While returning from the Ichinokarasuwa Gorge hike, I came across this museum along the road. Driven by curiosity, I decided to enter and discovered that the ground floor showcased vintage equipment and books about climbers who took on the challenge of scaling the rock faces of Tanigawadake.
As I made my way to the first floor, my excitement grew when I spotted a face mask from Nepal. I eagerly climbed up and found more treasures, including the Nepalese flag, a map of Nepal, and an array of items from Nepal such as mountain climber equipment, musical instruments like the madal and sarangi, numerous paintings and thankas, a singing bowl, and even a Buddhist flag.
Meeting the owner of the museum, who spoke Nepali fluently, was a delightful experience. I learned that he had spent many years living in Nepal. I'm incredibly pleased and grateful for the Japanese owner's dedication in preserving Nepalese cultural artifacts and showcasing them here in Japan. It's truly a remarkable endeavor.
I now understand how challenging climbing Mount Tanigawa is. The staff around were friendly, which was great. This is the departure point for the electric bus to Ichinokurasawa.
I stopped by to catch the electric bus to Ichinokurasawa.
While waiting for the electric bus, I visited the museum.
The staff were very kind, which I appreciated.
* The museum had many mountaineering-related tools and materials, and there were toilets on both the 1st and 2nd floors.
* It's great that it's free.
* The electric bus costs 500 yen per adult to board.
* It takes about 60 minutes to walk to Ichinokurasawa.
* The electric bus takes about 20 minutes to Ichinokurasawa.
A guide was on board, and I felt it was a good deal because I gained some knowledge!
* The electric bus runs once an hour.
* There are 12-seater and 8-seater types.
* If you take the same electric bus back from Ichinokurasawa, your stay is 10 minutes.
If you don't take that bus, you'll have to wait an hour for the next electric bus.
Thanks to the electric bus, even a family with children was able to go to Ichinokurasawa and back! Thank you very much!
There is an electric bus from here to Ichinokurasawa. It has a capacity of 12 people and is first-come, first-served. The first bus departs at 9:30 and runs every hour. It takes about an hour to walk. The return trip is downhill and takes about 40 minutes, although this varies from person to person. The bus returns to Ichinokurasawa 10 minutes later. This is also first-come, first-served and you may not be able to get on, but many people choose to walk instead of taking the next bus. I walked. The return trip is a gentle downhill and not too strenuous. The ridgeline was clearly visible that day, and apparently it's rare to see it this clearly. The bus ride is free, but there is a 500 yen guide fee. They can't charge a passenger fare, so they charge a guide fee, but 500 yen is a reasonable price. You can enjoy the overwhelming and imposing rock face of Ichinokurasawa.
How to ride the electric bus to Ichinokurasawa
Leave your car at the base plaza and walk to the museum.
It costs 500 yen for the day.
You can drive this far, but there is no parking, so you will have to turn around.
The bus departs approximately every hour, but since the passenger capacity is small, it is first-come, first-served.
Go early and spend some time looking around the museum.
If you can't get on, you will have to wait an hour or walk for an hour.
On a Saturday at the end of August, I took the 10:30 bus and arrived 20 minutes early, and was the first in line.
The bus was full 5 minutes before departure.
Instead of a fare, there is a 500 yen guide fee.
The guide will provide explanations at key points, so the tour takes about 20 minutes.
The road is narrow, and you might bump into tree branches along the way, which makes it quite enjoyable.
The return trip is also first-come, first-served, so if you want to ride, go early.
Thanks to this bus, you can easily enjoy the spectacular scenery of Ichinokurasawa.
Frankly, sandals are fine. (Depending on the season)
Please bring your own drinks.
I walked back at a leisurely pace, and it didn't even take 50 minutes.
By the way, photography is prohibited on the bus.
More about Tanigawadake Mountain Museum, Minakami from our blog
