Mt. Tanigawa Horseshoe Traverse in Japan
Discover the Mt. Tanigawa Horseshoe, one of Japan’s most iconic ridge traverses, with fast access from Tokyo. This 3-day private adventure is perfect for strong hikers seeking big-mountain excitement without long transfers, guided safely by a certified UIMLA guide.
Private
2 Days
Jul - Oct
Very high
All levels
Highlights
- Big-mountain alpine traverse just 3 hours from Tokyo
- Iconic Tanigawa Horseshoe: airy ridges, light scrambling, Yomogi Hut night, Doai Station finish
- Safety-first private guiding with a UIMLA-certified guide & registered nurse
Description
Tackle one of Japan’s classic ridge loops on the Gunma–Niigata border—the Mt. Tanigawa Horseshoe—with fast access from Tokyo and big-mountain drama without long transfers.
Over three days we complete the iconic “horseshoe” skyline, linking airy ridges, hands-on scrambling sections, and panoramic views toward the Echigo range.
We overnight at the simple and atmospheric Yomogi Hut, then descend to the famously deep Doai Station—a uniquely Japanese finish to a true alpine adventure.
This private itinerary is built for strong hikers comfortable on rocky, exposed terrain.
We start with a Day 0 meet-up in Tokyo for briefing, gear inspection, and rental/purchase support, then optimize the route to conditions for a safe, rewarding traverse. Guiding is safety-first by a UIMLA-certified guide who is also a registered nurse.
Join us on this journey and experience one of Japan’s most iconic alpine traverses!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide expenses
Price details
- Also included in the price are: Roundtrip transportation to and from Tokyo as well as lodging on Day 0
- What’s not included:
- Mountain hut fees (for both participants and the guide, with the guide’s fee shared by the clients), meals and drinks, rental equipment, personal hiking gear, and individual expenses such as transportation to and from Tokyo and accommodation on Day 0.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Preparation
We'll meet in Tokyo for a trip briefing and gear check, with time to rent or purchase any missing items before taking the Shinkansen to Jōmō-Kōgen or Echigo-Yuzawa.
From there, we continue by train, bus, or taxi to the trailhead area and spend the night nearby in Minakami or Doai.
Day 2: Ridge Ascent & Traverse
Begin at the trailhead and ride the Tanigawa Ropeway to reach the ridgeline, then traverse the classic horseshoe sections before overnighting at Yomogi Hut.
Day 3: Descent & Return
On Day 3, we complete the ridge traverse and descend to Doai Station, with the option to stop at an onsen before taking an evening train back to Tokyo or choosing to spend an additional night near the trailhead or at an onsen.
Note: Final route and pace may be adjusted based on weather, surface conditions, hut status, and client performance.
Details
Accommodation
We will spend the first night (Day 1) in a Japanese-style lodge and the following night (Day 2) in a mountain hut.
Disclaimer
This ridge traverse requires prior experience on rocky, exposed ridgelines, such as multi-day treks or basic mountaineering. Sturdy mid/high-cut boots and a waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or equivalent; no ponchos) are mandatory and will be checked—unsuitable gear must be replaced locally before departure.
No advanced technical skills are needed, but you must be confident on rocky terrain, narrow ridges, and short scrambles, with good balance, endurance, and sure-footedness.
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Sunglasses
About the guide
Hama & Guides’ Team
4.5
(32)
Guide Agency
Languages
English | Japanese
Certificates
JMGA | UIMLA
What people are saying about Hama & Guides’ Team
Chloe
Colin
Rachel
Hama was a wonderful guide! He was so helpful, and we really appreciated his flexibility to work around the weather. He made our trip excellent, and we would recommend him and the service.
Ignacio
Sean
Hama was an exceptional guide and was well prepared prior and during the ascent. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Recommend him very highly indeed!!
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