Mt Shiragamon

Mt Shiragamon (Japanese: 白毛門) rises sharply on the Gunma–Niigata border near Mt Tanigawa (谷川岳), a rugged outlier that feels far more remote and severe than its famous neighbor. Its slopes are steep from the very first step, climbing through dense beech and birch forest before narrowing into exposed ridges shaped by heavy snowpack and constant erosion. The mountain’s topography is all angles and abrupt elevation gain with deep gullies, sharp folds and a summit that perches above a maze of terrain dropping away on every side. Though only 1,720 metres, Shiragamon carries the atmosphere of a much larger peak, and is defined by its in-your-face views of Tanigawa.

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While Mt Tanigawa draws climbers from across Japan, Shiragamon remains largely unknown, a hidden peak in the same border range that offers the same rugged drama without the crowds. From the summit, you can gaze on the east cliffs of Tanigawa to the west, and to the seemingly unending waves of mountains to the north. I climbed in winter when the peaks were all covered in the massive snowfall that is the hallmark of this region.

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The hiking course is steep, direct and demanding. The trail from the Gunma side climbs relentlessly, gaining elevation with little respite as they push up narrow ridges and angled slopes. Higher up, the forest thins and the terrain becomes exposed, with rocky scrambles and knife‑edge sections that require steady footing and full attention, especially in winter. The final approach is a short but sharp rise over broken rock to a small, open crest where the views open up on all sides.

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