The Tanigawa Snow Mountain Festival, which held its first event last year and was the first in Japan to offer hands-on experiences and workshops where attendees could try out snow climbing gear from multiple manufacturers on the snow, is back this year even bigger and better, taking place at Tanigawadake Yoch by Hoshino Resorts (formerly Tanigawadake Ropeway) in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture
This second edition of the event will feature not only the popular gear experience sessions and workshops from the previous season, but also new additions such as a snow mountain fashion show and live music. It promises to be two days that will draw you even further into the allure of snow-covered mountains and make you think, "Snowy mountains are so much fun!"
<Snow Mountain Gear Experience Event>
Responding to the demand for gear for snow mountaineering and backcountry skiing, which require higher functionality and safety, this experience event is being held to allow people to "actually test the gear on the snow before purchasing." Established domestic and international manufacturers will be present, and this year, new brands such as Dynafit, Pomoca, Vector Glide, and Cardiff Snowcraft will also have booths
During the event, you can try out backcountry skis on a hike-up course set up in a corner of the ski slope. In addition, energy bars, outdoor food, and preserved foods will be available, and more exhibitors will be added throughout the event
This season, the backcountry skiing and snowboarding booths are even more extensive. You can try out equipment used in the field, such as ski skins and splitboards. The appeal is that you can experience high-quality gear, from soft to hard, and get advice from staff to resolve any questions or concerns
<Get lost in the snowy mountains! Workshop>
A new "SKIMO (Ski Mountaineering) experience event," which was introduced as a new sport at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, is now available. The event offers a wide range of content to suit everyone, from full-fledged programs such as avalanche beacon and rescue training to "Snowshoeing in the Sky with a Legendary Guide," which can be easily enjoyed using the ski lifts
Furthermore, the program includes igloo (snow house) building, snow mountain cooking lessons, and unique activities such as kendama (cup-and-ball game) and ukulele. It's a comprehensive program that offers a variety of ways to enjoy the snowy mountains
<Food & Special Events>
The event will feature food and drink booths inspired by Minakami Town and Gunma Prefecture, including Tanigawadake Yoch's famous mountain delicacy, "Tanigawadake Bread Gratin." In addition to standard items such as Japanese and Western sweets and bento boxes, there will also be unique menu items such as Okinawan soba and herbal tea
<Snow Mountain Fashion Show>
A new event, "Snow Mountain Fashion Show," will unveil the latest collections from outdoor manufacturers. With the theme "Winter outdoor fashion is beautiful precisely because it's on a snowy mountain," locals will strut down a specially constructed snow runway, dressed in the latest apparel from each brand. This community-focused runway show, adding color to the winter of Tanigawa, is not to be missed
Participating brands: La Sportiva / Haglöfs / Tanaka Shoten / Klättermusen
<Yagi-bushi in the Snowy Mountains!! & Snowy Mountain Live Performance>
On the snow stage, live performances will be given by local DJs and bands. The festival's finale will be "Yagibushi in the Snow Mountains!!", where the event will conclude with passionate music and dancing
In addition, the program will feature engaging talk sessions, including insights into the little-known world of gear from manufacturers' representatives and advice on how to protect yourself from accidents in mountainous areas from mountain rescue specialists
| period | April 4th (Sat) – 5th (Sun), 2026 |
|---|---|
| time | DAY1 9:30AM~16:00PM DAY2 9:00AM~15:00PM |
| Fee | Admission is free * *A separate round-trip ropeway ticket is required. |
| reservation | No need to. You can enter and exit whenever you like! |
| Content | Snow Mountain Gear Experience Event: Get Hooked on Snow Mountains! Workshop, Food & Drink, Snow Mountain Fashion Show, Snow Mountain DJ & Live Event, Talk Session , and more. |
Information
Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts
Targeting active adults who want to enjoy an extreme nature experience, "Mt.T (Mount T)" is "The Ultimate Powder Field," where you can enjoy the magnificent nature as it is. Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges reaching altitudes of 2,000m, the twin peaks of Tanigawadake are covered in snow, creating a fantastical beauty. You can enjoy the luxurious view of one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, the overwhelming amount of snow and the finest powder snow, and the thrill of skiing down steep and dynamic terrain
379-1728 Gunma Prefecture, Tone District, Minakami Town, Yubiso Yubukiyama National Forest
TEL: 0278-72-3575
Official website: https://tanigawadake-joch.com
Tanigawadake Yoch by Hoshino Resorts
"Joch" is German for "saddle" or "mountain pass." Located in a saddle on the slopes of Mount Tanigawa, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, this spot offers a chance to experience the charm of the mountains beyond just climbing, throughout the year. Just two hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area, a ropeway and lift take you up to a paradise at an altitude of 1500m. A breathtaking view of the four seasons, local mountain cuisine, and easy-to-enjoy nature activities await you, offering a chance to truly enjoy the mountains
379-1728 Gunma Prefecture, Tone District, Minakami Town, Yubiso Yubukiyama National Forest
TEL: 0278-72-3575
Official website: https://tanigawadake-joch.com/
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