How to Get to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
Open to the public from mid-April until mid-November each year, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route crosses Japan’s highest mountain from Nagano Prefecture to Toyama Prefecture and in doing so, opens-up one of the country’s most remarkable alpine landscapes. On this page you will find the following information:
— Where is the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route?
— How to Get to the Alpine Route
— 25 Things to Do Around the Alpine Route & Where to Stay
— Tours & Charters Around the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
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. Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa are stops on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making the Alpine Route accessible from Tokyo. The route utilises a series of transports to ascend high into the Hida Mountain – often referred to as the ‘North Alps’ – and within 500 metres 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.
Upon opening in mid-April, the Alpine Route is best-known of the immense ‘Snow Walls’ that rise to around 20 meters above the road while in summer and autumn, when the snow has melted away, a lush alpine landscape emerges – a landscape that can be explored along leisurely walking trails of 30-minutes to 2-hours or on more serious, multi-day hikes into the heart of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. We hope that the following information is of assistance when planning your visit to the Alpine Route. Let’s start with the most obvious question:
WHERE IS THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE?
Open to the public from mid-April until mid-November, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route combines a series of transports to ascend Japan’s highest mountain range to Murodo Station. At 2450 metres above sea level, Murodo lies just over 500 metres below the summit of Mount Tate – known in Japan as ‘Tateyama’ – one of Japan’s three most sacred peaks. The Alpine Route straddles the prefectures of Nagano and Toyama, allowing visitors to start on either side and cross into the other prefecture or return the way that they came. Whichever way you choose to do it, you need to allow at least 6 to 7-hours from start to finish – basically, it’s an all-day activity.
For visitors coming from Tokyo, starting from the Nagano-side of the Alpine Route at Ogizawa Station will be the fastest option while visitors coming from Kyoto, Tokyo or Kanazawa will find starting on the Toyama-side of the route at Tateyama Station is the most convenient option – however it’s also worth noting that the efficiency of Japan’s network allows you to get to either starting point from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka or beyond with a minimum of fuss. Ogizawa Station is located around 270KM /4-hours to the north-west of Tokyo and around 60KM / 70-minutes to the west of Nagano City, making Nagano Station the nearest major transport hub on the east side of the route, while Tateyama Station is located around 30KM / 50-minutes from Toyama Station on the west side of the route.
HOW TO GET TO THE ALPINE ROUTE
In this section you will find information on how to reach the Alpine Route from the following starting points:
NAGANO CITY – TOYAMA – KANAZAWA – JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK – KARUIZAWA – TAKAYAMA – SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA – KAMIKOCHI – MATSUMOTO – NAGOYA – TOKYO – NARITA AIRPORT – HANEDA AIRPORT – KYOTO & OSAKA
We endeavor to keep this information as up-to-date as possible and in recognition that most international visitors will be using the train network to move around Japan, most directions are for using the trains. If there is alternative option i.e. express or local bus, that is notably faster or economical, we also include that information.
FROM NAGANO CITY / 105 minutes
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 |
Nagano City is the starting point for many if not most travelers approaching the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route from the east. Visitors starting at Nagano Station have the option of using a bus, train, taxi or tour to reach the Alpine Route. The bus to Ogizawa Station departs from Bus Stop No.25 – outside the East Exit – at Nagano Station and takes approximately 105 minutes. Alternatively you can also take a taxi from Nagano Station. You will find them outside the station’s Zenkoji Exit. Our Ogizawa Station page provides full details including daily bus schedules to and from the station.
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 |
Without doubt, the easiest and most enjoyable ways to reach the Alpine Route is on a guided tour. From April until November we offer two group tours starting from Nagano City that transports you to the summit of the Alpine Route, accompanied by a locally-based guide.
FROM TOYAMA / 60 minutes
Visitors approaching the Alpine Route from the west often start their journey in Toyama City. The Toyama Chiho Railway connects Tateyama Station – gateway to the Alpine Route – with Dentestu Toyama Station, nearby Toyama Station. Taking approximately 60 minutes, regular services run to and from Tateyama Station at which point you can board the cable car to begin your ascent of the Alpine Route.
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 |
An easier way to make the journey would be to participate in our tour of the Alpine Route starting from Toyama. With your guide to make sure everything goes smoothly, you won’t need to worry about public transport or timing for switch overs. Instead, you will have the whole day to enjoy the splendor of the Northern Japanese Alps and find out why Tateyama has been revered for millenia.
FROM KANAZAWA / between 1.5 to 2.5 hours
As a major stop and terminus of many trains of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, it’s easy to reach the Alpine Route from Kanazawa. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station to Toyama Station – 22 min – and follow the directions above. If you are looking for a tour to take the difficulty out of transport, our listing below is a good place to start. With pick up from Kanazawa available, you will have no need to worry as your guide handles all of the confusing parts of getting around a foreign country.
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 above option is not the only tour from Kanazawa we have! If you want to spend a day getting to know this historic city, our 1-day walking tour of the downtown area is a great option. More details and information about availability can be found below:
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
FROM THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK / approx. 3 hours
To reach the Alpine Route from the Jigokudani Monkey Park takes time but is relatively straight-forward when done via Nagano Station. From the park, you have the option of: 1. a direct express bus from the park to Nagano Station or 2. a local bus to Yudanaka Station followed by an express train to Nagano Station. Starting from the park, the express bus takes 55 minutes to reach Nagano Station. In comparison, taking the local bus from the park to Yudanaka Station followed by the train, takes 15 minutes before the limited express service to Nagano takes 45 minutes – a total journey of around 60 to 70 minutes. Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions above.
FROM KARUIZAWA / between 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Karuizawa is one of Japan’s most popular mountain resort towns and a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, making it easy to reach the Alpine Route via Nagano. Take the shinkansen from Karuizawa Station to Nagano Station – 25 min – and follow the directions above onto Ogizawa Station. If you are looking for other day trips from Karuizawa Station, start with our listing below:
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Karuizawa: Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen | |
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| Period | April – November |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Karuizawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,500 |
FROM TAKAYAMA / between 3 to 4 hours
Visitors heading to the Alpine Route from the beautiful old town of Takayama can do so using the Limited Express Hida from Takayama Station to Toyama. Taking approximately 90 minutes, there are only two or three convenient services each day and the line is popular with tourists, so if you have the chance to book ahead it can be helpful. Once in Toyama, follow the directions above. If you are looking for other day trip options from Takayama, our listing below is a great place to start:
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥20,800 / 22,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,000 / 14,000 |
FROM SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA / between 2.5 to 3.5 hours
The Nohi Bus company also operates several daily services from Ogimachi – the main village of the World Heritage-listed grouping of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama – and Toyama Station. It takes approximately 60 minutes to reach Toyama from Ogimachi. Once in Toyama, follow the directions above. Alternatively, take the bus onto Takayama Station and follow the directions above. See the following page for information including timetables and fares to and from Takayama.
FROM KAMIKOCHI / approx. 5 hours
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
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| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
From the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, take the bus to the Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal – 25 to 30 minutes – and then switch to the bus headed to Takayama – another 60 minutes. Once in Takayama, follow the directions above. See our ‘Kamikochi’ page for further details along with the following page for information including timetables and fares to and from Takayama.
FROM MATSUMOTO / approx. 2 hours
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 |
One of the most historic and enjoyable cities in Central Japan, Matsumoto is an easy location from where to access the Alpine Route. Take the Oito Line from Matsumoto Station to Shinano-Omachi Station – approximately 60 minutes – and then board the local bus to Ogizawa Station, another 40 minutes.
FROM NAGOYA / 5+ hours
Nagoya is the largest city in Central Japan however there is no direct route from Nagoya Station to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route but instead, several ways of getting there – all of which take time. One option is to make the journey via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. To do so, take the Limited Express ‘Shirasagi’ – 100 min – to Tsuruga and transfer to the Shinkansen. All shinkansen trains on this line stop at Toyama, with the Tsurugi trains terminating there. Once at Toyama follow the directions above to get the western side of the Alpine Route. Alternatively, you can also make the journey via Takayama – a great way to combine some of the region’s best destinations. To do so, take the Limited Express ‘Hida’ – 140 min – and then the same service onto Toyama – 90 min – as described above.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:30-18:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,900 |
By taking the above tour from Nagoya, you can enjoy the heritage of Takayama and Shirakawa-go on the western side of the Japanese Alps. If you want to make a trip to the Alpine Route, you can choose to end the tour in the Takayama/Shirakawa-go area instead of returning to Nagoya, and make the shorter trip to the Alpine Route from there the next day.
FROM TOKYO / between 4 to 5 hours
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Kagurazaka : Tokyo Hot Spots and Hidden Gems | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Visitors coming from Tokyo have the option accessing the Alpine Route via Nagano or Matsumoto. The Hokuriku Shinkansen line connects Nagano Station with Tokyo Station. Regular services throughout the day make the journey quick and easy, taking between 80 and 110 minutes depending on which service you choose. Once in Nagano, follow the directions above. Matsumoto Station is connected to Shinjuku Station using the Limited Express ‘Azusa’. Taking 2.5 hours, once in Matsumoto follow the directions above.
FROM NARITA AIRPORT / between 5 to 6 hours
For visitors heading to the Alpine Route directly From Narita Airport, it will be easiest via Nagano Station and then heading onto Ogizawa Station. Two rapid train services connect Narita Airport to central Tokyo, from where you can use the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to reach Nagano.
1 / the Narita Express (NEX) runs from Narita to Tokyo Station. It takes 55 minutes to reach Tokyo Station (depending on the service) with trains departing every 30 to 60 minutes. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above to Nagano and then onto the Alpine Route.
2 / the Keisei Skyliner runs from Narita to Ueno Station. It takes between 40 to 55 minutes to reach Ueno Station with trains departing every 30 to 40 minutes. Once at Ueno Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano and then follow the directions above onto the Alpine Route.
FROM HANEDA AIRPORT / between 5 to 6 hours
The Alpine Route can be reached in a multi-step journey from Haneda via 1. using the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, or 2. using the Limited Express Azusa from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station. We recommend making the journey via Nagano Station as its notably quicker. Two train services connect Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, from where you can use the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to reach Nagano.
1 / the Tokyo Monorail connects the airport to Tokyo Station via Hamamatsucho Station in around 30 minutes. From the airport take the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station (20 min) and then switch to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line Rapid bound for Tokyo Station (5 min) – a total journey of around 30-minutes one-way. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above to reach Nagano and then onto the Alpine Route.
2 / the Keikyu Railway connects the airport to Tokyo Station via Shinagawa Station. Take the Keikyu Airport bound to Shinagawa Station (approx.11 min) and transfer to the Yamanote Line bound for Osaki to reach Tokyo Station – 13 min or a total journey of around 30 min. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above onto Nagano and the Alpine Route.
FROM KYOTO & OSAKA / between 4 to 5 hours
1 Day Tour
| Kyoto Heritage Path – From Fushimi Inari’s Mystery to Kiyomizu Temple Majesty | |
| Period | All year round |
| Time | 09:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Kyoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
As explained above, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route can be accessed via the Toyama or Nagano-side. For travelers coming from Osaka or Kyoto, accessing the Alpine Route via the Toyama-side will be the most convenient. Osaka and Kyoto are connected to Toyama by the Limited Express ‘Thunderbird’ and after Hokuriku Shinkansen with a transfer at Tsuruga. Frequent services runs on both of the lines between the cities. The Thunderbird train takes about 80 minutes from Osaka and Shin-Osaka Station and about 55 minutes from Kyoto Station. Once at Tsuruga, transfer to one of the shinkansen lines which takes about 85 minutes. Should you wish to access the Alpine Route via the Nagano-side, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo and follow the directions above.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND THE 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.
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.
