Tanigawa-dake, a paradise of spectacular scenery and alpine flora, is a "nearby but good mountain

Tanigawa-dake, the main peak of the Tanigawa mountain range, which rises to divide Gunma and Niigata prefectures. Tanigawa, the main peak of the Tanigawa mountain range that divides Gunma and Niigata prefectures, has been closely associated with people as a mountain of faith where God dwells since ancient times and as a mountain longed for by climbers who aim for steep heights since about 100 years ago. Today, it is so easy to reach that it takes only about 30 minutes to get to "Tenjin-toge Station" at an altitude of about 1,500 m by "Tanigawa-dake Ropeway" and "Tenjin-toge Pair Lift". Tanigawadake is a popular tourist spot not only among climbers but also among families.

Tanigawa-dake is characterized by the majestic appearance of its two cat's ear-like peaks, called Oki no Mimi (1,977 meters above sea level) and Toma no Mimi (1,963 meters above sea level). It is thought that heavy snowfall on the Sea of Japan side of the mountain was blown away by strong winds and piled up on the other side of the mountain, carving the surface of the mountain and forming the steep mountain shape. It is thanks to this harsh environment that we can see precious plants that are usually only found in high mountains above 2,000 meters above sea level. Tanigawadake is a treasure trove of nature nurtured by clear streams created by snowy valleys, and it is no wonder that people continue to love this mountain as a "good mountain that is close by.

●Easy to Direction, both by train and by car, and recommended for a day trip.

Tanigawadake can be approached by car or by Shinkansen within about 2 hours from the metropolitan area. It is very easy to Direction and close enough to go out as soon as you feel like it.

If you are driving, exit the Kanetsu Expressway at the Mizukami Interchange and take Route 291 toward Tanigawadake. 14 km ahead, you will find the Tanigawadake Joch multi-story parking lot.
If you take the Shinkansen bullet train, the nearest station is JR Jomo Kogen Station, from which a bus bound for Tanigawadake Joch (Tanigawadake Ropeway) is available.
By train, the nearest station is Doai (street (frontage)) Station, which is the second stop from Mizukami Station on the JR Joetsu Line. It is called "Japan's No. 1 mole station" because the down platform is located so deep underground that it is 462 steps up to the station building where the ticket gates are located. The domed tunnel with stairs is chilly even in summer, giving visitors the feeling of being lost in another world.

INFO.
Directions to Tanigawadake Joch
Shinkansen]Get off at JR Jomo Kogen Station and take the bus bound for Tanigawadake Joch (Mt. Tanigawadake ropeway).
Train】 Transfer at JR Mizukami Station to the Joetsu Line bound for Nagaoka, get off at Tsuchiai Station, and walk about 20 minutes.
Or, after getting off at JR Mizukami Station, take a bus bound for Tanigawadake Joch (Tanigawadake Ropeway). 25 minutes on foot.
Car】 About 23 minutes from the Mizukami I.C. on the Kanetsu Expressway .

Spring and summer green seasons are full of vivid greenery and flowers.

After a winter of heavy snowfall, spring finally arrives at Tanigawa-dake Mountain around May. The "white x green" scenery of lingering snow covering the mountain surface in white and fresh greenery that stain the eyes can only be seen at this time of the year. In May and June, the beech forests that have begun to sprout, the pinkish katakuris (dogtooth violet) and the large, pale purple flowers of the Shirane-aoi (white mallow) are all abundant in color, and are especially recommended for those who enjoy plants and flowers. The Tanigawa-dake Ropeway offers a powerful view of the snow melting away and the large amount of clear water flowing down the Nishikurozawa River.

The best time to visit the area is around July, when it is extremely hot. The area around Tenjindaira Station, reached by a ropeway, is home to a cluster of these flowers, which look like a yellow carpet when they are in full bloom.

Cycling to Ichinokurazawa, where you can enjoy an exhilarating ride through a beech forest, is a recommended summer activity. Bicycles with electric bicycles can be rented at the base plaza located at Doaiguchi Station at the foot of the ropeway (advance internet reservation required).

Tanigawa-dake, where you can encounter authentic mountain scenery in about 30 minutes from the foot of the mountain, but choose your clothing carefully. Even in spring and summer, you must be prepared for sudden changes in weather, strong winds, and the strong sunlight that only highlands can provide. In spring (April to June), wear lightweight long-sleeved clothing and a jacket (or thicker jacket in case of bad weather), and in summer (July to August), wear short sleeves and a light windbreaker. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also useful to protect against the sun. Insect repellent to prevent bites from horseflies and gnats is also helpful.

Sightseeing, hiking, and gourmet cuisine. Choose how to enjoy the area according to your taste and mood.

Tanigawadake can be enjoyed in a variety of ways depending on the length of your stay, the purpose of your trip, and the weather. We suggest three ways to enjoy Mt. Tanigawa: half-day sightseeing tour with a full sense of fulfillment, easy hiking to enjoy the feeling of hiking in the mountains, or a gourmet's must-see lunch of local specialties.

1〈Half-day sightseeing plan, perfect for a day trip

Take the Tanigawadake Ropeway to Tenjindaira Station (approx. 15 min. ride).
→Take the Tenjin Pass Pair Lift to Tenjin-Toge Station (approx. 10 min. ride)
→Take a photo at "Tenjin Toge Observation Deck" + walk around Tenmangu Shrine, Benzaiten Temple, pavilion, etc. (10 min.)
→ Take a coffee at Tenjin Cafe, which is attached to Tenjin Toge Observation Deck (30 min. *Open only from May to November).
→Take the Tenjin Pass Pair Lift to Tenjin-daira Station (10 min. ride)
→ Play on rental (free) playground equipment in Tenjin-daira area (40 minutes)
→Take the Tanigawa-dake Ropeway to Doaiguchi Station at the foot of the mountain (approx. 15 min. ride)
→Rent an e-bike (for a fee) at the Base Plaza and cycle to Ichinokurazawa (90 minutes).
(about 3 hours and 40 minutes)

This half-day plan combines the wonderful view of Mt. Tanigawa from the foot of the mountain to the summit with the extraordinary pleasure of riding the ropeway and lifts. The Tanigawa-dake Ropeway is 2,400 meters long and climbs from Doai-guchi Station at the foot of the mountain to Tenjin-daira Station with an elevation difference of 1,200 meters in about 15 minutes. Tenjin Cafe is a take-out type cafe. You can enjoy drinks and light meals in a casual atmosphere.

Badminton, hula hoops, and soap bubbles can be rented free of charge in the Tenjin-daira area, which is popular among families and couples. Visitors are encouraged to try cycling at the foot of the mountain to Ichinokurazawa, famous as one of the "Three Great Rock Bases of Japan" (junior high school age and up). Riding an electrically assisted bicycle through a virgin forest of beech trees is truly an exhilarating experience.

Tanigawadake Joch

• Yuhiso-Yufukiyama National Forest, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma MAP
• Green season: Mid-April to mid-November
  Please check the website for hours of operation.
• Open all year round during the green season, but may be closed due to inclement weather, etc.
• Round trip to Tenjin Touge Observation Deck (ropeway/lift set ticket): Adults: 3,500 yen, children under elementary school age: 2,000 yen
• 0278-72-3575
• Charged (500 yen)
• One-way tickets are also available. Please check the website for details.

Tenjin Cafe

• Tenjin Pass Observation Deck MAP
• May-Nov. 10:00am-3:00pm (L.O.2:30pm)
• Open daily (closed in case of bad weather, etc.)

Bicycle rental

• Tanigawadake Ropeway Base Plaza, Yuhiso, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1728 MAP
• 9:00～16:30
• The road to Ichinokurazawa is closed in winter from late November to late May.
• 2,000 yen for 90 min.
• Rentals are available for junior high school students and older. Minimum height 145cm and weight under 100kg. Advance internet reservation required.

2〈Hiking courses for those who enjoy walking

Take the Tanigawadake Ropeway to Tenjin-daira Station (15 min. ride)
→Tenjin Pass Pair Lift to Tenjin Pass Station (10 min. ride)
→Enjoy the view from Tenjin Pass Observation Deck + visit Tenmangu Shrine and Benzaiten Shrine (30 min. ride)
→Hike to Tenjin-daira Station while viewing alpine flora (20 min. ride)
→Tanigawadake Ropeway to Take the "Tanigawa-dake Ropeway" to "Tsuchiaiguchi Station" at the foot of the mountain (15 min. ride).
(about 1 hour and 30 minutes)

Take the ropeway and lift to "Tenjin-toge Station" at an altitude of about 1,500m. Take a picture with Mt. Tanigawa in the background, pay a visit to Tenmangu Shrine and Benzaiten, and then start hiking. After visiting Tenmangu Shrine and Benzaiten, we will start hiking. The trail continues through a valley with small ridges on both sides, and from the halfway point, the view of Mt. While enjoying a variety of alpine plants, such as Japanese knotweed, kinkouka, and ezo-hydrangea, you will 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 sloped and may be muddy depending on the weather, so sneakers or other footwear are recommended.

3〈Tanigawadake Bread Gratin, a must-try lunch for gourmets

Take the Tanigawadake Ropeway to Tenjin-daira Station (15 min. ride)
→At the Restaurant "View Terrace Tenjin" adjacent to the station. Lunch of specialty gourmet "Tanigawa-dake Pan Gratin" (60 min.)
→Take the "Tanigawa-dake Ropeway" to "Tsuchiaiguchi Station" at the foot of the mountain (about 15 min. ride)
(about 1 hr. 30 min.)

View Terrace Tenjin is a Restaurant with a spectacular view that stands right next to Tenjindaira Station. A must-try when you visit is the original menu "Tanigawa-dake Pan Gratin. The bread is hollowed out and stuffed with chicken, bacon, broccoli, and other ingredients, then topped with a béchamel sauce and plenty of cheese and baked to perfection. It features a "spilled sauce style," using twice the amount of sauce of a regular bread au gratin, and is full of rich and satisfying flavor. Other dishes include homemade bread pudding with a moist texture, curry with pork cutlet, ramen noodles, and more. You can also enjoy craft beer from Minakami Town's brewery, Octoine Brewing, on tap.

View Terrace Tenjin

• Tenjin-daira
• 9:30-16:00 (bread au gratin and other meals available from 11:00-15:00)
• No holidays
• 0278-72-3575
• May be closed depending on the operation of the Tanigawa-dake Ropeway and inclement weather, etc.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Minakami to stop by on the way to and from Mt.

In Minakami Town, there are many Facilities that promote the richness of nature, as well as hot springs and stores that use local ingredients to refresh your senses. Here are three spots in particular that you should definitely stop by to make your trip more fulfilling.