On Sunday, October 12, 2025, we hiked Mt. Tanigawa in Minakami, Gunma, in the middle of the autumn season. We went on foot from Doai without the ropeway, climbed the Tajiri Ridge, joined the trail from Tenjindaira, and followed the Tenjin Ridge up to the twin summits, Toma-no-Mimi (1,963 m) and Oki-no-Mimi (1,977 m). The autumn colors were at their peak near the top, and the ridges turned red were stunning! Fog rolled in while we rested at the top, and we walked back down the Tenjin Ridge and rode the ropeway from Tenjindaira down to Doai. We have also listed onsen and inns nearby for after the hike.
The weather was great that day, and we got to see Mt. Tanigawa in beautiful autumn colors.
Course Data
Item | Details |
|---|---|
Route | Doai → Tajiri Ridge → Tenjin Ridge → Kumaanazawa Hut → Tengu-no-Tamariba → Kata-no-Koya Hut → Toma-no-Mimi → Oki-no-Mimi → Kata-no-Koya Hut → Tenjin Ridge → Tenjindaira (ropeway down to Doai) |
Distance | Approx. 9.0 km (excluding the ropeway) |
Total time | Approx. 8 h 30 min (incl. breaks) |
Elevation gain | Approx. +1,370 m |
High point | 1,977 m (Oki-no-Mimi) |
Date | Sunday, October 12, 2025 |
These figures are from our own YAMAP record. The time includes the lines on the trail and our rest at the summit, so please use it as a rough guide when planning. The ropeway was crowded, so we climbed on foot without it. If you use the ropeway, your times will be different.
Access & Parking
The trailhead at Doai is in Minakami, Gunma, and there is parking near the Doai-guchi station of the Tanigawadake Ropeway.
We came via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, and the roads were not particularly congested. The parking lot is large, but on autumn weekends it was full by 6:30. There are toilets at the parking lot, but they were very crowded.
We arrived around 6 a.m. At that point the town-run lot near the entrance (¥200/day as of our hike on October 12, 2025) still had space, but it was full by 6:30. The ropeway parking further in seems to open a little later. It gets busy in the autumn season, so arrive early!
The Tanigawadake Ropeway, which we rode on the way back, connects Tenjindaira and Doai-guchi in about 15 minutes one way. Fares are ¥1,800 for adults and ¥900 for elementary school children one way, or ¥3,000 and ¥1,500 round trip (fares revised on December 1, 2025). Hours are 8:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 7:00 to 17:00 on weekends and holidays, with the last ride up at 16:30. The 2026 operating season runs from April 18 to November 15. Please check the official website for the time of the last ride down.
Clothing & Gear
The Tenjin Ridge has chained sections and rocky stretches, and there were spots where we climbed the rocks with the help of chains. It is reassuring to keep both hands free. Fog wrapped the summit while we were resting, so it is best to expect the weather to change quickly up high. Gloves, snacks and an outer layer for changes in the weather are also good to have.
Hike Log
Doai → Tajiri Ridge (2.2 km, approx. 1 h 30 min)
After a short walk from the parking lot, we set off on a rocky path running under the ropeway cables.
The Tajiri Ridge trail passes under the ropeway and climbs through the forest, with ropeway gondolas gliding overhead.
Into the forest at the Tajiri Ridge trailhead, the leaves were beginning to turn. After climbing for a while, the ridge appeared through a gap in the trees.
Tenjin Ridge → Kumaanazawa Hut (1.1 km, approx. 45 min)
Once we joined the trail from Tenjindaira, the autumn crowds picked up and there were many more hikers. Only us and one other group had walked up from below.
Once we joined the ridge, there was a long line of hikers, and we came to a standstill several times. The first chained section comes up along this stretch.
Kumaanazawa Hut → Tengu-no-Tamariba (0.6 km, approx. 40 min)
Past Kumaanazawa Hut, the view opened up.
A rocky ridge framed by autumn colors continues from here. There were so many hikers that the line kept backing up at the rocks.
At the top of the rocks, a sweeping view opened out. Stunning autumn colors, and we walked on along a ridge turned red!
Tengu-no-Tamariba → Kata-no-Koya Hut (0.7 km, approx. 1 h)
Beyond Tengu-no-Tamariba, the grasses had turned gold all around. A line of hikers stretched up the slope toward the summit.
There was more waiting in line on the steps.
We arrived at Tanigawadake Kata-no-Koya Hut. A cola from the hut to refuel, and then on to the summit. Everyone was lining up at the hut. It was delicious!
Kata-no-Koya → Toma-no-Mimi → Oki-no-Mimi (0.5 km, approx. 40 min)
Looking back after leaving the hut, we could see Kata-no-Koya Hut with its red roof and the peaks beyond.
First Toma-no-Mimi (1,963 m), then along the ridge toward Oki-no-Mimi ahead.
The autumn colors were at their peak near the summit! We reached Oki-no-Mimi (1,977 m), the highest point of Mt. Tanigawa. The summit was packed with hikers.
Looking around, we could see the autumn colors spread out below. The view was spectacular. Simply wonderful.
Rest at the top → Down to Kata-no-Koya (0.7 km, approx. 1 h 30 min incl. break)
While we rested at the top, clouds began rising up from the valley.
During our rest, everything was wrapped in fog. Heading down through the fog past Kata-no-Koya, it began to lift.
Down Tenjin Ridge to Tenjindaira (2.9 km, approx. 2 h 15 min)
On the way back we walked down the Tenjin Ridge. The clouds were clearing, and we could look out over the valley from the ridge.
The forest on the way down was full of autumn color too.
Arriving at Tenjindaira. From here we rode the ropeway down to Doai.
On the way down, we saw a hiker who had slipped being airlifted by helicopter. Many beginners climb this mountain, but please take great care.
Onsen After the Hike
If you want to soak after the hike, here are four onsen within about 40 minutes' drive of Doai that accept day visitors. Driving times are rough estimates.
Suzumori no Yu (鈴森の湯)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 - 20:00 | 11:00 - 20:00 | 11:00 - 20:00 | Closed | Closed | 11:00 - 20:00 | 11:00 - 20:00 | 11:00 - 20:00 | 11:00 - 20:00 |
Day visits only (no overnight stays). About 20 min by car from Doai (estimate).
Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku (宝川温泉 汪泉閣)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 - 16:30 | 10:00 - 16:30 | 10:00 - 16:30 | 10:00 - 16:30 | 10:00 - 16:30 | 10:00 - 16:30 | 10:00 - 16:30 | 10:00 - 16:30 | 10:00 - 16:30 |
Day visits and overnight stays. About 30 min by car from Doai (estimate).
Kawafuru Onsen Hamaya Ryokan (川古温泉 浜屋旅館)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 - 14:00 | 10:30 - 14:00 | 10:30 - 14:00 | 10:30 - 14:00 | 10:30 - 14:00 | 10:30 - 14:00 | 10:30 - 14:00 | 10:30 - 14:00 | 10:30 - 14:00 |
Day visits and overnight stays. About 35 min by car from Doai (estimate).
Yunokoya Onsen Ryudo (湯ノ小屋温泉 龍洞)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 - 18:00 | 10:00 - 18:00 | 10:00 - 18:00 | 10:00 - 18:00 | 10:00 - 18:00 | 10:00 - 18:00 | 10:00-13:00 | 10:00 - 18:00 | 10:00 - 18:00 |
Day visits and overnight stays. About 40 min by car from Doai (estimate).
Where to Stay Nearby
For a night before or after the hike, Takaragawa Onsen, Kawafuru Onsen and Yunokoya Onsen above also offer overnight stays. Here are two more inns within about an hour's drive.
Hoshi Onsen Chojukan (法師温泉 長寿館)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 - 14:00 | 11:00 - 14:00 | 11:00 - 14:00 | Closed | 11:00 - 14:00 | 11:00 - 14:00 | 11:00 - 14:00 | 11:00 - 14:00 | 11:00 - 14:00 |
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 - 15:00 | 11:00 - 15:00 | 11:00 - 15:00 | 11:00 - 15:00 | 11:00 - 15:00 | 11:00 - 15:00 | 11:00 - 15:00 | 11:00 - 15:00 | 11:00 - 15:00 |
About 45 min by car from Doai (estimate).
FAQ
Q. Can you climb Mt. Tanigawa without the ropeway? A. Yes. We walked up the Tajiri Ridge from Doai and joined the trail from Tenjindaira. That day, only us and one other group had walked up. We rode the ropeway down from Tenjindaira on the way back.
Q. Does the parking at Doai get crowded? A. It was busy on the autumn Sunday we went. On October 12, 2025, the town-run lot (¥200/day) still had space around 6 a.m., but it was full by 6:30. The ropeway parking further in seems to open a little later.
Q. How long does the hike take? A. Our route (up the Tajiri Ridge, up and back along the Tenjin Ridge to Toma-no-Mimi and Oki-no-Mimi, then the ropeway down from Tenjindaira) took about 8 h 30 min for about 9.0 km. That includes our rest at the summit and the lines at the rocks and steps.
Q. When are the autumn colors at their best? A. On October 12, when we hiked, the colors were at their peak near the summit, and the forest on the way down was colorful too. The timing shifts from year to year, so please check the latest information before you go.
Summary
Walking up from Doai via the Tajiri Ridge, Mt. Tanigawa starts in the forest under the ropeway, then leads over the rocks and golden grasses of the Tenjin Ridge to the twin summits of Toma-no-Mimi and Oki-no-Mimi, a course full of variety. In the autumn season there are a lot of hikers, with lines at the rocks and steps, and the parking was full by 6:30, so an early start is a good idea. Fog wrapped the summit while we rested, so be ready for the weather to change. The ridges turned red were truly stunning, so do go at least once in autumn!
Watch the Video
- 00:00 Opening
- 00:28 About Mt. Tanigawa
- 01:06 Route Overview
- 01:51 Doai → Tajiri Ridge
- 02:42 Tenjin Ridge → Kumaanazawa Hut
- 03:52 Kumaanazawa Hut → Tengu-no-Tamariba
- 05:24 Tengu-no-Tamariba → Kata-no-Koya Hut
- 07:00 Kata-no-Koya → Toma-no-Mimi → Oki-no-Mimi
- 10:29 Rest at the top → Down through the fog
- 11:30 Down Tenjin Ridge to Tenjindaira
- 12:25 Ropeway & finish
*Ropeway fares, hours and operating season are as checked on the official website on November 7, 2026, and the parking fee is as of our hike on October 12, 2025. Distances and times are rough figures from our own record. Please check the official websites for the latest information before you go.
