be seen without climbing. It is about 30 meters past 'Benkei Nanmodori,' and 'Mother's Womb Crawl' is just above this spot.

Shirataki Shrine is located along the Mt. Tsukuba Shirataki Michi hiking trail in Usui, Tsukuba City. The shrine enshrines Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, and its founding date is unknown. The forest road was once part of a ritual route from the present Rokushō Kōtaijingū Reikai (Sacred Site) to the main halls of Mt. Tsukuba Shrine (Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyotai), so it seems to have been a famous spot before the Meiji era. The explanatory signboard states a legend that when Yamato Takeru no Mikoto lost his way at the foot of Mt. Tsukuba during his eastern expedition, he followed a white bird that flew out of this forest and escaped the labyrinth. Therefore, it was formerly known as Shiratori Shrine. Next to the approach to the shrine is Shirataki Waterfall, a two-tiered waterfall with an upper section of 3m and a lower section of 5m.

※Reference for text：Shirataki Shrine explanatory signboard

Location〒300-4211 2099 Usui, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki

(1) Gassuiseki Shrine Spot Guide

Gassuiseki Shrine is a shrine of unknown origin located on the border of Tsukuba and Numata in Tsukuba City. The enshrined deity is Iwanagahime, who is the goddess of the myth of the origin of death for all humankind, and the large rock behind the main hall serves as the sacred body. It is an independent shrine not registered with the Jinja Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrines), and its grounds, quietly nestled in the forest at the foot of Mt. Tsukuba, offer a solemn atmosphere, making it a recommended shrine spot in Tsukuba City. There is also a parking lot for visitors (2 spaces).
*Reference text: Local explanation board of Gassuiseki Shrine: Click the link and zoom in to view the explanation.

Location〒300-4352Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

(2) Explanation of Gassuiseki Shrine VR Tour

The image above is a VR panorama photo of Gassuiseki Shrine. The Gassuiseki Shrine VR tour consists of aerial footage at 146m, the Minanogawa River bridge, the approach path, an explanation board, the main hall, and more.

• From the ground
• From the sky

Iina Shrine is a historic shrine of unknown origin located in Usui, Tsukuba City, which is a Shikigai-sha (shrine not listed in the Engishiki). It is an ancient shrine (Shikigai-sha) mentioned as "Iina-no-kami" in the "Hitachi Province Fudoki." It is identified with the "Iina-no-kami" mentioned in the section of Shida District (near Inashiki, south of Lake Kasumigaura) in the "Hitachi Province Fudoki," which states: "To the west of that village is the shrine of Iina; this is a separate branch of the Iina-no-kami owned by Mount Tsukuba." According to this, its founding dates back to before the 8th century, and from this, Iina Shrine is said to be the oldest shrine on Mount Tsukuba.
In the Middle Ages, it was called "Iinano Shrine" or "Inano-no-miya." Uke-mochi-no-kami and Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto (Benzaiten) are enshrined as main deities, and it has long been cherished by local people as "Iinano Benzaiten." The Hatsumi Festival is held as an annual festival on Hatsumi (around February each year), and the shrine grounds are bustling with daruma markets and other events related to the Benzaiten faith. Goshuin (red seal stamps) can only be obtained once a year, during this festival. It is a recommended shrine spot in Tsukuba City.

※Reference text：Iina Shrine History: Click the link and zoom in to view the explanation.

Location〒300-4211 1-1 Usui, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

(1) Spot Information for Rokushokotaizingu Reiseki

Rokushokotaizingu Reiseki is the sacred site of Rokushokotaizingu (Rokushokotaizingu Shrine) located in Usui, Tsukuba City. Rokushokotaizingu is said to have been founded in the 4th year of Emperor Jimmu (657 BC) as the general shrine of the Tsukuba region, but it was abolished in 1908 due to the shrine consolidation by the Meiji government. You can climb up to Iwakura in about 10 minutes. Rokushokotaizingu Reiseki is also recommended for its Autumn Leaves and Rokushonotaki Waterfall.

*Reference: Origin of Rokushokotaizingu Reiseki: Click the link to enlarge and see the description.

Location〒300-4211 2047 Usui, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

(2) VR Tour of Rokushokotaizingu Reiseki

The image above is a VR panorama of Rokushokotaizingu Reiseki. This VR tour consists of aerial photography at 145m, aerial photography at 148m, entrance, torii gate, explanatory board, sacred stone, path to the waterfall, waterfall, Iwakura, and more.

(1) Spot Guide for Kokage Shrine

Kokage Shrine, located in Kanzato, Tsukuba City, is one of the three silk shrines of Hitachi Province and is the head shrine for Kokage Shrines nationwide. There is a legend of Princess Kinshoku (Golden Princess) which records the history of sericulture, and the shrine enshrines the god protector of sericulture as the place where sericulture, silk reeling, and weaving techniques were introduced. Its founding is said to be during the Seimu era (131-190 AD). During the peak of sericulture, visitors came from all over the country, but now it has a quiet atmosphere, feeling like a power spot. It is a recommended sightseeing spot among the shrines in Tsukuba City.
Reference: Ibaraki Prefecture Shrine Register: Published in Showa 48 (1973) by Ibaraki Prefecture Shrine Agency, with the following entry.
[History and Origin] During the reign of the 13th Emperor Seimu, when Oshikorimi-no-mikoto and Abeshiko-no-mikoto were appointed as Tsukuba Kuni-no-miyatsuko (provincial governors), they served Tsukuba Okami with a grand policy of unity between religious rites and government, while also enshrining Wakumusubi-no-kami in Toyoura, dedicating great effort to the worship of agriculture and sericulture. At the foot of the mountain, they established Kokageyama Sorin-ji Temple to protect this sacred ground. This is considered the beginning of sericulture in Japan.

Location〒300-4211 2056 Kanzato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-4211 Japan

(2) Description of the VR Tour of Kokage Shrine

The image above is a VR panorama photo of the entrance to Kokage Shrine. The Kokage Shrine VR tour consists of aerial footage at 148m, aerial footage at 80m, explanation boards, the approach road, the first torii gate, the second torii gate, and the main hall (haiden).

• From the ground
• From the air

(1) Spot Guide for Hojo Yasaka Shrine

Hojo Yasaka Shrine is a shrine located in Hojo, Tsukuba City. Within its precincts is a stone gorinto (five-ringed pagoda), designated as an Ibaraki Prefectural Cultural Property. Its total height is 201 cm, and the material is granite. The sky-ring and wind-ring are remarkably large, the fire-ring has a shallow eave, and the water-ring is angular.

Location〒300-4231102-1 Hojo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-4231 Japan

(2) Description of the VR Tour of Hojo Yasaka Shrine

The image above is a ground panorama photo in front of the torii gate of Hojo Yasaka Shrine. This VR tour consists of 7 ground scenes.

• From the ground

(1) Hie Shrine Spot Guide

Hie Shrine, located in Tanaka, Tsukuba City, is the general guardian of the 33 villages of Tanaka Sho and is affectionately known as Sanno-sama. Its founding is said to date back to Jogan 2 (860 AD), when a divided spirit of Hiyoshi Shrine in Shiga was enshrined. The shrine grounds include a Yabusame (horseback archery) ground and the Crescent Shrine (Mikazuki Jinja), a subordinate shrine. On July 30th, the Chinowa Shinto ritual is held. It is a recommended shrine spot in Tsukuba City.

Contact: Hie Shrine・Phone029-867-4331

Location〒300-4244 1850 Tanaka, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

(2) Hie Shrine VR Tour Description

The image above is an aerial panoramic photo taken at 120m above the Yabusame ground of Hie Shrine in Tanaka, Tsukuba City. This VR tour consists of aerial photography at 147m, aerial photography of the Yabusame ground at 120m, the torii gate and Yabusame ground, the stone monument explaining the shrine's history and Mikazuki Shrine, in front of the main hall, beside the main hall and the stone monument, and the main shrine.

• From the ground
• From the air

(1) Shoichii Inari Daimyojin Spot Guide

This is Shoichii Inari Daimyojin, located on the banks of the Sakuragawa River in Tanaka, Tsukuba City. Shoichii is the highest rank given by the Imperial Court to shrines. Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of Inari shrines, is said to have received an imperial decree from Emperor Go-Toba stating that "the enshrined deity of this shrine should be granted the Shoichii rank." Since then, Inari shrines nationwide that enshrine a divided spirit of Fushimi Inari seem to have come to claim the Shoichii rank. Although it is not a famous spot in Tsukuba City, its location with no surrounding houses makes it a mysterious spot.

Location〒300-4244 Tanaka, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

(2) Shoichii Inari Daimyojin VR Tour Description

The image above is a VR of an aerial panoramic photo taken at 148m above Shoichii Inari Daimyojin in Tanaka, Tsukuba City. This VR tour consists of aerial photography at 148m, the torii gate, and the main hall.

• From the ground
• From the air

(1) Kamisugama Hachiman Shrine Spot Guide

Kamisugama Hachiman Shrine is a shrine located in Kamisugama, Tsukuba City. In front of the torii gate is an old weeping cherry tree, and along the approximately 100m path from the torii gate to the main hall, Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are planted, making it a famous cherry blossom spot in Tsukuba City, offering a magnificent view during the cherry blossom season. The trees are lit up with lanterns at night during blooming, making it ideal for night cherry blossom viewing.

Location〒300-4241 2419 Kamisugama, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

(2) Kamisugama Hachiman Shrine VR Tour Guide

You can view aerial photos from 148m and panoramic photos of the cherry blossom avenue along the approach in VR.

Kamamoto ShrineKamamoto Jinja is located in Ajiki, Tsukuba City. The enshrined deity is SanpodaikojinSanpou Daikoujin, a Buddhist deity believed to protect the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). Also, about 18 meters away, there is a Jizo Bodhisattva statue, and a magnificent giant weeping cherry tree known as "Ajiki's Jizo Cherry Blossom" can be seen there.

〒300-4205 957 Ajiki, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture