Mt. Tanigawa Hiking Guide (2026): Tenjin Ridge, Nishiguro Ridge, the Tanigawadake Ropeway, and Hiking Registration

Based on the Tanigawadake Joch (Tanigawadake Ropeway) official site and Gunma Prefecture's "Today's Mt. Tanigawa" and Tanigawadake Mountaineering Guidance Center pages, checked October 24, 2026. The ropeway is scheduled to run until November 15, 2026, and October is busy with autumn colors. Check the latest information before you go.

Introduction

Mt. Tanigawa is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, on the border of Gunma and Niigata. It has twin summits: Oki-no-mimi (1,977 m) and Toma-no-mimi (1,963 m).

The ropeway (now officially called "Tanigawadake Joch") takes you up to Tenjindaira at 1,319 m, where the Tenjin Ridge route to the summit begins. Gunma's guidance center warns, however, that "many middle-aged and older hikers now use the ropeway, and besides falls on rocky areas such as Ichinokura-dake, falls on the regular trails are also increasing."

This guide covers what we could confirm from official sources: ropeway fares and hours, parking, the difference between the hiking card and the hiking notice, grading, and cautions as of October 2026.

Basic information

The grading is from Gunma Prefecture's mountain grading list and assumes snow-free trails and good weather. In Gunma's grading, B means a route with places such as streams, cliffs, or steep sections where a slip could lead to a fall. We could not confirm an official course time.

Hiking card vs. hiking notice (important)

Mt. Tanigawa has the Gunma Prefecture Mt. Tanigawa Accident Prevention Ordinance, and what you must submit depends on where you go.

A hiking card box is also set up beside the toilets at the Tanigawadake Information Center parking lot.

Ropeway (Tanigawadake Joch): hours and fares

From the official site, checked October 24, 2026:

Fares were revised on December 1, 2025. The ropeway runs in rain except in strong winds or lightning. At Tenjindaira Station, payment is cash only.

Do not miss the ropeway on your way down. The official FAQ does not recommend that sightseers buy a one-way ticket and walk down, because the descent trail is rough.

The Tenjin-tōge lift

Above Tenjindaira there is a sightseeing lift up to Tenjin-tōge, with a 360° view. The official FAQ says that hikers on a full climb cannot ride the lift, except from March 10 to April 4, 2027. Lift tickets can be bought at Tenjindaira Station (cash only). Walking down from Tenjin-tōge to Tenjindaira Station takes about 20 minutes; there are steep, slippery spots, so trekking shoes are recommended.

Routes

Tenjin Ridge (the standard route)

Take the ropeway to Tenjindaira and follow the ridge to the summit. Gunma grades it fitness 2, technical B. Gunma's "Today's Mt. Tanigawa" (October 24, 2026) gives these cautions:

• Boardwalks and rocks get slippery after rain and with morning dew
• Temperatures near the summit can drop below 0 °C depending on the weather; bring warm clothes
• Days are short, so always carry a headlamp
• Carry at least 1.5 liters of water, even on the Tenjin Ridge
• Trails get crowded in the October autumn-color season, with queues especially at the chain sections. Start early so you are not late coming down

Nishiguro Ridge

Graded fitness 3, technical C. Gunma warns that the Nishiguro Ridge is not suited to descent; many falls and slips happen on the way down, and the rocks become very slippery in rain.

Ichinokura-sawa

The rock walls of Ichinokura-sawa are Mt. Tanigawa's best-known view. On National Route 291 between below the guidance center and Ichinokura-sawa, vehicles are restricted all year (bicycles excepted). The town runs an electric vehicle on this section; the ride is free, but there is a guide fee (500 yen per person, free for junior high students and younger).

Old road toward Shimizu-tōge

Gunma reports that the stream crossing before Shibakura-sawa on the old road (rope section) has collapsed behind a retaining wall and is dangerous, and that the trail at Bunō-sawa beyond has collapsed. Use the new road to reach Yomogi-tōge or Shimizu-tōge.

Access

Train and bus

• From JR Jōetsu Line Doai Station to Tanigawadake Joch is about a 20-minute walk (1.5 km). The sidewalk is narrow, so take care (official FAQ)
• For buses, check the Kan-etsu Kotsu timetable (tel. 0278-23-1111)

Car

• Tanigawadake Base Plaza parking holds about 700 cars (official FAQ)
• Fees: green season 500 yen for floors 1–5 and 800 yen for floor 6. September 19 – November 3: 1,000 yen for floors 1–5 and 1,200 yen for floor 6
• Vehicles under 2.1 m use the multi-story car park; taller vehicles and campervans use the outdoor area. Motorcycles and bicycles 300 yen
• At night only the 1st floor is open (about 40 cars); it may be closed on busy days (Obon, late September – early November)
• From December to March, studless tires or chains are required
• Parking is paid in cash only

The Tanigawadake Information Center parking lot (200 yen a day) is separate (Gunma Prefecture).

What to wear and bring

• Hiking boots with good grip (wet boardwalks and rocks are slippery)
• Rain jacket and pants, warm layers (near-freezing near the summit in late October)
• Backpack, at least 1.5 L of water, snacks
• Headlamp, a map app with offline maps, a power bank
• Bear safety: the area around Mt. Tanigawa is bear habitat, and the ropeway's official site asks hikers to carry a bear bell or something that makes noise. See our bear safety guide

Emergency huts (Gunma Prefecture, October 24, 2026)

Gunma reports the following about huts on the traverse routes (not on the Tenjin or Nishiguro ridges):

• The Ichinokura-dake emergency hut door is broken
• The Ōshōji emergency hut appears to leak in rain
• The Shirakuzure emergency hut at Shimizu-tōge has a broken door; it has a temporary fix with a sheet that may come off in strong wind. Gunma suggests that hikers planning the horseshoe traverse bring a tent

We could not confirm the operation or facilities of Kata-no-koya or the Kumaanazawa emergency hut from official sources.

Key cautions

1. Do not be late coming down. Plan back from the ropeway hours (until 17:00)
2. The Nishiguro Ridge is better for climbing up; do not use it for descent
3. Do not enter the danger zone without a hiking notice
4. October is crowded, with queues at the chains; start early
5. Submit a hiking card

Summary

• The ropeway runs until November 15, 2026 (planned): 3,000 yen round trip; parking in autumn is 1,000 yen for floors 1–5
• Regular routes need a hiking card; the danger zone needs a notice at least 10 days ahead
• Tenjin Ridge is fitness 2, technical B; Nishiguro Ridge fitness 3, technical C
• Some emergency huts are damaged; consider a tent for traverses
• Course times and hut information could not be confirmed officially

See also: Japan's 100 Famous Mountains list and Hyakumeizan day trips from Tokyo.

References

• Tanigawadake Joch — official site (Japanese)
• Tanigawadake Joch — FAQ (Japanese)
• Tanigawadake Joch — Access (Japanese)
• Gunma Prefecture — Tanigawadake Mountaineering Guidance Center (Japanese)
• Gunma Prefecture — Today's Mt. Tanigawa (Japanese)
• Gunma Prefecture — Mountain grading list (PDF, Japanese)