つくばみちしるべ2015 - page 2

Mt.Tsukuba,
theSacredPeaksofKanto
TsukubasanShrine
TsukubaRoadand
theoldTsukubasanPostO ce
Praised in such classic Japanese literature as
the Manyoshu and Hyakunin Isshu, Mt.
Tsukuba is knownasbothoneof the100most
scenicplaces, andoneof the100most famous
mountains in Japan. Rising up over the
expansiveKantoPlain, themountain is located
in thenorthernpart of the cityof Tsukuba. In
spring, themountain is gracedwith fragrant
plum blossoms, while in summer the paddy
fields at the foothills areadeepgreen. In fall,
thereare richharvestsof rice, Fukureoranges,
andother crops, and inwinter thenighttime
views from the summit become ever more
beautiful. This varietyof natural expressions
throughout the year is what makes Mt.
Tsukubaa sacredmountain.
Themi-chi-shiru-beofTsukuba
Mi
” is for “
michi,
” theunknown
Chi
” is for “
chi,
” the land
Shiru
” is for “
toknow
Michishirube isaguidebook toknow
theunknownandof Tsukuba.
Mt. Tsukuba ©EtsuroTakihara
Mt. Tsukuba
A sacredplace for Shintoism andBuddhism
Inoldendays, therewas a saying, “Fuji in thewest, Tsukuba in the east.”As
the colors of themountain changed frommorning to evening,Mt. Tsukuba
was also called the “PurplePeaks.”With its twopeaks, calledNantaisanand
Nyotaisan, ithas long ourishedasa site forpilgrims.
In theManyoshu, thereare25poemsaboutMt. Tsukubawhich tell us that the
mountainwas abeloved symbol of theHitachi Province. Inaddition, the road
up to the summit features somemysterious “power spots” withweirdly
shaped, even bizarre rocks scattered here and there,making it a source of
legendsand folktales.
Theentiremountain ispopular asa “power spot.”TsukubasanShrine,which is
the sacredhome ofMt. Tsukuba gods, attracts pilgrims seeking amarriage
partner andmarital harmony.Within thegrounds of the shrineare the sacred
Osugi giant cedar, and the Shiho-sugi cedar at Miyukigahara, which is
estimated tobe800yearsold. And theTsukubasanOmidoTemple is visitedby
many pilgrims as the 25thBuddhist fudasho,makingMt. Tsukuba a sacred
place forbothShintoistsandBuddhists.
Osugi giant cedar
Shiho-sugi cedar
Tsukubanenomine yori otsuruMinanogawa
Koi zo tsumorite fuchi tonarinuru
EmperorYouzei,Gosenshuanthology,No. 13
FromTsukuba's peak
Fallingwaters have become
Mina's still, full ow:
Somy love has grown tobe
Like the river's quiet deeps.
Tsukubanewo yosonomimitsutsu arikanete
Yukikeshi nomichiwonazumi kerukamo
Manyoshu, ACollection of aMyriadLeaves, vol. 3, no. 383
It is not enough to gaze upon
Mt. Tsukuba fromadistance.
With great patience I have climbed
e still snowy road
To reach the courtship festival.
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