Tanigawadake Information Center Leaflet
The Tanigawa Mountain Range’s harsh climate and precipitous landscape support many rare plant and animal species, including those that would normally be found only at alpine elevations. The Tanigawa Mountain Range is part of Joshin’etsukogen National Park, which was established in 1949. It occupies a sprawling 148,194 hectares that span the prefectures of Gunma, Niigata, and Nagano. In 2017, the Minakami region was also designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The region’s vast forests and many waterways are ideal for outdoor activities, and it is well known as a destination for hikers, climbers, and campers.
[Note: the information given below is accurate as of January of 2021]
Tanigawadake Information Center
The Tanigawadake Information Center opened in 2021 to promote the fun, safe use and conservation of the area’s natural environment. The center’s exhibits introduce the flora, fauna, and history of the area, and visitors can also receive up-to-date information on weather and trail conditions.
Tanigawadake Mountain Museum
Located near the Mt. Tanigawadake Ropeway Doaiguchi Station, the Tanigawadake Mountain Museum displays old climbing equipment, photos of local flora and fauna, and exhibits on climbing in the Himalayas.
Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., late April through November (closed Thursdays).
Electric Buses
An electric minibus brings up to eight passengers up to Ichinokurasawa, which cannot be reached by car. During the ride up the mountain, a local guide rides along to introduce the history and nature along the route.
Mt. Tanigawadake Summit Hiking Courses
The hike up Mt. Tanigawadake along the Nishiguro Ridge and down again takes about seven hours, and this route is a good option for visitors seeking a full day of hiking. Certain areas have chains to assist in the climb, but this hike is generally recommended for more experienced climbers. For an easier route, take the ropeway from Mt. Tanigawadake Ropeway Doaiguchi Station to Tenjindaira Station and hike about three hours via Tenjin Ridge to Mt. Tanigawadake. Descending via this route will take an additional two hours. For visitors seeking a more relaxed outing, Tenjindaira also has a number of shorter walking trails and a restaurant from which to take in the surrounding landscape. Weather allowing, a smaller ski lift can be used to reach Mt. Tenjin and its observation platform.
(For safety reasons, all hikers ascending farther than the observation platform are encouraged to fill out a simple registration form at the ropeway entrance.)
