20 Mountains in Ibaraki worth your time

A 518-meter peak in a prefectural natural park featuring a historic shrine, hang gliding areas, and rare wild lilies.

What it is

• A 518-meter mountain located on the border of Kasama and Ishioka cities
• Part of the Wagakuni-Atago Prefectural Natural Park and Kanto 100 Famous Mountains
• The summit houses Tagami Shrine and a first-class triangulation point
• A central point for a hiking trail connecting to Mount Nandai and Mount Atago

What to see

• Native Japanese lily of the valley growing in natural colonies
• A dedicated flight area for hang gliding located near Dousojin Pass
• Panoramic views from the summit and along the mountain ridge trails
• Traditional shrine architecture at the Tagami Shrine site

When to go

• Early to mid-May to see the lily of the valley in bloom

Getting there

• A thirty-minute hike to the summit starting from Dousojin Pass
• A six-hour full hiking course beginning at Iwama Station
• Trail access available via Fukuhara Station on the Mito Line

Read more about Mount Wagakuni

A 553-meter peak in Ibaraki featuring a historic summit shrine, mountain views, and seasonal lily of the valley blooms.

What it is

• A 553-meter mountain located within the Wagakuni-Atago Prefectural Natural Park.
• The former site of Mount Nantai Castle between Ishioka and Kasama.
• A hiking destination featuring a stone shrine dedicated to Mitake Shrine at the summit.

What to see

• A stone shrine and a third-class triangulation point at the peak.
• Wild lily of the valley growing on the northern slope in Nagasawa.
• A direction and mountain name board located in the summit area.
• Hiking trails connecting from Dosojin Pass and Dangoishi Pass.

When to go

• Early to mid-May to see the lily of the valley in bloom.

Getting there

• Access the mountain trails from JR Iwama Station or JR Fukuhara Station.
• Follow the Wagakuni-Atago hiking course which passes directly through the summit.

Read more about Mount Nandai

A 627-meter peak in the Tsukuba range featuring a historic shrine dedicated to healing leg and foot ailments.

What it is

• A 627.5-meter mountain peak located within the Tsukuba mountain range.
• Ashio Shrine stands at the summit, named by Emperor Daigo during the Heian period.
• A spiritual site formerly known as Mount Ohatsuse dedicated to healing leg ailments.
• A popular destination for outdoor sports including hang gliding and paragliding.

What to see

• The Ashio Shrine main hall situated at the very top of the mountain.
• Offerings of straw sandals and prosthetic limbs left by visitors seeking healing.
• Multiple takeoff sites used by paragliders and hang gliders.
• Daiwanji Temple located at the eastern foot of the mountain.
• Scenic hiking trails that form part of the Kanto Fureai no Michi.

Getting there

• Hiking trails lead to the summit from Kamiso and Koya in Ishioka City.

Read more about Mount Ashio

A 461-meter peak featuring a historic stone pagoda, castle ruins, and panoramic views of the Kanto Plain and Mount Tsukuba.

What it is

• A 461-meter mountain on the border of Tsukuba and Tsuchiura within a quasi-national park.
• A historic site featuring a Kamakura period stone pagoda at the summit.
• The location of castle ruins associated with the National Historic Site Oda Castle.
• A natural habitat for the Tanna japonensis cicada species.

What to see

• A stone pagoda dating back to the Kamakura period located at the summit.
• Panoramic views of Mount Tsukuba and the surrounding Kanto Plain.
• Six main hiking trails that lead visitors to the mountain top.
• Communication facilities for television stations and government agencies at the peak.

Getting there

• Public buses run to the trailheads from Tsuchiura and Tsukuba stations.
• The summit is accessible by car via the Tsukuba Purple Line.

Read more about Mount Hōkyō

A 552-meter mountain in northern Ibaraki featuring three rocky peaks, steep cliff climbs, and numerous small waterfalls.

What it is

• A 552-meter mountain located in the Kuji Mountains of northern Ibaraki.
• The peak area consists of three distinct summits made of agglomerate rock.
• It is also known by the alternative name Mount Iwamatsu.
• Five main climbing routes lead hikers to the summit area.

What to see

• Cliffs made of andesitic agglomerate with ropes and chains for climbing.
• Multiple small waterfalls collectively known as the Nabeashi Forty-eight Falls.
• A stone shrine and a pine tree located on the 529-meter peak.
• A third-class triangulation point named Sasaharairi on the 552-meter summit.

Getting there

• The ascent from the Satomi district takes approximately sixty to ninety minutes.

Read more about Mount Nabeashi

The highest peak in Ibaraki Prefecture featuring a castle-shaped observation deck, historic temples, and famous mountain springs.

What it is

• The highest peak in Ibaraki Prefecture standing at 1,021.8 meters.
• The mountain serves as the source of the Kuji River.
• A historic site where Mito Tengu Party members once barricaded themselves.
• The name of the mountain is attributed to the famous monk Kukai.

What to see

• A castle-shaped observation deck located at the mountain summit.
• Yamizomine Shrine situated at the highest point of the peak.
• Nichirinji Temple located at the eighth station of the mountain.
• The Yamizo Five Waters which are selected as famous springs.
• The Nasu Kogen digital broadcasting relay station.

When to go

• A paved road allows vehicles to reach the summit area year-round.

Read more about Mount Yamizo

A 99.5-meter peak featuring medieval castle ruins, a Shinto shrine, and a monument marking a 1929 imperial military observation point.

What it is

• A 99.5-meter mountain located on the border of Kasumigaura and Ishioka.
• Part of the southeastern Tsukuba mountain range near the Koise River.
• A city-designated historical site containing medieval castle ruins related to Shizuku Castle.
• The location where Emperor Showa supervised military maneuvers in 1929.

What to see

• Visible earthworks and moats remaining from the medieval castle at the summit.
• A stone monument marking the imperial observation point from the Showa era.
• A Gongen shrine enshrined at the top of the mountain.
• A fruit research station located at the southern foot of the peak.
• Views of the surrounding landscape from the summit accessible by a forest road.

Read more about Mount Gongen

A twin-peak mountain in the Tsukuba range featuring broadcasting facilities and access via the Kanto Fureai Trail hiking path.

What it is

• A 701-meter twin-peak mountain bordering Sakuragawa and Ishioka cities.
• Part of the Tsukuba mountain range in the Kanto region.
• The site of radio and television transmission facilities since 1970.
• A location known for granite production with quarries on the western slopes.

What to see

• The northern peak standing at an elevation of 701 meters.
• The southern peak reaching a height of 698 meters.
• NHK Mito FM station and other broadcasting towers on the summits.
• Sections of the Kanto Fureai Trail passing through the mountain area.
• Active granite quarries located along the western side of the slopes.
• A forest road that provides direct vehicle access to the southern peak.

Read more about Mount Tsubakuro

A dual-peak mountain featuring a historic shrine, scenic ropeways, and a famous plum grove within a quasi-national park.

What it is

• A 877-meter mountain with two distinct peaks named Nantai and Nyotai
• One of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains located within a quasi-national park
• Land owned by Tsukuba Shrine stretching from the mountainside to the summits
• A site known for granite formations and the legendary toad oil sales pitch

What to see

• A plum grove at 250 meters elevation containing 1,000 trees
• Slopes where small Fukure oranges are cultivated in warmer areas
• Views from the cable car and ropeway that provide access to the peaks
• Natural rock formations composed of granite and gabbro

Getting there

• Shuttle buses connect Tsukuba Station directly to the mountain trailheads

Read more about Mount Tsukuba

A historic mountain in Hitachi featuring a shrine, hiking trails, and monuments dedicated to the city's industrial mining heritage.

What it is

• A mountain with two peaks, the highest reaching 587.1 meters in Hitachi City.
• The site of Kamine Shrine, where Tokugawa Mitsukuni once watched the sunrise.
• The location of the former Hitachi copper mine and the historic Giant Chimney.
• A geological site composed of Paleozoic metamorphic rocks and granite.

What to see

• Kamine Shrine situated at the southern summit of the mountain.
• The Hitachi Giant Chimney Memorial Monument located at the peak.
• A weather observation station standing near the top of the mountain.
• The Nikko Museum built on the site of the former copper mine.
• Hiking trails that connect the summit to Kamine Park and Motoyama Tunnel.

Read more about Mount Kamine

A 340-meter peak in Ibaraki featuring a summit shrine, rare wildflowers, and panoramic views of the Kuji River valley.

What it is

• A 340.6 meter mountain in the Torinoko block of the Yamizo Mountains.
• The summit hosts a shrine dedicated to Fuji Jinja.
• The name comes from its resemblance to Mount Fuji when viewed from Funyu Bridge.
• A hiking destination located to the west of the Kuji River.

What to see

• Colonies of Shortia uniflora flowers growing between the mountainside and the peak.
• A panoramic view of the Kuji River from the mountain top.
• Mount Okukuji Nantai visible to the northeast from the summit.
• Rest areas featuring tables and benches for visitors at the peak.

Getting there

• The trailhead is located 400 meters from JR Shimogawa Station.

Read more about Mount Moriganefuji

A 658-meter peak featuring unique granite formations, waterfalls, and a historic summit shrine within a prefectural natural park.

What it is

• A 658.3 meter mountain bordering Takahagi and Hitachi within a prefectural natural park.
• The summit houses Kurosaki Shrine, dedicated to the deity Kurosaka-no-mikoto.
• The peak consists of ancient Cretaceous period Abukuma granite formations.
• The shrine buildings were rebuilt by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro during an eastern expedition.

What to see

• Tachiwareishi is a massive granite boulder split cleanly into two pieces.
• Seven strange rock formations and three waterfalls are located across the mountain.
• The Kurosaki Shrine sits directly at the mountain summit.
• Views from the peak overlook the surrounding Hanazono Hananuki Prefectural Natural Park.

Read more about Mount Tatsuware

A 457-meter peak in Ibaraki offering rugged hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding Okukuji mountains.

What it is

• A 457-meter mountain peak located in the Kuji Mountains of northern Ibaraki.
• Part of the protected Okukuji Prefectural Natural Park landscape.
• A hiking destination situated west of the Ryujin Otsuribashi Bridge.
• The summit features a fourth-class triangulation point for navigation.

What to see

• Panoramic views of Mount Okukuji Nantai and Mount Takyu from the summit.
• The Ryujin River flowing along the north and east sides of the mountain.
• Kamegafuchi pool located at the northern foot of the peak.
• Steep climbing paths equipped with fixed ropes near the summit area.
• The Sanyo Pass which connects various climbing trails to the top.

Read more about Mount Myo

A 519-meter peak famous for wild cherry blossoms and panoramic views from a former paragliding site turned lawn.

What it is

• A mountain standing 519.6 meters tall on the border of Sakuragawa and Motegi.
• A peak also known by the local name Ryujinyama.
• Part of a larger mountain range that includes Mount Amamaki and Mount Yamizo.

What to see

• Extensive groves of wild cherry blossoms blooming across the mountain slopes.
• A summit area featuring a former paragliding site repurposed into a lawn.
• Multiple designated observation points offering views of the surrounding landscape.

When to go

• Spring season for the peak blooming of the wild cherry blossoms.
• Note that vehicles are prohibited on forest roads during the spring months.

Read more about Mount Takamine

A 344-meter peak in the Tsukuba range offering hiking trails, a summit shrine, and views over local fruit orchards.

What it is

• A mountain standing 344.6 meters tall in the southeastern Tsukuba range.
• A natural landmark situated between the areas of Kasumigaura and Ishioka.
• The site of a small Sengen Shrine located at the very summit.
• A hiking destination connected to Mount Yukiiri and Mount Kankyo by trails.

What to see

• A small Sengen Shrine building located at the mountain peak.
• The Yasato Minami television relay station standing at the summit.
• Mitsuishi Forest Park situated on the southern side of the mountain.
• Chestnut and pear orchards growing along the southern foothills.
• Hiking trails approaching the peak from both the north and south.

Read more about Mount Sengen

A 527-meter peak in the Tsukuba Range offering active mountain sports, historic temple grounds, and natural hot spring baths.

What it is

• A 527.9 meter mountain bordering Sakuragawa and Ishioka in the Tsukuba Mountain Range
• Named for the abundance of mushrooms historically found throughout the area
• Part of the Kanto Fureai no Michi long-distance hiking course
• Home to Denshoji Temple, the family temple of daimyo Asano Nagamasa

What to see

• Hang gliding and paragliding takeoff sites located along the mountain ridge
• Denshoji Temple situated at the western foot of the mountain
• Denshoji Onsen hot springs located directly in front of the temple gate

Getting there

• Hikers can access the mountain trails via the JR Mito Line Iwase Station

Read more about Mount Kinoko

A 379-meter peak in the Tsukuba range featuring a historic temple, a local zoo, and paragliding launch sites.

What it is

• A 379.6 meter peak located in the northern Tsukuba Mountain Range.
• Home to Saikoin, a temple belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism.
• The summit area is private property and requires permission to access.
• A mountain destination featuring a zoo and a takeoff point for paragliding.

What to see

• The main hall of Saikoin Temple which features a hanging structure.
• The Higashi Tsukuba Utopia zoo located on the mountain slopes.
• A triangulation station situated within the grounds of the zoo.
• Launch points for hang gliding and paragliding at the summit.
• A roadway that provides vehicle access directly to the top.

Read more about Mount Minedera

The highest peak in the southern Taga Mountains, offering panoramic views and a selection of seasonal mountain flowers.

What it is

• The highest peak in the southern Taga Mountains at 623 meters elevation.
• A designated area within the Takasuzu Prefectural Natural Park.
• One of Japan's 100 Famous Flower Mountains.
• A site formerly home to the Hitachi copper mine.

What to see

• An observation deck at the summit providing views of the surrounding region.
• A radar rain gauge tower and a first-class triangulation point.
• A LuckyFM Ibaraki Broadcasting relay station located on the mountain.
• The nearby Oiwa Shrine featuring a designated natural monument cedar tree.
• Geological formations consisting of Paleozoic Hitachi metamorphic rocks.

Read more about Mount Takasuzu

A 653-meter peak in the Okukuji range featuring a massive rock wall and trails connecting to the famous Fukuroda Falls.

What it is

• A 653.8-meter mountain peak located within the Okukuji mountain range.
• A natural landmark also known simply as Mount Nantai.
• The summit features a first-class triangulation point for surveying.

What to see

• A sheer rock wall standing 300 meters high on the western side.
• Scenic hiking trails that connect the mountain to Fukuroda Falls.
• Panoramic views from the summit across the Ibaraki Prefecture landscape.

Getting there

• Hiking routes to the summit begin from Saigane Station.
• Trailheads are accessible from Kami-Ogawa Station.

Read more about Mount Okukuji-Nantai

A 709-meter peak in the Tsukuba range famous for mountain worship, tengu legends, and over seven hundred enshrined deities.

What it is

• A 709-meter mountain located within the Tsukuba mountain range.
• A center for mountain worship housing 737 different enshrined deities.
• The site of the 1884 Kaba Mountain Incident involving political activists.
• A source of granite stone featuring the Kabasan Shrine and its three branches.

What to see

• The main hall of Kabasan Shrine located at the mountain summit.
• Tobacco Shrine situated near the peak of the mountain.
• A monument by Shigeru Yoshida standing near the summit area.
• Hiking paths along the Kanto Fureai no Michi trail network.

Read more about Mount Kaba