[Tanigawa Range] From Nishiguro Ridge to Tairappyo: A Rewarding Traverse Across the Tanigawa Main Ridge

Overview

After staring down the weather forecast all week, I decided the weekend looked promising and headed out for a traverse of the Tanigawa岳 Main Ridge.
Together with Kumi-san, we took on an ambitious day-long traverse, starting from Nishiguro Ridge and passing through Mt. Mantaro and Mt. Sen-no-kura before finishing at Mt. Tairappyo.

The day began with the Nishiguro Ridge, one of Japan's three steepest climbs, followed by a long trek along the main ridge dyed in autumn colors.
It was a journey with significant distance and elevation gain, but more than that, it was a memorable hike that left me feeling truly glad I had walked it.

Itinerary Data

• Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025

• Area: Gunma/Niigata Prefectural Border (Tanigawa Range)

• Type: Day-trip traverse

• Members: 2 people

• Activity Time: 10 hours 26 minutes (44 minutes of rest)

• Distance: 22.2km

• Cumulative Elevation: +2803m / -2513m

• Course Difficulty Rating: 62 (Strenuous)

Overall Route Map

Traversing the Tanigawa岳 Main Ridge from Nishiguro Ridge, passing through Mt. Mantaro and Mt. Sen-no-kura to Mt. Tairappyo.

Itinerary and Course Conditions

▶ Nishiguro Ridge (Trailhead to Mt. Tanigawa岳)

A relentless, steep climb through the forest zone.

The Nishiguro Ridge features a mercilessly steep climb right from the start.
Just when you think you've cleared the forest zone, you're met with a series of chain sections, so you can't let your guard down from the very beginning.

The moment we cleared the chain sections, the sun began to rise.

The sunrise and autumn leaves greeted us just as we finished the chain section.
Wrapped in burning colors, we both couldn't help but smile, saying, 'This is a reward.'

Arrived at Mt. Tanigawa (Toma-no-mimi).

▶ Mt. Tanigawa to Kata-no-koya Hut

The contrast between the sea of clouds and the ridgeline.

We had talked about skipping Oki-no-mimi, but in the end, we decided to stop by.
As it turned out, this was the perfect decision.

The view from Oki-no-mimi.

'I'm so glad we came here after all.'
It was the kind of scenery that made those words come out naturally.

▶ Main Ridge Traverse (towards Mt. Mantaro)

The main ridge traverse begins from Kata-no-koya Hut.

Crossing the treeline, we began walking along the bamboo grass ridgeline.
It was so open that it didn't feel like the Tanigawa Range at all, with scenery that felt like the Alps continuing on.

Around Ojikazawa-no-kashira. There are narrow ridges and chain sections.

There are many small ups and downs, and chain sections are scattered throughout.
It is a section that never gets boring, where pleasure and tension alternate.

▶ Mt. Mantaro

Approaching Mt. Mantaro.

After crossing several false peaks, we finally reached Mt. Mantaro.
We faced the reality of the fact that we were 'only halfway there...' just once (laughs).

Mt. Mantaro summit.

The ups and downs continue from here, but we kept moving forward, helped by the scenery.

▶ Ebisu-Daikoku-no-kashira to Mt. Sen-no-kura

Ebisu-Daikoku-no-kashira. The name sounds auspicious, but the climb is serious.

The mud increased, and slippery spots became more noticeable.
This is a section that requires particular caution, especially on the descents.

Mt. Sennokura draws near.

The summit of Mt. Sennokura.

Mt. Sennokura is bustling with many hikers.
Once you pass this point, the trail suddenly becomes gentle.

▶ Mt. Tairappyo to Descent

A comfortable section with continuous wooden boardwalks.

With few ups and downs, the boardwalks are spaced perfectly for a comfortable pace.
It was a welcome reward during the final stretch of a long journey.

Descending through a tunnel of autumn leaves.

I descended in one go and arrived safely at the Tairappyo trailhead.
My legs were completely exhausted, but I was able to walk comfortably until the very end.

Course Condition Summary

• Nishiguro Ridge: One of Japan's three steepest climbs. Continuous steep forest sections and chain-assisted areas

• Around Mt. Tanigawa: Some rocky areas are polished and slippery

• Main Ridge Traverse: Many ups and downs, with some narrow ridges

• After Mt. Mantaro: Muddy sections increase, so be careful on descents

• Mt. Sennokura to Mt. Tairappyo: Easy to walk and comfortable

Access and Descent

Shiragamon Parking Lot
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9nJhr5ZM3LZY2mLa6

Minami Echigo Kanko Bus (Yuzawa-Naeba Line)

• Tairappyo Trailhead → Echigo-Yuzawa Station 660 yen

• Be careful with the last train and connections

Reflections

A day that is quintessentially Tanigawa, in both its harshness and its beauty.

The main ridge traverse required more judgment and concentration than the distance and elevation gain would suggest, but
it was packed with a charm that makes me want to walk it again even more.

Kumi-san,
thank you for another wonderful time.

Reference links

The same mountain can be completely different depending on the conditions
▶ Click here for the record of our retreat from Mt. Tairappyo in midwinter

Conclusion

I walk the ridgelines every weekend,
focusing mainly on the mountains of Shizuoka.

Rather than flashy mountains,
I prefer quiet mountains, deep mountains, and hikes where I have to read the conditions.

Click here for my past hiking records
▶ Magazine: "One Mountain at a Time, Hiking Records"

If you love the mountains,
I would be happy if you followed me.

Until next time, with a record of another mountain.