The Transition of Tourist Routes to Mt. Tsukuba

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to clarify, via document survey, changes in how people might perceive Mt. Tsukuba as a result of making alternative mountain-climbing routes. Mt. Tsukuba has two peaks, Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyotai. Gods are enshrined on both peaks, and Tsukubasan Shrine is located halfway up the mountain where it serves as a front shrine. Climbing pilgrimages for mountain worship have been popular; over time, however, there has been a gradual transition from mountain pilgrimages to tourism-based mountain climbing. The chief climbing route starts at Tsukubasan Shrine, goes via Mt. Nantai to Mt. Nyotai, and then back to the shrine. This route remains the same for tourist climbers. However, as visitors coming by car have increased since the Showa era, traffic congestion at the mountain base has become a problem. To help ease this, roads were established through Tsutsujigaoka from the mid-1960s on, and many new tourist resources have been created. While this has enabled diverse entertainment options, conversely, tourism resources not appropriate to the original spirit of Mt. Tsukuba have also been constructed. Mt. Tsukuba has a very long history. Needed is multifaceted preservation suited to Mt. Tsukuba, such that its ancient history is neither damaged nor lost.