Kurobe Dam
The famous Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route stretches 37.2 kilometers across the Central Japan Alps with changes in elevation amount to a massive 1,975 meters. There are many interesting places to see, different modes of transportation to ride and food to eat in the region. Seeing it all in one go can be difficult but this page will give you an overview of one of those amazing sights, the Kurobe Dam. It is the tallest arch dam, at 186m, in Japan and is definitely something you don’t want to miss while in the area. It isn’t just the beauty but this dam also has a sad but interesting history. Learn more about this spectacular natural beauty below!
— 25 Things to Do Around the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
— Tours & Charters Around the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
WHERE IS THE KUROBE DAM
As one of the main stops in the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, it is hard to miss it if you’re traveling from one end to the other. It is closest to the Nagano side and Ogizawa Station, although you can traverse the route from Toyama as well to reach the Kurobe Dam. It is also unique as a transportation link due to the need to physically walk across the dam so you can reach the next step on the route.
ABOUT THE DAM
Kurobe Dam is the tallest arch dam (186m) in Japan and a popular destination along the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The structure is a symbol of pride for many Japanese, having required the labor of an estimated 10 million people to construct, at the cost of 171 lives, between 1956 and 1963.
Vehicles originally installed to transport materials required for construction of the dam, including the electric trolley bus originating at Ogizawa (it was replaced by electric bus in 2019), are now used to transfer visitors to this otherwise inaccessible landscape, making each journey symbolically historic.
Kurobe Dam is highly visited by people all over the world right after the winter season end of April. Why? Japan`s most iconic sights – the immense Snow Walls of the Tateyama-Kurobe rising up to above 20 meters. This tour will bring you from Nagano station to the stunning snow corridors and back.
The scale and dramatic impact of the Kurobe Dam now attracts tourists through the summer season (late June to mid-October). Between early June to mid-November, visitors can take a sightseeing boat – the ‘Garbe’ – across Kurobe Lake, said to be the highest altitude boat trip in Japan.
HOW TO GET THERE
Coming from the Nagano side of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route, it is the first stop after departing from Ogizawa Station. There is a bus that runs from that station directly to the Kurobe Dam. It takes about 16 minutes and costs 1,800 yen one way and 3,200 yen round trip. The first bus is usually from 7:30am but there are times in the year when there are buses from 6:30. It runs every 30 minutes with the last bus to the Kurobe Dam being at 17:00. The last bus where you can get on at Ogizawa Station and end at Tateyama Station is the bus leaving from 15:00. In the other direction, from Kurobe Dam to Ogizawa Station, the first bus is usually at 8:05am and runs every 30 minutes until the last bus at 17:35. You don’t have to spend too much time here so soak in the stunning scenery and get prepared to go further along the route and see even more spectacular natural beauty!
TOP 25 THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE
One of the most rewarding experiences in Japan, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route utilizes a series of transports to ascend Japan’s highest mountain range. Crossing from Nagano to Tateyama, the route connects multiple destinations and opens-up an otherwise remote and dramatic landscape. Our ’25 Things To Do Around The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route & Where To Stay’ page explains just how it works, what’s on offer and where to stay.
TOURS & CHARTERS AROUND THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE
Central Japan offers many, many reasons to visit. Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, to transport you to, from and between any regional destination including the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route.
1 Day Tour
| [Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route | |
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| Period | April to June |
| Time | 07:50/08:15 – 18:00-19:00 |
| Meeting Place | Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥30,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥23,800 |
Head high into Japan’s tallest mountain range via the legendary Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and onto the ‘Roof of Japan’. With two pickup points in Nagano City, this engaging tour to the immense Snow Walls of Tateyama, one of Japan’s most dramatic landscapes, uses various forms of vehicular transport to bring you to almost 2500 metres above sea level. Led by an English-speaking guide, you will be accompanied on every leg of your journey to the ‘Roof of Japan’ and back down again – the perfect way to experience one of Japan’s more remote and stunning landscapes.
1 Day Tour
| [Summer/Autumn only] Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the ‘Roof of Japan’ | |
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| Period | July to October |
| Time | 07:50/08:15 – 18:00-19:00 |
| Meeting Place | Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥30,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥23,800 |
This tour lets you visit the Tateyama-Kurobe area even after the snow walls have melted away, and enjoy the fresh alpine scenery with less crowds. Using the mountain transports of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, you will ascend to the ‘Roof of Japan’ – the highest point accessible by transport in Japan at just under 2500 metres above sea level – where your guide will accompany you on a leisurely walk through the dramatic and beautiful alpine landscape as you discover the sacred landscape of Mount Tate.
For a more personalized experience, private charters are also available. We can pick you up from a location of your choice anywhere in Central Japan, and bring you to your preferred destination. Airport pickup from Tokyo or Nagoya, even Osaka, is also possible. Our services may be used for taking day trips that include a few hard to reach destinations as well, removing the hassle of using often infrequent public transport options. A guide can be requested for an additional fee to turn the day into a completely private tour, where you decide the itinerary and our guides show you around in a timely and engaging manner. For more information concerning pricing and availability, please see here.
