Mt. Tanigawa — Twin Peaks on the Border of Pacific and Sea of Japan

Trail Overview

Mt. Tanigawa (谷川岳, Tanigawa-dake) is a 1,977m peak straddling the border of Gunma and Niigata Prefectures along the Joetsu border ridge. Its distinctive twin peaks — Toma-no-Mimi (1,963m) and Oki-no-Mimi (1,977m) — are a defining feature and have earned it a place among Japan’s Hyakumeizan (100 Famous Mountains).

While the mountain bears the fearsome nickname “Mountain of Death” due to climbing accidents on its sheer rock walls, the Tenjin Ridge route accessible via ropeway is a well-maintained hiking trail suitable for regular mountain hikers. Situated at the meeting point of Pacific and Sea of Japan climates, Mt. Tanigawa supports abundant alpine flora in summer and spectacular autumn foliage.

Climbing Registration

Mt. Tanigawa requires mandatory climbing registration under Gunma Prefecture ordinance.

• Where to submit: Tanigawa-dake Mountaineering Guidance Center inside the Doai-guchi Ropeway Station
• Online submission: Available through the Compass online climbing registration service
• Required information: Name, address, emergency contact, route, estimated return time
• Entering the mountain without registration violates the local ordinance — always submit before starting your hike

Recommended Route: Tenjin Ridge Route

The most popular route uses the ropeway to reach Tenjindaira, then follows the Tenjin Ridge to the summit.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Tenjindaira → Kumaana-sawa Shelter	About 50 min
Kumaana-sawa Shelter → Tengu-no-Tomariba	About 40 min
Tengu-no-Tomariba → Kata-no-Koya	About 30 min
Kata-no-Koya → Toma-no-Mimi	About 10 min
Toma-no-Mimi → Oki-no-Mimi	About 15 min
Total (one way)	About 2 hr 25 min
Round trip	About 4.5 hours

Tip: Some hikers turn back at Toma-no-Mimi, but if time and energy allow, continue to Oki-no-Mimi — it is the true summit and offers a dramatic view peering down into the sheer Ichinokura-sawa cliff face.

Mountain Hut Information

Kata-no-Koya

• Type: Staffed mountain lodge
• Open: Late April to early November
• Capacity: About 30 guests
• Facilities: Accommodation, light meals, and beverages
• Reservation: Recommended during peak season

Access Information

• Nearest Station: JR Joetsu Line, Minakami Station
• From Tokyo: Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station (about 75 min) → Kan-etsu Kotsu bus to Tanigawa-dake Ropeway (about 25 min). Or take the JR Joetsu Line to Minakami Station (about 2.5 hours) → bus about 25 min
• Ropeway: Tanigawa-dake Ropeway (about 15 min ride). Adults: one-way 1,250 yen, round trip 2,100 yen
• By Car: About 25 min from Minakami IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway. Paid parking at the ropeway base (about 1,000 spaces)

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores (within 5 min of trailhead)

• Seven-Eleven near Minakami Station: 2-minute walk from the station
• No convenience stores near the Doai-guchi Ropeway Station

Shops & Teahouses

• Doai-guchi Ropeway Station: Shop with beverages, light meals, and hiking supplies
• Tenjindaira: Rest house available
• Kata-no-Koya: Beverages and light meals (during operating season)

Restrooms

• Doai-guchi Ropeway Station: Full restroom facilities
• Tenjindaira: Restrooms available
• Kata-no-Koya: Restrooms available (during operating season)
• No restrooms near the Kumaana-sawa Shelter

Highlights

Summer (July–August)

• Alpine flowers along the Tenjin Ridge including nikko-kisuge and hakusan-fuuro
• Views of remaining snow patches on the dramatic Ichinokura-sawa cliff face

Autumn (Late September–Mid-October)

• The Tenjin Ridge autumn foliage is among the finest in the Kanto region
• The ropeway ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the mountainside draped in autumn colors
• Rowan and maple trees create stunning gradients of red and gold

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking boots suitable for rocky and muddy terrain
• ✅ Rain jacket and pants (essential — weather changes rapidly)
• ✅ Windproof warm layer (exposed ridge with strong winds)
• ✅ Lunch and trail snacks
• ✅ Water (at least 1.5L — also available at Kata-no-Koya)
• ✅ Map and compass
• ✅ Headlamp
• ✅ Climbing registration form (pre-fill for faster processing)
• ⬜ Trekking poles (reduce knee strain on descent)
• ⬜ Gloves (for rocky sections)