Best Places to Stay Around the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route can be approached from either Nagano or Toyama with accommodation available in both cities and areas at the base of the route and at its summit. On this page you will find the following information:
— Where to Stay When Visiting the Alpine Route?
— 25 Things to Do Around the Alpine Route
— How to Get to the Alpine Route
— Tours & Charters Around the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
Open from mid-April until mid-November, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan’s most iconic destinations. Known as the ‘Roof of Japan’, the dramatic alpine landscape is inaccessible through winter due to the massive snowfall it is subject to. As spring takes hold and the snow begins to recede, a road is carved through the ice creating the fabled ‘Snow Walls’ of Tateyama-Kurobe, and through summer and autumn, the area boasts some of Japan’s best alpine hiking.
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route can be accessed via Ogizawa Station on the Nagano-side of the mountain range or Tateyama Station on the Toyama-side of the mountains. The route utilizes a series of transports to ascend high into the Hida Mountains – often referred to as the ‘North Alps’ – and within 500 meters of the summit of Mount Tate or ‘Tateyama’. Considered one of Japan’s three most sacred mountains, along with Mount Fuji and Mount Haku, this is dramatic and striking landscapes that makes a strong impression on visitors.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING THE ALPINE ROUTE?
Most visitors choose to enjoy the Alpine Route as a day-trip from Nagano, Toyama or Matsumoto with accommodation also located around the base at Tateyama Station and summit at Murodo Station. In this section we will provide information about accommodation in the following areas:
MURODO STATION / MIKURIGAIKE ONSEN AREA – NAGANO CITY AREA – TATEYAMA STATION AREA – TOYAMA CITY AREA – MATSUMOTO CITY AREA
For anyone wanting to enjoy the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route to its fullest, you might want to consider staying around the summit in the area of Murodo Station and Mikurigaike Onsen – allowing you to enjoy the star-filled night sky and beautiful sunrise, should the weather be clear. Doing so does however mean you will need to take your luggage with you as you ascend and descend the route. More commonly, visitors choose to stay in Nagano City or Toyama City – the two nearest major cities on either side of the route – while the area around Tateyama Station on the Toyama-side of the mountain range also offers some good options. It is worth noting that there is no notable accommodation around Ogizawa Station on the Nagano-side of the mountain. Let’s start with the option of staying at the top of the Alpine Route:
MURODO STATION / MIKURIGAIKE ONSEN AREA
At 2450 meters above sea level, Murodo Station is the summit of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Whether you start from the Nagano or Toyama-side of the mountains, Murodo and the surrounding Mikurigaike plateau are the main destination and offer a handful of accommodation options including the large Hotel Tateyama and some smaller mountain lodges. Hotel Tateyama offers the most comfortable stay with Western-style rooms and amenities while the quality and character of the surrounding lodges varies. Prices tend to be high given the popularity of the route and limited number of accommodation options, however staying at the summit offers a unique experience and is renowned for its stunning star-scapes, sunrises and sunsets. This area and accommodation can only be accessed from April to November. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Murodo Station / Mikurigaike Onsen Area’ hotel page.
NAGANO CITY AREA
Around 70-minutes drive or 105-minutes by public bus from Ogizawa Station – the eastern access point for the Alpine Route – Nagano City is the most convenient place to stay when heading there as a daytrip. Nagano Station is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kanazawa – 80 to 110-minutes from the capital depending on which service you use – with tours, local buses and taxis operating from the station to the Alpine Route, while the area immediately around the station has plenty of large hotels catering to international visitors.
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 |
Prices for accommodation are typically good with many hotels offering Western-style rooms and amenities, in-house restaurants and English-speaking staff. As the major transport hub in northern Nagano Prefecture, staying in this area also provides easy access to other destinations including the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Togakushi, Matsumoto and more. Staying in Nagano City is our recommendation for visitors heading to the Alpine Route. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Nagano City Area’ hotel page. When staying in Nagano City, we recommend:
HOTEL KOKUSAI 21
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 |
Located between Nagano Station and Zenko-ji Temple, Hotel Kokusai 21 is the city’s most established international hotel. Known for its blend of modern amenities and attentive Japanese service, Kokusai 21 offers guests spacious Western-style rooms with private bathrooms, multiple in-house restaurants including daily breakfast service and English-speaking 24-hour reception. Within easy walking distance of the station and the city’s most popular attractions and dining areas, Kokusai 21 offers unmatched comfort, convenience and professional service in the heart of Nagano.
TATEYAMA STATION AREA
Located on the Toyama-side of the mountains, Tateyama Station is the western access point for the Alpine Route. The cable car to Bijodaira departs from the station and in the area immediately around it, you can choose from a small number of hotels and guesthouses. Staying in the area is a good option for visitors wanting to take the earliest or last transports of the day or visiting nearby destinations on a multi-day visit. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Tateyama Station Area’ hotel page.
TOYAMA CITY AREA
Located around 70-minutes from Tateyama Station – the western access point for the Alpine Route – Toyama City is the most convenient place to stay for visitors starting or finishing on that side of the mountains. Toyama Station is also a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Kanazawa to Tokyo – 130 to 160-minutes from the capital depending on which service you use – making it easy to get to and from. Much like Nagano, the area in and around the station has a plenty of large and mid-sized hotels to choose from, with prices often notably cheaper than nearby Kanazawa making it an attractive area to stay. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Toyama Station Area’ hotel page. If you are staying in Toyama and want to visit the Snow Walls, don’t miss our tour below!
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 |
MATSUMOTO CITY AREA
While it is not the most convenient place to stay when heading to the Alpine Route, it possible to do so from Matsumoto using train services on the Oito Line to Shinano-Omachi Station then local bus to Ogizawa Station – a total journey of around 2 hours. There are two main accommodation locales in the city – the area between Matsumoto Station and the castle in the central city and the hot spring districts of Asama Onsen and Utsukushigahara Onsen. In central Matsumoto City, you will find a range of guesthouses, budget hotels, and full-service hotels. As the nearest major city to the beautiful alpine Valley of Kamikochi, Matsumoto is a good place to stay when wanting to visit two of Japan’s best outdoor destinations. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Matsumoto City Area’ hotel page.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Experience Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:15 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND THE 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’ page explains just how it works and what’s on offer.
HOW TO GET TO THE ALPINE ROUTE
Most visitors heading to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route do so via Nagano City on the eastern-side of the mountain range of Toyama City on the western-side. Both Nagano Station and Toyama Station are stops on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Tsuruga making them easy to get to from the capital and beyond. Our ‘How to Get to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route’ page has everything you need to make the journey as smooth as possible.
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 and one of Japan’s most dramatic landscapes using mountain transports to and from the Nagano-side of the mountain to ascend 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.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen | |
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| Period | May to November |
| Time | 08:00 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥30,000 / 24,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥24,000 / 21,000 |
In the Northern Japanese Alps lies a small beautiful onsen town sitting at the entrance of an even more amazing sight, Kurobe Gorge, Japan’s deepest V-shaped gorge. On this tour you can experience the great natural beauty of Japan and the small town feel of a popular onsen resort. Your local guide will show you foot baths and healing buddhas, ride on the trolley train across spectacular gorges and, finally, stroll through nature with unusual onsen water rivers. City and scenery, bridges and buddhas, trolley trains and quaint walks, fully enjoy a lesser traveled part of Japan in Unazuki Onsen and the Kurobe Gorge!
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.
