The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, connecting Tateyama Town in Toyama Prefecture and Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture, is a picturesque tourist destination that showcases breathtaking natural beauty from spring to autumn. No matter when you visit, the route offers stunning vistas of the majestic wilderness.
Hello and welcome to my blog. I used to live near this place and passed by it many times, but surprisingly, I never stepped foot into the main route. I regret that now. I always had the intention to visit someday, so I gathered some information for that day, and I’m here to share it with you.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a fantastic journey that spans across a 3000-meter mountain range, connecting both towns at its ends. This route allows you to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature using trains, cable cars, ropeways, and buses.
Open from spring to autumn, the route offers different delights each season. In spring, right after it opens, you’ll encounter magnificent views with towering snow walls on both sides of the road in Murodo. During summer, revel in the refreshing atmosphere while enjoying the remaining snow, encountering ptarmigans, and witnessing mesmerizing sea of clouds. At night, gaze at the beautiful stars in the clear night sky.
As autumn approaches closing time, the area from Murodo to Kurobe showcases stunning fall foliage. Traveling through the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route allows you to fully embrace the changing landscapes and natural beauty of each season.
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is divided into seven charming areas, each with its unique allure. Detailed information about each area is available on the official website.
For more information, please visit the official website.
Shomyo Fall
Situated at an elevation of 1000 meters, Shomyo Fall sprawls majestically, boasting a stunning waterfall with a drop of 350 meters, making it a truly captivating sight. During autumn, the valley is adorned with various colors, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape. Accessible from Tateyama Station, the starting point of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, reaching Shomyo Fall entails a scenic 15-minute bus ride from Tateyama Station, ascending the mountain, followed by a leisurely 1-kilometer walk through nature from the nearby bus stop.
Bijodaira
Nestled at an elevation of 977 meters, Bijodaira is a wooded haven. Accessible from Tateyama Station via cable car and from Midagahra by bus, this area welcomes visitors with ancient beech forests and cedar trees that have stood for over 1000 years. Offering three hiking trails ranging from 1 to 2.5 hours, Bijodaira provides a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Visitors can enjoy hiking, indulge in birdwatching, and marvel at the beauty of autumn foliage during the fall season.
Midagahra
Situated at an elevation of 1930 meters, Midagahra is a wetland area registered under the Ramsar Convention, dedicated to conserving internationally significant habitats for waterfowl and various wildlife species. Accessible by bus from Bijodaira and Murodo, this area boasts approximately 3000 small ponds, patches of sea of clouds, and exquisite alpine plants during the summer months. In autumn, the landscape transforms with vibrant fall colors.
Midagahra is renowned for its frequent occurrence of sea of clouds, and detailed statistics on this phenomenon can be explored here.
Murodo
Nestled at an elevation of 2450 meters, Murodo stands as the central hub of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Accessible by bus from Midagahra and by trolley bus from Daikanbo.
This area unveils a breathtaking snowscape reaching heights of almost 20 meters, especially in the early spring after the route opens.
Here, you might encounter the rare and precious ptarmigans indigenous to this region. These birds, with their white winter plumage and brown-speckled summer appearance, are considered endangered species and have thrived since the Ice Age. During my previous hikes in the nearby mountains, I encountered ptarmigans moving with loud calls, making them relatively easy to spot.
I recommend exploring the vicinity on foot to observe these fascinating creatures. Moreover, Murodo and its surroundings boast hotels and trekking routes. At night, you can marvel at the mesmerizing starlit sky, creating a truly enchanting ambiance.
Daikanbo
Perched at an elevation of 2316 meters, Daikanbo offers a sweeping view of Kurobe Lake and the towering mountains of the Tateyama range from its cliffside perch. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the surroundings are adorned in vibrant hues, providing a spectacular sight. Accessible by trolley bus within 10 minutes from Murodo or a 7-minute ride via ropeway from Kurobe Plain on the Nagano side, Daikanbo is a must-visit destination.
Kurobedaira
Spanning an elevation of 1828 meters, Kurobedaira is reachable by cable car from Kurobe Lake and by ropeway from Daikanbo. This area boasts a variety of seasonal flowers, with July being the prime time to witness beautiful alpine plants that captivate visitors. Kurobedaira, overlooking Daikanbo, is an ideal spot to visit during the autumn foliage season.
Kurobe Lake & Kurobe Dam
Lastly, Kurobe Lake and Kurobe Dam are situated at an elevation of 1470 meters, offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich natural environment. With over 10 tons of water discharged per second, witnessing the fantastic sight from the dam is awe-inspiring. Stroll along the lakeside promenade to connect with the beauty of nature. Utilize the cable car from Kurobedaira and buses from Ougizawa Station to reach these areas. The vast expanse of Kurobe Dam, spanning approximately 500 meters, is traversable on foot, providing a unique experience amidst the stunning surroundings. Enjoy a heartwarming journey while embracing the natural beauty of each season in these areas.
Culture, History, and Traditions
This route has its origins in the development efforts of a power company aiming to secure a stable power supply in the region. Later, it was opened to the general public and has continued to be accessible up to the present day.
Dining Guide
While exploring the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, it’s important to be aware that there are limited restaurant options along the way. It’s a good idea to have breakfast before starting your journey on the route.
For lunch, you can find detailed information about available options on the official website’s Lunch page.
Additionally, dining facilities are offered at the following locations:
- Midagahara Hotel: They provide dining services and more. You can find additional details on their official website.
- Tengudaira Mountain Lodge: This lodge offers light meals. More information about their offerings can be found on their website.
Accommodation
Accommodation Options Around the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
There is a variety of accommodation facilities scattered around the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, including Tateyama Station and the surrounding areas of Omachi City. You can choose from the options featured on the official website.
Additionally, there are numerous accommodation choices around Toyama Station, Kanazawa Station, Matsumoto Station, and Nagano Station. Making reservations online using the internet is convenient and simple.
Furthermore, in the Murodo area, accommodations are available along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. You can follow the links to each accommodation facility from the Japanese version of the official website and make reservations.
Transportation
The one-way fare from Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture to Ougizawa Station in Nagano Prefecture is 10,940 yen for adults. As you’ll be using various modes of transportation, please consult the detailed fare information for each leg of the journey on the official website.
If you plan to visit Shomyo Falls, you’ll need to take a bus from Tateyama Station’s bus terminal. The fare for adults is 500 yen. You can find the timetable on the official website.
The methods of accessing Tateyama Station or Ougizawa Station depend on your starting location:
From Tokyo
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Transfer to the bus operated by the Alpico Group bound for Kurobe Dam upon arrival at Nagano Station.
If you wish to reach Tateyama Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Toyama Station. Transfer to the Toyama Chiho Railway to reach Tateyama Station. This route also takes about 4 hours.
From Lake Kawaguchi
Access via Ougizawa Station on the Nagano Prefecture side.This journey takes approximately 5.5 to 6 hours. From Lake Kawaguchi, take the Fujisan Limited Express operated by Fujikyu Railway to Otsuki Station. At Otsuki Station, board the JR Azusa or Kaiji Limited Express trains to Matsumoto Station. Transfer to a local line. Disembark at JR Shinano-Omachi Station and take the bus operated by the Alpico Group to Ougizawa.
From Kanazawa
Access via Tateyama Station on the Toyama Prefecture side. The travel time is about 2 hours. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station to Toyama Station. The subsequent transfer methods are the same as those from Tokyo.
From Takayama
Access via Tateyama Station on the Toyama Prefecture side.The travel time is about 3 hours.Take the Hida Limited Express train from Takayama Station to Toyama Station. The subsequent transfer methods are the same as those from Tokyo.
From Nagoya
Access via Ougizawa Station on the Nagano Prefecture side.The travel time is about 4 to 4.5 hours. From Nagoya Station, take the JR Shinano Limited Express train to Matsumoto Station. The subsequent transfer methods are the same as those from Kawaguchiko.
If you want to reach Tateyama Station, take the JR Shirasagi Limited Express train to Kanazawa Station. The subsequent transfer methods are the same as those from Kanazawa. The travel time is approximately 5 hours.
From Osaka
Access via Tateyama Station on the Toyama Prefecture side. The travel time is about 5 to 5.5 hours. Take the Thunderbird Limited Express train from Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station. The subsequent transfer methods are the same as those from Kanazawa.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Accessing the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from various locations within Japan is convenient through JR Toyama Station, JR Shinano-Omachi Station, or JR Nagano Station. Utilizing the JAPAN RAIL PASS for your journey is both cost-effective and convenient. You can find more details about it [here](https://japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp/).
Moreover, for a hassle-free travel experience, consider making reservations at Tateyama Station or Ougizawa Station using the Alpine Route’s online ticket service called “WEB Ticket” available at [this link].
Weather Guide
When visiting the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, it’s crucial to bring appropriate clothing due to temperature variations. Until June, significant snowfall persists, and even after October, snow is still possible. Having warm attire is essential for your comfort. Additionally, be prepared for sudden temperature changes during summer due to the altitude. Packing suitable clothing ensures you can enjoy trekking comfortably, adapting to unexpected weather changes.
Traveling on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route provides a splendid opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature, enhanced by welcoming accommodations, delectable cuisine, and convenient transportation. To maximize your experience, plan ahead and consider the information provided above. Safe travels!
