A Guide to Hiking and Climbing Mt. Tanigawa

Less than two hours from Tokyo, Mt. Tanigawa is an ideal day trip for a beginner-friendly hiking experience. Starting at Doaiguchi Station inside the Tanigawadake Base Plaza, the Tanigawadake Joch, a funitel ropeway, carries visitors to Tenjindaira Station (1,319 m) in a 15-minute ride with stunning views. A funitel is a type of dual-cable ropeway known for its stability in windy conditions. Although the ropeway operates year-round, the climbing season runs from April to November.

From Tenjindaira, a trail (1–1.5 hour round trip) leads to the Tenjintoge Observation Deck (1,500 m), with panoramic views of the Tanigawa Mountain Range. Sturdy footwear is recommended, even for this easy hike. You can also use a chairlift, which provides direct access in about 10 minutes. Walk a bit further to the top of Tenjintoge (1,502 m), where there is a small Tenmangu shrine amidst the rocks of the craggy peak. Seasonal alpine flowers bloom along the way. In the autumn, Japanese maples, Siebold’s beech, Japanese chestnut, and butterfly maples paint the mountainside in shades of red, gold, green, and copper.

There are two dining facilities on the mountain. The View Terrace Tenjin restaurant near Tenjindaira Station serves meals with views of the surrounding mountains. The Tenjin Cafe in the Tenjintoge Observation Deck sells light refreshments and seasonal drinks that can be enjoyed on the terrace where there are seats and fixed binoculars for enhanced views.

For more experienced climbers, the twin peaks of Toma-no-mimi (1,963 m) and Oki-no-mimi (1,977 m) offer a rewarding challenge. This is a 6.4-kilometer round trip from Tenjindaira Station that takes around 5–6 hours to complete. If starting the climb from the Tenjintoge Observation Deck, ring the climbing bell for luck before you set off. Before heading out, ensure you have sufficient water and supplies, and use the bathroom at the ropeway station, as the next facilities are at the Kata-no-koya mountain hut about 10 minutes from the summit.

The climb along the Tanigawadake Ridge features steep, rocky sections and paths covered in wooden planks, which can become slippery, especially after rain. Proper climbing gear, such as sturdy climbing shoes and warm clothing, is essential. On some sections of the route, you will need to scale steep rock faces with ropes and chains. Be cautious, yield to other climbers, and adhere to safety practices.

There are sections where you can catch your breath and enjoy the views, such as the Tengu-no-Tomariba and Tenjin Zange-iwa, an overhanging rock outcrop from where you can survey the ridge. At the summits, climbers enjoy 360-degree views of Gunma and Niigata’s mountain ranges, the Northern Alps, and even Mt. Fuji on especially clear days. In the summer, you can see alpine flowers on the mountain, including yellow Nikko daylily, purple monkshood, and pink fireweed.

Please note that mountain weather is unpredictable, and it’s important to know where to go if there are any sudden changes. Kumanazawa Shelter is an emergency shelter near the trailhead for unexpected situations. Additionally, Kata-no-koya, a mountain hut near the Toma-no-mimi summit, offers toilets, a rest area, and lodging between May and early November, providing a safe stop for climbers.

The Ichinokurasawa trekking route near the base of Mt. Tanigawa features mild elevation changes and is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed hike while still taking in the mountain’s grandeur. Starting from Doaiguchi Station, the 6.9-kilometer route takes approximately 2 hours to complete, returning along the Yubiso River. A highlight of the trek is the stunning view of Ichinokurasawa, one of the Tanigawa Mountain Range’s peaks. This precipitous rock cliff is a ravine carved into the north side of Mt. Tanigawa, and its sheer scale is almost overwhelming. Its awesome size makes it a great backdrop for dramatic photos along this trek.

For exploring the routes around the foot of the mountains, e-bikes are available for rent from mid-May to mid-November. Ride through forested paths and enjoy the bracing air. Additionally, an electric sight-seeing bus provides a guided tour of the area’s history and natural features. It departs from outside the Tanigawadake Mountain Museum near Tanigawadake Base Plaza.

Mt. Tanigawa is famous for its powder snow, drawing skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. The ski season runs from late December to early April. From Tenjindaira Station there are a variety of courses for all skill levels. Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders can ride the Tenjintoge Lift to the top and tackle the 3-kilometer Tajirisawa Course, all the way to the mountain base.

For experienced adventurers, off-piste backcountry skiing allows access to untamed chutes and secluded paths through pristine powder—an exhilarating way to experience Mt. Tanigawa’s legendary snow. Three designated backcountry gates are located at Tenjin Ridge, Tenjindaira Station, and Doaiguchi Station. However, venturing off-piste can be dangerous, requiring proper preparation, and should be tackled with professional guides.

Thorough preparation is the key to an enjoyable experience on Mt. Tanigawa. Start by picking up trail maps and checking climbing conditions at the Tanigawadake Information Center, located at the base of the mountain. Familiarize yourself with the route you plan to take for the day and note the ropeway’s closing times to avoid being stranded.

Weather on the mountain can change suddenly, so it’s crucial to be prepared. This includes having the right gear, such as an extra layer for warmth or a rainproof outer layer, sturdy climbing boots, and knowing the locations of emergency shelters and escape routes. Know your limits and be prepared to turn back or cancel a climb if the conditions do not permit a safe experience. Adhere to climbing etiquette: carry out all trash, stay on marked trails to protect the environment, and yield to uphill climbers. A friendly greeting while passing fellow hikers adds to the camaraderie of the trail.

Submit your climbing plan
For safety, all hikers venturing beyond the Tenjintoge Observation Deck must submit a climbing plan. There is a box near the ticket booths for the ropeway on the 6th floor of the Tanigawadake Base Plaza where the hiking schedules should be deposited. While the forms provided are in Japanese, English versions are available for download on the Gunma Prefectural Police website. These can be mailed in advance or submitted in person. For exploring dangerous areas (not covered in this article), a climbing notice must be submitted at least 10 days prior.

How to get to Mt. Tanigawa