Hiking Mount Tsukuba

There are quite a few good hikes within a reasonable range of Tokyo, given that Japan in general is pretty much mountainous all over. Most of them actually have pretty friendly, well-maintained paths, and a fair amount of them are serviced by rope-ways and cable-cars. All factors accounted for, hiking the mountains around Tokyo makes for a rewarding day trip with very little investment necessary.
 Mount Tsukuba, in Ibaraki, is one such mountain.

Though I can't say I knew this prior to my hike, it turns out the mountain is actually quite famous for its beautiful twin peaks, the scenery made visible from either of its two summits, and its presence in ancient Japanese legend all three.

Conveniently enough, there's a bus that departs from the nearby town of Tsukuba and winds its way to the main temple located on the mountain. It was here that Ken and I found out that the temple's main export is actually toad oil. Toad oil! Apparently toad oil has a variety of applications when it comes to skin care, and is effective in treating blisters and such, and even helps build resistance to heat. I'll take that with a grain of salt, but it was interesting to note how statues of toads were erected around the temple and toad tokens were sold as good luck charms.

 The climbing of Mount Tsukuba itself is actually quite a pleasant 90-minute hike, with the trail we took leading up to the Nyotai peak ascending quite consistently, without ever truly turning too steep. The woods are home to a whole variety of butterflies and lizards and other pleasant critters, and teeming with life in general. Allegedly there are also boars, deers and foxes to be found within the mountains forests, as well as an impressive flora which I know nothing about.

Most would agree, though, that the hike is made worthwhile by the excellent view of the great Kanto plains visible upon reaching the summit. Though Summer days like ours don't offer the clearest view, the peaks of Mount Tsukuba are actually known to be a good vantage point from which, on a clear day, Tokyo and Mount Fuji both can be seen looming in the distance. Even short of that, though, the scenery is enough of a prize so as not to be disappointed. Many would also be relieved to hear that, for those reluctant to hike their way down the mountain, there's always the rope-way down, which we leisurely took.