The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route can rightly lay claim to being one of Japan’s most iconic and spectacular landscapes. Inaccessible during winter, the Alpine Route emerges (and is carved) from the snow each spring, allowing visitors to access the region from mid-April to late-November using a series of different types of mountain transportation to reach the peak at Murodo Station. Each season also brings its own unique landscape that shouldn’t be missed. From April to May you can see the famous Snow Walls that in some years tower over 20 meters at the highest. The summer and melting snow reveals a stunning alpine scene that you can hike around and enjoy the grasslands. The autumn brings another big change, the emergence of the vibrant colors against the stone mountains all around. There is something for everyone in the diversity of landscapes, colors, views and types of hikes. Come and enjoy the “Roof of Japan”

Explore more about the Tateyama Alpine Route below!

— The Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

— Highlights of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

— Hiking One of Japan’s Three Most Sacred Mountains

— The Best Timing for Visiting the Alpine Route & How to Prepare

— Transportation on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

— 25 Things to Do Around the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route & Where To Stay

— Walk On the ‘Roof of Japan’ on a Guided Tour

— Book With Us! Private Tours & Charters to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

THE SNOW WALLS OF TATEYAMA-KUROBE

Mt. Tateyama stands over 3000m high, giving spectacular views as far as the Sea of Japan. Murodo, the “station” near the top of the mountain is the perfect place to explore this wonderland. A short walk from Murodo are the famous Snow Walls. The entire area is inaccessible from mid-November until April at which time, humans venture back and with great effort and ingenuity, re-carve the road from Bijodaira to Murodo Station.

In doing so, the grand Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe are carved anew. Towering up to 20 meters in height, the vast walls dwarf not only people but also the large coaches that transport them to and from Murodo Station. Although the Snow Walls are only one visible for a matter of months, they are without doubt the most famous attraction of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and one of Japan’s most iconic sights.

For visitors wanting to walk beneath the giant Snow Walls, make sure to time your visit to fall between the opening of the transports in mid-April and mid to mid-June. Whether you are coming from the Nagano-side of the mountains – from Ogizawa Station – or from the Toyama-side – from Tateyama Station – the Snow Walls are readily accessible.

Both routes take you to Murodo Station, from where the Snow Walls can be accessed within 5 minutes walk. For visitors coming to Murodo from Tateyama Station, your journey will actually take you under the Snow Walls as you ride the coach from Bijodaira to Murodo. Visitors coming from the other side of the mountain will arrive Murodo Station by trolley bus. It’s then a matter of following the signs for the short walk to the walls.

Although movement in the plateau surrounding Murodo Station is limited from April to June due to large amounts snow, visitors are free to explore on foot within a relatively large area. Many guests don’t stray far with the Snow Walls drawing the most attention. We recommend coming prepared with good quality boots and clothing suitable for walking through the snow, and heading-out across the snow-covered plain for some spectacular (and uncrowded) alpine views. Importantly, all guests should carry sunglasses as the glare off the snow can be intense!

For those who are looking for easy and guided travel to and from the Snow Walls, join us for one of our tours! There are two different ones that run to Murodo, one from the Nagano side and one from the Toyama side. Although you will end up at the “Roof of Japan” the journeys up are quite different. The tour from Nagano will see you use all the different modes of transportations to get up to Murodo. The tour from the Toyama side explores a temple integral to spiritual history of the mountain before ascending. Check them both out below!

1 Day Tour

[Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
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

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa & Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley
Period	April to June
Time	08:00 – 19:00
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station / Toyama Station
Adult Rate	¥30,000
Child Rate	¥23,800

Even after the above tours have ended, you can still visit the Alpine Route with us! We offer a green season tour which runs from June through November, and offers different scenery by the season with much less crowding than in April. If you visit in late June or early July, you will still even be able to see quite a lot of snow even if the snow walls are past their peak, and a trip in October means the spectacular fall foliage of Tateyama will be on full display.

1 Day Tour

[Summer/Autumn only] Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the ‘Roof of Japan’
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

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE

Starting from the Nagano-side of the route – from Ogizawa Station – the following highlights await as you ascend toward Murodo and then back down to Tateyama Station on the Toyama-side of the mountains. All destinations and highlights are accessible along the Alpine Route, with the exception of Shomyo Falls which is reached by local bus once you are at Tateyama Station.

For information about the types of transport operating from one side of the route to the other, and how to use the, see the “Transports of the Alpine Route” section.

OGIZAWA STATION

For travelers starting or finishing on the Nagano-side of the mountain range, you will do so at Ogizawa Station. Tunnel buses operate from Ogizawa Station, taking you through a subterranean world onto the first famous highlight of the Alpine Route – Kurobe Dam. Buses operate to and from Ogizawa Station from Nagano Station or for anyone choosing to join our tours, we will also access the Alpine Route, and all the locations listed below until Murodo, at this point.

1 Day Tour

[Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
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

KUROBE DAM

From Ogizawa Station, the first transport of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route carries passengers to Kurobe Dam. Standing 186 meters tall and around 1450 meters above sea level, Kurobe is the tallest and highest dam in Japan. Constructed between 1956 and 1963, the dam is said to have involved the combined labor of 10 million people, and sadly, cost the lives of 171. The scale and vision of such an engineering feat is a source of national pride, and in many ways, embodies the emergence of Japan as an industrial and economic power in the second-half of the 20^th century. From the dam, visitors have fantastic views back toward Mount Akazawadake (2678m) while the summit of Mount Tate remains hidden above.

KUROBE ROPEWAY & DAIKANBO STATION

From the Kurobe Dam, visitors ride a short cable car from Kurobeko Station to Kurobedaira, and from there, take the Tateyama Ropeway onto Daikanbo Station. Covering 1.7km while rising 488 metres in 7-minutes, the ropeway provides outstanding views of the surrounding landscape if you are lucky enough to stand near the windows. If that’s not possible, don’t worry! Upon arrival at Daikanbo Station an observation deck provides a panoramic view of the dam below and mountains rising behind.

MURODO STATION & MOUNT TATE (TATEYAMA)

The final transport to Murodo Station is another trolley bus. Upon arrival at Murodo, visitors can walk to the legendary Snow Walls – at their best from mid-April until June – and the surrounding plateau. First covered in the deep snow, walking around the plateau is limited for the safety of visitors however as the weather warms and the snow retreats through May and June, visitors can access Mikurigaike (pond) and hiking trails. From mid-June onward, hiking trails should be mostly free of snow allowing access to Mikurigaike Hot Spring, the observation deck for Emmadai – a field of sulfuric and noxious volcanic vents – and Chinoike, a pond with iron-rich red water.

Leisurely trails – ranging from 30 minutes to around 2.5 hours – span-out across the plateau before ascending to the summit of Tateyama. Visitors wanting to hike to the top of the mountain should ensure they are wearing suitable clothing and footwear, noting that Tateyama reaches just over 3000 meters. Some people may also be affected by altitude sickness so be aware of how your body is feeling after you reach this area.

TENGUDAIRA & MIDAGAHARA

From Murodo Station, large buses transport visitors down the last mountain station of Bijodaira. Before reaching the station, the bus will bus both Tengudaira and Midagahara, open alpine plains with wooden walkways. Visitors who want to enjoy either or both areas, have the option of walking between bus stops or all the way from Murodo down to Bijodaira. Walking from Murodo to Tengudaira affords great views of Mount Tsurugidake and meadows of alpine flowers, with walkways heading down the mountain or in a loop back to where you began. To walk from Murodo to the Tengudaira bus stop takes between 30 to 45 minutes.

From Tengudaira, visitors can continue onto Midagahara, another beautiful alpine area with abundant flowers and panoramic views. Raised boardwalks preserve the sensitive ecosystem including wetlands and ponds. Located at 1900 meters above sea level, this is the largest alpine wetlands in Japan. To walk from Tengudaira to the Midagahara bus stop takes between 1 to 1.5 hours.

Between Midagahara and Bijodaira, visitors will have a view of Shomyo Falls – Japan’s highest waterfall – on clear days. Standing 350 meters tall, the falls are an impressive sight, particularly beautiful in autumn. Visitors wanting to reach the falls can do so via Tateyama Station – see below for details. To walk from Midagahara to Bijodaira Station is a much longer and more intensive walk. It takes around 6 hours and should only be undertaken for visitors with adequate time and fitness, along with suitable alpine clothing, boots and supplies for an extended walk. Given the time take to traverse the Alpine Route, this walk is not suitable for most visitors and is best-suited to those staying overnight.

BIJODAIRA

Whether you take the bus or walk, the final station you will arrive at before descending to the Toyama-side of the Alpine Route is Bijodaira. From there, a cable car descends to Tateyama Station – the end (or starting point for those coming from Toyama) of the route. Before boarding the cable car, visitors can explore Bijodaira on-foot. This beautiful area is known for its immense virgin forest, blessed by the presence of large beech and cedar trees. Some cedars stand between 20 to 30 metres in height and are estimated to be more than 1000 years old. Around 60 species of bird can be found in the forest, a real haven for nature-lovers! Trails through the area range from around 1 hour to 2.5 hours.

TATEYAMA STATION

The base station on the Toyama-side of the Alpine Route, Tateyama Station is your last stop and finishing point. From here, visitors can head onto Toyama City, Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station (a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line), or onto any other destination. A local bus also runs from the station to Shomyo Falls. There are plenty of food options around the station so it’s a good place to stop and re-energize before heading up. Be careful that after 5pm many of these stores close so plan accordingly.

If you’re interested in catching a tour from the Toyama side check out the tour page below. You can feel the spiritual power by visiting a temple stopped at by many climbers historically before they began the ascent. Following in their footsteps, you then arrive at Murodo where you can enjoy the snow, the view and feeling of being on top of the world.

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa & Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley
Period	April to June
Time	08:00 – 19:00
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station / Toyama Station
Adult Rate	¥30,000
Child Rate	¥23,800

HIKING ONE OF JAPAN’S THREE MOST SACRED MOUNTAINS

Nature worship has always played an important role in Japanese culture. Stemming from Japan’s native religion of Shintoism and Shingendo, a combination religion of Shinto mountain worship and Buddhism, natural features including mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and many trees and stones have long been seen as sacred and imbued with a divine nature. Japanese folklore tells that mountains are the source of human souls; born atop the mountain and flowing down rivers to bring life and prosperity of the human world below. As the domain of the gods, mountains have long been revered and also feared in Japan – places where only ascetics or the most hardened, wild people would venture.

Mt Tate (or Tateyama) is one of three sacred mountains in Japan, which along with Mt Fuji and Mt Haku is considered to be divine. A place of pilgrimage for ascetics since at least the 17^th century, Mt Tate’s tranquil summit represents paradise while the volcanic landscape of noxious vents and hot springs in the plateau below has long been regarded as the realization of a hellish domain on earth.

Tateyama retains its spiritual importance for Japanese, a significance that only enhances the experience of hiking there. Regardless of your faith or background, the trails of Tateyama offer some of Japan’s best hiking and mountaineering. Best experienced from July onward, trails range from short, leisurely strolls of under one hour, to all-day hikes and more intensive multi-day trails which require expertise and proper preparations.

Trails span-out from Murodo Station across the Murodo Plateau and ascending to the summit of Mt Tate, while also leading to Mikurigaike Onsen. Below that point, the desolate and inhospitable sulfuric pools and vents of ‘Jigokudani’ (Hell’s Valley) brood – a threatening yet amazing sight.

Visitors returning to the Tateyama Station/Toyama-side of the mountain should also consider undertaking the leisurely trails leading from Murodo to Tengudaira and onto Midagahara. These well-maintained trails are devoid of visitors while offering some of the best views on Tateyama; and for those feeling even more energetic, descending the trails all the way down to Bijodaira will take you past Shomyo Falls – the tallest waterfall in Japan – and through virgin forest, home to beautiful beech groves and the Tateyama cedars. Estimated to be over 1000 years of age, the largest of the cedars have grown to 30 meters in height with circumferences of 6-10 meters. Put simply, this is one of Japan’s most spiritually and ecologically important landscapes, best-experienced on foot.

THE BEST TIMING FOR VISITING THE ALPINE ROUTE & HOW TO PREPARE

Inaccessible through winter, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route opens in mid-April and remains open until mid-November. Always popular, visitor numbers at their highest at opening in April when the famous Snow Walls are at their highest.

Golden Week, which usually starts at the end of April and early May, along with Obon and the Japanese school holidays in August are the busiest times when crowd numbers swell. Try to avoid those times, as well as weekend and public holidays if you possibly can.

Spring / April to June

Average daytime temperature – April: -3 to 6°C / May: 3 to 10°C / June: 7 to 14°C

Through spring, the Snow Walls draw large crowds of both Japanese and international visitors. Starting at height of 18 to 20 meters, the walls dwarf the buses and people below – a truly surreal sight. Gradually reducing as the snow melts, the walls will still be over 10 meters in height come June. Visitor numbers are lower by mid-June, making it a great time to visit.

Murodo and Midagahara will be snow-covered therefore visitors wanting to explore and walk across the plains should wear waterproof shoes or boots. Ensure you have warm clothing that can be taken-off as the daytime temperature rises. The glare from the sun reflecting on the snow can be intense. Visitors should bring sunglasses and sun cream.

1 Day Tour

[Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
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

Summer / July to August

Average daytime temperature – July: 11 to 16°C / August: 12 to 18°C

As summer takes hold, the snow is mostly gone and a green alpine landscape opens-up – peak season for hiking and mountaineering. Alpine flowers are in bloom with azure lakes and ponds reflecting the surrounding landscape on their clear, pure water.

Wear light, breathable clothing and be prepared for changing conditions. In the beautiful weather of summer, it can be easy to forget that weather conditions in mountains can change quickly. Carrying a waterproof jacket is always a good idea while also using sunscreen. The summer sun in the mountains is also strong, so we strongly recommend wearing a hat at all times. If you are interested in heading up to the “Roof of Japan” from Nagano with one of our guides, check out the tour below.

1 Day Tour

[Summer/Autumn only] Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the ‘Roof of Japan’
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

Autumn / September to November

Average daytime temperature – September: 9 to 15°C / October: 3 to 10°C / November: -5 to 2°C.

The changing leaves of autumn should begin at the end of September and gradually turn the landscape into a stunning mosaic of colour. The colours change from the top down, from the cooler summit and gradually coming down the mountain. Usually set against bright blue skies, this is an ideal time to visit.

Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in autumn. Wear light but warm clothing and carry a waterproof jacket. Clouds and rain can come quickly, with low visibility possible in the mountain fog. It’s important to factor this into your plans, especially if you are walking away from Murodo and the central area.

TRANSPORTATION ON THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE

The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route traverses Japan’s highest mountain range using a range of transports. Visitors have the option of starting from the Nagano-side of the mountain range at Ogisawa Station or the Toyama-side at Tateyama Station, and coming down the other side or returning to their point of origin.

In total, the journey up and down takes approximately 6 hours however this depends on how long visitors wish to spend at each station, particularly Murodo Station and the surrounding attractions. There is so much to do in each area, one day may not even be enough to get your fill!

The following summary lists the transports used during your journey, provided in the order of visitors travelling from Nagano/Ogizawa to Toyama/Tateyama. The journey can also be made in reverse:

OGIZAWA STATION TO KUROBE DAM

The first transport is an electric bus that carries visitors from Nagano into Toyama Prefecture. Taking 16 minutes to cover 6.1km, the bus travels through tunnels originally constructed to transport workers and materials to the site of Kurobe Dam.

KUROBEKO TO KUROBEDAIRA

To access the Kurobeko cable car station, walk across the dam walkway – a beautiful stroll allowing fantastic views and chances for photos – and into the tunnel which leads to the waiting area. Once on board the cable cover, the brief journey of only 5 minutes and 0.8km transports visitors 373 meters in elevation.

KUROBEDAIRA TO DAIKONBO

One of the highlights of the journey, the Tateyama Ropeway covers 1.7km while rising 488 meters in 7 minutes. The beautiful panoramic view is fantastic however given that the car is packed with visitors, it is somewhat limited to those standing by the windows. If you cannot see the view while in the car, Daikonbo has a viewing platform worth stopping at to take in the stunning alpine vista.

DAIKONBO TO MURODO

The final transport on the journey to Murodo Station, the bus covers 3.7km and 134 meters over 10 minutes through a tunnel. Your are now at Murodo Station, the summit of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route! This is where you will find the Snow Walls – at their best from April until June – and walking trails which gradually open as the snow recedes in late-June and remain open until the Alpine Route closes in November.

The following information lists the transports for visitors descending to the Toyama-side of the mountain range.

MURODO TO BIJODAIRA (via TENGUDAIRA & MIDAGAHARA)

Regular coaches transport visitors a distance of 23km from Murodo Station to Bijodaira. Taking approximately 50 minutes, coaches pass Tengudaira and Midagahra, allowing visitors to walk trails and board the coaches at other stops.

BIJODAIRA TO TATEYAMA STATION

A cable car descends 500 meters past the distinctive ‘Zaimokuishi’ rock formation, taking 7 minutes to cover 1.3km.

TATEYAMA STATION TO SHOMYO FALLS

For visitors wanting to visit the famous Shomyo Falls, the Shomyo Bus takes 20 minutes to run from Tateyama Station. From the bus stop, it then takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to the falls.

25 THINGS TO DO AROUND THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE & WHERE TO STAY

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.

WALK ON THE ‘ROOF OF JAPAN’ ON A GUIDED TOUR

We offer three tours on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route which is open from April until November with the option of arranging a private tour or charter to one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes. Two of them start in Nagano and head up the eastern side from Ogizawa Station to Murodo. The third starts from Kanazawa or Toyama and heads up the western side of the Alpine Route to Murodo. Check out our tours below with a full itinerary so you know exactly what you can look forward to when you want to book one!

1 Day Tour

[Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
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

Operating from April until June each year, our 1-Day Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route transports takes the hassle out of planning your visit to the stunning alpine region. With two pickup points in Nagano City, this tour takes you to the ‘Roof of Japan’ and the fabled Snow Walls of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Situated in the dramatic alpine landscape of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, this is one of Japan’s most iconic and unique sights, accessible only in spring and early summer and via a series of different mountain transports.

Starting from Ogisawa Station, you will ride a series of mountain transports to Murodo Station – which at 2450 meters above sea level is the highest station in Japan – and the fabled Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe. Rising up to 20 meters above, the stunning snow corridor is one of Japan’s most iconic sights dwarfing people and tours buses alike! Your guide will allow you between 1.5-2 hours to stroll the area (depending on the pace of your), including time to explore the museum and surrounding area. You are free to explore by yourself or should you wish your guide to show you around, including walking across the snow plateau surrounding Murodo, they will be happy to do so.

Once done, your guide will have guests board the trolley bus to begin the journey back down to Ogisawa, before boarding the tour bus and returning to Nagano between 118:00 to 19:00. 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’
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

As the snow melts in late-spring, the walls slowly recede and a stunning alpine landscape opens-up to be explored on-foot. In summer and autumn our 1-Day Tateyama-Kurobe: Walking on the Roof of Japan Tour takes you high into Japan’s tallest mountain range and into the shadow of one of Japan’s three sacred mountains, Mount Tate. Using the mountain transports of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, you will ascend to the ‘Roof of Japan’ – the 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 Tateyama.

The tour follows the same schedule as above transporting to Murodo Station via Ogizawa Station on the Nagano-side of the mountains. Once at Murodo, your guide will guide you on a leisurely walk following a trail of around 1 hours duration – suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness. As you walk your guide will introduce to the importance of the surrounding landscape and its place within Japan’s tradition of mountain worship. Of course, should you prefer to spend the time exploring by yourself you are also free to and then meetup with your guide at the appointed time.

Visitors making the journey in September and October are likely to be treated to some of Japan’s most striking autumn colors, as the grasses and shrubs of the alpine meadows burn visit red, orange and brown while the forests below can be enjoyed from the ropeway on both your ascent and descent from Murodo Station. Between 15:00 and 15:30 your guide will collect you and begin the journey back down, descending back to Ogizawa where the tour bus will be waiting. Boarding the bus and returning to Nagano between 18:00 and 19:00.

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa & Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley
Period	April to June
Time	08:00 – 19:00
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station / Toyama Station
Adult Rate	¥30,000
Child Rate	¥23,800

The tour also starts from the end of April and runs until early June to cover the Snow Wall season perfectly and take the stress out of planning a sometimes long and complicated journey. Starting from either Kanazawa or Toyama, this tour is perfect for someone who wants to enjoy the cultural and other amenities of those cities while still being able to visit this magnificent natural wonderland. Much of the spiritual history of the mountain actually came from this side of the mountain. The main shrine on the top of Mt. Tateyama has smaller versions down the mountain that people used to and still do sometimes visit during their ascent. On this tour you will be able to feel the history of the mountain before ascending to the top and seeing the stunning views you are probably all too familiar with.

As the tour gets closer to the Alpine Route itself, there will first be a stop in Ashikuraji. This small village is often seen as a necessary stop before climbing the mountain. Many local people to this day stop and pray at the shrine here before going up for work. Also, as mentioned before, Mt. Tateyama is seen as a place of Heaven and Hell and you can experience that for yourself here. We will stop by Emma-do, which is a temple to the god who decides who goes to to heaven…and hell. The bridge above is supposedly the bridge that spans the worlds of the living and the dead. This area is a great place to feel the traditions and history of Mt. Tateyama before heading up to the main areas.

The afternoon will be spent at the summit of the route, Murodo. There are many things for you to do here, but the most famous is the Snow Walls, pictured above. You will between 1.5 and 2 hours to visit those Snow Walls and then explore the Murodo plateau even more. Many of the pictures you have seen here that are covered in snow are from this time period. Make sure to have appropriate clothing as it can feel quite cold even as your bask in the of a brilliant sun. After finishing seeing the stunning landscapes the tour will head back down the mountain and then back to either Kanazawa of Toyama by around 19:00. A full and exciting day!

BOOK WITH US! PRIVATE TOURS & CHARTERS TO THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE

Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where to go, when to go and what to do when you’re there to make sure you get the most out of your adventure in Central Japan! As a registered travel agent we can arrange experiences and tours, transport, accommodation and inclusive packages including privately guided or transport-only charters to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route.

For guests wanting to access these destinations in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination in the region. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!

Why choose us?

Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.

Got a question about visiting the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route? Click on the INQUIRY button below.