When visiting Kusatsu, don’t just soak in the hot springs. If you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend heading to nearby Mount Tanigawa for hiking, rock climbing, rafting, or even bungee jumping, then unwind in the same hot springs once frequented by author Dazai Osamu, and try the famous “dam curry rice.”
■Setting for Supernatural Fiction
Mount Tanigawa is less than a two-hour drive from Kusatsu Onsen, standing at an elevation of 1,977 meters—not particularly high. It only takes a little over three hours round trip from the cable car station to the summit. However, it is Japan’s most infamous “man-eating mountain,” much like Taiwan’s notorious Black Mt. Qilai. Fog can roll in without warning, and since 1931, over 800 hikers have lost their lives here, making it the deadliest mountain in the world.
Ms. Rin Tokiwa from Gunma Prefecture’s Tourism and Industry Division shared that during one of her climbs on Tanigawa, she bent down to tie her shoelaces, and when she looked up again, she was suddenly engulfed in thick fog—a truly harrowing experience. Accidents often occur within just 200 meters of campsites, where hikers find themselves unable to return despite the short distance, contributing to the mountain’s popularity as a setting for supernatural stories.
Despite this, Mount Tanigawa remains a popular destination, attracting nearly 40,000 visitors each year for hiking and climbing. Its accessibility, location along Japan’s central watershed, stunning scenery, mysterious eternal ice, legendary status as a “man-eating mountain,” and status as one of Japan’s top three rock climbing spots all contribute to its appeal—even Japanese emperors have made special trips here. Ms. Tokiwa advises Taiwanese visitors to ensure proper safety measures and to climb with professional guides, rather than following the crowds blindly.
■Bungee Jumping for Thrills on the Tone River
Adjacent to Mount Tanigawa lies the Tone River, Japan’s second-longest river after the Shinano, with its basin covering nearly the entire Kanto Plain. The area around the Tonegawa Suwa Bridge features fast-flowing waters, which four years ago attracted Charles from New Zealand to set up Japan’s only bridge-based bungee jumping platform.
Leaping from the approximately 42-meter-high bridge—sometimes passing just inches above rafters—is an adrenaline-pumping experience. Charles reassures that there’s no need to worry, as all instructors are required to train and certify in New Zealand, ensuring top safety standards.
■Tanigawa Onsen and Dam Curry Rice
Tanigawa Onsen, blessed with views of Mount Tanigawa and the Tone River, once attracted Japanese novelist Dazai Osamu, who came here for rest and inspiration. Today, the local Tanigawa Ryokan still displays artifacts related to his stay, and guests can even stay in the same rooms, which offer excellent accommodations and dining.
Thanks to the Tone River’s strong currents and numerous dams, ten local hotels have collaborated to create “Dam Curry Rice”—a dish where rice is shaped like various dams and served with each establishment’s unique curry recipe. Flavors vary by restaurant, with prices around 100 yen per serving.
Kusatsu Onsen INDEX
★Gunma Prefecture Tourism Chinese Official Website／http://gtia.jp
★Kusatsu Onsen Chinese Official Website／www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp
★Ikaho Onsen Chinese Official Website／www.ikaho-kankou.com