Mount Tanigawa: a great mountain close by and a haven of spectacular views and alpine plants

Tanigawadake is the main peak of the Tanigawa mountain range, towering over Gunma and Niigata prefectures. It has had a deep connection with people since ancient times as a mountain of faith where gods reside, and from about 100 years ago as a mountain of longing for climbers aiming for steep heights. Nowadays, it is so easy to get there that you can take the Tanigawadake Ropeway and the Tenjin Toge Pair Lift to Tenjin Toge Station, which is about 1,500 meters above sea level, in about 30 minutes. It is a popular tourist spot not only for climbers but also for families.

The distinctive feature of Mt. Tanigawa's landscape is its majestic shape with two cat-ear-like peaks called Oki-no-mimi (1,977m above sea level) and Toma-no-mimi (1,963m above sea level). It is thought that the heavy snow that falls on the Sea of Japan side is blown by strong winds and piles up on the other side of the mountain, eroding the mountainside, forming the steep mountain shape. It is also thanks to this harsh environment that you can encounter rare plants that are usually only found on high mountains with an altitude of 2,000m or more. A treasure trove of nature nurtured by the clear streams created by the snowfields, it is no wonder that this famous mountain continues to be loved by people as a "good mountain that is close by."

●Easy to Direction by train or car, perfect for a day trip

You can reach Mt. Tanigawa by car or bullet train within about two hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area. It's very Direction and close enough that you can go there whenever you feel like it.

If you are driving, get off the Kan-etsu Expressway at Minakami IC and follow National Route 291 towards Tanigawadake. After 14km you will come to the multi-storey Parking at "Tanigawadake Yoho".
If you are traveling by Shinkansen, the nearest station is JR Jomo-Kogen Station, from which you can take a bus to Tanigawadake Yoho (Tanigawadake Ropeway).
If you are traveling by train, the closest station is Doai Station, the second station from Minakami Station on the JR Joetsu Line. The station building with the ticket gates is so deep underground that you have to climb 462 steps to get to the platform, which is why it's known as "Japan's No. 1 Mole Station." The dome-shaped tunnel with the stairs is cool even in summer, making you feel like you've wandered into another world.

<INFO>
Main Direction to "Tanigawadake Yoho"
【bullet train】After getting off at JR Jomo-Kogen Station, take the bus bound for Tanigawadake Yoho (Tanigawadake Ropeway) for about 50 minutes.
[Train] Transfer to the Joetsu Line bound for Nagaoka at JR Minakami Station, get off at Doai Station, then walk for about 20 minutes
Or, after getting off at JR Minakami Station, take the bus bound for Tanigawadake Yoho (Tanigawadake Ropeway), about 25 minutes
[Car] Approx. 23 minutes from Minakami IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway

The green season from spring to summer is filled with vibrant greenery and flowers.

After a heavy snowfall in the winter, spring finally arrives on Mt. Tanigawa in May. The white-and-green scenery of the remaining snow covering the mountainside and the fresh green leaves that soothe the eyes is unique to this time of year. On clear days, you can see Mt. Asahi, Mt. Shibutsu, and Mt. Hotaka, which are among the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, in the distance. May and June are especially recommended for those who love plants, as the area is filled with the colors of trees and flowers, including budding beech forests, dogtooth violets with pinkish flowers, and Shirane-aoi with its large, pale purple flowers. While riding the Tanigawadake Ropeway, you can enjoy the spectacular sight of the snow melting all at once and a large amount of pure water flowing down Nishikurosawa.

Even in the scorching heat of July and August in other areas, the alpine area of Mt. Tanigawa (altitude 1,300m to 1,500m), which can be easily Direction by ropeway or lift, is relatively cool and allows for comfortable sightseeing. Around July, the best time to see the day lilies is around Tenjindaira Station, which can be reached by ropeway, where they grow in colonies, creating a landscape that looks like a yellow carpet when in bloom.

Cycling to Ichinokurazawa is a recommended summer Activity, where you can experience the exhilaration of racing through a beech forest. Electrically assisted bicycles can be rented at the Base Plaza at the foot of the ropeway mountain, Doaiguchi Station (advance internet reservation required).

At Mt. Tanigawa, you can encounter authentic mountain scenery about 30 minutes from the foot of the mountain, but you should choose your clothing carefully. Even in spring and summer, it is essential to be prepared for sudden changes in weather, strong winds, and the strong sunlight that is unique to high altitudes. In spring (April to June), prepare light long sleeves and a jacket (with a thick jacket in bad weather), and in summer (July to August), prepare short sleeves and a light windbreaker. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also effective ways to protect yourself from the sun. It is also a good idea to bring insect repellent spray to avoid horsefly and blackfly bites.

● From sightseeing to hiking to gourmet food. Choose how you want to enjoy it based on your preferences and mood.

The charm of Mt. Tanigawa is that there are various ways to enjoy it depending on the length of stay, the purpose of the trip, the weather, etc. We suggest three different ways to spend your time: a fulfilling half-day tour, a relaxed hike that gives you a taste of mountain walking, and a specialty lunch that gourmets will not want to miss.

1〈Perfect for a day trip, half-day sightseeing plan〉

Take the Tanigawadake Ropeway to Tenjindaira Station (15 minute ride)
→Take the "Tenjin Toge Pair Lift" to "Tenjin Toge Station" (10 minute ride)
→ Take a commemorative photo at the Tenjin Pass Observatory + stroll around the surrounding area, including Tenmangu Shrine, Benzaiten, and the gazebo (10 minutes)
→ Enjoy a coffee break at Tenjin Cafe, located next to Tenjin Pass Observatory (30 minutes *Only open from May to November)
→Take the "Tenjin Toge Pair Lift" to "Tenjindaira Station" (10 minute ride)
→ Play on the rental (free) playground equipment in the Tenjindai area (40 minutes)
→ Take the Tanigawadake Ropeway to Doaiguchi Station at the foot of the mountain (approximately 15 minutes ride)
→ Rent an e-bike (fee required) at Base Plaza and cycle to Ichinokurazawa (90 minutes)
(Approximately 3 hours 40 minutes)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

This half-day plan combines the spectacular view of Mt. Tanigawa as it changes from the base to the summit with the extraordinary fun of a ropeway or lift ride. The Tanigawadake Ropeway is 2,400m long and takes you from Doaiguchi Station at the base of the mountain to Tenjindaira Station, a difference in altitude of about 1,200m, in about 15 minutes. Tenjin Cafe is a take-out cafe where you can enjoy drinks and light meals in a casual atmosphere.

In the Tenjindai area, you can rent badminton rackets, hula hoops, and soap bubble rackets for free, making it popular with families and couples. Try cycling around the foothills of Ichinokurazawa, famous as one of Japan's three great rock formations (for junior high school students and above). Riding through the primeval beech forest on an electrically assisted bicycle is a truly exhilarating experience.

Tanigawadake Yoho

• Gunma Prefecture, Tone District, Minakami Town, Yubiso Yubukiyama National Forest MAP
• Green season: mid-April to mid-November
  Please check the website for opening hours.
• Open everyday during the green season *May be closed due to bad weather, etc.
• Round trip to Tenjin Pass Observatory (ropeway and lift set ticket) Adults: 3,500 yen, Elementary school students and younger: 2,000 yen
• 0278-72-3575
• Paid (500 yen)
• There are also one-way fares. Please check the website for details.

Tenjin Cafe

• Tenjin Pass Observatory MAP
• May to November 10:00am to 3:00pm (L.O. 2:30pm)
• Irregular holidays *May be closed due to bad weather, etc.

Bicycle rental

• "Tanigawadake Ropeway Base Plaza" Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture 379-1728 MAP
• 9:00～16:30
• Closed from late November to late May due to winter closure of the road to Ichinokurazawa
• 90 minutes 2,000 yen
• Rental is available to those in junior high school and older. Height 145cm or taller, weight less than 100kg. Advance reservations required online.

2. A casual hiking trail recommended for those who love walking.

Take the Tanigawadake Ropeway to Tenjindaira Station (15 minute ride)
→Take the "Tenjin Toge Pair Lift" to "Tenjin Toge Station" (10 minute ride)
→ Enjoy the view from the Tenjin Pass Observatory + visit Tenmangu Shrine and Benzaiten (30 minutes)
→ Hike to Tenjindaira Station while admiring the alpine plants (20 minutes)
→ Take the Tanigawadake Ropeway to the foot of the mountain, Doaiguchi Station (15 minute ride)
(Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)

Take the ropeway and lift to Tenjintoge Station, located at an altitude of about 1,500m. After taking photos with Mt. Tanigawa in the background and visiting Tenmangu Shrine and Benzaiten Shrine, the hike begins. Follow the sign that says "Hiking Course (about 20 minutes)" and you will enter a grassy course. Continue through a valley with small ridges on both sides, and halfway through, the view of Mt. Takakura will spread out before your eyes. Enjoy the various alpine plants such as spirea, goldenrod, and Siberian hydrangea, and arrive at Tenjindaira Station in about 20 minutes. The course is a downhill slope used as a ski slope in winter, so it is slightly inclined and may be muddy depending on the weather, so we recommend wearing sneakers.

3. Enjoy the gourmet-friendly specialty lunch, "Tanigawadake Bread Gratin"

Take the Tanigawadake Ropeway to Tenjindaira Station (15 minute ride)
→At Restaurant "View Terrace Tenjin" next to the stationLunch of the specialty "Tanigawadake Bread Gratin" (60 minutes)
→ Take the Tanigawadake Ropeway to the foot of the mountain, Doaiguchi Station (15 minute ride)
(Travel time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)

"View Terrace Tenjin" is Restaurant spectacular view located right next to Tenjindaira Station. If you visit, you should definitely try their original dish "Tanigawadake Bread Gratin." This piping hot dish is made by stuffing ingredients such as chicken, bacon, and broccoli into a hollowed-out loaf of bread, then topping it with a generous amount of bechamel sauce and cheese and baking it. It is characterized by its "spill sauce style," which uses twice the amount of sauce as a regular bread gratin, and is full of rich flavor and very satisfying. Other dishes on offer include moist homemade bread pudding, katsu curry, and ramen. You can also enjoy craft beer on tap from Minakami Town's brewery, "Octo One Brewing."

View Terrace Tenjin

• Tenjindai
• 9:30-16:00 (food menu items such as bread gratin are served from 11:00-15:00)
• Open daily
• 0278-72-3575
• The Tanigawadake Ropeway may be closed depending on its operating status or bad weather.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Minakami that you'll want to stop by on your way to and from Mt. Tanigawa

Minakami Town has many Property that promote the richness of nature, as well as hot spring you can refresh yourself and restaurants that use local ingredients. Here are three spots that you should definitely stop by to make your trip more fulfilling.