Master of Paths
Spectacular views of autumn leaves! Take a panoramic aerial tour on "Tanigawadake Yoch"

Known as a "good mountain that's close by," Mt. Tanigawa has long been popular for its beautiful mountain scenery and easy Direction in the Joshinetsu region. It is also popular as one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan, and its rich natural scenery in every season attracts tourists and climbers. The most spectacular view is the autumn when the leaves are bursting into flames. From the "Mt. Tanigawa Ropeway," which allows you to easily approach the mountain at an altitude of about 1,300m, you can enjoy a 360° panorama that looks like a bright red carpet has been laid out. Before and after the ride, there are plenty of fun things to do, such as local gourmet food and cycling with an electric assist bicycle. Why not go on a fulfilling autumn leaf viewing trip at the comfortable Mt. Tanigawa Yoch this fall?

Mount Tanigawa is the main peak of the Tanigawa mountain range, located on the border between Gunma and Niigata prefectures in Joshinetsu National Park. It is a twin-peaked mountain with a distinctive cat-ear shape, with two peaks called Oki-no-mimi (1,977m above sea level) and Toma-no-mimi (1,963m above sea level). Its sometimes rugged Alps-class mountain form has long been the envy of hikers and climbers. The diverse alpine plants that grow in the unique harsh climate are also wonderful, and the mountain is known as a "famous mountain for flowers."
Another big attraction is that you can easily access the alpine region by taking a ropeway or lift from the base. It's about two hours by car or bullet train from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and is a perfect spot for a day trip or family trip to experience authentic nature.

The total length of the Tanigawadake Ropeway is 2,400m. It takes about 15 minutes to ascend an elevation difference of about 600m from Doaiguchi Station at the base to Tenjindaira Station at the top. The gondola is suspended by two ropes and a short suspension frame, and moves along the ropes, a style known as the Funitel system, which makes it resistant to the strong winds and crosswinds that are typical of mountainous terrain, and provides a stable ride. There are only three places in Japan that use the Funitel system, and this is the longest operating distance among them.

From Tenjindaira Station, transfer to the "Tenjin Toge Pair Lift" and head to "Tenjin Toge Station" at an altitude of 1,500m in about 10 minutes. A breathtaking panoramic view awaits, including the Tanigawadake summit hiking trail that runs along the ridge, Mount Nikko Shirane, Mount Akagi, and even Mount Fuji depending on the season.

Tanigawadake Yoho
  • 住所Gunma Prefecture, Tone District, Minakami Town, Yubiso Yubukiyama National Forest MAP
  • 営業時間Green Season: April 19th - November 16th, 2025
    8:00-17:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 7:00-. Last ascending trip to Tenjin Toge Observatory ends at 16:00, last ascending trip on the ropeway alone ends at 16:30)
  • 定休日Open everyday during the green season *May be closed due to bad weather, etc.
  • 入場料Round trip to Tenjin Pass Observatory (ropeway and lift set ticket) Adults: 3,500 yen, Elementary school students and younger: 2,000 yen
  • TEL0278-72-3575
  • 駐車場Paid (500 yen)
  • メモThere are also fares for the ropeway alone and one-way rides. Please check the website for details. See below for Direction details.
The two circled areas have slightly different viewing times due to the difference in altitude, making it possible to enjoy autumn foliage for an extended period of time. The peak season is in mid-October.
The two circled areas have slightly different viewing times due to the difference in altitude, making it possible to enjoy autumn foliage for an extended period of time. The peak season is in mid-October.

Because the Tanigawadake Ropeway operates across areas with large differences in altitude, the peak of the autumn leaves gradually shifts from the summit to the foot of the mountain, allowing for about a month of viewing.
From early to mid-October, we recommend viewing the view from the observation deck on the roof of Tenjin Toge Station. The colorful, undulating ridgeline from the peak of Mt. Tanigawa to the observation deck is well worth a look. From mid-October to early November, you can enjoy the red, orange, and yellow autumn colors in all directions while riding the Tanigawadake Ropeway, including the surrounding mountains and the trees along the Nishikurosawa River that flows under the tracks. The 15-minute aerial stroll will make for a memorable autumn leaf-viewing Experience.

Mt. Tanigawa, where temperature differences are intense, is known for its vivid autumn foliage. The bright red rowan, golden mountain maple, beech and maple trees are also beautifully colored. There are also many tree species to see, such as the Japanese oak and horse chestnut in the alpine area, and the Japanese walnut and Japanese chromosomes on the Ichinokurazawa route. It is also fun to take your time to look at each leaf, tree and countless berries, comparing them and appreciating the diversity of autumn nature.
If you're lucky, you might even be able to see a spectacle known as "three-tiered autumn leaves." Sandan autumn leaves are a spectacular sight that can only be seen in very limited areas of Japan, with snow near the summit, autumn leaves on the middle slopes, and greenery at the foot of the mountain - a trio of white, red, and green.

"Tanigawadake Bread Gratin" is baked in a bowl for each order and costs 1,300 yen.
"Tanigawadake Bread Gratin" is baked in a bowl for each order and costs 1,300 yen.

Adjacent to Tenjindaira Station is the observation Restaurant "View Terrace Tenjin." Its large windows allow you to dine while looking out over the gorgeous autumn colors of Mt. Tanigawa and Mt. Asahi.
The famous mountain gourmet dish at the Tanigawadake Ropeway is the "Tanigawadake Bread Gratin." It is baked fresh in each bowl upon order, so you can enjoy the piping hot, simmering texture for hours. The fluffy bread is hollowed out and filled with plenty of white sauce and cheese, served "spill sauce style" with the sauce spilling out of the bread. Other hot dishes on the menu are perfect for a mountain resort, including pork cutlet curry rice, soy sauce-flavored Tenjin ramen, and bread pudding made with the hollowed-out bread from the bread gratin.

View Terrace Tenjin
  • 住所Gunma Prefecture, Tone District, Minakami Town, Yubiso Yubukiyama National Forest
  • 営業時間9:30-16:00 (food menu items such as bread gratin are served from 11:00-15:00)
  • 定休日Open daily
  • TEL0278-72-2285
  • メモThe Tanigawadake Ropeway may be closed depending on its operating status or bad weather.
The course is paved and very comfortable. You can experience natural phenomena unique to this area, such as spots where you can feel the cold air coming from ancient geological layers.
The course is paved and very comfortable. You can experience natural phenomena unique to this area, such as spots where you can feel the cold air coming from ancient geological layers.

From the Tanigawadake Yoho Base Plaza, a hiking and cycling course of about 3.3 km one way is available, weaving its way around the foot of Mt. Tanigawadake. The flat route passes through a primeval beech forest, and you can enjoy a pleasant stroll while enjoying the autumn leaves and forest bathing. The destination, Ichinokurazawa, is a spectacular sight that is one of the "Three Great Rocky Areas of Japan" with its towering rock walls that overwhelm the viewer. There are many things you will want to capture on camera, such as the famous rocks along the way, the stone walls reminiscent of the old Shimizu-koshi road, the steep mountain Shirakemon on the opposite bank, and the wild birds that suddenly appear. Electrically assisted bicycles are also available for rental, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing 90-minute cycle (advance online reservation required).

Bicycle rental
  • 住所"Tanigawadake Yoho Base Plaza" Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture 379-1728 MAP
  • 営業時間9:00～16:30
  • 定休日Closed from late November to late May due to winter closure of the road to Ichinokurazawa
  • 入場料90 minutes 2,000 yen
  • TEL0278-72-3575
  • メモRental is for junior high school students and above. Height must be 145cm or taller and weight must be less than 100kg.Advance reservations required online.
Left: "Minakami (Gunma Prefecture) Normal Values (Yearly and Monthly Values) Main Elements" Right: "Fujiwara (Gunma Prefecture) Normal Values (Yearly and Monthly Values) Main Elements" Both from the Japan Meteorological Agency website
Left: "Minakami (Gunma Prefecture) Normal Values (Yearly and Monthly Values) Main Elements" Right: "Fujiwara (Gunma Prefecture) Normal Values (Yearly and Monthly Values) Main Elements" Both from the Japan Meteorological Agency website

Tanigawadake is a place where you can easily enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage, but it is a rugged mountain area. For a fun and safe ropeway tour, hiking, or cycling experience, it is important to dress appropriately. The average temperature in October is in the 12°C range even in Minakami Town. In the neighboring Fujiwara area, which is close in altitude to Tanigawadake Ropeway's Doaiguchi Station at the foot of the mountain, the minimum temperature can be in the 7°C range. Even when the weather is good, it is chilly, and there is a big difference in the perceived temperature from the plains.
When visiting, we recommend that you wear long sleeves and long pants, as well as a jacket that you can easily put on and take off. In late October, you can prepare for the early winter cold with fleece, down jackets, wool sweaters, etc. For your feet, it is best to wear comfortable shoes that you are used to walking in.

The outbound platform of Doai Station, commonly known as "Mole Station." The difference in elevation between the station building and the ground level is about 70 meters.
The outbound platform of Doai Station, commonly known as "Mole Station." The difference in elevation between the station building and the ground level is about 70 meters.

The nearest station when visiting by train is Doai Station, which is two stops from JR Minakami Station. The platform for the outbound trains to Echigo Yuzawa is located deep underground, making this a famous spot nicknamed "Japan's No. 1 Mole Station." After climbing 462 steps that stretch straight up through a dome-shaped tunnel that's cool even in summer, you finally arrive at the station building. It's a bit of a challenge.
If you are traveling by car, take National Route 291 from the Minakami IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway towards Tanigawadake. After 14km, you will come to the multi-storey Parking at "Tanigawadake Yoch".

<INFO>
Main Direction to "Tanigawadake Yoho"
[Shinkansen] After getting off at JR Jomo-Kogen Station, take the bus bound for Tanigawadake Yoho (Tanigawadake Ropeway), about 50 minutes
[Train] Transfer to the Joetsu Line bound for Nagaoka at JR Minakami Station, get off at Doai Station, and 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

On your way to enjoy the autumn foliage of the majestic mountains, you can soak in a nearby famous hot spring, take a coffee break, and buy some local beer. We will introduce you to some attractive nearby spots that will greatly increase your satisfaction with your trip.

There is a "settling space" next to the barrel sauna. With the lush rice terraces spreading out before your eyes, you can refresh your body and mind.
There is a "settling space" next to the barrel sauna. With the lush rice terraces spreading out before your eyes, you can refresh your body and mind.

Known since the Edo period, Sanazawa (Sanazawa) hot spring has a long history of flourishing as a therapeutic bathhouse. The modern hot spring Property with sauna offers a quiet and relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hot water from its own source is highly alkaline and very smooth to the touch. Both men and women can enjoy spacious indoor baths and stone Outdoor hot spring The private sauna, available by reservation only, is a barrel sauna made of Japanese cedar wood and can accommodate about 6 people. Firewood is made from thinned oak and other timber from Minakami Town. After taking a bath, enjoy original coffee blends and locally produced drinks at the café in the community space. There is also a relaxing space with tatami mats, perfect for taking a rest.

Sanazawa Terrace
  • 住所2537-2 Tsukiyono, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 6 minutes by car from JR Jomo-Kogen Station. Or approximately 14 minutes by car from Minakami IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway.
  • 営業時間Day bathing/cafe 12:00-20:00 (last entrance 19:00) *Times subject to change
    Private sauna 10:00-19:30 (sauna must be reserved in advance on the website, 2 hour limit)
  • 定休日Irregular holidays (check Instagram)
  • 入場料Day trip bathing: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary school students and younger
    Private sauna: 6,000 yen for up to 2 people, 2,500 yen/person for 3-6 people, 1,500 yen/person for 7 people or more
  • TEL050-1807-3582
  • 駐車場free
  • メモPrivate sauna is available by reservation only.https://airrsv.net/SanazawanoSauna/calendar
Enjoy great tasting beer at the taproom. Cups start at 550 yen, pints start at 1,150 yen, etc.
Enjoy great tasting beer at the taproom. Cups start at 550 yen, pints start at 1,150 yen, etc.

This brewery was opened by a brewer born in Minakami who wanted to create a local community through beer, similar to the breweries in Germany and the UK. Their carefully crafted beers have won numerous awards in competitions. Their greatest pride is the delicious water of Minakami, famous as the source of the upper reaches of the Tone River. Using pure water as a base, they combine it with local agricultural products to create a rich flavor that is unique to this area. Their seasonal and limited edition flavors are also appealing, such as their "Octone Ale," which is easy to drink even for first-timers, and a beer with a refreshing acidity made from locally grown cherries. Try them at the taproom, and if you find your favorite, why not buy a bottle (from 660 yen for 330 ml) as a souvenir?

OCTONE Brewing
  • 住所702-2 Yubara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 13 minutes walk from JR Minakami Station. Or about 7 minutes by car from Minakami IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway.
  • 営業時間16:00-20:00 (14:00- on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
  • 定休日Tuesday and Wednesday
  • TEL0278-25-4520
  • 駐車場Paid (use Yubara hot spring Park Parking)

MAP

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