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 stopped by to catch an electric bus to Ichinokurazawa.
While waiting for the bus, I took a look around the museum.
The staff were very kind and helpful.
- The museum had a wide selection of mountaineering equipment and materials, and there were restrooms on both the first and second floors.
- It was very convenient that it was free.
- The electric bus costs 500 yen per adult to board.
- It takes about 60 minutes to walk to Ichinokurazawa.
- It takes about 20 minutes by electric bus to get to Ichinokurazawa.
- A guide joined us, and we learned a little something, so it felt like a good deal!
- Electric buses run once per hour.
- There are 12-passenger and 8-passenger models.
- If you turn around at Ichinokurazawa and take the same electric bus back, your stay will be 10 minutes.
- If you don't take the electric bus, you'll have to wait an hour for the next one.
Thanks to the electric bus, even families with children can go to Ichinokurazawa 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 Ichinokurazawa
Park your car at Base Plaza and walk to the museum.
It costs ¥500 per day.
You can drive here, but there is no parking, so you'll have to make a U-turn.
Buses depart approximately every hour, but due to limited seating capacity, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Arrive early to kill time by browsing the museum.
If you can't get on, you'll either have to wait an hour or walk an hour.
I took the bus at 10:30 AM on a Saturday at the end of August, arriving 20 minutes early and being the first to register.
The bus was full five minutes before departure.
A guide fee of ¥500 replaces the fare.
The guide gives explanations at key points, so the ride takes about 20 minutes.
The road is narrow, and you might bump into tree branches along the way, making it quite enjoyable.
The return trip is also first-come, first-served, so if you want to ride, arrive early.
This bus allows you to easily enjoy the spectacular views of Ichinokurazawa.
To be honest, sandals are fine. (Depending on the season)
Just bring a drink.
On the way back, I walked around aimlessly, but it only took about 50 minutes.
By the way, photography is prohibited on the bus.
This museum is well worth visiting, with a large collection of mountaineering equipment and valuable mountain-related materials.
The director and other staff members were very friendly and helpful.
The electric bus has a capacity of 8 people and took us to Ichinokurasawa for 500 yen per person (donation).
We took the bus only on the way there and walked back.
For the return trip, priority was given to those waiting to board the bus at Ichinokurasawa. It was a staggered boarding system.
Previously, this museum had a stuffed bear cub that visitors were allowed to touch and even sit on, but that cub has been moved to the newly built information center.
It seemed that visitors were not allowed to sit on or touch the cub at the information center.
If you are going to Tanigawadake, please be sure to stop by.
I would also like to visit again.
Thank you very much.
