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Centering around Murodo, located at the highest point of the Alpine Route at an altitude of approximately 2,450m, the “Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Festival” is held annually from early April to late June. Walking along the massive wall of snow, known as the “Snow Wall Walk,” is truly an extraordinary experience. This world-renowned tourist destination is a breathtaking Japanese marvel that many international visitors aspire to see.
This article provides a complete guide to fully enjoy the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, thoroughly explaining how to purchase tickets, access from major cities, seasonal highlights, and the charm of the “Snow Wall Festival.” With this guide, your journey along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route will be perfect!
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Contents
What is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route? A Grand Mountain Sightseeing Route Connecting Toyama and Nagano
The “Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route” is a world-renowned mountain sightseeing route that penetrates the Northern Alps, with peaks around 3,000 meters, connecting Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture. By transferring through various modes of transportation such as cable cars, trolley buses, and ropeways from Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture to Ogizawa Station in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy magnificent nature up close. The continuous series of breathtaking views is truly a panorama that Japan is proud of.
Panorama of Grand Nature: Breathtaking scenery created by 3,000m-class mountains.
Diverse Transportation: From cable cars to ropeways, the vehicles themselves are attractions.
Great Snow Wall: A giant snow wall walk available only in spring.
Expressions of Four Seasons: Beauty varying by season, from snowy landscapes to fresh greenery and autumn leaves.
How to Buy Tickets for Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
There are various types of Alpine Route tickets depending on the section you use and your departure point. To ensure a smooth trip, understand how to purchase them in advance.
1. Web Tickets (Advance Booking)
Especially during busy periods like weekends, Golden Week, and Obon, ticket counters can be very crowded. By purchasing “Web Tickets” online in advance, you can significantly reduce waiting time. You can also specify your departure date, section of use, and vehicle departure times.
2. Same-Day Tickets
You can also buy same-day tickets at the ticket counters at each station. However, at major stations like Murodo and Ogizawa, long queues can form from early morning. There’s a possibility you might not be able to get on the desired vehicle at your preferred time, so it’s recommended to visit with plenty of time or during the off-season.
3. Round-Trip & Through Tickets
If you plan to travel through the Alpine Route from the Toyama side (Tateyama Station) to the Nagano side (Ogizawa Station) or vice versa, there are advantageous tickets such as “All-Line Tickets” or “Round-Trip Tickets” that cover transfers between various modes of transportation. Choose the best ticket according to your plan.
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Access from Major Cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya)
Access to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route varies depending on whether you enter from the Toyama side (Tateyama Station) or the Nagano side (Ogizawa Station). Let’s look at how to access from major cities and the required time.
1. Access from Tokyo
- From Toyama side (Tateyama Station):
- From Tokyo Station to Toyama Station by Hokuriku Shinkansen (approx. 2 hours 10 minutes)
- From Toyama Station to Tateyama Station by Toyama Chiho Railway (approx. 1 hour)
- Total travel time: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes~
- From Nagano side (Ogizawa Station):
- From Shinjuku Station to Shinano-Omachi Station by JR Limited Express Azusa (approx. 3 hours 45 minutes)
- *If no direct connection, transfer at Matsumoto Station
- From Shinano-Omachi Station to Ogizawa Station by local bus (approx. 40 minutes)
- Total travel time: approx. 4 hours 30 minutes~
- From Shinjuku Station to Shinano-Omachi Station by JR Limited Express Azusa (approx. 3 hours 45 minutes)
2. Access from Osaka
- From Toyama side (Tateyama Station):
- From Shin-Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station by JR Thunderbird (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)
- From Kanazawa Station to Toyama Station by Hokuriku Shinkansen (approx. 20 minutes)
- From Toyama Station to Tateyama Station by Toyama Chiho Railway (approx. 1 hour)
- Total travel time: approx. 4 hours~
- From Nagano side (Ogizawa Station):
- From Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya Station by Tokaido Shinkansen (approx. 50 minutes)
- From Nagoya Station to Matsumoto Station by JR Limited Express Shinano (approx. 2 hours)
- From Matsumoto Station to Shinano-Omachi Station by JR Oito Line (approx. 1 hour)
- From Shinano-Omachi Station to Ogizawa Station by local bus (approx. 40 minutes)
- Total travel time: approx. 4 hours 30 minutes~
3. Access from Nagoya
- From Toyama side (Tateyama Station):
- From Nagoya Station to Toyama Station by JR Limited Express Shinano (approx. 2 hours 40 minutes)
- From Toyama Station to Tateyama Station by Toyama Chiho Railway (approx. 1 hour)
- Total travel time: approx. 3 hours 40 minutes~
- From Nagano side (Ogizawa Station):
- From Nagoya Station to Matsumoto Station by JR Limited Express Shinano (approx. 2 hours)
- From Matsumoto Station to Shinano-Omachi Station by JR Oito Line (approx. 1 hour)
- From Shinano-Omachi Station to Ogizawa Station by local bus (approx. 40 minutes)
- Total travel time: approx. 3 hours 40 minutes~
It takes another 1 to 1.5 hours to reach your destination (e.g., Murodo) by transferring between modes of transportation on the Alpine Route. Depending on your travel plan, consider staying overnight before or after your journey.
Seasonal Highlights and What to Wear: To Comfortably Enjoy the Spectacular Scenery
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route reveals different charms in each of the four seasons. Let’s cover the highlights of each season and appropriate attire.
1. Spring (April ~ Early June): The Great Snow Wall and Snow Play
Highlights: Without a doubt, the “Great Snow Wall” (Yuki no Otani). The snow walls, towering up to 20m high, are overwhelming. You can also enjoy snow play on the snowfield and spectacular views from the Panorama Road.
Attire: It’s still winter cold on the mountain. A proper cold weather preparation is essential, including down jackets, thick fleece, hats, and gloves. Waterproof trekking shoes are recommended for footwear. Don’t forget sunglasses due to strong snow reflection.
2. Early Summer (Mid-June ~ July): Snowmelt and the Blue of Mikurigaike Pond
Highlights: As the snowmelt progresses, the beautiful cobalt blue surface of “Mikurigaike Pond” appears. This is also when Raicho (rock ptarmigan) become active for breeding, so you might be lucky enough to spot one.
Attire: Daytime is relatively pleasant, but mornings, evenings, and shaded areas are chilly. Layering with long-sleeve shirts, thin fleece, or jackets for temperature control is basic. Having warm clothing prepared is also reassuring.
3. Summer (Late July ~ August): Alpine Plants and Full-Scale Trekking
Highlights: Alpine plants are in full bloom, creating beautiful flower fields. Hikers enjoy full-scale climbing and trekking. The water discharge from Kurobe Dam is also very impressive.
Attire: Relatively light clothing is fine, but mountain weather can change quickly, so bring rain gear and something to wear over your clothes. Trekking shoes are essential.
4. Autumn (September ~ October): Breathtaking Autumn Foliage
Highlights: The entire mountain turns red and yellow, a breathtaking season for autumn foliage. The view from the ropeway, in particular, is spectacular. You can enjoy the grand nature in the clear air.
Attire: It gets cold rapidly, so thick sweaters, fleece, and down jackets are essential warm clothing. Layering for adjustment and windproof/waterproof outerwear are recommended.
“Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Festival” Explained in Detail! Event Highlights and How to Enjoy
Held annually from April 15 to June 25, the “Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Festival” is one of the highlights of the Alpine Route. It’s an event where you can fully experience the charm of Tateyama, one of the world’s heaviest snowfall regions.
Main Event “Snow Wall Walk”
The giant snow wall, “Yuki no Otani,” appears when the Tateyama Toll Road is cleared of snow. The Snow Wall Walk, where you can enjoy this scenery up close, is the highlight of the event. The course starts at the Murodo Terminal and stretches about 500 meters. You will be overwhelmed by its immense height. Information on snowfall periods and other details are also displayed on the cross-section of the snow wall, allowing you to learn how snow accumulated and how the snow wall was formed through quizzes.
On the day of coverage, it was over 20 degrees Celsius in Tokyo, but it was -4 degrees Celsius on the mountain! Although the daytime sun was warm, there’s a significant temperature difference, so make sure to prepare for the cold. For reference, the author wore an inner layer, turtleneck, light sweater, foldable down jacket, and windbreaker. It’s recommended to wear clothes that you can easily take off as it gets warm while walking.
Other Highlights and Activities
- Panorama Road: A snowfield promenade enjoyable until early May. It’s a scenic spot with views of famous peaks of the Tateyama Range, including Mount Tsurugi. It’s about 200m from the Snow Wall entrance.
- Snowplow Exhibition: Rotary snowplows and snowplow bulldozers essential for creating the Snow Wall are exhibited. You can see these powerful vehicles up close.
- Tateyama Spring Water Omikuji: There’s also an omikuji (fortune slip) using melting snow water (paid). It’s a unique experience where your fortune appears when immersed in the melted snow water.
- Commemorative Photo Service: Photo services are also offered, such as photos with a Snow Wall-designed mat (paid), making for a great travel souvenir.
Exploring Major Alpine Route Tourist Spots
1. Murodo – Spectacular View from the Alpine Route’s Highest Point
Murodo is a key base for the Alpine Route, and the 360-degree panoramic view from an altitude of 2,450m is stunning. Mount Dainichi, Mount Tsurugi, and Mount Tateyama spread out before your eyes. From late May, as the snow melts, it bustles with people enjoying trekking. Some also enjoy backcountry skiing, and if you’re lucky, you might spot skiers/snowboarders. “Tateyama Tamadono Spring Water,” selected as one of Japan’s 100 famous waters, can be drunk after the snow melts (from around June).
2. Daikanbo – Snow Pockets and Snow Tunnels
From Murodo, take the “Tateyama Tunnel Trolleybus” (approx. 10 minutes) to Daikanbo. From the station’s rooftop observatory, a grand panorama of Lake Kurobe and the rear Tateyama Mountain Range unfolds. Here, there’s a giant kamakura (igloo-like snow shelter) called “Snow Pocket.” From mid-May to mid-June, an arched snow path leading to the observatory, the “Snow Tunnel,” also appears, offering photogenic scenery.
3. Kurobe Dam – The Grandeur of Japan’s Largest Arch Dam
If you have time, extend your trip to Kurobe Dam. From Daikanbo, take the “Tateyama Ropeway” (approx. 7 minutes) to Kurobedaira, then transfer to the “Kurobe Cable Car” (approx. 5 minutes) to reach “Kurobeko Station” (Lake Kurobe). Walking across the dam for about 15 minutes will leave you overwhelmed by its sheer size. From Kurobe Dam, you can also exit to the Nagano side via the “Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus” (approx. 16 minutes) to Ogizawa.
4. Raicho (Rock Ptarmigan) – A National Special Natural Monument Native to Tateyama
The Raicho, inhabiting the Tateyama mountain range, has long been revered as a messenger of the gods. They are not easily scared, and if you’re lucky, you might spot their charming figures up close. Their activity is particularly high during the breeding season from late May to late June, increasing your chances of encountering them.
5. Mikurigaike Pond – The Most Beautiful Volcanic Lake in the Northern Alps
While covered in snow in early spring, by June, as the snow melts, you can walk along the promenade (approx. 15 minutes one way) from Murodo Terminal to see the crystal-clear cobalt blue “Mikurigaike Pond.” The translucent blue lake surface with floating white snow creates a fantastical scene visible only in early summer. On a clear day, the reflection of the surrounding 3,000m-class mountains on the water offers a stunning view, so be sure to visit.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Basic Information
- Name: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
- Opening Period: Usually mid-April to late November (Snow Wall Festival is mid-April to late June)
- Total Distance: Approx. 37.2km
- Required Time: Approx. 6 hours one way (including transfer and sightseeing time)
- Address: Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture (Murodo, Daikanbo, etc.) and Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture (Ogizawa, etc.)
- Website: https://www.alpen-route.com/en/
What to Know Before Your Trip
Crowds: Weekends, holidays, and especially during the “Snow Wall Festival” period, it gets very crowded. Waiting times for transportation can be long. Early morning departure and using web tickets are recommended.
Weather Changes: As it is a mountainous area, the weather can change suddenly. Always carry rain gear and warm clothing.
Altitude: Murodo’s altitude is approximately 2,450m, so be aware of altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, do not overexert yourself and move slowly.
Traffic Regulations: It is not possible to drive your private car through the entire Alpine Route. Always transfer and use designated parking lots.
Experience an Unforgettable Scenic Japan with the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!
The “Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route” is a unique place where you can truly feel the power of Japan’s magnificent nature. Especially the “Great Snow Wall” in spring is a breathtaking spectacle that captivates people worldwide. A major charm of the Alpine Route is that you can enjoy the journey itself while transferring between various modes of transportation.
By following the access methods, ticket purchase tips, seasonal highlights, and clothing advice introduced in this article, you can create the best travel memories. We hope your trip will be a memorable and wonderful one!
