kurobe alpine route tour

The BEST Ever Guide to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

by Julie Dec 24, 2023 Itinerary , Japan , Travel

One of the most unique travel experiences for me in Japan was traveling from Kanazawa to Matsumoto via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. I could have taken a boring old train between these two cities, but by taking the Alpine Route, I was able to travel at over 2,000 meters through the Japan Alps using five modes of transportation: cable car, trolley, ropeway, bus, and train.

However, maybe you’re confused like I was before I took the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. While planning my trip to Japan , I came across loads of vague and conflicting pieces of information from different websites and books. The more I read, the more confused I got. I still had loads of questions:

•  Is it covered in my Japan Rail pass ?
• Do I buy tickets for each leg of the journey or do I buy one ticket for all the steps?
• Can I buy the ticket on the same day as the journey or do I need to buy it in advance?
• How do I know where to go to take the different modes of transportation?
• How long do I get at each stop?
• Will I have enough time to hike around?
• Is it even worth it?

Hopefully, this post will answer all of these questions for you so you aren’t as confused as I was before your trip to Japan .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website's  Disclosure for more info.

BONUS: I've created a FREE PDF version of my Japan itinerary guide . It includes detailed day-to-day itineraries for Tokyo, Kyoto, and 9 other destinations in Japan.  You'll also get step-by-step instructions for buying and using your Japan Rail Pass.

Click here to get lots of great tips for traveling around Asia as well as my FREE Japan itinerary guide. 

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route:

COST: ¥13,820 (US$97|£77|€88) for adults and ¥6,930 (US$49|£39|€44) for children from Dentetsu-Toyama Station to Shinano-Omachi as of December 24, 2023.

Check Tateyama Kurobe website for current prices.

HOW LONG : 8 – 9 hours to complete; check timetable here

OPEN:  April 15 to November 30

TIPS:   Buy snacks before your trip; start your journey before 9:00 am; layers!

Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Are you wondering  whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it?

In this guide to the Japan Rail Pass , I break down the transportation prices for each of the destinations in this Japan itinerary of 3 weeks . Then I compare them to the 2024 price of a Japan Rail Pass.

You'll also find out where and how to purchase a Japan Rail Pass, how to activate the Pass when you get to Japan, and how to use the Pass. Check out the current Japan Rail Prices from my favorite travel agency in Japan or book your pass through Klook .

How to Buy the Alpine Route Ticket

These are several ways you can buy your Alpine Route ticket. Click on the link for each option to find out more details. I’ll then explain step-by-step how I bought my ticket below.

Unfortunately, you can’t use your National JR Pass on this route, but you can buy a JR Area Pass that will cover the Alpine Route. 

1. Buy Alpine Route Ticket Online

You can purchase your tickets online from the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route official website .

Buying online before leaving for Japan is a good idea when it’s the busy season which is April to June . These months are when a lot of people want to see the snow corridor . When I checked on tickets in March, many of the days in April and parts of May were already sold out.

You have to register first on their website before purchasing your ticket online.

Then on the day of the tour, you still need to pick up your ticket at least 15 minutes before departure from a WEB ticket counter at the train station.

2. Buy a JR Area Pass

A really good way to buy your Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route ticket is to buy the JR Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass . It covers your Alpine Route ticket as well as travel on JR trains between Nagoya and Toyama and between Nagoya and Shinano Omachi. The ticket is good for 5 consecutive days.

The price is US$150.20 for adults and $75.10 for children (6-11) until September 30.

You still need to pick up your Alpine Route ticket and reserve space on the cable car on the day of you do the route.

3. Buy Alpine Route Ticket on the Same Day

You can purchase the Alpine Route tickets on the day your tour starts at these train stations:

• Dentetsu Toyama Station
• Tateyama Station
• Shinano-Omachi Station
• Nagano Station
• Ogizawa Station

Ticket prices vary depending on your departure and arrival points. For the route I took from Dentetsu-Toyama to Shinano-omachi, it costs ¥13,820 (US$97|£76|€89) for adults and ¥6,930 (US$49|£38|€45) for children as of July 30, 2023.

The Tateyama Kurobe website is confusing. They say tickets are only available on the day of your visit. However, a few lines after that they say the tickets are valid for 5 days after the purchase date. 

Tickets go on sale at Tateyama Station 20 minutes before the first departure and Ogizawa 40 minutes before the first departure.

Check the Tateyama Kurobe’s website for the most up-to-date information.

4. Join an Organized Tour

The easiest way to do the Alpine Route is by joining an organized tour. In this way, the tour company will take care of everything for you: buying your Alpine Route tickets, reserving the cable car ride, and getting you to the start of the route.

Here’s a tour that includes the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route:

Alpine Route Day Tour from Nagano

RATING: 4.7/5 (32 Reviews) | BOOK: Klook or Get Your Guide

• Includes English-speaking guide
• Alpine Route Ticket
• Transport between Nagoya and the start/end of Alpine Route

5. Buy in Advance from a Train Station in Japan

In the past, you could buy the ticket ahead of time from certain train stations in Japan, but according to the Tateyama Kurobe website ,

“Day tickets are only available on the day of your visit. There are no advance sales for day tickets.”

However, in the next line, they say this:

“The ticket is valid for 5 days after the purchase date. This is not a ‘free ride’ (unlimited travel) ticket.”

I would go to the station the day before as I did and see if you can purchase ahead of time.

If they do reinstate this option, here is what I did:

I bought my ticket the day before at the Japan Rail’s office called midori-no-madoguchi  at the JR Kanazawa train station. Look for a green sign. It’s the same office where you go to make seat reservations.

Only foreigners on tourist visas could purchase tickets ahead of time, so bring your passport.

When I purchased mine, I needed to indicate the departure time for the Tateyama cable car .  I was also given a receipt and not the actual ticket. I had to exchange the receipt for the actual ticket in Toyama, which was the beginning of the route.

You could use your credit card to purchase the ticket.

Check Out These Amazing Tours in Japan

Alpine route day tour itinerary.

Below I’ll describe my tour to help you get an idea of what the route is like and to help you know what to do for each step.

I started in Kanazawa and did the Alpine Route from Toyama to Shinano-Omachi. You can do the tour in the opposite direction from Shinano-Omachi to Toyama or Kanazawa .

1. Kanazawa ⇒ Toyama

TRANSPORT TO TOYAMA: train

DEPART: 7:23 am ARRIVE: 7:46

Most people who do the Alpine Route from Toyama to Shinano-Omachi will be staying the night before in Kanazawa , so the first thing you’ll need to do is take the train from Kanazawa to Toyama.

This leg of the journey is NOT covered under the Alpine Route ticket so you’ll need to either use your JR Pass or pay for an individual ticket.

I took the Hakuta 554 train from Kanazawa JR Station leaving at 7:23 am and getting into Toyama at 7:46 am .

Hey! Check out my Kanazawa travel guide for tips and inspiration on touring Kanazawa.

2. Toyama ⇒ Tateyama

TRANSPORT TO TATEYAMA: train

DEPART: 8:13 am ARRIVE: 9:19 am

The next part of the Alpine Route involves several steps that are vitally important. Check the Alpine Route website for more information or any changes.

Step #2.1: Change Stations in Toyama

Toyama has two train stations: JR Station and Dentetsu Station. You’ll arrive from Kanazawa at the JR Station but leave for the Alpine Route from Dentetsu Station .

To get to Dentetsu, you need to exit the JR Station. Dentetsu Station is about a 2-minute walk to your left.

Step #2.2: Get actual Alpine Route ticket in Toyama

If you bought your Alpine Route Ticket online , you’ll need to get the actual physical ticket. You can do that in Toyama or in Tateyama.

In Dentetsu Station, go to the WEB ticket machine and scan the QR code that you received when you bought your ticket online. You can also go to an Alpine Route ticket counter at Dentetsu Station to get your physical ticket. You just need your reservation number.

The Alpine Route website has a wonderful video with step-by-step instructions on what you need to do at Toyama Dentetsu Station.

If you don’t have an Alpine Route ticket yet , you can buy one a the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route ticket counter at Toyama Dentetsu Station.

Step #2.3: Arrange for the forwarding of your luggage

If you want to have your luggage delivered to the end of the Alpine Route at the Shinona-Omachi Train Station , you need to do it at Toyama Dentetus Station.

The luggage forwarding counter is near the ticket counter and the train platforms at Dentetsu. Check here for a map . 

It costs ¥2,500 to have your luggage forwarded.

Check out the Alpine Route website for more detailed information on having your luggage forwarded.

Given the steep steps going in and out of the cable cars and the crowded conditions of the Alpine Route, it was well worth the price to have it delivered. I think it would have been extremely uncomfortable to carry my bags the whole way and incredibly rude to the other travelers.

Step #2.4: Take the train to Tateyama

Next, take the Toyama Chiho train to Tateyama. The train is included in your Alpine Route ticket.

My train left at 8:13 am and we got to Tateyama at 9:19.

You might be interested in these Japan travel posts:

• Kyoto Itinerary 4 Days: A City of a Million Temples
• The Best Ever Guide to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Kamikochi Hiking: A Perfect Day Trip from Takayama

3. Tateyama ⇒ Baijodaira

TRANSPORT TO BAIJODAIRA: cable car

DEPART: 9:40 am ARRIVE: 9:47 am

When you get to Tateyama, follow the crowd up a flight of stairs the waiting room for the cable car to Bijodaira .

The line to get onto the cable car was already long when I got there even though it didn’t leave until 9:40 am.

The cable car was originally used to transport the people who were building the Kurobe Dam, which you will see later.

During my tour, the car was so crowded that it was impossible to see outside. I just stood and waited 7 minutes until it got to its destination.

4. Bijodaira ⇒ Midagahara

TRANSPORT TO MIDAGAHARA: bus

DEPART: 10:20 am ARRIVE: 10:50 am

Bijodaira is where you will catch the bus to one of two places:

1. Bus to Murodo

One line was an express bus directly to Murodo, which is considered “the highlight of the Alpine Route” and where you probably want to spend most of your time.

Most people got on the bus to Murodo

2. Bus to Midagahara

The other bus was going first to a wetlands area called Midagahara before going on to Murodo.

I chose Midagahara, which unfortunately gave me less time at Murodo but allowed me to go for a walk in an area without crowds of tourists.

While I was waiting for my bus to Midagahara, several express buses to Murodo had already left. Finally, my bus left at 10:20 am and arrived at Midagahara at 10:50 am .

You can get out at Bijodaira , a stop on the way to Midagahara, and hike around the area. According to the Visitor’s Guide, there’s a primeval forest as old as 1,000 years . There are three also hiking loops: 2 km (1 hour), 2.5 km (1 hour 50 minutes), and 4 km (2 hours 30 minutes). If you do get out and hike around, though, you’ll have much less time to spend at the main spots on the route.

5. Midagahara ⇒ Murodo

TRANSPORT TO MURODO:  bus

DEPART: 12:10 pm ARRIVE: 12:30 pm

Midagahara is a wetlands area at 2,000 meters above sea level . In the fall, it’s filled with the colors of the foliage, and in the spring with the colors of the blooming flowers. Ponds will also have formed from the melted snow. I didn’t see any of that when I was up there.

Before you start looking around Midagahara, go inside the small building where the bus just dropped you off and reserve a seat on the next bus to Murodo.

I chose to leave at 12:10 pm. Buses were leaving every 40 minutes . The guy who ran things at Midagahara was pretty adamant that people reserved a seat.

The building also had lockers and restrooms . There were two bland-looking hotels at Midigahara as well. I didn’t see a convenience store or any restaurants, but there could have been a restaurant in the hotels.

According to the Visitor’s Guide , there are three easy hiking options:

1. Boardwalk short loop: 1 kilometer (40 minutes) a boardwalk through the wetlands

2. Boardwalk long loop: 2 kilometers (1 hour 20 minutes) a boardwalk through the wetlands

3. Tateyama caldera viewpoint: a hike to an overlook of a caldera (20 minutes to the caldera and 15 minutes back).

I took the short 1-kilometer hike. It was a fairly easy hike along a boardwalk through the wetlands.

In the spring, there is more water, but when I was there it was quite dry. The gorgeous views of the valley and surrounding mountains were like being in a sea of green. Another nice thing was that there were very few other tourists around, so it was peaceful.

Catch the bus to Murodo at the same place you were dropped off a t.

The bus ride up to Murodo had probably the most stunning views of the whole Alpine Route, BUT you must be sitting on the left side of the bus to really be able to see the views clearly .

The bus arrived in Murodo 20 minutes later at 12:30 pm.

Check Out These Hidden Gems:

• Takayama Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Japan's "Little Kyoto"
• Travel Guide to Shirakawago: Enter a Japanese Fairy Tale
• Day Trip to Nara: A Suggested Itinerary

6. Murodo ⇒ Daikanbo

TRANSPORT TO DAIKANBO: trolley bus

DEPART: 2:15 pm ARRIVE: 2:25 pm

Murodo is the main attraction and the highest point of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. It’s situated at 2,450 meters and surrounded by several mountain peaks at over 3,000 meters. Without many trees, it felt quite barren.

Murodo doesn’t have a lot of trees, so it felt quite barren. It was aslo incredibly windy.

The bus arrived at Murodo Terminal at 12:30.

Inside the terminal, there were a couple of restaurants and a souvenir shop . There weren’t a lot of options for snack food, however. I bought some delicious steamed buns with meat inside for ¥500 (US$4.51) each from a food cart. Pricey, but as I said, my other option was to eat at a restaurant, and I didn’t really have time to do that.

Murodo also has a hotel and several “huts” as well as a hot spring.

There was still snow in the mountains in August. In winter, this area gets some of the largest amounts of snow in Japan. However, everything was mostly green.

The central landmark of Murodo is a pond surrounded by the peaks of the tallest mountains on the Alpine Route. It’s quite beautiful but windy as heck.

According to the Visitor’s Guide, there are five “hiking” trails that traverse the pond and mountains:

 1.  Mikurigaike pond – Easy – 600 meters in 30 minutes – This is a hike/walk along a boardwalk to the pond from the bus terminal and back.

2. Mikurigaike pond loop – Easy – 1.7 km in 1 hour – This is a hike around the pond.

3. Raichozawa return – Medium – 2.4 km in 2 hours 30 minutes – This is a hike along one side of the pond to the hot springs and to a lookout point over the Valley of Hell (Jigokudani).

4. Mount Murodo viewpoint – Medium – 2 km in 2 hrs 30 min. – This is a hike to a viewpoint and what looks to be up part of a mountain.

5. Climbing Mount Tateyama- Difficult – 2.5 km in 4 hours – This is a hike to Mount Oyama at 3,003 meters.

 I did part of the Raichozawa return hike. The views were nice, but there were lots of other tourists. The hike ended at the building (it could have been the hot springs) on the left-hand side in the above photo. The building had a shop that served ice cream.

While on the hike, I could see into the Valley of Hell, a valley containing noxious volcanic gases.

Take into consideration the time it will take you to do these hikes. If you really want to spend more time at Murodo and/or do the Mount Murodo viewpoint hike or visit the hot springs, then you’ll need to skip Midigahara . When I was there, the last trolley bus out of Murodo left at 4:30 pm.

To find out how to get to the next leg of the Alpine Route, Daikonbo , look for a green sign with a departure time on it and say “for Daikonbo.”

Stand in the line for Daikonbo. The line I was in for the 2:15 bus wasn’t very long. The next trolley would have left at 2:45.

The trolley bus took 10 minutes to go through Mount Tateyama . We popped out on the other side of the mountain at Daikonbo at 2:25 pm .

More Travel Info for Japan:

• Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
• What to do if you get sick in Japan?
• Books on Japan: Read Before You Go

7. Daikonbo ⇒ Kurobedaira

TRANSPORT TO KUROBEDAIRA: ropeway

DEPART: 2:40 pm ARRIVE: 2:47 pm

Daikonbo is a transfer point for the ropeway down to Kurobedaira .

There’s a viewing platform where you can look out over the valley, but that’s about it.

When you get out at Daikonbo, just follow the green signs to the ropeway . The green signs go toward Shinano-Omachi and the blue signs go toward Toyama.

The signage on the Alpine Route makes it super easy to do for someone who’s always getting lost.

Daikonbo is a great place to stop for photos of the Japan Alps, a lake formed by the Kurobe Dam, and a Ropeway.

I took the ropeway at 2:40 and it arrived at Kurobedaira at 2:47. 

The views from the ropeway were some of the best of the Alpine Route day tour. 

8. Kurobedaira ⇒ Kurobeko (Kurobe Dam)

TRANSPORT TO KUROBEKO: cable car

DEPART: 3:00 pm ARRIVE: 3:05 pm

Kurobedaira is the place where you transfer from the ropeway to the cable car that will take you down to Kurobeko.

There’s a viewing platform and a place to eat .

The cable car to Kurobeko took 5 minutes, leaving at 3:00 and arriving at 3:05. Like the cable car that I took earlier, I couldn’t see anything outside, and it was terribly crowded.

Check Out These Popular Tours in Japan

9. kurobeko ⇒ kurobe dam ⇒ ogizawa.

TRANSPORT TO OGIZAWA:  by foot and trolley bus

DEPART: 3:35 pm ARRIVE: 3:51 pm

The Kurobe Dam is similar in importance to the Japanese as the Hoover Dam is to Americans. It’s Japan’s tallest arch dam.

When you get off the cable car, walk through a tunnel.

Upon exiting the tunnel, I found myself outside on a pedestrian bridge that crossed over the dam and the same lake I had seen from the ropeway.

Kurobe Lake was created by the dam.

Even though the clouds looked ominous, it never rained until after I had finished the route.

The lake was to my right side, while mountains and a valley covered in trees were to my left side.

On the other side of the dam, go through a tunnel to get to a trolley bus.

After going through the tunnel, I had to get in line and wait over 10 ten minutes for the trolley bus to Ogizawa. You can see that the space is small and there are lots of people waiting. Don’t worry! There are tons of buses, so if one bus fills up, there are others to take.

The trolley bus takes a little over 15 minutes to go through a tunnel to the other side of the mountain at Ogizawa .

10. Ogizawa ⇒ Shinano-Omachi

TRANSPORT TO SHINANO-OMACHI: bus

DEPART: 4:00 pm  ARRIVE: 4:35 pm

There’s not a lot to do at Ogizawa –just a large parking lot and a place to get some food and drink .

In Ogizawa, get on a bus going to Shinano-Omachi . I got on at 4:00 pm. Because I bought the OPTION TICKET the day before, the ride to Shinano-Omachi was free. If I had bought a same-day ticket, I would have had to pay extra for the bus ride.

The bus made one stop at Omachi-Onsen before reaching Shinano-Omachi at 4:35 pm. Some buses go on to Nagano.

11.  Shinano-Omachi ⇒ Matsumoto

TRANSPORT TO MATSUMOTO: train

DEPART: 5:15 pm ARRIVE: 6:15 pm

Shinano-Omachi is the transfer point for other destinations in Japan . You can take a train to Hakuba or Matsumoto . Hakuba is supposed to be a good place for hiking.

The bus dropped me off a little bit to the right of the train station. The luggage pick-up spot is to the left of the station . There’s a sign in English outside a building indicating it’s where you deliver and pick up luggage, so it’s easy to spot. Also, the building is more formal than what I experienced in Toyama.

The train station in Shinano-Omachi is very small. There are only 4 tracks.

The Alpine Route ticket ends here . You can use your JR Pass or buy individual tickets.

I waited about 45 minutes for the train to Matsumoto , which left from track 3.

When I first got on the train, it was pretty much empty. But the train stopped at every single station and gradually filled up until it was packed with commuters going home from work. The view from the train window was some of the most beautiful rural scenery I saw in Japan. Mountains upon mountains with bright green rice fields and traditional Japanese homes and shops.

When to Do the Alpine Route

The most popular times to do the Alpine Route is spring and fall.

Spring (April – June)

This is the time when people flock to see the snow corridor . If you don’t know what I mean, check out these pictures of the snow corridor here or search for the Alpine Route snow corridor. The Japan Alps gets a lot of snow. In the spring, it’s possible to plow a pathway through the snow turning the roads into a corridor with snow piled on each side as high as 18 meters. It’s possible that the route is closed due to bad weather, which means you’re out of luck. The Alpine Route website recommends going in June because the snow corridor is still at 10 meters high, there are fewer tourists, and the weather is more predictable.

Summer (July – August)

In the summer, you can still see a little bit of snow. But generally, everything is very green. It’s a good time to go hiking.

Fall (September – November)

The Alpine Route is a great time to see the fall foliage . The leaves start turning color first at the top of the mountain in September and then the further down you go, the leaves start turning later in the season in October. It makes for an interesting sight when you look down from the top to see the upper half red and yellow and the lower part still green.

Winter (Dec – April)

The route is closed from December 1 to April 9.

What to Wear

When I was there in August, I wore my fleece and windbreaker over a short-sleeved shirt and pants . I took it off and put it on again continuously as the temperature changed throughout the day . It was extremely windy.

At other times of the year, visit the Alpine Route’s official website to find out what to wear for each season on the Alpine Route .

Where to stay in Kanazawa

The hotel I stayed at in Kanazawa has closed down, but I found a boatload of alternatives at all price points.

Prices don’t include tax and are what a Genius level 3 member of booking.com would pay for the cheapest room.

I always book a place to stay on either Booking.com or Agoda .

Budget Accommodations in Kanazawa

I found so many good budget options that I had a hard time finding just one place that I would stay at, so I listed all three.

1. Guest House Pongyi

AVERAGE PRICE: US$24/dorm | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 9.5 (55+ Reviews)

• Traditional Japanese-style house that is still very comfortable
• Warm and friendly atmosphere
• Kind, welcoming, and knowledgeable owners
• Access to washing machine and kitchenette
• Staying here is perfect for those looking for Japanese culture on a tight budget

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

2. Kanazawa Guesthouse Stella

LOWEST PRICE: US$27 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 9.2 (63+ Reviews)

• Located right next to the historic geisha district—Higashi Chaya
• The guesthouse has private rooms with shared bath for only US$27—what a deal!
• Owners are friendly and knowledgeable
• Free coffee and tea
• Staying here is perfect for those on a budget who don’t want to do a dorm room

3. Machiya Guesthouse Carta

AVERAGE PRICE:  US$46 - $66 |  BREAKFAST:  included |  RATING:   9.6 (65+ Reviews)

• Beautiful traditional Japanese-style guesthouse with modern touches
• Lots of history and culture
• 15-minute walk from Kenrokuen Gardens
• Shared bathroom, shared kitchen, shared lounge
• Japanese-style garden
• Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats
• Very kind owners
• Staying here is perfect for those looking for Japanese culture on a budget

Mid-Priced Accommodations in Kanazawa

Kanazawa has a few comfortable mid-priced hotels around the train station and within walking distance of the gardens.

4. Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi

• Newer hotel with both traditional and modern features
• near Omichi Market
• Very stylish and cozy
• Includes a Japanese-style breakfast

Luxury Accommodations in Kanazawa

Kanazawa has lots of traditional Japanese-style homes to rent that are stunningly beautiful.

5. Kanazawa Machiya Kenroku

• Traditional Japanese-style samurai house with modern conveniences and comforts
• 3-bedroom villa
• Perfect for family or group who wants a traditional Japanese cultural experience

6. Maki No Oto Kanazawa

• This traditional Japanese-style hotel is located in the heart of the historic geisha neighborhood—Higashi Chaya
• Modern comforts and conveniences
• Garden, terrace, restaurant, spa

Where to Stay in Matsumoto

I recommend staying around the train station for convenience.

The prices I list here are what a Booking.com Genius Level 3 member would get for the cheapest room.

I usually use either Booking.com or Agoda to book my hotels in Japan.

Matsumoto doesn’t have as many good options as Kanazawa does, but here are my recommendations based on my experience and research:

Budget Accommodations in Matsumoto

Here are some popular and convenient places to stay in Matsumoto for those on a budget.

1. Hotel M Matsumoto

• I stayed here during my trip to Matsumoto and really liked it.
• Clean and comfortable
• Great location
• Lots of amenities
• Superior capsules come with your own small room with a desk and locker

2. Couch Potato Hostel

• This hostel gets great reviews
• Friendly and social vibe
• Close to castle but far from train station
• Has both dorm and private rooms
• Very comfortable

Mid- to Upper-Range Accommodations in Matsumoto

There aren’t that many highly-rated hotels in Matsumoto.

3. Dormy Inn Matsumoto

• Chain hotel found all over Japan
• Has onsen and sauna
• Good location not far from train station
• I’ve stayed in Dormy Inn hotels and have been more than happy with them

4. Onyado Nono Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring

• Comes with a Japanese onsen (hot springs)
• Rooms have views of the city and mountains
• Good location—6-minute walk from train station
• Comfortable and modern conveniences

Where to get more information

• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Official website
• Information on how to purchase tickets online and on the day of departure
• Information about ba ggage delivery service on the Alpine Route
• Hyperdia – Information about train schedules- this used to be the best website for train schedules, but they discontinued essential features and now it’s not very useful.
• Navitime – app for subway, train, and bus schedules – This is currently the best website for train schedules.
• I always use Lonely Planet guides when I travel. The Lonely Planet guide to Japan is the size of the Bible and is chock full of information.
• An easy way to purchase your Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route ticket is through Klook.

Grab a FREE Japan Itinerary Guide

Subscribe to the Bamboo Traveler's Newsletter and gets lots of great traveling tips for Asia and a FREE Japan Itinerary Guide.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

No SPAM. I promise! You can unsubscribe at any time.

Final Thoughts: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

I hope you have found this Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route day tour itinerary useful. It’s a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed!

Just make sure to leave Toyama before 9:00 am to give you enough time to do some hiking around Murodo. Plus! Bring snacks with you to save time and money.

The prices, exchange rates, and times listed here are the ones as of July 30, 2023 . They are meant to give you an idea of approximately how much you will need to spend and how long it will take you to visit each place. Since things change, please double-check the information on the websites I have provided.

Thank you! I hope you have an amazing trip to Japan!

For more guides and itineraries on Japan, check out my Japan travel guide page.

Best Resources for Your Trip to Japan

Book your flights for japan.

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to Japan. They will turn up results for all airlines including major ones and local airlines. You’re going to find EVERYTHING that’s available and thus get the cheapest price.

Book Your Accommodations for Japan:

The best hotel booking sites for Japan are Booking.com and Agoda . They have the biggest selection, and they consistently churn out hotels and hostels at the lowest prices of any other booking site. Another website for backpackers and budget travelers is Hostel World .

Book Your Tours for Japan:

The three best tour booking sites for Japan are Viator , Get Your Guide , and Klook . Viator has the biggest selection. Get Your Guide has terrific customer service. Klook specializes in tours in Asia.

Get Connected when in Japan:

You’ve got 3 options for staying connected in Japan: a pocket WiFi (what I used), a physical SIM card , or an eSIM . Several companies offer eSIMs for Japan. I recommend getting one through Klook or Airalo .

Book your Japan Rail Passes:

Japan has many different types of passes. The JR Pass is one of the most popular passes. Buy them through Klook before your trip to Japan. There are other passes as well like the Hakone Freepass .

Get Your Rail Pass for Tokyo

Get an unlimited train pass for most metro lines in Tokyo. They’re good for 1, 2, or 3 days. I always get the 3-day pass.

Looking for more on Japan? Check out these posts:

• Japan Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Weeks in Japan
• Tokyo Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Tokyo
• Hakone Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Hakone
• Kyoto Itinerary 4 Weeks: A City of a Million Temples
• Nara Itinerary: The Perfect Day Trip from Kyoto
• Matsumoto Itinerary: Exploring Japan's Coolest Castle
• Shirakawago Itinerary: Enter a Japanese Fairytale
• The Ultimate Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima
• Kamikochi Hiking: The Perfect Day Trip from Takayama
• Takayama Itinerary: Travel Back in Time to Old Japan
• The Best Ever Guide to Japan's Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Top 10 Must-See Places to Visit in Kyoto
• 13 Things You Need to Know Before Going to Japan
• The 20 Best Novels to Read Before Visiting Japan

17 Comments

Thanks for this useful summary but there is an error, which we know about well as we have been in business here for 5 years – you said; “Shinano-Omachi is only the transfer point for other destinations in Japan. You can take a train to Hakuba.”. This is analogous to saying “Los Angeles is just the gateway to other parts of California – you can take a train from LA to Orange County.” There, in fact LA is the much larger place and here Omachi itself is the biggest drawcard of them all Omachi is TRIPLE the size of Hakuba – Omachi is a city of 30,000 with 4 supermarkets, 5 or 6 schools, a hospital etc – whereas Hakuba is just a village of under 10,000 with just 2 supermarkets and no hospital. The Alpine Route is only PART of Omachi – but there is plenty more in Omachi – there is more hiking and climbing in Omachi than in Hakuba. (Hakuba is the winter ski mecca though). Guests often stay in Omachi 4 or 5 DAYS to fully sample it – here is an album of quick video snippets showcasing Omachi. It is best to base in Omachi for 4 or 5 days and take all this in, including 1 day allocated to The Alpine Route – either returning to Omachi the same day, or making The Alpine Route the final day here and the departure leg – moving on to Toyama (or vice versa – arriving via The Alpine Route from Toyama into Omachi and then staying in Omachi for 4 or 5 days, then moving on to Matsumoto for 1 day to see Japan’s oldest castle, and then on to Kamikochi area for another 4 or so days. Hope this correction helps anyone planning to stay in this beautiful area. Thanks again to the author for writing about The Alpine Route. 🙂

Thank you so much for this information! I will definitely changes to this post. Sadly, Lonely Planet and most other guidebooks and blogs in English don’t say much about Shinano-Omachi. They only mention Hakuba.

Omachi showcase videos — vimeo.com/showcase/3871748

Hmm, seems the Akismet spam prevention is overactive?

Thank you for the videos!

You’re welcome. Yes the reason is because many Australians live in Hakuba for the ski season – that’s why there is plenty of English information about it. But Omachi is actually the much bigger place – Hakuba is a “mura” (village). Omachi is a “shi” – (city). They are adjacent counties anyway (ie. sharing a borderline) – like L.A. County and Orange County. Feel free to delete any double posts i made – it seems the video link wasn’t sticking so i retried 3 times and so may have ended up making superfluous posts – apologies.

Great blog! Do you know if the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Option Ticket can be purchased earlier than 5 days ahead of time?

Hi Gisela! Thank you! Yes, you can buy the ticket more than five days before as long as you buy it online . Check out the section of my article on How to Buy the Alpine Route Ticket and option #2.

Hello – this is an extremely helpful post. Most of the others I found tend to cover the Nagano-Toyama route instead of the other way round. Thanks for this!

I have a question on using the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Option Ticket. From the post it seems that the ticket covers all the transportation on the route in terms of fares, but reservations may still be required.

Are you able to share a bit more on the following?: i) Which portions of the route require reservation? I think the post mentions that the bus from Midagahara to Murodo needed a reservation, but were there any others? ii) How does the system work once you have the option ticket? Do you simply show it to the staff at the stations and they will let you board?

Thanks very much in advance. Cheers!

Hi JY, Thank you! No reservations are needed on the route. I reserved the train ride from Kanazawa to Toyoma (you don’t need to, but I like to reserve because then I can confirm which platform the train is leaving from), which is not covered in the Alpine Route ticket BUT is covered under my JR Rail Pass.

I also had to indicate the departure time for the Tateyama cable car when I purchased the Alpine Route ticket.

The other reservation was when I arrived in Midigahara, I had to go to this little hut (where the bus drops you off) and go to this old guy with a clipboard. He had a list of bus departure times for Murodo. I had to choose a departure time with him to reserve a spot on the bus. I remember one family didn’t do this and when they tried to get on the bus, he seemed upset but he let them on anyway (it wasn’t full). I think he was upset because the family just messed up the guy’s system. Japan is super efficient and they have a system to keep everything running smoothly. They don’t like it when people screw it up.

Other than those three times I needed to reserve a departure time, you just show the ticket to the staff whenever you want to board a bus, trolley, cable car, etc. If the bus or ropeway is full, you wait for the next one. Everything leaves at specific times and in Kanazawa, you can get a schedule that has all the arrival and departure times for each leg of the journey.

I hope this helps!

We would like to add Nagoro scarecrow village within your itinerary, do you know how we could do this please?

Hii, i found your post and it is very helpful. Just wondering if the Option Ticket mentioned above are still available now? I tried searching for it on the Alpine route website but the only thing that i’ve found is the information about the purchase. If there’s no more Option Ticket, is it better for me to purchase Day Ticket one day prior to the departure date at JR Kanazawa Station?

Hi Evelyn, Do you mean that the option tickets are all sold out? You could try buying them at the train station in Japan, but I’m not sure if you can buy them the day before anymore. I would at least try buying them on the day you want to do the Route and if they’re all sold out, have a Plan B.

Hello Julie, Can’t wait for our trip! We were inspired by and are following your itinerary for our upcoming trip to Japan in May. We are unsure about the luggage transfer info that is posted for the Alpine Route. On the Baggage Forwarding website link you gave, it indicates that the “first train is 10am”. I am hoping that we can deposit our luggage with them earlier than that, and assume that “first train” just means that the batch of luggage starts en route to Omachi at that time? It is very confusing at this point. We want to leave for Tateyama on the 8am-ish train and would deposit luggage before that time. Are we ok to do that? Thanks.

Hi Christa, Yes, the info on their website about baggage transfer is confusing.

I think the 10:00 am means that you need to drop it off by 10:00 am because 10:00 am is the time that the train that carries the baggage is departing. So, you should be ok if you take the 8:00 am-ish train.

Hi, Would like to ask the best way to split this route into 2 days. Where to stay iat night. Arriving from Kanazawa on October 2024

Hi Gila, I recall there being 2 places along the route with hotels: Murodo and Midagahara.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What are you looking for?

About the bamboo traveler.

Welcome to The Bamboo Traveler, a travel blog dedicated to helping those travelers who want to dig deeply into the history, heritage, and culture of a place. Whether it’s through the pages of your passport or the pages of a book, I’ll help you travel the world and uncover the history, culture, food, architecture, and natural beauty of some of the world’s most fascinating places.

Traveling to Japan soon?

Get all my great travel tips as well as this FREE Japan travel and itinerary guide sent to your email right away!

Japan Itinerary Posts

• Japan Itinerary : The Perfect 3 Weeks in Japan
• Hakone Itinerary : How to Spend 2 Days in Hakone
• Kamikochi Hiking : The Perfect Day Trip from Takayama
• Kanazawa Itinerary: 2 Days in the City of Samurais
• Kyoto Itinerary 4 Weeks : A City of a Million Temples
• Matsumoto Itinerary : Exploring Japan’s Coolest Castle
• Nara Itinerary : The Perfect Day Trip from Kyoto
• Takayama Itinerary : Travel Back in Time to Old Japan
• The Best Ever Guide to Japan’s Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Tokyo Itinerary : How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Tokyo

Posts About Kyoto

• Kyoto Itinerary: A City of a Million Temples
• Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Kyoto
• The Best of Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine
• The Best of Kyoto: The Bamboo Forest
• The Best of Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple
• The Best of Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple

Preparing for a Trip to Japan

• Top 10 Must-Visit Places to Visit in Kyoto
• How to Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Tokyo
• Traveling Solo in Japan: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
• Don’t Panic: What to do if you need a doctor in Japan

Get Your FREE Japan Itinerary Guide Here!

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive the latest travel tips for Asia and get a free 4-page PDF version of my 3-Week Japan Itinerary.

Pin It on Pinterest

Suggested Itineraries

With an early start and quick travel pace, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route can be covered in a day trip from the major cities of Tokyo , Nagoya , Kyoto and Osaka . However, to allow for a more leisurely experience, staying overnight along or near the Alpine Route is recommended. In addition, the itinerary can be easily extended to include other popular destinations in the area. Below are some suggested itineraries:

Tokyo - full route - Tokyo

Tokyo - full route - kyoto/ osaka, tokyo - partial route - tokyo (via matsumoto), tokyo - partial route - tokyo (via toyama), kyoto/osaka - full route - kyoto/ osaka, kyoto/osaka - partial route - kyoto/ osaka, nagoya - full route - nagoya, suggested additions.

Shirakawago

Kurobe Gorge

Kiso Valley

Getting there and around.

How to get to and around the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Hotels around Alpine Route

Vegetarian's Japan Guide

A Day Trip to the Stunning Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート) is a scenic route that goes through the Japanese North Alps, connecting Toyama prefecture and Nagano prefecture . It is also known as the Roof of Japan. This spectacular route is known for its magnificent 20-meter snow corridor, which can only be experienced in limited spots worldwide. In 2023, you can walk in the snow corridor from the 15th of April to the 25th of June. But, we believe the best season for visiting is autumn, especially if your home country snows during winter!

In autumn, you avoid the massive crowd. In addition, starting from JR Toyama Station (富山駅) to the top of the alp of 3,015 meters above the ground, you will experience an amazing four seasons view in just one autumn day ( check out the Fall Foliage Viewing Timing Table at the end of this article)!

If you are worrying about whether you can hike to the top of the mountain, don’t worry! The whole Alpine Route offers various transportation options, including cable cars, busses, trolley buses, and ropeways that will bring you to the top of the mountain – Murodō. Between each transport mode, there are different beautiful treks for those who fancy walking into nature (´ω｀*).

Table of Contents

Exploring tateyama kurobe alpine route with a tour, about making a reservation to various tateyama kurobe alpine route, should i start the route from toyama or nagano, tateyama kurobe alpine route’s busy season, what to do with my luggage, what time should my day start.

• Dentetsu Toyama Station (電鉄富山)
• Tateyama Station (立山駅)
• Bijodaira Station (美女平)
• Midagahara Stop (弥陀ヶ原)
• Murodō (室堂)
• Daikanbō (大観峰)
• Kurobedaira (黒部平)
• Kurobe Dam and Kurobeko Lake (黒部湖・黒部ダム)

Extra Information About Tateyama Kurobe Route

• How Much Does It Cost to Experience the Tateyama Alpine Route?

Tips: ☆彡　Get some food from convenience stores before you start your trip! Unfortunately, there aren’t too many choices for food on the route. ☆彡　 Menya Iroha CiC (麺家いろは CiC店) at B1 of CiC shopping mall at the station’s south exit has two choices of vegan ramen noodles soup.

*** The recommendations below are for those who plan to spend only one day on the whole route.  For a stay over multiple days, check out the transport time schedule and official crowdedness forecast to plan HERE ) ***

If you prefer to join a tour, below are a couple of options you can consider.

• (Spring Only) 1-Day Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route Tour
• Book via klook
• Book via GetYourGuide
• 2-Day-1-Night Kamikochi and Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• 2-Day-1-Night Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kamikochi Tour (Hot Spring Accommodation)
• Tateyama Kurobe Snow Otani Walk! Hida Takayama & Shirakawago
• 2-Day-1-Night Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Matsumoto Tour
• 2-Day-1-Night Tateyama Kurobe Snow Otani and Hida Takayama Tour
• Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall One-Day Bus Tour
• Private Transfer to/from Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• 2-Day-1-Night Tateyama Kurobe Kamikochi tour

Whether you decide to purchase an advanced ticket or a ticket on the day, ensure you make a reservation to Tateyama Cable Car or Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus.

• If you start your journey from Toyama Prefecture , you need to reserve a seat for Tateyama Cable Car. A reservation isn’t required and can’t be made for Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus. Please queue for the next service when you are ready to proceed to Ogizawa.
• If you start your journey from Nagano Prefecture , you need to reserve a seat for Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus. A reservation isn’t required and can’t be made for Tateyama Cable Car. Please queue for the next service when you are ready to proceed to Tateyama Station.

If you plan to purchase a ticket on the day, you can do so at Dentetsu Tateyama Station, Dentetsu Toyama Station, and Ogizawa Station.

You can refer to the official website HERE for more details, which has photos and maps of the ticket office.

Using the Alpine Takayama Matsumoto Area Pass

You can’t use the Alpine Takayama Matsumoto Area Pass to reserve the Tateyama Cable Car or Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus. Please visit the ticket office to reserve your seat on the day.

As you may have gathered from the transport mode map above, you may start your exploration of the great Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from either the Toyama or Nagano sides. So how will you decide which city to start with? Based on our personal experience, we recommend starting from Toyama . Many tourists start from Nagano , so starting from Toyama will allow you to enjoy the magnificent scenery with the smallest crowd around. (Note that this may not be the case if you go between April and June for the snow corridor!)

☆彡　As Japanese hikers love this place as well, avoid weekends as well as Japanese public holidays. As a general guide, the route is busy during 　　　☛　Mid-April to Mid-May 　　　☛　Mid-August 　　　☛　Late September to early October

Baggage forwarding services between the two sides of the route are available at each end of the alpine route. The service will cost you 2,500 yen per luggage. Please refer to the official website HERE for more information.

Important: Before the pandemic, they used to be able to forward your luggage to Nagano Station. But this is not the case in 2024. If your final destination is Nagano Station and you require the baggage forwarding service, you will need to pick it up from Shinano Ōmachi Station (consider this when you book your accommodation and bus ticket from Ogizawa).

Tip: If you do want to stay anywhere on the route that isn’t around the stations where the Alpine Route Baggage Forwarding Service is available, you can always ask your hotel to arrange for private luggage shipping to your next accommodation (‘ω’)ノ. The other option is the coin lockers at each station (excluding Tengudaira) on the route. It costs money, but you want to be as light as possible when trekking!

Assuming you are staying in one of the cheaper accommodation options in Toyama City the night before, your day should start really early. Especially if you (like us) want to catch the first train from Toyama , which departs at approximately 6 am.

The Attractions on Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Stop 1: Dentetsu Toyama Station (電鉄富山)

Your 65-minute train ride to Tateyama Station starts here!

If you have already purchased a ticket online, head to the ticket machine to scan your QR code for the paper-based ticket.

If you haven’t made a reservation, purchase it at Dentetsu Toyama Station and reserve your spot for Tateyama Cable Car, which departs from Tateyama Station.

If you are catching the first train, you might need to wait a bit before they allow you to the platform after you pass the ticket gate. But this is what your train should look like (though always confirm the indicator screen around the platform)!

Check out the view during this train ride. Already scenic!

Important: If you purchased a Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Option Ticket or Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass, there is no need to buy another ticket to travel from Dentetsu Toyama to Tateyama Station. This journey is included in your set ticket.

Stop 2: Tateyama Station (立山駅)

After you get off the train at Tateyama Station, go straight up one level and queue for the cable car if the cable car you reserve departs next.

If you need to change the boarding time or have other ticket-related issues, there are two Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Ticket Sales Counters you can utilize. The first one is at the right of the ticket gate on B1, and the other one is at the back of the shop on the first level.

You can refer to the station map HERE .

Here start your 7-minute cable car ride to Bijodaira (美女平)!

Please follow others and queue to board the cable car.

Tip: When boarding the cable car, don’t sit on the seats but go straight to the front of the cable car to enjoy the panorama view on the way to Bijodaira!

Stop 3: Bijodaira Station (美女平)

If you have time, you have the option of trekking around the forestry area at Bijodaira Station to experience the fresh air and various wildlife!

The bus service you should catch depends on your next stop. There are two corridors to two different bus stops. ☆ One is express to the top of the mountain – Murodō (50-minute ride), or ☆ Stopping over at Midagaraha and/or Tengudaira (30-minute ride).

Tip: Sit on the left-hand side of the bus to see the Shomyo Fall (称名滝) during this bus ride! (if you are starting from Nagano, then RHS)

Stop 3.01：On the Way to Midagahara

On the way to Murodō, your bus driver will most probably stop or drive really slow and start talking. He/she is trying to direct your attention to the left – Shōmyō Fall (称名滝). It is most beautiful during the autumn foliage season when leaves start to redden.

Stop 4: Midagahara Stop (弥陀ヶ原)

At Bijodaira Stop, if you have time, enjoy the trekking courses (3 courses, with the longest one taking approximately 2 hours for a return trip).

If you choose to stay at the Midagahara Hotel , the hotel provides its customers with free activities such as nighttime stargazing and staff-led highland trekking! Check out the trekking map at the end of the webpage (it may give you some ideas despite being in Japanese) provided by Midagahara Hotel.

Stop 5: Murodō (室堂) – The Top of the Mountain!

The first thing you will want to do when you arrive at Murodō is to take a picture with the landmark. There are professional photographers around to help tourists take photos with it.

And don’t worry. They don’t charge you unless you want the photo from their camera!

Get your water bottle ready! The famous Teteyama Tamadono Spring Water is among the most natural spring water we have ever tasted! It is coming directly from the snowmelt in the area. There are also scoops for you to use if you require them (‘ω’)ノ. After you fill up your bottle, start trekking/hiking (or if you go between April and June, enjoy the snow)!

Stop 5.01: Backcountry Skiing, Snow Walking, and Sledding at Murodō

The snow/ski season here in Mt. Tateyama is between April and May. Ski on 3,000 meter-tall mountain will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience (‘ω’)ノ.

Hotel Tateyama offers free rentals of snowshoes, stock, long boots, and sleds. Otherwise, you’ll need to bring your own gear.

You can enjoy various snow activities HERE , at Murodō, including the FAMOUS SNOW CORRIDOR WALK (the link is to the Japanese official website link as the English official website lacks activities information)!

Stop 5.02: Hiking at Murodō

☛ Hiking: to the top of the mountain to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding mountainouts scenery. There is even a chance to see Mt Fuji on a sunny day!

Allow yourself approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes (climbing 2 hours + 1 hour and 40 minutes going back to Murodō).

Stop 5.03：Trekking at Murodō

☛ Trekking: there are various trekking courses in the area. Consider the amount of time you have and choose the course that best suits you.

No matter which course you choose, make sure you walk to the Mikurigaike Pond! The view there includes a reflection of the mountain in the pond and is absolutely breathtaking.

Check out the photo on the official Japanese website (unfortunately, the English version doesn’t have as many photos).

Stop 5.04: Camping at Raichōsawa Camping Ground (雷鳥沢キャンプ場)

For those who love camping, how about bringing your own tent and camping at Raichōsawa Camping Ground?

Whilst you have to bring your own food, so you don’t starve during the time you spend at the campground, it will definitely be an unforgettable experience!

From late May to early July, the longer you stay in the Murodō area, the larger the chance you have to spot one of these nearly extinct birds of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – Raichō!

Tip: During the peak camping season in August, you might want to bring one of those mobile toilets with you. This is particularly the case in November when the toilet at the campground becomes unavailable.

Stop 5.05: To the Murodō Trolley Bus Stop

After you tire of the awesome Murodo area, head to Murodō Station and take the Tateyama Trolley Bus to Daikanbō.

Stop 6: Daikanbō (大観峰)

Enjoy the observation terrace, which allows for a view over the fantastic mountain and Kurobeko Lake view before you head off and queue for the ropeway to Kurobedaira!

←←←←←The Terrace ＆Daikanbō

View from the Terrace↓↓↓↓↓

Stop 7: Kurobedaira (黒部平)

After a 7-minute panorama scenic view, you will reach Kurobedaira.

The photo at the right is the ropeway that you will be getting off.

If you are hungry, visit the Restaurant Kurobedaira here at Kurobedaira Station (located on the 2nd floor) to fill up your stomach while enjoying the magnificent mountain view over Kurobedaira. (Note that for vegetarians, you probably won’t be able to find a true meat-free dish. The dishes selling at the restaurant probably all contain fish/meat stock.

Please refer to their allergen info under each dish on the MENU ). You can also use the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article to order.

If you are not in a rush, walk around the station for a different view of the mountain range. We especially recommend the Panorama Terrace. Check out the photos on the official Japanese website !

You can also pay their botanical garden a visit to see the high-altitude plants!

Tip: If your water bottle is empty, fill it again with the sweet spring water at the Kurobedaira Landmark!

Stop 8: Kurobe Dam and Kurobeko Lake (黒部湖・黒部ダム)

Kurobe Dam is famed as the dam with the highest altitude in Japan that is not to be missed!!!

Take the Lake Pleasure Boat to tour around Kurobeko Lake! You will be traveling between the mountains surrounding the dam whilst having a different view of the great Kurobe Dam.

To get to the boat boarding deck, please check the indicator at the station for directions.

If you find yourself walking on top of the dam, you are walking in the wrong direction!

• Time required: 30 minutes
• Distance traveled: 11.5 km
• Service Period: June to the 10th November

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lilz.Japan.Taiwan.Travel.Diary (@lilz.japan.travel.guide)

To us, the 1,100 yen for the ferry ticket is totally worth it! A highlight is a bridge that can be seen during the boat ride (the 2nd photo in the IG post).

There are several trekking courses of different lengths at Kurobe Dam Station. Check out the area map at the station and choose a course for light trekking!

After your leisure walk around Kurobeko Lake, on your way to Kurobe Dam Station, the view from the top of the Kurobe Dam is absolutely breathtaking (the 1st photo in the IG post)!

There are various lookout decks around the Kurobe Dam. If you are unafraid of the height, we highly recommend you climb up, as the photos that can be taken from the decks are magnificent! Check out a detailed illustration of various decks HERE .

Also, if you want to see the 10 tons per second of water pouring out of the dam, make sure you plan your trip to Kurobe Dam between the end of June to the 15th of October!

If the weather is good, you will be able to see a RAINBOW alongside the water coming out of the dam (*’▽’).

Step Back to Civilizations

From Kurobe Dam Station, take the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus to Ogizawa. After crossing through Mt. Akawaza-Dake, you will arrive at Ogizawa Station. From here, you can choose to take a bus or train to JR Shinano Omachi or JR Nagano Station.

Important: If you have purchased the route’s option tickets or tourist pass and later decided you want to tour around Shinano Omachi Station before heading to Nagano , you will have to pay extra for the travel between Shinano Omachi and Nagano Station.

Fall Foliage Season:

Past weather/temperature average at murodō , so… how much does it cost to experience the tateyama kurobe alpine route.

The cost to travel through the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route depends on which ticket you purchase. You have four options .

• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Ticket : The ticket includes the train fare from Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya and all transportation modes on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
• Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass : Unlimited rides on on JR local and limited express trains on the valid train lines and all transportations of the Alpine Route.
• One-way Express bus from Shinjuku to Toyama via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Pay the normal fare from station to station. This option is more expensive, but you can reserve tickets online!

Important: The first 2 options above are only for people who entered Japan as temporary visitors with a “Temporary Visitor” stamped on their passport.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Ticket

The 8-Day ticket includes the return train fare from a JR station in the Chūbu  ( Nagano , Gifu , and Shizuoka ) and the Kansai region ( Kyoto , Osaka , Himeji , and Kobe ). In addition to the local, rapid, and express services, the ticket includes unlimited rides on a part of the Tōkaido Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen.

But note the ticket doesn’t allow you to get off the train between certain stations.

Refer to the JR T ō kai’s Official Website for more information. If you don’t read Japanese, translate it using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar. The parts of the train lines where you can’t get off the train are marked by dotted lines.

Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass:

In addition to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, if you plan to also visit Toyama , Matsumoto , Kiso Fukushima, Nagoya, Gero, Takayama , and Furukawa , the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass is recommended.

The 5 consecutive days pass allows you unlimited travel on the non-reserved trains on JR limited express, rapid, and local trains between:

• Nagoya and Toyama via Tōkaido/Takayama Lines
• Shinano-Ōmachi to Nagoya via the Ōito/Shinonoi/Chūo Main Lines

Important: Remember to take the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass to the ticket counter at Tateyama Station or Ogizawa Station for a “Boarding Pass” to take the trams and buses along the alpine route.

Validity and Prices

　 ☛ The ticket is valid for 5 consecutive days. 　☛ 23,800 yen for adults and 11,900 yen for children between 6 and 11 of age.

Below is a list of popular destinations that you can travel to with this pass. Click on each of them to discover all the great attractions that you can visit in each area!

• Hida Furukawa
• Zenkōji Temple in Nagano
• Daio Wasabi Farm in Hotaka, Nagano

Please refer to the official website for more information such as the route map HERE .

Where to Purchase

Check out where you can purchase overseas and within Japan HERE .

A Side Trip to the Stunning Kurobe Gorge

Kurobe Gorge (Kurobe Kyokōku) is one of Japan’s top 100 hidden scenic spots and is located in the mountains of the Northern Japan Alps. It is the No.1 V-shaped Gorge in Japan! With its almost vertical cliffs and virgin forests plus the hot springs in the area, it is one of the most popular places for Japanese seeking relaxation amidst nature.

If the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is also on your itinerary, why not enjoy the two most beautiful hidden places in Japan in one go since they’re so close to each other!

Explore the Fascinating Attractions in Matsumoto City

Wonder what else in the area is worth your time? Check out our list of selected attractions in Matsumoto that you won’t want to miss out on.

There are a couple of places where you can source delicious natural water in the city center, an art museum filled with Kusama Yayoi’s eye-opening contemporary artworks, places perfect for cherry blossom and fall foliage hunting, and a lot more!

For more information, please refer to our article on Matsumoto !

Related Posts

Kuroishi – Your Guide to Hirosaki’s Gorgeous Sister City

People with a bit of knowledge of Aomori Prefecture will most likely have heard about the famous Hirosaki City. What they might not know or…

Encounter the Most Delicious Chestnut Sweets at Obusedō

Obuse, a small town in Nagano prefecture, famous for its chestnut produce and a large variety of chestnut sweets, is a must-go for all sweet…

The Best Vegetarian Course Menu at Sabō Mameya, Obuse Nagano

When people speak about tofu dishes, they often talk about bean curd or deep-fried tofu. At Sabō Mameya (茶房まめ家), you will be blown away by…

28 thoughts on “A Day Trip to the Stunning Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route”

I plan to travel from Toyama side for the Tateyama alpine route on 24 May. Just wondering if buying Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass or ticket via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine website would be a wiser choice? or do I go for the Takteyama Kurobe Alpine route option ticket? As I understand that no reservation for the cable car is allowed for Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass, would I have to queue for a longer time to board, as yet to find any info on the cable ride boarding system? Also, I plan to send my luggage to Shinano-Omachi, so just worried if I didn’t reserve any seat for the cable ride, I might not be in time to collect the luggage.

My travel route is Nagoya – Takayama – Toyama – Matsumoto – Nagoya.

Hello Eileen,

Just note that the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Option Ticket isn’t on sale anymore. Replacing the ticket is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Ticket issued by JR West and JR Tokai. This ticket might be a better option for you as it covers Nagoya to Takayama to Toyama to Matsumoto and back to Nagoya. https://visitjapan-vegetarian.com/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-toyama-nagano-japan/#Tateyama-Alpine-Route's-tickets-and-passes

Regarding the luggage to Shinano-Omachi Station, the pick up time is between 3 pm and 5:45 pm according to the official website. So, make sure you catch the service leaving Kurobe Dam at 4:35 pm. If you missed the service, talk to the staff at the station so they can let the staff at the Shinano Omachi’s luggage reception staff know. I won’t be able to guarantee that they will wait for you. You might need to come back the next morning to pick it up.

Same-day tickets will be available on the day. But if you are worried about the queue, I’d suggest to take the first service on the day.

Hope the above helps.

I am planning to do a day-trip to the alpine on 6 May 2024 from Tokyo. I am planning to start from the Nagano side. I have a question, must I purchase tickets or could I afford to purchase same-day tickets on the spot? I see that if i purchase the pass online, I can only collect it from 12pm onwards a day before my start day. With this, I am extremely confused.

Do you have any advice on the ticketing? Thanks!

Hi Agnes, Early May is usually the peak season due to the snow corridor, so I’d reserve the ticket if possible. Where did you see the 12pm onwards rule for ticket pick up? From the official website, it says “Please pick up your ticket at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.”

https://www.alpen-route.com/en/transport/ticket_advance.html

Kind regards, Lily

Hi LL, We are planning our trip on this area on Mid-May and we will purchase the “Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route” thru JR Pass. Is it possible if we will start at Toyama to Kurobedaira and we will go back from Kurobedaira to Toyama…Then next day from Shinano Omachi to Kurobe Dam then go back to Shinano Omachi… Kind Regards, Roldan

Hello Roldan, Do you mean the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass? It’s possible but I’m not sure if that’s the best way to do it. Are you planning to take the train/bus from Toyama to Shinano Omachi after you return to Toyama on the 1st day? Note a one-way trip takes at least 2.5 – 3 hours. Any reasons that you’re considering doing this?

Hi Lily Have seen the various past correspondences and you have been wonderful in patiently answering everyone’s request. I too have a few clarifications that I need your help on : 1. I plan to take the Alpine travel in May 2024. Do you know when will the web ticket be available for advance booking? 2. Does the ticket include both the Toyama Chiho railway from Dentesu to Tateyama station as well as the express bus from Ogizawa to Nagano station? 3. I read online that only the Tateyama cable car needs reservation. From one of your earlier reply, it seems now the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus would need reservation as well? Where do i go to make reservation for both these modes of transport?

Thank you in advance for your kind Advice.

Hi Vincent, Thanks for the kind words. Hope the below helps. 1. Usually, the web ticket is available for purchase from mid-March. 2. Believe the web ticket on the official website includes the journey from Tateyama Station to Ogizawa. 3. For reservation, you can only reserve Tateyama Cable Car if you start from the Toyama side and Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus if you start from the Nagano side.

Thank you, Lily. 🙂

No worries Nancy 🙂 Just got a confirmation from Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route to confirm you can use the pass to travel on the Alpine Route as long as the pass is valid. Remember to reserve a seat when you get to the station for the Cable Car or the Electric Bus depending on the direction of travel.

Hi Lily, Thank you for your prompt reply. 🥰 No, I will make some stop over along the Route and I won’t be staying along the Route. Can we use the Pass for reversal routes?

Yes I think so, as long as it is within the valid period.

Hi, Thank you for your detailed information of the Alpine Route. I plan to stay near Shinano Omachi Station, if I start the route from this station to Toyama. Then do a reversal back to Shinano Omachi Station and May stop over at some sightseeing points on the return. Is it feasible? Do I need to make reservation at Toyama for the cable car? What tickets/pass shall I get? I plan to spend two days for this route so that I can have time to explore. I will be travelling in early November.

Hi Nancy, Thanks for the compliment. Do you mean you will travel from Shinano Omachi Station to Toyama Station via the Alpine Route without doing any sightseeing, and only explore the route when you travel from Toyama Station back to Shinano Omachi Station? I won’t recommend doing so because traveling on the Alpine Route isn’t cheap and it is a long journey. It is better if you stay in one of the hotels along the Alpine Route if you want to spend 2 days along the route.

Regarding the pass you can get, you can consider the JR Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass if you plan to also visit other destinations nearby, such as Matsumoto and Takayama .

Note you can’t use the pass to make a reservation online. But since early November is after the peak season, a reservation isn’t necessary.

Greetings! I want to express my sincere appreciation for this insightful article. I do have a few questions.

I’ve acquired the JR Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass and plan to embark on my journey in mid-October via the Toyama route. Firstly, could you kindly advise me on how to secure a reservation for the Tateyama Cable Car? Additionally, I’m curious about the crowd levels during the October period. In case I’m unable to secure reservations, do you recommend an alternative route? Thank you in advance for your assistance!

Thanks for your comment and compliment. We really appreciate it. Regarding the crowd level, it is best to avoid the 7th to the 9th of October. You can refer to the official website and translate it using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar for more information on the crowd prediction. https://www.alpen-route.com/information/calendar/

Regarding whether you can use Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass to reserve Tateyama Cable Car, we are waiting for a reply from the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route company and will get back to you as soon as possible. At the moment, it does seem like you can’t use the pass to make a reservation online.

It is confirmed by Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route company that you can’t use Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass to reserve Tateyama Cable Car. Please head to the ticket office at Tateyama Cable Car Station to exchange the ticket and board the next cable car.

Unfortunately, there is no alternative route to get to Murodo. I would suggest you taking the earliest train to Tateyama Station. This way, you have more time to explore this stunning part of Japan and there will surely be a seat for you.

Hi! Very helpful article thank you so much. Have a couple of questions. Coming from Toyota on a Sunday to do Alpine Railway.

Plan is to be at the cable car by 1 PM. Enjoy the railway and stop along the way and then overnight in Shinano Omachi

My questions- if we don’t leave the cable car until 1 PM I know that does not leave much time as I think last bus is 4:30pm from Ogizawa. However, we would spend more time in the next day on the way coming back on Alpine from Shinano to Toyama. Do you think that would allow enough time? And if we buy the round-trip railway ticket, we can still get off the railway on the way back, correct?

Next question- want to be sure the local bus that goes to Shinano Omachi is the same as the station? I want to make sure I book a hotel in the right location 😉

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for the compliment. I’m glad you find the article useful. Assuming the cable car you talk about is the Tateyama Cable Car, it’s doable if there isn’t massive queue for the bus up the mountain once you get off the cable car and at Kurobe Dam. You can refer to the timetable on the official website. The last bus departs from Ogizawa is at 5:55pm. https://www.alpen-route.com/timetable/viewer/86787/

Yes, the local bus stops at Shinano Omachi Station.

Kind Regards, lily

Hi there! The extra details in your post are really helpful! I actually plan to go to Murodo from Dentetsu Toyama, but the times for the cable car from Tateyama to Murodo are disappearing fast… Is a reservation *required* to go from Tateyama to Murodo via cable car? Or are only the reservations limited and you will be able to buy in person with no issues?

Do you know if any other parts from Dentetsu to Murodo require a reservation? Also, if I do get a reservation and pre-pay, do I just pick up my tickets from the info counter at Dentetsu-Toyama station or something like that?

Sorry for asking so many questions, I’ve just been desperate to hear the answers and I haven’t been able to find them anywhere!

No reservation was required to go from Tateyama to Murodo when we visited the route. However, I have just checked the official website again, and it seems like a reservation is required now if you want to board the cable car by 11.20. The Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus that you need to board to travel from Kurobe Dam to Ogizawa needs a reservation too. You can pick up your ticket at Dentetsu Toyama or Tateyama’s ticket machine by showing the QR code you would have got after a reservation is made.

You can refer to the official website for more details. https://tateyama-kurobe-webservice.jp/AlpenTour/html/VW001W0010.html

Kind Regards, Lily

We have got a clarification from Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. If you start your trip from Toyama Prefecture, you only need to reserve Tateyama Cable Car. A reservation isn’t required and can’t be made for Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus. You just need to queue at the bus station when you are ready to head to Ogizawa. On the other hand, if you start from Ogizawa, it is the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus that you need to reserve.

The ticket is now also on sale at Dentetsu Toyama station. If you happen to miss the reserved cable car, you need to amend the boarding time at Tateyama Station.

Hope the above helps. Kind Regards, Lily

I have a JR Pass and wanted to know if I can buy the Tateyama Kurobe Option ticket online? I could not find the site selling this. Or is it to be bought only on arrival in Japan at one of the JR train stations? We need this for a mid-May trip.

Regards, Sudhir

It doesn’t seem like the ticket is on sale at the moment, as there is no information on the website. I have, however, sent an inquiry to confirm and will let you know if the ticket is actually on sale.

Hi, can I check if the Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket is on sale for 2023?

Currently still no announcement on the official website. You can, however, keep a close eye on the official page here. https://www.alpen-route.com/en/transport_new/fares.html

I have the Hokuriku Arch Pass, can I buy the Tateyama Kurobe Option ticket when I arrive in Japan, Haneda on 12 April 2023 and use the option Ticket on 15 April 2023, if available?

Thank you Cheow

I don’t think the ticket is available in 2023. The official website has yet to update the link to the ticket.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Czech Republic
• Budapest, Hungary
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Complete Japan Travel Guide
• Kanto Region (Tokyo, Hakone)
• Kansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto)
• Kansai Wide (Wakayama)
• Chugoku Region (Hiroshima)
• Chubu Japan
• Hokkaido Japan
• Kyushu Japan
• Jeju Island, South Korea
• KLOOK Promo Code & Voucher (2024 May)
• Agoda Promo Code

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Travel Guide + Itinerary

Last updated on April 27th, 2024

Here’s a detailed Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route itinerary and travel guide blog with budget breakdown. Enjoy the spectacular Japan Alpine Alps in the Chubu region.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route or Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route (Arupen Ruto, 立山黒部アルペンルート) is a popular day trip travel in Chubu region. It is renowned for its incredibly stunning mountain sightseeing route through the Northern Japan Alps. This unique and spectacular route is a MUST VISIT in the Chubu region.

Completed in 1971, this 90 km route is commonly referred to as the “Roof of Japan”. It connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture and Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture with various means of transportation. The total use of transportation involved up to nine types for a full route. However, don’t be worry too much on the transportation arrangement. It is relatively straightforward and well connected throughout the journey.

We visited Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route during the end of October. Our initial plan was up to mesmerize the stunning autumn colors leaves for fall foliage. But we were so lucky and welcome by the new snow in Murodo. Such an incredible and unique activities to see both autumn and winter scenery in one day.

Here, we will showcase what you can do on your trip to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Toyama and ending up in Matsumoto. This is our actual itinerary and we did along the journey. I hope this will greatly help with your Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route itinerary planning.

While this is a Complete Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Travel Guide Blog , feel free to read on each season’s highlight on below travel blog:

Table of Contents

Best Time To Visit

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is famous for its magnificent mountainous scenery. It is part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park and passes through the dynamic scenery of Mt. Tateyama in the Japan Alps. Visitors can enjoy the majestic view during different seasons of the year when it is open. Each season the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route shows off its unique characters and spectacular views of the scenic beauty.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route during Winter (December to early April) Please take note the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route will be completely close and inaccessible during winter. The opening dates for the Alpine Route Tateyama Kurobe is normally mid of April. Please refer to the official website. ( https://www.alpen-route.com/ )

In 2024, the opening date of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine is from 15th April until 30th November 2024.

Spring – Summer – Autumn

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route during Spring (April, May, June) The whole mountain range of Alpine route is covered in snow. One of the best things to do in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route during Spring is walk through the majestic snow corridor. This is an impressive snow wall on Murodo when it opens in mid-April. The pedestrian walk is open and started to melted until completely gone in July.

Beautiful alpine flower started to bloom around June with the lush green mountain range. You will still possible to see the snow wall and play around with snow if you’re visiting Alpine route during this time.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route during Summer (July, August) Summer attracts visitors with its beautiful landscape. It is the best season for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing. The temperatures are pleasantly comfortable during this time. There are plenty of easy trails around the Mikurigaike pond at Murodo. You can even go for a challenging hike and climb the summit of Mount Tateyama.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route during Autumn (September, October, November) The Tateyama Route is the best place for the season’s foliage in the Chubu region. Started from September, leaves slowly turn its color from green to yellow and red, start at the highest elevation. It takes about six to seven weeks to change the mountain slope into stunning colors. The peak season for fall foliage is during late September at around Murodo and Daikanbo.

During November, you are possible to view the vibrant colors of autumn foliage in the middle route but white snow-covered mountain when reach at top.

How To Get To Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Depend on where is your departure place . You can choose to start from Nagano/Matsumoto or Toyama. While it’s a one-way route, that means that if you start from one, you’ll end at the other. Round trip is doable but it cost more on transportation. Many foreign visitors choose to spend one day in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route when traveling from Tokyo of the Kanto region to Osaka, Kyoto in the Kansai region. The Alpine Route can be done within one day in quick travel pace.

However, we highly suggest staying overnight near the Alpine Route for more leisure experience. The full route of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine trip required at least 6 hours. You can be easily extended your itinerary to nearby popular destinations such as Kanazawa, Takayama, Toyama, and Matsumoto. The Alpine Route can be done in either direction. Toyama city is your start place if you choose from west to eastbound (Dentetsu Toyama to Shinano Omachi).

From Tokyo to Toyama city , ride the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen for about 2 hours. Your ride is FREE if you have a JR Pass . This pass will be covered for all the JR ride within the validity period. If your Japan trip is covered Tokyo, Kyoto or even Hokkaido, this pass definitely worth the money. This is the best transport pass for foreign visitors when visiting around Japan. You have to ordered and get the exchange order before arrival. Your exchange order can be redeemed to JR Pass at JR Office in Japan. ( Detail on prices and information on JR Pass )

However, please take note that this pass does not covered the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. You need to purchase the additional Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket . Highly recommended to get this option ticket to save yourself the headache.

Money-Saving Transport Pass

Alternatively, we suggest you get the 5 Day JR Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass at ¥23,800. This Tourist Pass will give you unlimited ride between Nagoya to Toyama, as well as unlimited use on all transportation within the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route for 5 days. This is a perfect pass if you plan to explore the Chubu region and Alpine Route. The full route transport fee on Alpine route already costs you more than ¥15,000.

However, Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass is only valid for 5 days. We plan to stay longer in Takayama to participant in the Dokubori Matsuri festival. So we look for an alternative solution. The Alpine Route Pass (立山黒部アルペンきっぷ ) is similar to Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass but it has longer duration up to 8 days. There is some limitation of this pass. I will explain on this pass in the next travel post later.

During my Chubu Japan travel, we fully utilized the Alpine Route Pass to visited nearby popular attractions such as Tayama, Nagoya, and Kanazawa. It greatly saves on my transportation fee when traveling around the prefecture. The detail on my Chubu Travel Itinerary here .

Alpine Route Tours

Joining the Alpine Route Tours is another great option if you prefer for hassle-free travel. Many travel agencies are organized the Alpine Route Tour. You can travel conveniently without worry about transportation and ticketing processes. English speaking guides will explain the history and guide you to the best sight along the journey.

If you need more info about the Alpine Route Tour, take a look at the Klook Activities here:

• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Day Tour from Nagano
• 2D1N Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Snow Wall Tour from Tokyo

One Day Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Itinerary

Many locals and visitors will plan on 2 or 3 days itinerary through the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. There are various hiking and sightseeing activities can be done to explore the spectacular vista of Tateyama Mountain Range. But it is relatively straightforward to explore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route even within one day.

We did the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from west to east in 1-day trip. Our Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route itinerary started from Dentetsu Toyama from the early morning. At the end of the day, we rest our heads in Matsumoto. The whole journey took about 9 hours. So please make sure to start early and well plan on the itinerary.

The Complete Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route itinerary:

• Start the Alpine Route from Dentetsu-Toyama To Tateyama Station (60 minutes).
• Take the Cable car from Tateyama Station to Bijodaira (7 minutes).
• Tateyama Togen Highland Bus from Bijodaira to Murodo (50 minutes). Optional, take a short Hike at Midagahara Wetland.
• At Murodo Station, take a short stroll to Mikurigaike Pond and wandering around.
• Trolleybus from Murodo to Daikanbo station (10 min).
• Ride the Ropeway from Daikanbo to Kurobedaira (7 min).
• Cable car from Kurobedaira to Kurobe Dam (5 min).
• Wandering around in Kurobe Dam.
• Trolleybus from Kurobe Dam to Ogizawa (16 min).
• Bus from Ogizawa to Shinano-Omachi (40 min).
• Take the train from Shinano-Omachi to Matsumoto.

Sound confusing? Read through the below explanation and you’ll find out it is very easy to plan on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route itinerary.

Start From Dentetsu-Toyama To Tateyama Station

We reached Toyama city and stayed in the Comfort Hotel Toyama one day before our Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route started. It located less than 3 minutes walk to the Dentetsu-Toyama station (next to JR Toyama Station). The strategic location is very ideal as we need to depart from Toyama early. Most importantly, it also help to arrange our luggage bags to our hotel at Matsumoto.

We woke up in the early morning and check-out from the hotel. From Dentetsu-Toyama Station, we ride the Chitetsu Line and get off at Tateyama Station (1 hour). It is the start point of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

At Tateyama station, we exchange the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Pass . This pass will cover my whole transport service within the Alpine route.

We didn’t spend much time at Tateyama Station. Once after exchange the pass, we waited for the cable car ascend from Tateyama station to Bijodaira station. The 7 minutes ride cost 720 yen for one way fare without the pass.

Bijodaira is the best place for Tateyama cedar viewing or bird watching. The legendary and gigantic beautiful woman Cedar can be found in Bijodaira. You can spend some time strolling in the virgin forest. However, we spent no time in Bijodaira and proceed to wait for the bus to our next hiking destination.

Tateyama Togen Highland Bus runs between Bijodaira Station and Murodo. There are few stops along the way, including the Midagahara Wetlands and Tateyama Snow Corridor (spring). Approximately one kilometer of spectacular Snow Wall is open to pedestrian from mid of April until June.

We choose to have a short walk in Midagahara Wetlands. Please take note, different waiting lines for buses to Murodo and Midagahara: go-direct or stop midpoint.

Midagahara Wetlands

The Midagahara (弥陀ヶ原) is a popular hiking spot for its natural scenery in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. It is one of the largest alpine wetlands in Japan which lies at an altitude of 1900 m.

Friendly reminder : Please book your next departure bus at Midagahara Bus Stop when get down from Tateyama Tagen Highway Bus.

There are two loop walking trail and another one trail lead to Tateyama caldera viewpoint. We choose the short loop to walk through the vast wetland area. Wooden boardwalks were built to protect the wetland environment. The 1-km trail took us less than one hour to complete.

Related travel post : A Short Walk in Midagahara Wetland

Murodo: Highest Point in Alpine Route

Next, we boarded the coming highway bus on time and continue to Murodo. Gosh!!! Out of sudden, the scenery was changed from Autumn leaves into snowy white after one turn. We understand the weather can be very cold at the summit. But we did not expect winter snow during October.

Again, we were surprised by the cold weather. Murodo has recently received first snow probably a few days ago. It turns the area into a winter wonderland. Although we miss the chance to view the vibrant colors of fall foliage. The view in Murodo covered with snow was still very breathtaking.

We took the short stroll to Mikurigaike Pond and had some great time there. The weather was so cold outside and we decided to get the hot udon soup when back to Murodo station. The price was slightly expensive but reasonable at this popular tourist spot.

Continue Read : Murodo, Highest Point in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

From Murodo To Daikanbo

Next, we proceed to the Daikanbo with Trolleybus. It is an electric-powered buses transport travelers between Muroko to Daikanbo through the Mt Tateyama tunnel. The journey took about 10 minutes.

Daikanbo is a transfer station between the Tateyama Trolley Bus and the Tateyama Ropeway. This small station has an observation deck with great views of the mountains. But too bad, the fog was too thick and we couldn’t see anything from there. It much be very breathtaking when the sky is clear. We didn’t spend so much time in Daikanbo station and decided to proceed for the next destination by ropeway.

From Daikanbo to Kurobedaira, the ropeway ride provide 360-degree view on all side . This 1.7-kilometer-long ropeway is Japan’s longest one-span ropeway. It operate without any support between lower and lower and upper station. The 7 minutes ropeway ride will bring you to see the grand panoramic sights along the journey. Further down to lower elevation, the view started to change from snowy white into autumn foliage.

Take note, this ropeway ride is where you’ll usually encounter a bottleneck due to the limited number of passenger can be accommodating in one ride. So, normally it is long queues but line clear pretty fast. But expected longer waiting time during the Snow Wall Opening period.

Kurobedaira

The Kurobedaira (1828 m above sea level) is the transfer station between the Tateyama Ropeway and Kurobe Cablecar. After a few rounds of transfer, we decided to have some rest at Kurodebaira station.

Although there was still thick fog around, but the surrounding mountain scenery was very breathtaking. We took a lot of beautiful photos with the stunning Japanese Alps. The weather was still cold but much better at the Muroko.

Kurobedaira station also offers restaurants and souvenir shop for travelers. One of the signature snacks that you can try is the volcano ice cream in black color.

From Kurobedaira To Kurobeko

After a short break, we jumped on the Kurobe cable car from Kurobedaira to Kurobeko station. The Kurobe cablecar is Japan’s only underground cable car. It runs entirely inside the tunnel without impact by the snowfall. The journey takes about five minutes.

The Kurobe Dam is nearly the end of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. We spend about 2 hours and wandering around at Kurobe Dam. Our visit was the season for fall foliage. We had a beautiful view with autumn vibrant leaves on the scenic mountain together with Kurobe lake.

We cross the spectacular Kurobe Dam and admire the beauty of the dam along the walk.

Added, we wandering around and climbed up the 220 long flight of stairs to Observation Deck. It is the best place to view on Kurobe Dam from above. There is a rest house where you can take some rest and try on Dam curry.

Next, we proceed to take the Kanden tunnel electric bus to Ogizawa. From there, we transferred to the local bus and back to Shinano Omachi.

Once we reached Shinano Omachi, we were almost relieved from the transportation arrangement in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The JR Oita Line runs between Shinano-Omachi and Matsumoto with about one train per hour until about 10 pm. So we choose to dinner and try the Kurobe Dam Curry at one of the restaurant nearby station before proceeding to Matsumoto.

All in all, the full Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route took us about 9 hours. An early start from Toyama and end at Shinano Omachi in late evening. It was a full gear day and exhausted at the end of the day.

Teteyama Transportation Guide

Always, transportation is the biggest concern for most of the travelers for Alpine Route. But no worry. All the transport is incredibly well organized with signs in Japanese and English showing you the way at each station. So it is very easy even for non-Japanese travelers.

Don’t be confused by the variety of transport modes. It is simple and well connected along the journey. You may need to wait during the peak season, especially at the ropeway. But overall, we didn’t find it is difficult for us. The whole Alpine Route is divided into nine sections, each with different transport modes and walking distances.

Here is the full transport guide on Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

• Train from Dentetsu-Toyama To Tateyama (60 minutes, ¥620)
• Cable car from Tateyama to Bijodaira (7 minutes, ¥930)
• Option to stop at Midagahara
• Trolleybus from Murodo to Daikanbo (10 min)
• Ropeway from Daikanbo to Kurobedaira (7 min, ¥2200)
• Cable car from Kurobedaira to Kurobe Dam (5 min)
• Trolleybus from Kurobe Dam to Ogizawa (16 min, ¥790)
• Bus from Ogizawa to Shinano-Omachi (40 min, ¥1390)
• Local train/bus from Shinano-Omachi to Matsumoto/other destination

Planning Transport Along the Alpine Route

We stayed in Toyama and Matsumoto before and after the Alpine Route to ease on transport and luggage arrangement. Both places are very convenient and well connected with the JR train. We spend about half-day at each city to visit the city sights.

All in all, the full route of the Alpine route approximates cost about ¥12,000. The Alpine Route Pass greatly save us on the transportation fee. If your Chubu travel itinerary is similar to us, we highly recommended you to get one for this trip.

For JR Pass user, unfortunately, JR Pass is not covered for this route. But you can still get the discounted Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket to save on some money. 

Baggage Delivery

To ease your travel, there are baggage delivery services between Toyama and Shinano-Omachi Station . Dropped off and picked up places are Dentetsu Toyama train station and “Alps Roman Kan” in Shinano-Omachi Station. The dropped in is between 8:00 morning to 11:00 morning. No reservation required. Baggage forwarding tag will be given and you can pick up at designated place after 15:00 until 20:00.

Depending on the size and the location. The cost per bag can be up ¥3,000 for one way. It might be slightly expensive. But it worth the money as you can travel leisurely. Most importantly, no big baggage is permitted along the Alpine Route.

However, we would like to start our trip earlier so that we can spend more time on Alpine route without worrying about pick up time. After consideration, we choose to have our luggage delivered directly from the hotel to the next hotel stay. There is few hotel provided the luggage delivery service. All luggage delivery services are required to pay in advance for each luggage transported.

Where To Stay

The best place to stay while doing the Alpine Route is to stay at one of the hotels along the route. We stayed in Comfort Hotel Toyama before our way to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route adventure. It is conveniently located nearby the Toyama station within 3 minutes walking distance. Most importantly, it provides the baggage delivery service for Alpine Route. Charges depend on luggage size.

When we reached Matsumoto, we stayed in Ace Inn Matsumoto . It is a standard business hotel without anything to wow for. But the location is the big winning point. 

There are few hotels also doing the same delivery service. Check it out if you need to look for accommodation for the Alpine route.

– Daiwa Roynet Hotel Toyama-Ekimae (2-min walk to Toyama Station) – Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu (3-min bus trip from Toyama Station)

Accommodation in Alpine Route

The Alpine Route trip takes about 8 hours to complete the full route. If you prefer for more leisure travel or hiking, consider staying at the top. There are few accommodations available for your lovely stay in the mountain top. Please make sure to reserve earlier as it may run out especially peak season.

We recommended Hotel Tateyama which located at Murodo, the highest point of the Alpine Route. You stay featured with a marvelous mountainous scenic view. Spend time hiking, sightseeing or even enjoy Japan’s highest onsen (hot spring). Staying at the top of the mountain must be a unique experience.. ( Check Hotel Tateyama Rate here )

Another best traveler’s choice is Midagahara Hotel . It is one of the best places to stay in Alpine Route. You can spend time to explore the hiking trail in Midagahara area. Make sure to book for the half-board stay. Midagahara Hotel served the traditional Japanese and Western dinner for hotel guests. ( Check Midagahara Hotel rate )

Tateyama Alpine Route Travel Tips

If possible, please start earlier in the morning . The full route of Alpine route takes about 8 hours. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route is an extremely popular attraction among locals and foreigners. Don’t be surprised by tons of visitors come for the majestic snow corridor. Expected to wait for transport connection especially for the peak hour.

Delivery services are required as no big baggage is permitted along Alpine Route. You can drop off and picked up your luggage at the start point/endpoint of the Alpine route. While the cost of luggage delivery is not cheap. But it definitely worth the money. It is even ideal to stay in the hotel which can help to deliver your luggage to the next hotel stay.

Most people are travel to Alpine Route in one way, either from westbound or eastbound. Some people choose to travel on a round trip due to limited time. This is a popular option from Toyama to Murodo when the Snow Wall just opened. However, a round trip required higher fares, and JR Pass holder with discounted option ticket combined is not offered.

Various attractions and each station led to different natural. It is very easy to plan for a short or long hike along the Alpine route. But it is good to plan the length of the visit to each attraction . The last transport will end in the evening. It can be very troublesome if you fail to board the last transport. You can always refer to the website for the timetable.

Different waiting lines for direct and stop midpoint for Tateyama Togen Highland Bus which run between Bijodaira Station and Murodo. If you choose to stop halfway, for example, Midagahara Wetlands. Please make sure to book your next bus at the bus station . The bus won’t stop without reservation.

Do take note of the bus schedule especially the last bus leaves from Ogizawa to Shinano-Omachi or Nagano.

All in all, here is the summarised on Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Travel Tips:

• Start earlier in the morning
• No big luggage is permitted
• Trave in one way either from westbound or eastbound. A round trip required higher fares.
• Plan the length of visit at each attraction
• Take note on the bus schedule and waiting line

My Final Tateyama Kurobe Travel Tips

It takes about 6-7 hours pass through the Alpine Route for one way; either from Tateyama Station to Ogizawa Station or Ogizawa Station to Tateyama Station.

The Snow Corridor opening period is the best time and most popular to visit the Tateyama Alpine Route. It is only open for two months a year, starting from April with the highest and slowly melts until disappears in June.

Unfortunately, JR Pass does not include Alpine Route. But given the option to get the discounted ticket for a one-way Tateyama Kurobe (Alpine route) Option Ticket combined which cost an additional 9,800 yen.

Lastly, if you are visiting Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route during the Snow Wall Opening period , please expected a large crowd and the wait time can be longer. Many travelers from local and overseas are flocking into the Murodo Station for the magnificent Snow Corridor.

Alpine Route Transportation Pass

There are various Japan Travel Pass available for foreign visitors. Depend on your Japan itinerary. The Whole Japan JR Pass is a good option for those who plan to travel to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hokkaido. There are also JR East and JR West Pass if you love to explore the specific region.

Keep in mind that most of the JR Pass including JR East, JR West, or Whole Japan JR Pass is not include for Alpine Route. But travelers are giving the option to get the discounted ticket for a one way Tateyama Kurobe (Alpine route) Option Ticket combined . The Option Ticket cost an additional 9,800 yen. You need to pay for this option ticket instead of buying the ticket separately.

Travelers are planning to visit the Chubu region together Alpine route. The Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass ¥17,830 is the best transport pass for you. You can plan on travel on from either direction between Toyama and Nagano/Shinano-Omagi Station. This pass can easily be extended your trip to nearby attractions for your Chubu travel itinerary.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

A journey going up to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route was a spectacular journey. We experienced the snow at Muroko and Autumn foliage at Midagahara and grand Kurobe Dam. It was unique for experiencing both seasons within one day. The view was so breathtaking and I wish I could come for different seasons. Probably the majestic Snow Wall for my next visit.

We enjoy venturing our trip to the mountain scenery. It is a MUST VISIT if you are in the Chubu region. We highly recommend the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!

Last but not least, hopefully, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Travel Guide can give you some idea for your itinerary planning. Below are travel blog posts on Midagahara, Murodo, and Kurobe dam to explain more detail on each attraction.

• Complete Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Travel Guide + Itinerary)
• Midagahara: A Short Walk in Alpine Wetland
• Murodo: Highest Point in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Kurobe Dam: Must Visit Attraction in Alpine Route

Next, please feel free to read on my Chubu travel story to Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, and more:

• Nagoya Itinerary: A Guide For Things To Do in Nagoya
• Where To Stay in Nagoya: The Best Hotels and Areas
• Takayama Itinerary: What To Do and Eat in Takayama
• Where to Stay in Takayama: Best Hotel or Traditional Ryokan?
• Shirakawago Itinerary: A Walk Into Cultural Japan Village
• Kamikochi Itinerary: One Day Hike in Japan Alps
• Kanazawa Itinerary And Travel Guide: Things To Do in Kanazawa

Traveling within the Chubu region:

• Chubu Best Transport Pass: By Bus, Train, Self Driving
• Useful Tips on Renting Car in Japan

You Might Interested:

How To Travel From Osaka To Nagoya: Fastest & Cheapest

If you want to get from Osaka to Nagoya, or from Nagoya to Osaka, this...

Nagoya Itinerary: Budget Planning And Travel Guide Blog

Looking for how to plan for your Nagoya itinerary? This Nagoya travel blog will give...

Where To Stay in Takayama: Best Hotel or Ryokan?

Learn the best places to stay in this Where to Stay in Takayama guide. We’ve...

Where To Stay in Toyama: Best Hotels and Areas

In this accommodation guide, we will cover the best Toyama hotel options and areas to...

Ajikura Tengoku: Best Hida Beef in Takayama

Make sure visit Ajikura Tengoku for the best hida beef in Takayama. A well known...

Things To Do in Matsumoto Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Use this Matsumoto travel guide blog to plan your Matsumoto itinerary. It makes a great...

The Roof of Japan: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route & Snow Wall (Travel Guide)

by Aileen Adalid Japan , Natural Sights 36 comments

• Best Hotels in Macau: From Cheap to Luxury Accommodations and Places to Stay
• Best Hotels in Wellington, New Zealand: From Cheap to Luxury Accommodations and Places to Stay
• Henn na Hotel (変なホテル): Japan’s Unique Robot-Staffed Accommodations
• Best Hotels in Guam: From Cheap to Luxury Accommodations and Places to Stay
• Indonesian Food: Top 10 Must-Eat Local Dishes in Indonesia
• Best Hotels in Budapest, Hungary: From Cheap to Luxury Accommodations and Places to Stay
• 20 Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers: The Best Trip Destinations in the World (& The 5 Worst!)
• Chiang Mai Street Food: 10 Dishes You Must Try (Thailand)
• Geiranger Trollstigen National Tourist Route Road (Norway Travel Guide)
• 10 Instagram Spots in Busan, South Korea: Top Photo Locations for Your Feed!

If you’re up for incredible and unique nature activities in Japan, it’s a MUST to visit the stunning mountain sightseeing route called Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route ( Arupen Ruto) . This 90km route that’s commonly referred to as the “Roof of Japan” goes through the lush scenery of Mt. Tateyama in the Northern Japan Alps as it spans from Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture, up to Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture.

Since its opening in 1971, the path comprises of several stops or stations — with Murodo Station as the highest at 2,450 meters high — and they can be traversed on various different vehicles such as buses, cable cars, and ropeways.

A lot of people actually go through Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route for days during its opening season (mid-April to November) as they enjoy the spectacular vistas of the Tateyama Mountain Range which is a part of the Chubu Sanguku National Park in Japan.

In fact, all throughout the year’s seasons, there are various hiking and sightseeing activities that can be done; however… when I made a grand tour of the Chubu region earlier this year, I only had a day left to explore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route so I ended up going on a quick adventure.

Basically, I started from Tateyama Station and then up to Shinano-Omachi Station in just 5 hours as I made sure to see the route’s following top 3 highlights!

» READ: – Japan Itinerary – Chubu Itinerary

Table of Contents

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Want to join a guided tour to Tateyama?

You can join the following trips below: – Day tour to Tateyama Alpine Route from Kanazawa or Nagoya – 2-Day tour to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Tokyo

» Snow Wall / Corridor (Yuki-no-Otani)

As the highest point on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Murodo Station features a lot of fantastic activities and views. One of the most-known attractions that it has would be the Snow Wall or Yuki-no-Otani which opens from mid-April to mid-June after months of heavy snowfall. (Doesn’t it remind you of ‘The Wall’ from Game of Thrones…?)

TRIVIA: Tateyama experiences one of the heaviest snowfalls worldwide! On average, there are about 7 meters (or 23 feet) of snow that accumulates every year, but in the area near the wall, there are times that up to 20 meters (65.6 feet) would accumulate because of snowdrifts! To expel this heavy snow, this famous ‘Snow Wall’ was then born.

Running from Bijodaira to Murodo, you will you first witness the 1km passage of the Snow Wall in the bus. Once you get off at the Murodo Bus Terminal, there is approximately a 500-meter-long section of the road where you can walk along the walls of snow and take wondrous photos!

I visited here during the last day when the Snow Wall corridor walk was still open (June 22 on 2017) and the walls were about 12-meters high. At that height, I was already in utter awe of its beauty; so you could just imagine, if you were to visit earlier in April, you will get to witness it in its full glory! Though, if you visit late in June, the crowd is a lot less.

• OPENING TIME : Mid-April to mid or late June (for accurate opening and closing times of the Snow Wall, check this website .)
• OTHER THINGS TO DO AT MURODO STATION: During late autumn and spring, aside from the Snow Wall, you can enjoy sledding around some areas near the station, as well as visit Mikurigaike which is a crater lake of the Tateyama volcano. In summer and early winter, you can enjoy the surrounding network of hiking trails that have varying levels of difficulty. (In winter, Murodo is not accessible due to heavy snow). For a complete list of things to do in Murodo , see website .
• DIRECTIONS: From Dentetsu Toyama Station, it takes 2.5hours to get to Murodo via a train, a cable car, and a bus (total of ¥3,500). Alternatively, if coming from the other side’s Shinano-Omachi Station, it takes 2.5hours too but with a total cost of ¥7,000 via several buses, a cable car and a ropeway. To get the best deal on transportation costs, I highly suggest that you just buy the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass (more info on this at the latter part of this article).

– – –

» Tateyama Ropeway

Tateyama Ropeway is a cable car that connects the stations of Daikanbo and Kurobedaira for ¥1,300 one way. It is said that this one of the most unique cable cars because it is the only one in Japan that operates without any support towers for a span of 1.7 kilometers.

Riding this ropeway will only take 7 minutes but the grand panoramic sights that you will see around you as you go down will (not to mention the slight thrill!) will make you feel as if you’ve been treated to a long show filled with majestic views.

• OPENING: Closed from December to mid-April. It’s best to come here either during autumn or when the snow covers the alpine route to enjoy the best views possible.
• DIRECTIONS: If you don’t plan to go through the whole alpine route and opt to just visit this ropeway, you need to go to Shinano-Omachi Station on JR East Oito Line. Next, take the bus from Oigazawa Station to Kurobe Dam Station where you can walk to Kurobeko Station and head to Kurobedaira Station. Alternatively, if you want to explore all of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, get the best deal on transportation costs by buying the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass (more info on this at the latter part of this article).

» Kurobe Dam

This place is near the end of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and it’s quite a sight to be seen given that it is the tallest dam in Japan at 186 meters. And if you visit from late June to mid-October, you can get to witness the dam discharging a spectacular amount of water (about 10 tons every second)!

According to history, the Kurobe Dam was built across Kurobe Lake for over 7 years; by the time it was completed in 1963, over 171 people have lost their loves due to some problems along the way. Today, it supports a hydropower plant that supplies electricity to the Kansai Region in Japan. Some of the other attractions around the dam are:

• Dam Observation Deck: located at the eastern end of the dam is a steep long flight of stairs (about 220 steps) wherein you can reach a concrete slope that offers the best view of the dam and its surrounding terrain.
• Monument to Workers: this is a monument by the side of the dam which is dedicated to the 171 workers who lost their lives during the construction of the dam.
• Kurobe Cruise Ship ( Garube): from early June to early November, you can ride this boat for about 30 minutes as you enjoy the scenery of the Alps and of the Lake Kurobe. Due to its location, this is the highest sailing boat in Japan (at 1,448m above sea level).
• OPENING: Closed from December to mid-April. It’s best to come here either during autumn or when the snow covers the alpine route to enjoy the best views possible.st views possible.
• DIRECTIONS: If you don’t plan to go through the whole alpine route and opt to just visit this dam, you need to go to Shinano-Omachi Station on JR East Oito Line. Next, take the bus from Oigazawa Station to Kurobe Dam Station. This whole trip will cost about ¥3,000 (for a total of about 1.5hours). Alternatively, if you want to explore all of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, get the best deal on transportation costs by buying the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass (more info on this at the latter part of this article).

» Other Activities to Do Per Season

Spring (may to june).

During Spring, the whole of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is covered in snow. Aside from the Snow Wall that I already mentioned above, one of the things you could do here is to walk on the snow fields especially around Murodo.

I’ve been told that around this time, you might be able to catch sight of a white Alpine ptarmigan , a kind of bird that is referred to as “messengers of God” — because the Japanese believe that if you see a ptarmigan, it will bring you happiness. (Best time to spot them is from late May to June especially in the area around Mikurigaike pond).

Summer (July to Mid-September)

If you’re looking to do hiking, walks, climbing, and sightseeing, summer would be the best time to visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route! Aside from witnessing the water discharge on Kurobe Dam, you could also witness beautiful carpets of alpine flowers in the surrounding landscapes.

Up in Murodo, there can still be some snow up until July; after that, you can enjoy easy trails (such as going around the Mikurigaike pond) and challenging hikes (such as climbing the summit of Mount Tateyama ) around the area.

Autumn (Late-September to November)

The leaves slowly turn into warmer tones at the end of September and this beautiful change first starts at the higher areas. This will take about 6 weeks until the color changes reach the end of the mountain slopes (around late October to early November).

If you’re lucky, you can witness greener leaves at the foot of the mountain, autumn leaves in the middle of the route, and then white plains of snow at the top! (Like I mentioned before, the Tateyama Ropeway is a great place for watching the season’s foliage.)

. “New Snow”: Most of the time, the first snow of the year already falls in Murodo by September, but then it will melt straight away. It is only around early or mid-November that the snow stays and where you can enjoy a blinding white wonderland! To see this, it’s best to go into the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from the side of Shinano-Omachi station because due to the weather, service is often suspended from Bijodaira Station to Murodo Station.

Winter (December to Mid-April)

The whole of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is closed during wintertime. To know more info about the whole alpine route, go to https://www.alpen-route.com/en/

» Side Trips & Attractions

The following is a list of attractions that are near Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in Chubu region:

• Kurobe Gorge: this is a sightseeing train that will take you through Japan’s steepest gorge.
• Shirakawa-go and Gokayama UNESCO villages : protected historic villages that are famous for their gassho-zukuri style farmhouses.
• Takayama City : lauded as the ‘Little Kyoto of Hida’, this charming old town will delight you at every turn.
• Matsumoto City : the city where one of Japan’s most beautiful castles is found.
• Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park: a unique place where you can find wild “Snow Moneys” bathing in an onsen (hot springs).
• …and more!

» READ: An Ideal 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Some of Chubu or Central Japan’s Best!

Tateyama Travel Guide

» how to get to tateyama kurobe alpine route.

From  Toyama  city, go to  Dentetsu-Toyama  Station. Ride the  Chitetsu  Line and get off at  Tateyama  Station (which is the start of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route).

To get to  Toyama  city from  Tokyo , ride the JR  Hokuriku Shinkansen  which takes about 2 hours. You’ll get to ride this train for FREE if you have a  JR pass .

Personally, I would highly recommend that you buy the  Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto  Area Tourist Pass  for ¥17,500 which gives you unlimited rides on JR express trains between Nagoya to Toyama, as well as unlimited use on all transportation within the  Tateyama Kurobe  Alpine Route for 5 days — which then makes it the  PERFECT  pass for exploring the region that the alpine route is in which is  Chubu . ( If you want a detailed itinerary for exploring the area, see  here ).

If you need further help, just use the directions feature in  Google Maps  — I find this as a very helpful tool if I want to reach a certain place from a particular location. However, Google Maps doesn’t work offline if you want routes or transportation schedules, so I recommend that you get a  pocket WiFi  or a  SIM Card  to stay connected online.

» Where to Stay (Toyama Accommodations)

Budget :  Toyoko Inn Toyama Ekimae  /  Mid-Range :  Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu  /  Luxury :  River Retreat Garaku

To search for other hotel accommodation options at the best prices, I suggest cross-checking hotel prices between  Agoda  and  Booking.com . But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments, you should search through AirBnB .

» Safety in Japan

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world with very low crime rates. I have been traveling solo to this country many times now and I have never felt unsafe even in the late hours of the night — however , this is NO excuse to get too complacent. ‘Little crime’ does not mean ‘no crime’, so stay vigilant and be “street smart” by using your common sense at all times.

Nevertheless, the Japanese people are one of the kindest and most respectful people I have ever met, so solo travelers don’t have much to worry in this amazing country.

• HOW TO: Find the right travel insurance for you

» Visa for Japan

If you’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s  exempted countries , you are then required to avail a visa beforehand. (If you’re from the Philippines, you can read my guide on how to get a  Japan visa  in Manila  here .)

• Check full visa requirements here as per your nationality.

» Helpful Japanese Phrases

Japan may be one of the most developed countries in the world, but a lot of the locals don’t speak English. However, this should not discourage you from traveling to this country because apart from the fact that there are a lot of translation apps that will help you understand and speak Japanese, a lot of the locals are also making the effort to learn and use the English language.

• RELATED READ: Best translation apps for travel

Anyhow, below are some helpful Japanese phrases that will help you along the way! And even if you do encounter a Japanese who can speak English, it doesn’t hurt to say a word or two in their language.

Hello: Konnichiwa ( Kohn-nee-chee-wah ) Thank you (normal): Arigatō. ( Ah-REE-gah-tohh ) Thank you (less formal): Arigatō gozaimas  (Ah-REE-gah-tohh goh-zahy-mahs) Thank you (informal): Dōmo  (DOHH-moh) Yes: Hai  (Hai) No: Iie  (E-eh) Goodbye (long term): Sayōnara  (Sah-yohh-nah-rah) Goodbye (informal): Ja ne  (Jahh neh)

Excuse me: Sumimasen  (Soo-mee-mah-SEN) I’m sorry: Gomen nasai  (Goh-men-nah-sahy) Is there someone here who speaks English?: Dareka eigo ga hanasemasu ka?  (Dah-reh-kah ey-goh gah hah-nah-seh-mahs kah?) Help!: Tasukete!  (Tahs-keh-teh!) Cheers!: Kanpai! ( Kan-pie!)

Going up to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route was a spectacular journey — after all, every station led me to a different natural wonder that surely took my breath away! I would love to visit this route every season because of how it offers various unique sights and activities at different times of the year.

All in all, from its majestic Snow Wall up to the grand Kurobe Dam, venturing out to this mountain scenery is an absolute MUST when you’re in Japan’s Chubu region!

Have you seen my latest vlog?

Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid. At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful  digital nomad  (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission?  To show you how it is absolutely possible to  create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

Follow Along

CURRENTLY BASED IN: The Philippines

• 100k Followers
• 51k Followers
• 80k Followers
• 10k Followers
• 23.1k Followers

Join over 1 million readers worldwide and get my FREE packing checklist, gain exclusive access to travel giveaways and more!

Success! Next, please check your email to confirm your subscription.

GET FREE PRINTABLE NOW!

Trending Now

Korean visa application requirements for filipino tourists in manila, philippines (single / multiple entry).

Make your South Korea travel dreams come true and get a single or multiple South Korean visa in Manila, Philippines!

Top 10 Things to Do on a Trip to South America

South America is one of the most diverse continents — full of natural wonders and fascinating cultures. Join us as we explore the top 10 things to do.

Top 10 Things to Do for Your First Tibet Travel

Make the most of your Tibet travel with these top 10 must-do activities, from exploring ancient monasteries to trekking mountains!

Geisha of Japan: Understanding the Facts, History & Myths

Japan’s geisha are cloaked in mystery & secrecy resulting in a number of false ideas about them — so let’s get the facts straight!

Maximizing Your Miles: Unlock Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks & Tips

Start traveling smart! Take note of these travel hacks that will help you in maximizing your miles or do points hacking.

Latest Posts

Learn Today

How to start a successful blog, 36 comments.

This place actually looks like paradise the route between the alps I really wanted to visit Japan. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful article with the readers.

Hello Aileen,

Can I perhaps just cover the snow wall and the kurobe dam only? Im going there in this coming June. Can you perhaps give me some information on how to go to snow wall and the Kurobe dam. It’s quite confusing to me since they have 2 lines train.

Yes you can! You can just ride through the trains until you reach those points :) You can find the maps above showing the routes. You can choose to enter from Toyama Station or Omachi Station (other side). All routes pass through Kurobe Dam (Kurobeko Station) and Snow Wall (Murodo Station).

We are actually planning to go there when we fly to Japan for vacation. Would you recommend this place appropriate or good when you have kids and babies with you? Hope you read this.

Hey Nina! It should be a great place for kids and babies since everything is well connected (and also safe). Hope you get to include this in your itinerary!

Hi! Is it possible to do just the Snow Wall walk and skip the rest like the dam? Your advice is very much appreciated.

Hey K! Yes, that’s possible :)

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Be notified of follow-up comments by email

Be notified of new posts by email

Submit Comment

Pin It on Pinterest

TATECO – a site for Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route tour guides

Tour search.

Show 27 Tours

TATEYAMA MURODO WALKING TOUR

Truly memorable tateyama kurobe alpine route, snow shoeing tour in murodo, "knowing the snow in tateyama" murododaira guided tour, the story of water and ice as told by the yuki-no-otani, one day tateyama alpine route tour -tateyama-kurobe dam, bijyodaira trail guided tour, tateyama snow paradise, murodo walking tour, tateyama midagahara walking tour, climbing oyama (mt.tateyama), great snow wall walking and snowshoeing/snow walking in murodo, shomyo fall walking tour, stay at "taira no hut" and enjoy a mountain stream fishing tour, okudainichidake day tour, one-day mt.oyama climbing tour, oyama sunrise climbing and murodo stroll, goshikigahara tour where alpine plants are in full bloom, ・murodo walk 　　「 enjoy the nature of tateyama 」 　　　　（english・japanese）, ・midagahara and murodo walk （english /japanese）　 　　　, difficulty level stamina level.

• Easy walking level. Participants can tour in sneakers (flat shoes). The course is well-maintained and good for families. Walking around Murodo
• Duration: 3 hours. Hiking course level. Experience light hiking with uphill incline. This course can be done while wearing light layers. Trekking shoes required. Mt. Murodo
• Duration: 6 hours. Beginner course for trekking. Good for those who wish to start mountain climbing. The top of Oyama is 3000 meters above sea level. It is necessary for participants to prepare full equipment and gear, including hiking boots. Mt. Oyama
• Duration: 8 hours. This course requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and stamina. It is possible to do in a day and return to Murodo. It is necessary for participants to prepare full equipment and gear, including hiking boots. Mt. Okudainichi Glacier Viewing
• Duration: 2 days, 1 night stay in mountain hut. This course requires a good level of physical fitness and stamina. Participants must be careful of altitude sickness due to elevation of around 2800 to 3000 meters above sea level. Traversing the three peaks of Tateyama Round trip between Murodo and Goshikigahara
• Duration: 2 to 3 days. This course requires a high level of physical fitness and stamina. There are multiple rocky and/or hazardous areas and places where using chains is required. Previous trekking experience is mandatory. We may check your physical fitness, stamina and mountain technique in advance. Mt. Tsurugi

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of the most attractive sites in Toyama Prefecture and the whole of Japan. It is a touristic mountain road that crosses the Northern Alps, with mountains of a 3000-meter altitude, connecting Tateyama City ( Toyama Prefecture ) and Omachi city ( Nagano Prefecture ).

We can cross these mountains by 5 modes of transportation: bus, cable car, funicular, trolleybus, and on foot. The climbing road of a 1975-meter altitude is only about 25km long. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Road is open to tourists from mid-April to the end of November .

History of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

The road was opened in 1971. Eight years earlier, the highest dam in Japan had been built on this mountain range. It is called the Kurobe Dam (or Kurobe Fourth Dam). The reason for building the dam was a shortage of electricity; Japan had to build power plants to meet the demand caused by strong economic growth after WW2. They built the dam in the mountains so they could use the abundant meltwater streaming from the high mountains to generate energy .

The construction started on the side of Nagano Prefecture, Omachi, in 1956, and several problems such as groundwater and sediment runoff had to be solved first. More than 10 million people were mobilized and it was only 7 years later, in 1963, that the work was completed. This great post-war construction project went down in history as the “greatest project of the century”. Unfortunately, during these 7 years of work, 171 people lost their lives because of the dangerous working conditions.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Stations

Most of the road is located in the Chubu National Park-Sangaku (中部山岳国立公園), and visiting by private car is prohibited. So in order to cross the road, you have to use a different mode of transportation. These sites are not to be missed on the way from Ogisawa station (Nagano side):

Ogisawa (扇沢) ～ Kurobe Dam (黒部ダム) : The starting point on the side of Nagano Prefecture is Ogisawa Station, located at a 1433m altitude. The first means of transportation is the electric bus which passes under the Kanden tunnel and after 16 min, we reach the Kurobe Dam station. Kurobe Dam is located at 1470 m above sea level.

This dam has several records such as having the world’s largest water storage capacity at 200 million m3 and being the highest arch dam in Japan with a height of 186m. There are several terraces from which you can make beautiful pictures with the Japanese Alps in the background, and you can also make a short boat cruise of 30 min in the lake. On the dam itself, you can walk and feel the power of the water and continue to the funicular station.

Kurobe Dam (黒部ダム) ～ Kurobe Daira (黒部平) : From Kurobe Dam station to Kurobe Daira, you have to take the funicular for about 5 min. The funicular ascends a steep slope with an altitude difference of about 400 meters and a maximum slope of 31 degrees. For the protection of the environment and the snow, the funicular is built underground. Kurobe Daira station is located at 1828m above sea level. Right next to the station building there is a small garden from which you can enjoy an impressive view of the mountain range of Tateyama (立山連峰).

Continuing the Route

Kurobe Daira (黒部平) ～ Daikanbo (大観峰) : After enjoying the Tateyama mountain range from Kurobe Daira, you continue on and take the cable car. This takes about 7 min from Kurobe Daira station to Daikanbo. It is like an aerial walk with a magnificent view of the Kurobe valley and Kurobe lake. The difference in altitude is 488m and the cable car covers a distance of 1.7km.

Daikanbo (大観峰) ～ Murodo (室堂) : You continue on to Murodo, the station located at the highest altitude on the Alpine road of Tateyama Kurobe, by taking the trolleybus for about 10 minutes. By the way, the trolleybus is powered by electricity so it is considered as a ‘train’, making it the train that rides at the highest altitude in Japan at 2450m. The tunnel of this trolleybus pierces the Tateyama mountain of 3015m high.

At the terminal of Murodo, a hotel and also several inns welcome the visitors. As there are several hiking trails around Murodo, it is a great spot to enjoy the great nature of the Japanese Alps by staying in one of the hostels. The Murodo terminal is located at 2450m above sea level, on Honshu Island (the main island of Japan), this is where autumn arrives the earliest and the change of leaf colors starts as early as September.

Last Part of the Route

At a 5-minute walk from Murodo terminal, there is a pond called Mikuri-ga-ike (みくりが池).  It was formed about 10,000 years ago by volcanic activity. Many tourists visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Road to see the snow walls. The snow starts to fall in Murodo from mid-October and it is known as a region of heavy snowfall. Between mid-April and the end of June, about 500 m from the terminal of Murodo, the bus road is reserved for pedestrians to observe the snow walls which can be more than 20m high!

Murodo (室堂) ～ Bijo Daira (美女平) : To not take the same road from Murodo, you can go down to Tateyama. From the terminal of Murodo, you can take the bus for about 50 minutes. As the bus travels outside, you can enjoy the landscape and the great mountainous nature. Between Murodo and Bijo Daira, there are several hiking routes, so you can get off the bus halfway (it is advised to pay attention to the leaving time of the last bus). The bus travels on a road with an altitude difference of 1500m, and Bijo Daira station is located at 977 m of altitude.

Bijo Daira (美女平) ～ Tateyama (立山) : You will then reach the last station, Tateyama station. Here you can take the funicular that runs on a path with a difference in altitude of 500 meters. This funicular was used to transport the materials necessary for the construction of the Kurobe Dam, so at the end of the wagon, there is a dedicated place for the materials.

My Experience on the Route

I had the opportunity to visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Road on October 22, 2020. I always had an image of the Alpine road including the snow walls, but last summer I saw a poster of the road during autumn. So I decided to go see the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Road in autumn for its wonderful colors.

Unfortunately, it turned out that this year autumn arrived a little early compared to the previous years: at the Kurobe dam, it was the right time but in Daikanbo and especially Murodo, it was a little late.

During normal times, because many Japanese and also foreign tourists visit this area, the wait is pretty long for each change of means of transportation. But this year there were no foreign tourists and very few Japanese tourists. Because of this, we had no waiting time at all and we were able to visit every stop within half a day.

I had already visited many places in Japan thanks to my work as a tour guide, but I was really surprised by the nature and the beauty of the mountains in this region. I would definitely like to come back here to see another season!

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Check out our group tours and private tours , or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Information

Access to Toyama Station (JR) : Take Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. It takes about 2 hours by the fastest shinkansen Kagayaki. Ticket price : from Toyama to Nagano: 21,210 yen for adults / 10,620 yen for elementary school students Operation period : From mid-April to late November

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Map

Recommended Articles

🚌 Current Bus Operation Status (Automated Translation)

[Route & Timetable] Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

• Route & Timetable
• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

A breathtaking and unique road surrounded by walls of snow

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route passes through the Northern Japanese Alps and is famous for its giant walls made of snow, which reach up to 20 metres high. Visitors can walk through the route from mid-April to May, depending on the weather condition. When in the area, a ride with Takayama Ropeway is also recommended to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Japanese Alps.

Express Bus

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route: Walk On the ‘Roof of Japan’ on a Guided Tour

Based in Nagano, we offer two group tours to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route from April until November with the option of arranging a private tour or charter to one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes. As soon as the Alpine Route opens to the public our tours begin with:

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.

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 Tate.

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 colours, 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 to 19:00.

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. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks , allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort. 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 below or contact us and let’s get planning together!

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Recommended Highlights

Experience One of Japan’s Most Dramatic Landscapes

The Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe

Hiking One of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains

Walk on the 'Roof of Japan' on a Guided Tour

News / Info

How to Get to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Transports of the Alpine Route

Seasons & Preparing for Your Visit

25 Things to Do & Where to Stay

Nearby Recommendations

Shomyo Falls

Kurobe Gorge Railway

Views of the Tateyema Mountains

Toyama Bay Seafood

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route: Walk On the 'Roof of Japan' on a Guided Tour Adult: JPY26,000 / Child: JPY19,800

BOOK A TOUR

• H.I.S. Inbound Website
• CAD CA$ Canadian Dollar
• CNY CN¥ CNY Chinese Renminbi
• FJD FJ$ Fiji Dollar
• GBP £ Pound Sterling
• HKD HK$ Hong Kong Dollar
• IDR Rp Rupiah
• INR Indian Rupee
• KRW ₩ South Korean Won
• MOP P Pataca
• MYR RM Malaysian Ringgit
• NZD NZ$ New Zealand Dollar
• PHP Philippine Peso
• SGD S$ Singapore Dollar
• TWD NT$ Taiwan Dollar
• USD USD$ US Dollar

Embark on a thrilling journey through the breathtaking Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Gorge Torokko Electric Railway and enjoy the Onsen in Ryokan Entaijiso. Join a fun two-day tour to explore top tourist spots

Group of 2 people

Single traveller on 16may, the highlight.

• Enjoy the magnificent nature and spectacular views! Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• A striking wall of snow! Walking in Snowy Valley and Panorama Road
• Kurobe Gorge Railroad, a trolley train through the wilderness

The Experience

Enjoy the magnificent nature and spectacular views! Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route One of the most well-known mountain tourist routes in the world, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route passes through the Northern Alps, a mountain range with peaks rising to a height of 3,000 meters. The total length of the tour is 37.2 km, which is covered by six different vehicles. On this tour you can travel light and worry-free about making difficult connections because you will have an escort with you. You can even leave your bulky luggage on the bus.

A striking wall of snow! Walking in Snowy Valley and Panorama Road Experience the "Snowy Valley Walk" in Murodo, the highest point of the Alpine Route! You will enjoy it during your own walk. Murodo, at an elevation of 2,450 meters, is a particularly heavy snowfall area, and "Yuki-no-Otani" is a 15 to 20 meter-high wall of snow created when the road is cleared of snow. The "Panorama Road," a silver world spreading out on the other side of the wall, is also a spectacular view that can only be seen during this season! Please come and experience the magnificent nature. The height of the valley changes from year to year and also during the period of the festival. 【Snowy Valley Walk Period: April 15 - June 25, 2024 (tentative)】 Kurobe Gorge Railroad, a trolley train through the wilderness The Kurobe Gorge Railway runs through the Kurobe Gorge, which forms a steep and deep V-shaped gorge. Experience the untouched nature by trolley car! In April and May, you can enjoy the spectacular spring scenery such as lingering snow and fresh greenery near the top of the mountain and in the valley.

Unazuki Onsen Entaiji-so 【Meal】Dinner: Japanese-style dinner Breakfast: Buffet 【Room】No room assignment (Japanese style room or Western style room or Japanese/Western style room, to be determined on the day) <With toilet>

※All rooms will be non-smoking from April 2024. If you wish to smoke, please use the designated smoking area. ※There may be no bath in your room (only the shower). Please use the large bathroom.

■ If the train name is not confirmed at the time of reservation, you will be notified of the confirmed train name and departure time by e-mail at least 14 days prior to departure. Please be sure to confirm this information. ■ Applications for this tour must be received by 5:00 p.m. 7 days prior to departure. ■ Please wear comfortable walking clothes and comfortable shoes. ■ The meal menu is subject to change depending on availability. ■ Depending on the hotel's operating conditions and reservations, you may be asked to change to a hotel of the same class within Unazuki Onsen.

Guide Services

Languages spoken by guides.

• Include: Dinner
• Entaiji-so (leave luggage at hotel and depart) *You will not be allowed to enter your room before check-in time. We will leave immediately after you check in your luggage.
• Unazuki Station
• Kurobe Gorge Railway: Take a trip through the forest on a trolley train.
• Kurobe Gorge Railway
• Unazuki Onsen [Overnight stay at Entaiji-so] (Enjoy the hot spring water for beautiful skin at a long-established onsen ryokan overlooking the Kurobe Gorge. Enjoy a dinner of kaiseki cuisine featuring the delicacies of Toyama.)
• Include: Breakfast
• AM: Unazuki Onsen
• Tateyama Station～＜Tateyama Cable Car>
• Bijyodaira Station - <Tateyama Kogen Bus>.
• Murodo Station <Limited time "Yuki-no-Otani Walk" is being held! Walk on your own, lunch on your own / about 1 hr. 20 min.>
• Go to Daikanbo station by ＜Tateyama Tunnel Trolleybus>
• Daikanbo Station～＜Tateyama Ropeway>
• Kurobedaira Station～＜Kurobe Cable Car>
• From Kurobeko Station walk to Kurobe Dam Station
• Using Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus to move to Ogizawa station
• PM: Turn back from Matsumoto station <Express Azusa, ordinary car reserved seat>.
• Hachiōji Station
• achikawa Station
• Shinjuku station (Arriving between 21:00 and 22:45)

Price Details

• Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at the designated location.

Purchase Notice

【About Kurobe Gorge Railway】 ■ Departure on 4/24 will be a return trip between Unazuki Station and Sasadaira Station. It will not go to Kanetsuri Station. ■ Please note that the ride section may be changed due to weather conditions or other reasons. ■ The trolley car has no windows. In case of rain, please bring rain gear such as a kappa.

【About Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route】 ■ Departure time from the hotel on the second day will vary depending on the reservation time of the Alpine Route. (Departure from the hotel between 7:00 and 10:00 / Answer on the day) Please note that the arrival time of the hotel on the second night will also depend on the reservation time of the Alpine Route. ■ The Alpine Route may be closed due to inclement weather or other reasons, making it impossible to pass through the route. In such cases, we will refund the amount equivalent to the Alpine Route fare, but please note that this will not apply if the fare is used for an alternative plan, etc. ■ The Snowy Valley Walk will take place in Murodo on the Alpine Route. Upon arrival at Murodo Station, participants will be free to explore the area on their own. ■ Please note that the height of the Snow Valley changes from year to year and also fluctuates during the period. ■ Temperatures in the Murodo area can drop below freezing. Please dress warmly and wear comfortable waterproof walking shoes. Also, please bring sunglasses as the snow in Murodo is very illuminating. ■ The Snow Valley Walk may be cancelled due to inclement weather or other reasons. No refunds will be made in such cases. ■ The duration of the Yuki-no-Otani Walk is subject to change. ■ Luggage can be checked in on the bus, but passengers are responsible for managing their own valuables. ■Kurobe Dam's sightseeing water release will start on June 26. ■ This tour is a Japanese tour but foreign visitors are also welcome to join. In such cases, an English Speaking Assistant will accompany the tour but please note that the assistant will not provide guided explanations. This is not a private tour, you will enjoy the tour with other guests. We might cancel the tour if we do not have at least 20 participants by 14 days before the scheduled departure. Drinking alcohol on the bus is prohibited. Please note that odd-numbered groups will, in principle, share seats on the bus The order of the itinerary may be partially changed. ■You cannot leave the tour midway through this tour.

Important Booking Information

■ No advance issuance of boarding passes or express tickets. They will be provided by the on-site attendant on the day of departure. The transportation expenses from the designated train boarding station to the destination station to your home will be at your expense. ■ After the scheduled departure time, departure will be at the discretion of our staff, so please strictly adhere to the assembly time. Please note that in the event of any delay in boarding for any reason, alternative transportation costs will be at your expense, and no refunds will be issued. Additionally, arrangements for alternative transportation will be the responsibility of the customer.

■ The itinerary and schedule may change due to transportation delays, road conditions, weather conditions, etc. Furthermore, the itinerary may be reversed, the order of sightseeing may change, or certain stops may be omitted depending on the road conditions on the day. ■ Unless otherwise specified, trains will have reserved seats in regular cars. ■ In the event of delayed arrival, and if taxi usage or the need for accommodation arises, we will not be responsible for any associated costs. ■ Depending on the number of participants, a medium-sized or small bus may be used. ■ Buses do not have restroom facilities. ■ Smoking is prohibited on trains and buses. Reclining is generally not allowed (except for some courses). ■ Seat assignments on trains and buses will be determined by our company. Due to the use of group tickets for trains, we cannot accommodate preferences for window side or aisle side seats. Also, even if you apply for two or more people, you may not be seated together. ■ In emergencies, etc., you may be seated with the attendant. ■ Entrance fees included in the tour price may differ from the publicly displayed prices. There will be no refund or additional charges compared to the publicly displayed prices after the tour departure. ■ Requests for seat preferences, hotel smoking or non-smoking preferences, and allergy requests may not be accommodated. We may inform you and decline such requests in advance. ■ If the number of participants is not met or in cases of force majeure such as disasters or accidents preventing operation, we may request changes or cancellations starting 14 days before the scheduled travel start date. ■ The menu for meals may change depending on the facility's procurement. ■ Information about trains, hotels, etc., may change without notice. ■ If you do not use options included in benefits or other plans, no refunds or similar arrangements will be made. ■ The storage period for lost items is two weeks after the end of your trip. However, perishable items such as food will be disposed of immediately. Please understand in advance. ■ Please refrain from participating with pets. ■ If you make a reservation via the internet, all information will be sent to you via email. There will be no postal mail. ■ If you have a medical history or are pregnant, please consult with a doctor before participating.

＜For passengers who wish to stop at a stopover point> This course is available only on the outward journey at Ueno and Omiya Stations. Please make a request at the time of reservation. For intermediate stops, passengers are required to purchase an admission ticket at the boarding station and go to the departure platform. The cost of the admission ticket is to be borne by the passenger. ※The return trip will be on the Azusa limited express train and will "return to Shinjuku Station. Please note that the train will not stop at Ueno, Omiya, or Tokyo Stations. ※It is possible to make a stopover at Hachioji Station and Tachikawa Station on the Azusa Limited Express train. If you wish to make a stopover, please apply for the number of passengers from Optional.(No change in trip price) If no option is selected, the tour will stop at Shinjuku Station. ※The tour conductor will call the representative at least one day prior to departure to inform him or her of the boarding procedure. ※No refunds or discounts will be given for intermediate stops/stops. ※Please select the same departure and arrival station for each group. If you would like to select different departure/departure stations for your group, please fill in the "Notification" field when you apply. ※Changes of origin or destination are not permitted after the 20th day prior to the start of the trip. If you change the origin or destination after making a reservation, please reapply after cancellation.（(If the procedure is to be performed during a period when cancellation fees are charged, a separate cancellation fee will be required as specified.)

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation made at least 21 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
• Cancel during 8 ~ 20 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
• Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
• Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
• Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)

Destination Info

Alpine route, kurobe gorge railway & unazuki onsen 2-day tour from tokyo.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. If you continue to browse you accept the use of cookies on our site. See our Cookie Policy for more information.

• Media & Industry
• Meetings & Events
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Accessible Tourism
• Hokkaido Great Outdoors
• Scenic World Heritage in Tohoku
• Shikoku’s Nature and Traditions
• Southern Kyushu by Rail

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides

• Japanese Manners
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• Stories of Japan
• Japan Travel Spots
• JAPAN by Japan（ A Community for Fans of Japan! ）​
• Fun From Home
• Travel Agent List of Singapore
• Visa Information for Singapore
• Japan Rail Pass of Singapore
• About JNTO Singapore Office
• Enquiry Form
• Press Release
• Call for Proposals

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

GUIDE Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Toyama by JNTO on 09 September 2018

Located along the Sea of Japan coast, Toyama Prefecture is part of the Northern Japan Alps. The capital of the prefecture, Toyama City, can be a sleepy, quiet city compared to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Toyama City is a former castle town and historically a centre of traditional medicine since the Edo period. These days, the city is a popular stopover for tourists visiting its out-of-town attractions. There’s the Kurobe river out to Toyama Bay for adventure sports, or the scenic trip up to the Japanese Alps and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

The Alpine Route is traversed by various means of transportation including cablecars, trolleybuses and a ropeway, connecting Toyama City with Omachi Town in neighbouring Nagano Prefecture.

From Tateyama Station, a cablecar ascends to Bijodaira Station (7 minutes) before you transfer to a Highland Bus service to Murodo (50 minutes) through the Midagahara Highlands with its alpine plants that change colour in October. During spring (April to mid June), the bus goes via the Yuki-No-Otani snow corridor, the ice walls of which goes up to 19m high on both sides of the road.

Close to the peak of Mt. Tateyama (3,015m) is Murodo (2,450m) which has restaurants, a hotel (the highest in Japan), and an onsen. In autumn, you can tackle the hiking trails to the surrounding peaks and the Jigokudani "Hell Valley" with its volcanic fumaroles.

Bid farewell to the gorgeous views and cut through the heart of Mt. Tateyama – through the Kanden Tunnel – via trolleybus (10 minutes) to Daikanbo where a ropeway (Japan's longest single-span ropeway) descends on the other side of the mountain to Kurobedaira (7 minutes), gliding above the brilliant orange and red autumn forests.

A cablecar ride (5 minutes) then takes you to the Kurobe Dam – the end-point of the Alpine Route, a marvel of engineering that sits 186m above the Kurobe River below. Sightseeing cruises operate in autumn, and it is especially spectacular when the dam discharges water between late June and mid October.

You leave the dam on a 15-minute trolleybus ride through a tunnel to Ogizawa; from here, regular buses take you towards Omachi in Nagano in 40 minutes.

What is the best time to see the autumn foliage?

Since the route has different elevations, autumn leaves are visible anywhere along the way from late September to late October. The change begins at higher elevations (like Murodo at 2,450m) and moves down the mountain.

Depending on when you visit, the colour contrast is breathtaking. The treeline remains solidly green until about 2,000m, where suddenly the entire landscape is a lush orange and red. If you’re lucky, snow can come as early as October so you can even see three colours: fresh snow on the mountaintops, red fall leaves in the middle, and green trees a the base of the mountain.

From early or mid-November, Murodo is covered with a blanket of snow that stays until spring – you can visit this snowy landscape until late November before the park closes from December to mid April.

Local Delicacies

There are a number of restaurants dotted along the Alpine Route, and at most places you’ll find the ubiquitous curry rice – a scoop of rice served on a sea of sweet Japanese curry sauce. Depending on the restaurant, you can find stewed meat curry, halal curry, as well as pork  katsu  (deep fried pork) curry. Restaurants around Kurobe Dam serve the dish with names like Arch Dam Curry – the rice is shaped like the namesake dam.

Toyama sits right by Toyama Bay, which is famous for  hotaru ika,  the firefly squid that give the Bay an iridescent glow in the evenings. The squid is part of the local Port Sushi, served in a ten sushi set of local fish served in most restaurants, some of which also carry Masu Sushi, a pressed triangular-shaped sushi of vinegared trout sashimi on a bed of rice, wrapped in bamboo leaves.

Autumn is a good season for  shiro ebi  (white shrimp, or glass shrimp), a Toyama specialty of translucent sweet local delicacy best eaten raw, or as a tempura. The shrimp lives only in Toyama Bay, and a limited amount are caught every year.

A favourite local dish is Toyama Black, an inky black ramen with rich flavours. Unique to Toyama City, the soup has a strong black soy sauce base – but it’s offset with a very light broth to balance out the flavours.

How do you get to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?

From Tokyo, you can get to Toyama City via the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen in about two hours. You can also fly from Tokyo Haneda to Toyama City in about an hour. From Toyama City, the Toyama Chiho Railway gets you to Tateyama Station – where you begin the Alpine Route with a cablecar ride – in about an hour. Most people do the route as part of a tour. Check out their  official Alpine Route site  for more.

When:  From mid April to end November (best time for autumn foliage is end September to early November) Time:  The last cablecar from Tateyama Station is 5pm (until Nov 4); the entire route can be done in 6-7 hours. Entrance fee:  Free, but transport fares are charged separately

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages