Encounter an overwhelmingly beautiful natural landscape - Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route Tourist Guide

It is the largest dam in Japan and one of the top classes in the world. in the world, boasting a height of 186 meters. From the new observation plaza, visitors can see up close the powerful discharge of more than 10 tons of water per second. (Water is released from late June to mid-October.) In addition, from the dam observatory at an altitude of 1508m, you can see the scenery of the Northern Alps including the Tateyama mountain range, and there are shops and spring water fountains, so it is perfect for taking a break and taking commemorative photos.

Murodo is the highest point on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, located at an altitude of approximately 2,450 meters. This is an area where popular sights on the Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route gather, such as Mikurigaike, the most beautiful volcanic lake in the Northern Alps, and Yuki-no-Otani (Snow Valley), which rises nearly 20 meters above sea level.
If you are lucky, you can even meet the thunderbirds and ocellated titmice, which are both special natural treasures and endangered species.

Midagahara, which is also registered under the Ramsar Convention, is a wetland with a unique landscape. The sight of approximately 3,000 small ponds and puddles scattered throughout the area can only be seen here. Visitors can also enjoy the seasonal changes in scenery, with rare alpine plants in full bloom in summer and the autumn colors of the leaves in fall.

From Daikanbo, which rises from a precipitous cliff, you can see a magnificent view of the Tateyama Mountain Range. Take a rest on the "Cloud Terrace," where tables and chairs are provided, and enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains surrounding the emerald green Kurobe Lake. Don't forget to take pictures as it is the best photo spot along the Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route.

Tateyama Murododaira is located in the center of the Alpine Route and serves as a base for sightseeing. The dynamic view of the 3,000-meter mountains spread out before you is a must-see. Many of the paths are flat, and some are well-maintained, allowing visitors to enjoy walking while viewing a variety of alpine flora.

Kurobedaira offers beautiful views of the majestic Tateyama mountain range.
The panoramic terrace on the roof of Kurobedaira Station offers a dynamic view of Tateyama and the lake.
At Kurobedaira Garden, visitors can stroll through an area with about 100 varieties of alpine plants. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular view while waiting for the next ropeway, or simply take a leisurely stroll. It is a spot where you can fully enjoy the waiting time.

The most unmissable event in Kurobe Tateyama in spring is the Yuki-no-Otani (Snow Valley).
The huge wall of snow, nearly 20 meters high, created by plowing the road near the "Murodo Terminal" in Murododaira, one of the world's heaviest snowfall areas, is a spectacular sight.
If you participate in the "Yuki-no-Otani Walk," in which you can walk along the road between the giant snow walls, you will be able to see the giant snow walls up close.

At Bijodaira, 1,000 meters above sea level, there is a rich virgin forest of Tateyama cedar and beech trees. A stroll through this mysterious forest lined with giant trees will make you feel as if you have wandered into another world. There are also walking trails where you can observe more than 60 species of wild birds, making it a popular spot for bird watching.

Mikurigaike pond is said to be the most beautiful volcanic lake in the Northern Alps.
The azure blue surface of the lake, reflecting the mountains in each of the four seasons, is worth seeing. The reflection of snow-capped mountains on the lake is a nice sight, but the reflection of the mountains in autumn leaves on the lake is also hard to ignore.
Adjust your visit according to the scenery you want to see.

The Tateyama Ropeway, which connects Kurobedaira and Daikanbo, is also called a "moving observatory". The ropeway is the only way to experience the 360-degree panoramic view of the Tateyama Mountain Range, with the Daikanbo peak to the west and the Tateyama peak to the east, as you move slowly through the air.
The one-span system, in which the carriages can be suspended without a support pole by attaching weights to the rope, allows passengers to enjoy the natural scenery without being disturbed by the pole.

The Tateyama Cable Car climbs a 1.3-km distance between Tateyama Station and Bijodaira Station, with an elevation difference of approximately 500 m and a steep gradient of up to 29 degrees, all at once.
Two cars are connected by a single cable, and the power of one car going down is used to power the other car up, making it an environmentally friendly ride that requires no power.
One of the highlights of the ride is the open and dynamic view of the mountains that unfolds the moment you exit the tunnel after riding the Tateyama Cable Car.

The Tateyama Kogen Bus, which connects Bijodaira and Murodo at 2,450 meters above sea level, is the most relaxing ride on the Kurobe-Tateyama Alpine Route, with the longest ride lasting 50 minutes. One of the features of this bus is the magnificent mountain scenery as it runs through the great nature and crosses an altitude of 2,000 meters.
From the windows of the train, you can enjoy a wide variety of scenery, including the giant Tateyama cedars, Shomyo Falls, and "Yuki-no-Otani," where you can see snow walls over 10 meters high.

Senjuso is the closest inn to the departure station for the Kurobe-Tateyama Alpine Route.
The natural hot spring water melts into your skin and soothes your fatigue accumulated from sightseeing.
The inn also offers three services that will make your stay more enjoyable: breakfast according to your departure time, luggage storage service, and boxed lunches prepared for you to eat on the Tateyama mountain.

Tateyama Kokusai Hotel is located in the great nature at the foot of Tateyama.
It is only 6 minutes by taxi from Tateyama Station, the gateway to the Alpine Route.
The natural hot spring is said to beautify the skin without the need for lotion, and is known as the "beautiful hot spring", which is said to leave you with egg skin after bathing.
The greenery of the Tateyama foothills, the star-filled sky, and the clear air seen from the windows are the charm of this hotel.

Hotel Tateyama is located in Murododaira, the sightseeing base of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Because it is located at an altitude of 2,450 meters above sea level, guests can view the four seasons and beautiful majestic mountains from the windows of their rooms.
At night, the hotel offers an inspiring experience with a view of the star-filled sky that is almost within reach.

The Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route in spring is known as "Yuki-no-Otani" (Snow Valley).
In mid-April, visitors can enjoy the rare experience of walking through a 20-meter-high wall of snow.
This is also the time when you have the highest chance of seeing the "Thunderbird," which is said to have survived from the Ice Age. Let's look for "thunderbirds" while enjoying trekking.

Summer is the best time for mountain climbing, trekking, and nature walks.
You can feel the energy of nature strongly in the valleys where fresh winds blow, alpine plants that celebrate the short summer, and budding broad-leafed trees that give you a sense of nature's life force. At the Kurobe Dam, the tallest dam in Japan, you can also enjoy a powerful sightseeing water discharge.

If the timing is right, visitors can see the "three-tiered colored leaves": "snowy landscape on the top of the mountain," "autumn and yellow leaves in the middle of the mountain," and "green trees changing color now at the foot of the mountain".
The "three-tiered colored leaves" are usually at their best from early to mid-October, so those who love autumn leaves should adjust their sightseeing time to see the unique autumn colors of the Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route.

Tateyama in winter can only be enjoyed for a very short period of time, right after the beginning of November. Tateyama and Murodo covered in snow are breathtakingly beautiful.
Enjoy a fantastic space while feeling the clear air with your whole body.

Waterproof trekking shoes or boots are recommended for walking on snow from April to June.
Sunglasses are also a necessity due to the strong glare of the snow. The temperature is low but it gets hot when walking, so prepare a jacket with front buttons or zippers that are easy to put on and take off.

July and August are pleasant, but the mountain sun is more intense than one might expect.
We recommend that you wear clothing that does not expose too much skin and is well ventilated.

In September and October, many days feel chilly.
In October, snow may even flicker at an altitude of around 2,500 meters. Prepare thick, long-sleeved shirts made of wool or fleece.

Temperatures in November often drop below freezing, so warm clothing is essential.
Waterproof, non-slip shoes are recommended, as there is a possibility of walking on snow even if you do not plan to go for a walk.