Tanigawadake Ropeway
谷川岳ロープウェイ36°50′ N 138°58′ ERopeway¥3,000, about CAD 27 or USD 19 (October 2026 rates)1.5 hoursSeasonal
The Tanigawadake Ropeway suits anyone who wants Mt. Tanigawa's ridges without a climb, and in winter it carries skiers too, so walkers lose the chairlift and the one-way ticket.
Photo Qurren · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 and others, credited in the gallery
The ropeway climbs 2,300 m from the Doai-guchi base to Tenjindaira at 1,319 m in about 10 to 15 minutes, and cabins leave every three minutes or so. Hoshino Resorts renamed the whole site Tanigawadake Joch in December 2024; joch is German for a mountain saddle. At the top, View Terrace Tenjin serves the house speciality, a bread gratin overflowing with sauce. From April to November the Tenjin-toge lift carries you on to a viewpoint at 1,502 m.
From 5 December 2026 to 4 April 2027 the ropeway runs for sightseeing beside the Mt.T ski area, and visitors can ride only round trips. The Tenjin-toge lift stays closed to walkers until 10 March. Bring warm layers, because the operator says the top runs about 5 degrees colder than Minakami town.
Worth knowing
- Allow about 90 minutes for the ropeway and lift, or 30 minutes for a round trip on the ropeway alone.
- The Kan-etsu Kotsu bus from Jomo-Kogen reaches the Tanigawadake Joch stop in about 45 minutes for ¥1,600.
- Fit winter tyres or chains from December to March, because the operator says the road can freeze even when it looks clear.
Quick answers about Tanigawadake Ropewayよくある質問
How much does Tanigawadake Ropeway cost?
Prices at Tanigawadake Ropeway start at ¥3,000 per adult (2025), about CAD 27 or USD 19 (October 2026 rates).
What are the opening hours of Tanigawadake Ropeway?
Tanigawadake Ropeway keeps these hours: Mon 08:00–17:00; Tue 08:00–17:00; Wed 08:00–17:00; Thu 08:00–17:00; Fri 08:00–17:00; Sat 07:00–17:00; Sun 07:00–17:00.
How long do you need at Tanigawadake Ropeway?
Plan about 1.5 hours at Tanigawadake Ropeway.
When is the best time to visit Tanigawadake Ropeway?
Tanigawadake Ropeway: The autumn colour peaks at the top in early October and moves down the mountain over about a month. In winter go on a clear morning before the ski crowds fill the cabins.
Within 12 km
Places to eat and drink nearby食
Within 12 km
Places to stay nearby宿
Within 12 km