茨城県·特産品
Mount Tsukuba Toad Oil
Step right up, everyone! When it comes to the specialties of Mount Tsukuba, one cannot forget the 400-year history of 'Toad Oil' and the lively sales pitches that accompany it. Its roots trace back to the Siege of Osaka. It is said that Kooyo, a monk from Chuzenji Temple on Mount Tsukuba, applied an ointment to wounded soldiers on the battlefield that was highly effective; because the monk's appearance resembled a toad, it came to be known as 'Toad Oil.' Later, Nagai Heisuke spread its fame to Edo through skillful performances involving iaido (swordsmanship) and paper-cutting, eventually leading it to be counted as one of Japan's three great sales pitches. Today, it has transformed into products like moisturizing creams and remains a staple souvenir of Mount Tsukuba. Along with that famous rhythmic chanting, it is an item you'll find yourself wanting to pick up.
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