Mt. Tanigawa

Mount Tanigawa on the Gunma-Niigata border holds a contradictory reputation: it appears on Japan's 100 Famous Mountains list, yet its extreme weather makes it one of the most dangerous peaks in the world for climbers on the technical Ichinokurasawa rock face. For most visitors, the Tenjindaira Ropeway bypasses the difficulty entirely, lifting you to 1,319 meters for views without a technical climb. Autumn transforms the slopes into deep reds and oranges. In winter, the heavy snowfall that hits the Sea of Japan side creates excellent backcountry skiing terrain. Tanigawa Onsen at the mountain's base offers hot spring bathing after any season's exertion, and the village is small enough that the atmosphere stays relaxed even when the slopes are busy.