Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts and Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts are hosting the second annual Tanigawa Yukiyama Festival from April 4 to 5, 2026. The two-day event aims to make winter mountain activities more accessible and exciting for enthusiasts of snowy mountain climbing and backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Background: Making Winter Mountains More Accessible
Located just two hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area, Tanigawadake Joch and Mt.T attract domestic and international visitors for winter mountain climbing and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. However, beginners face challenges such as difficulty acquiring specialized gear and lack of experienced mentors. Additionally, spring mountain conditions with extreme temperature fluctuations pose safety concerns for visitors who arrive unprepared with light clothing.
The Tanigawa Yukiyama Festival was created to address these issues by providing hands-on experiences and safety education. This year's event builds on last year's success with returning favorites like gear trials and workshops, plus new additions including a winter mountain fashion show and live music performances on snow.
1. Hands-On Trials of Winter Mountain Gear from Multiple Brands (Enhanced)
Visitors can try gear from multiple brands directly on snow. Internal surveys revealed strong demand to "test gear on snow before purchasing" when buying winter mountain climbing equipment that requires high functionality and safety. In addition to climbing boots and crampons, visitors can try on cold-weather wear and accessories. This year, splitboard* and backcountry ski and snowboard brands also participate. Visitors can receive direct advice from brand representatives about gear selection and ask questions.
*A splitboard is a special snowboard that can be divided vertically into two parts for backcountry travel.
Participating Brands (as of January 9, 2026)
Sportiva, Haglöfs, Petzl, Kenko (Blue Ice, etc.), Caravan, PRIRET
2. Immersive Winter Mountain Workshops and Fashion Show (NEW)
The festival offers workshops designed to deepen enthusiasm for winter mountains. The Minakami Mountain Guide Association, experts on Mount Tanigawa, hosts a tour comparing different types of snowshoes and a tea ceremony inside a snow shelter. Mt.T's ski patrol team conducts a beacon familiarization experience useful for both climbers and skiers/snowboarders, teaching essential avalanche search and rescue skills.
This year debuts a winter mountain fashion show themed "Outdoor winter fashion is beautiful because of snowy mountains." A specially constructed snow runway showcases rarely seen brand wear. In the second half, brand representatives personally introduce the functional features and highlights of each garment.
3. Music and Food to Energize the Mountains (NEW)
The festival atmosphere comes alive with new additions. Food booths feature Minakami Town and Gunma Prefecture specialties, including exclusive festival menu items. DJ booths and live music performances on snow create excitement through sound. Talk shows with outdoor brand representatives share insights about gear appeal and behind-the-scenes product development stories.
Tanigawa Yukiyama Festival Details
Dates: April 4-5, 2026
Admission: Free (ropeway round-trip ticket required to access venue)
Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Tenjindaira Area at Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts
Reservations: Not required (visitors who complete advance questionnaire receive arrival gift)
Activities: Winter gear trials / winter-related workshops / winter mountain fashion show / live music on snow / food stalls, and more
Notes: Official website launches February 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
*Event content may change depending on conditions
*Some paid content available
About Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts
"Joch" is the German word for "saddle" (col), referring to the location on the saddle of Mount Tanigawa, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. This year-round destination offers mountain experiences beyond just climbing.
Located two hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area, take the ropeway and lift to reach this 1,500m high mountain paradise. Visitors encounter seasonal spectacular views, signature mountain cuisine, and activities for enjoying nature, along with opportunities to connect with fellow mountain enthusiasts.
About Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts
Mt.T targets active adults seeking extreme natural experiences and is "The Ultimate Powder Field" for enjoying majestic nature as it is. Surrounded by 2,000m-class mountain ranges, Mount Tanigawa's twin peaks covered in snow display fantastically beautiful scenery. Visitors enjoy luxurious views of one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, overwhelming snowfall and premium powder snow, and the thrill of skiing dynamic, steep terrain.
Location: Yubukiyama National Forest, Yubiso, Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture 379-1728
Phone: 0278-72-3575
Access: Approximately 25 minutes by car from JR Joetsu Shinkansen Jomokogen Station
Website: https://tanigawadake-joch.com/
