Mostly Japanese Mountains: Hiking The Standing Boulder, Tatsuiwa in Nanmoku Village, Gunma

Sengataki Falls 線が滝

What's up, everybody?

I hiked a bit in Gunma yesterday. This is a report on that hike from Sengataki Falls to Tatsuiwa to Hoshio Pass and back on a loop. I had also planned on popping up to the top of Mt. Gyozuka (経塚山) but decided to forego that as the weather changed.

Well, the weather did change, but actually I just got lost. I mean, I was temporarily someplace different than I thought I was. (I think maybe I shouldn't have made the turn at Albuquerque.) It doesn't really matter. I've been on that peak 2 or 3 times and there really isn't a view to speak of.

. . . about Tatsuiwa

Tatsu (立) means "Stand." Iwa (岩) means boulder.

Area: Nanmoku (南牧) Village

This is in a fairly remote corner of Gunma that is serviced by just a few narrow roads. The mountains aren't very high, but they are rugged. Along with mountain trails for hiking, there are many scenic falls. Check out the municipal web page for some pictures.

The demographic situation is depressing. It's the oldest village in Japan. Initially, when I saw that it was billed as the oldest village, I thought it was probably hype to entice tourism. No. It's not the oldest municipality. It's the oldest in average age.

And of course, the population is shrinking. It is, like so much of Japan, turning into a ghost town.

It's sad. I hope Japanese people start having babies. Many of my favorite people are Japanese. There should be more of them.

Story about trying to attract new residents. to Nanmoku

Location:

Map: ***If you want a link to the latest Yama to Kogen map, comment and I'll get you a link. This link is to a printable topo map of the area.

Starting and stopping point:

Arafune Tatsuiwa Trailhead Parking Lot 荒船・立岩登山口駐車場

Peaks bagged: 立岩山 (Tatsuiwa)

(First-time) peaks # 930

Getting there/getting around:

I drove. There's free parking at the trailhead for about 6~7 cars.

There is a bus from Shimonita (下仁田) to Hanezawa (羽沢). 35 minutes. There are 1~6 buses per day and very few on the weekend. Hanezawa is about an hour's walk from the trailhead. This is the timetable on the village's website. It is dated 2016.

A taxi from Shimonita to Sengataki (right near the trailhead) is about 40 minutes and cost ¥8,000 in 2023.

Helpful Info

Weather Information:

Nearby Arafune's weather

Time and distance

YAMAP's Estimate:

Time: 6:01 Distance: 8.2 km

The Caveman did it in:

Total Time: 4:27 Break time: :22 Distance: 9.2 km

Elevation: Lowest: 709 m Highest: 1,312 m Total Ascent: 974 m Total Descent: 970 m

Technical considerations/difficulty:

There are a LOT of chains and ropes. All of the hike is below the treeline, but is still characterized by high, very narrow ridges which fall off steeply. I really wouldn't want to fall of one of them.

When you're not pulling yourself up on a chain or walking a ridge like a tightrope, you're apt to get lost in the woods. There are several areas that are very nondescript and where the trail is hard to identify. Even though there are pink tapes here and there, they aren't always easy to spot and it's important to keep checking your GPS. The Caveman is pretty good with a map and compass--but I admit that I'd have a hard time navigating here with just a paper map.

Facilities:

Nothing

(Along with all the regular stuff such as maps, headlamps, boots, feet, and brains, . . .) don't forget:

Your GPS device. It's very easy to get lost here.
Gloves. There are a lot of chains and ropes. If they were wet or cold, gloves would be necessary.

Thoughts/observations/recommendations:

I wouldn't go to this area in inclement weather. Not only are the chains and boulders on the trail a bit spicy, but just getting there can be a bit like a wild wilderness trek, too. Going over there from the Nagano side, there are Route 299 and Route 93. Route 299 was out of commission for a long time after some bad weather a few years ago. It's open now, but that circumstance gives you an idea of the driving situation you can experience in the area. The other road, the one that I took yesterday, is the Prefectural Road 93 (下仁田〜臼田線 Shimonita~Usuda Line). That is about 25 km from the Gunma side over to the Nagano side and is one narrow lane almost the entire way! It's long, steep, and winding but there are very few mirrors to let you know if there is any oncoming traffic. It's a bit nerve-wracking and I really wouldn't want to encounter a downed tree or some other obstacle on that road.

Here're some pictures: