Mt Tairappyo &
Mt Sennokura

Mt Tairappyo (Japanese: 平標山) and Mt Sennokura (仙ノ倉山) sit in the snow country along the rugged border of Gunma and Niigata in the Tanigawa range, forming one of the most rewarding ridge walks in the region. The climb begins abruptly from the car park, from where a long series of wooden steps launches you straight into the steep ascent. The wooden stairs seem relentless, but after time the views start to open up and you find yourself at Mt Matsute (松手山) at the start of the ridge.

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Tairappyo is best known for its wildflowers, which bloom in abundance across its upper slopes. In early summer the meadows become a patchwork of color, drawing hikers who come specifically for the floral displays. About 300 meters below the summit sits a small mountain hut, a welcome refuge on days when the weather turns. And it often does: the winds on Tairapyo can be fierce, and sudden changes in weather are common along this exposed ridge. I’ve climbed it a couple of times, and both times I was battered by strong gusts that made the summit feel wild and exhilarating.

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From Tairappyo, the ridge continues toward Mt Sennokura, a nihyakumeizan* that is the tallest peak in the range, but which is a quieter peak with excellent views and a more remote atmosphere. The ups and downs along the ridge give the route a lively rhythm, and beyond Sennokura the ridge eventually leads all the way to Mt Tanigawa (谷川岳), one of the great mountains of the region. It’s a route that combines steep climbs, open ridgelines, dramatic scenery, and a sense of real mountain weather.

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* 200 famous mountains of Japan

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)