Mount Tatsuware

Mount Tatsuware is a 658-meter summit in Ibaraki Prefecture featuring distinctive rock formations and forested slopes. The mountain sits within the Hanazono-Hananuki Prefectural Nature Park and offers changing scenery from lower to upper elevations.

The mountain sits within the historic Hitachi-no-kuni region, which became one of Japan's most important provinces during the Nara period from 710 to 794. This early historical era shaped the area's lasting cultural significance.

The mountain is home to the Tachiwari Stone, a seven-meter-wide rock formation that local legends say was split by samurai Minamoto no Yoshiie's sword during ancient times. Visitors can encounter this striking stone formation while hiking and discover the stories that shape how locals understand the landscape.

Multiple marked trails of varying difficulty lead to the summit, where an observation platform offers views of Mount Nikko-Shirane and Mount Nasu. Check weather conditions before heading up and wear proper footwear, as trails pass over rocky sections.

The mountain forms part of the 320-kilometer Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail, which connects multiple cities through forests of maple, cypress, and cedar trees. This extended route allows hikers to explore the entire region across several days or weeks.