This is one of the easier full-day hiking getaways from Tokyo, offering shrine culture, cable car, and a relaxing onsen to wrap it all up. We hiked up from Tsukuba Shrine, grabbed food at the summit shops which there are many, took the ropeway down, and ended the day soaking in a hot spring and grabbing dinner at the base — a complete day-trip package. If you're coming by public transportation, it’s even more convenient to stay overnight at one of the onsen accommodations near the trailhead.

Trailhead:
Tsukuba Shrine

Access:
By Car:
Parking available at Tsukuba Shrine or Tsutsujigaoka Ropeway Station.

By Public Transport:
From Akihabara Station, take the Tsukuba Express to Tsukuba Station (~45 mins).
From there, catch the direct Mount Tsukuba Shuttle Bus to Tsukuba Shrine (~40 mins).

Accommodation:

• Tsukubasan Edoya: A traditional ryokan with onsen, located near the shrine. Great for early starts or relaxing after your hike.

Hike Details:

• Distance: Approx. 6–7 km (one-way hike + ropeway descent)

• Duration: 4 hours

• Incline: About 600 meters

General Information & Summary:
Mt. Tsukuba (877m) is one of Japan’s "Hyakumeizan" (100 Famous Mountains) and has been a sacred site for centuries. The mountain has two peaks — Nantai (male) and Nyotai (female) — and the hike between them offers panoramic views of the Kanto Plain, with Tokyo Skytree sometimes visible on clear days.

Personally I think this mountain is best in either autumn or winter.