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Tsukubasan Shrine

Tsukuba Shrine is a venerable and historic shrine, believed to have approximately 3,000 years of history, dedicated to the sacred Mt. Tsukuba in Ibaraki. It is one of Japan's most prestigious and historically significant shrines.

Mt. Tsukuba features two peaks: Mount Nantai (Male Peak) and Mount Nyotai (Female Peak). It is believed that deities associated with Japan's creation myth, Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, reside at each summit. For that reason, the shrine is believed to bring good luck in matchmaking, safety for one's family, pregnancy, and childrearing.

The shrine serves as the starting point for sightseeing on Mt. Tsukuba. Many visitors come here to pray for a safe hike up the mountain. Its location at the base of Mt. Nantai also offers convenient access to the cable car platform.

Ushiku Daibutsu Buddha Statue

This giant Buddhist statue towers above the Ibaraki countryside. At 120 meters tall, it holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest standing bronze statue worldwide.
Visitors can go inside the Buddha and take the lift to an observation platform that offers stunning views over the Kanto Plains. The statue also contains a Buddhist Temple, a Buddhist memorial, and an area for practicing Buddhist calligraphy.
During spring, the grounds around the statue are filled with stunning pink cherry blossom trees and moss phlox (a type of blossom covering the ground), making for a breathtaking spectacle.
English-speaking staff and information are available to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

Kijo Park

The park is a historical symbol of Tsuchiura and was developed from part of the former Tsuchiura Castle. The castle, constructed in the late Muromachi period (1429-1440), was commonly known as "Kijō" ("Turtle Castle") because it resembled a turtle floating in the water. This also carried over to the park, which was named Kijo Park. Castanopsis trees, designated as a natural monument by the prefecture, and a lawn square can be found in the park. You can also see historical heritages that portray the vestiges of the former castle, such as Yagura Gate and Kasumi Gate.