Tanigawadake Tenjindaira - known by many as simply 'Tenjin' - is well known and very popular with people interested in backcountry hiking and riding. Various local companies offer related services. The ski area itself is actually rather small. A Ropeway goes up to what is effectively the base, and from that point the official runs are serviced by four fairly short pair lifts. There is also a long downhill course back to base, but that is not always open (best to check about that on any given day).
On a clear day, the mountain scenery from Tenjin is truly spectacular. The Ropeway operates throughout the year for sightseeing and is particularly popular in the peak autumn foliage season.
Minakami town is separated from Yuzawa town in Niigata Prefecture to the north by the impressive Tanigawa mountain range. The nine separate ski and snowboard resorts in Minakami are quite spread out throughout the town's central region. Minakami is a popular year-round destination offering a wide range of outdoor sports and activities. The onsen hot springs are popular too.
The Mountain
1500m
750m
750m
34"
10
4000m
5
30%
40%
30%
Skiers 20%
Ropeways
Gondolas
Quad lifts
Triple lifts
Pair lifts
Single lifts
Other
Boarders 80%
1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Snow Depth Statistics
Official snow depth numbers from the current season and previous season
There is no ski school at Tanigawadake Tenjindaira, but various local ski schools offer lessons and tours here.
Equipment Rental
Ski Rental:
Not available
Snowboard Rental:
Not available
Ski and snowboard equipment & wear rental is available.
Children's facilities
There are no specific facilities for children.
Park information
There is no specific snow park.
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Season & Opening Times
Typical season is from Early December until Early May
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Daytime
Weekends and holidays
Normally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm
Weekdays
Normally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm
'Nighta' (night skiing)
Weekends and holidays
No
Weekdays
No
Opening information
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira is normally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm every day from December until the end March. The last lift is at 4:00pm.
In the late season it opens from 7:00am until 5:00pm on weekends and holidays and from 8:00am until 5:00pm on weekdays, with the last lift at 4:30pm.
There is no night skiing at this area.
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Lift Ticket Charges
Adults
Child
Elementary School age & under
Senior
50 years & over
1 Day
4,000 yen
2,500 yen
3,500 yen
Afternoon (12pm-closing)
3,000 yen
2021-2022 Season Lift Tickets
A Ladies Ticket is 3,500 yen.
Getting to Tanigawadake Tenjindaira
By public transport
Train
20.7km from Jomo Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen line
1.3km from Doai Station on the Joetsu Line
9.5km from Minakami Station on the Joetsu Line
Information
The closest train station to the base of Tenjindaira is Doai Station on the Joetsu line. This station is unique in that you need to go down about 500 steps to get to one of the platforms... worth a look even if you do not intend to use the trains! Doai Station is just over 1km from the Ropeway.
The larger Minakami Station on the same line is about 9.5km away (25 minutes by bus), while Jomo Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen line is 20km from Tenjindaira.
Bus
There are private bus services that go to Tanigawa Ropeway from both Jomo Kogen Station (about 50 minutes) and Minakami Station (about 25 minutes).
By Car
13.6km from the Minakami IC on the Kanetsu Expressway
24.4km from the Tsukiyono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway
Nearest national route: Route 291 (0km away)
Direction
The base of Tanigawadake Tenjindaira (the base station of the Ropeway) is just over 13.5km from the Minakami IC of the Kanetsu Expressway.
From the Minakami IC exit traffic lights, turn left onto Route 291 and then turn left at the first traffic lights (1.3km) to continue on Route 291. At the Oana traffic lights continue straight on to head up to Tanigawadake Ropeway.
Parking
Indoor parking is available in the base Ropeway station building. Parking is free on weekdays and 1,000 yen on weekends and holidays.
If you have visited Tanigawadake Tenjindaira, please share your experience with other SnowJapan readers by writing a Resort Review and/or uploading photos
Reader Resort Rankings
General
81
Snow conditions
86
Courses & terrain
68
Lift system
65
Apres ski
45
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Ropeways
Gondolas
Quad lifts
Triple lifts
Pair lifts
Single lifts
Other
