Lying within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Mount Tangiawa is known for its heavy snow in winter and great hiking through summer and autumn. October to November are especially beautiful months in which to visit Tanigawa, as the autumn leaves transform the mountain into a spectacular mosaic of red, gold, amber and brown. Mount Tanigawa summits at 1977 metres above sea level, with hiking trails approaching the summit from all directions. The southern trail is the easiest and most popular route up and down the mountain, serviced by the Tanigawadake Ropeway which runs from the base of the mountain to the upper station located at 1321 metres.

The ropeway is open 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays from April to November (and from 07:00 on weekends), and in winter services the Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort. It takes 15 minutes to ride, costing JPY1250 one-way or JPY2100 for a roundtrip. Due to large amounts of snow, climbing the mountain should not be undertaken in winter without proper expertise, equipment and registering your intention with the authorities.