Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts, a year-round destination on the slopes of Mt. Tanigawadake in Gunma Prefecture, is introducing a spring-limited gondola experience starting May 11, 2026. Dubbed the "Botanical Gondola," the specially decorated cabin lets guests enjoy rare alpine flora in an artistic setting 1,300 meters above sea level, without venturing deep into the mountains.
Background
Mt. Tanigawadake is home to more than 100 species of alpine plants, including rare varieties such as Hosoba Hina Usuyuki-so (narrow-leaved edelweiss) and Joshu Azumagiku (Joshu fleabane), as well as more familiar blooms like Katakuri (dogtooth violet), Mizusho (Asian skunk cabbage), and Shirane Aoi (Japanese woodland poppy). The Tenjindaira area where Tanigawadake Joch is located falls within a special zone of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, where the collection or introduction of plants is strictly regulated. The Botanical Gondola was developed as a way to make these precious plants accessible to more visitors while fully respecting the rules of nature conservation.
Feature 1: Aerial Ride in a Specially Decorated "Botanical Gondola"
Tanigawadake Joch operates one of only three 22-person gondolas in Japan, offering more spacious and relaxed ride than standard gondolas. For a limited period each spring, one of the gondolas is transformed into the Botanical Gondola. The interior features meticulously crafted artificial alpine flowers by GEOCOLOR, an artificial flower artist, allowing guests to admire blooms that flower at different times and locations all in one ride.
The gondola interior is also adorned with botanical motifs on curtains, cushions, and placemats. The tables and chairs are made from lumber sourced from forests managed to protect golden eagle habitats in Minakami Town — warm, textured wood with a pleasant natural scent. Against the backdrop of panoramic views of Mt. Tanigawadake through the windows, the Botanical Gondola offers a private aerial retreat unlike any ordinary sightseeing ride.
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (from 7:00 AM on weekends and public holidays)
- Fee: Regular gondola fare + ¥500
- Capacity: Up to 1 group of 6 per ride
- Reservations: Not required
Feature 2: Alpine Flower Walk with a Mini Field Guide, and Colorful Herbal Teas
Visitors to the Tenjindaira area at approximately 1,300 meters elevation receive a "Tanigawadake Joch Flower Walk Booklet" — a compact six-fold pamphlet featuring illustrations of alpine plants, stories about each flower, and guidelines for visiting a national park. Booklet in hand, guests can set off to spot the flowers that emerge as the snow melts, a classic spring activity unique to the mountain.
After the walk, the observation restaurant "View Terrace Tenjin" offers four seasonal herbal teas inspired by the colors of the mountain's wildflowers: Katakuri (purple, butterfly pea and lemon), Iwauchiwa (red, acai and raspberry), Echigo Kijimushiro (yellow, elderflower and muscat), and Nikko Kisuge (orange, chamomile and apple).
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
- Fee: Botanical Color Tea ¥500 (tax and service included)
- Reservations: Not required
Feature 3: Craft Experience — "Budding Tassel Making"
As a souvenir of the walk, guests can take home the colors of the mountain through a tassel-making kit. Colorful threads inspired by spring blooms — the purple of Katakuri and the pink of Iwakagami — are paired with charm designs representing four flower species including Iwauchiwa and Hosoba Hina Usuyuki-so. With more than 100 possible combinations, visitors can create a one-of-a-kind tassel to use as an accent on a bag or pouch.
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Fee: ¥500 (tax and service included)
- Reservations: Not required
"Botanical Gondola" Overview
- Period: May 11 (Mon) to July 5 (Sun), 2026
- Eligible: All visitors to the facility
- Note: Contents may be partially changed or cancelled depending on circumstances. Some offerings may change due to supply conditions.
Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts is located on the saddle of Mt. Tanigawadake — one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains — just two hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Accessible by ropeway and lift, the destination at 1,500 meters elevation offers seasonal scenery, signature mountain cuisine, and a range of outdoor activities, providing a full mountain experience beyond just hiking.
- Access: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Jomo-Kogen Station on the JR Joetsu Shinkansen
- Website: https://tanigawadake-joch.com/
