Mt.Tsukuba Japanese apricot grove is located halfway up the mountain (at an altitude of approx. 250 meters) and approx. 1000 ume trees that bear white or pink blossoms in early spring are planted. The contrast of Giant Tsukuba Rocks scattered around the grove and the pretty flowers gives a great view. For a nice picture the landscape with Mt. Tsukuba in the background is indispensable. From an observatory at the top of the ume-grove, you can overlook the country view, Lake Kasumigaura and tall buildings in Tokyo including Tokyo Skytree in fine weather. Mt. Tsukuba, often called "purple-peak," celebrates the coming of spring with the pink mountain surface.