Hey everyone, Mark here! As a seasoned traveler with a penchant for Asian adventures, I recently embarked on an incredible journey through the breathtaking Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in Japan. This isn't your average sightseeing trip; it's a full-blown immersion into the stunning beauty of the Japanese Alps, a must-do for any traveler looking for an unforgettable experience. Buckle up, because this adventure is going to take you on a wild ride!
The Early Bird Catches the… Alpine Route?
My adventure began at 4:30 AM. Yep, you read that right. I was already up and witnessing the surprisingly long queue forming outside Toyama Station—the starting point of this epic journey! I was staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama, a mere 3-minute walk from the station, making the early start slightly less painful (though the thought of going back to bed definitely crossed my mind!). By 4:45 AM, I was ready to roll. The station officially opened around 5 AM, and let me tell you, it was packed. This was the opening day (April 15th), so I expected crowds, but this was another level entirely!
Navigating the Crowds and Booking Tickets
Before the official opening, I took the time to check the information on baggage transfer to Shinano Omachi Station. For same-day baggage retrieval, you need to arrive at Shinano Omachi by 5:45 PM. Thankfully, the staff were incredibly helpful in assisting with ticket purchases; the one-way ticket from Tateyama to Ogizawa cost ¥12,170 per person. I quickly reviewed the train schedule from Toyama Station to Tateyama Station before securing my 11:50 AM cable car ticket. Baggage transfer to Shinano Omachi cost ¥3,000 per item – a small price to pay for convenience! I secured my baggage transfer at the counter just to the right of the ticket office and then decided to grab a quick rest before the long day ahead.
From Toyama to Tateyama: A Scenic Railway Ride
Around 10:00 AM, the adventure truly began! The train ride from Toyama Station to Tateyama Station takes about an hour, and despite being tired from the early start, I found the scenery utterly captivating. Even after three days in Toyama Prefecture, the snow-capped mountains were still breathtaking. The ride was surprisingly quick, with stunning views passing by the window the whole time.
Exploring Tateyama Station and the Ascent
Following the signs, I reached the Tateyama Station ticket hall and headed for the Tateyama Ropeway. Before boarding my 11:50 AM cable car, I explored the station, which houses a small restaurant, a Mont-Bell shop, and a souvenir shop. I also checked out the "Bear King's Water" spring nearby. There was even a live feed showing the current conditions at Murodo and the Snow Wall!
The Majesty of the Snow Wall (Yukinootani)
Boarding the cable car at 11:50 AM, we began our ascent to Bijou Plain. The seven-minute ride through the mountain tunnels was itself an adventure. The views of the snow-capped mountains that gradually emerged were phenomenal! Once at Bijou Plain, we transferred to the Tateyama Highland Bus towards Murodo. The bus ride offered stunning views of the Japanese Alps and the magnificent 称名滝 (Shomyo Falls)—Japan’s tallest waterfall. Although it was still partially frozen in mid-April, I could imagine its full glory in the summer months. The bus ride also afforded glimpses of high snow walls, culminating in a truly breathtaking arrival at Murodo station around 12:50 PM. Wow! The snow walls were enormous, reaching 14 meters high at their tallest point this year! I even found the official “Instagram spot” for the perfect photo. After exploring the snow walls and the Murodo observatory deck, where I could see the location of that live feed I saw at Tateyama Station, it was time for the descent.
The Panoramic Views from the Kurobe Dam
From Murodo, we took a 10-minute trackless tram to Daikanbo. The views from Daikanbo's observation deck are simply incredible. The entire Japanese Alps range seemed to stretch out before me; a truly unforgettable sight! Next, a short ride on the Tateyama Aerial Cable Car gave me further stunning views of the snowy peaks and the breathtaking beauty of the mountains surrounding me before arriving at Kurobe Dam via the Kurobe Gorge Cable Car and a short walk. The dam is another spectacular sight and even though I was short on time, the views alone were worth the trip. I would absolutely recommend making the journey to the Kurobe Dam observation deck for panoramic views of the dam itself.
Completing the Journey
The final leg of the journey involved a ride on the Kurobe Gorge Electric Bus to Ogizawa. From there, it was a quick bus ride to Shinano Omachi Station to collect my luggage and then a scenic JR train ride to Matsumoto. Even as I approached my final destination, I was treated to the beautiful Japanese sunset from the train window, bringing my incredible day on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route to an end.
Trip Summary
| Location | Transportation | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyama Station | Foot | 3 mins | To Doubletree by Hilton Toyama |
| Tateyama Station | Train | ~1 hour | Scenic views! |
| Tateyama Station to Bijou Plain | Tateyama Ropeway | 7 mins | Mostly through tunnels |
| Bijou Plain to Murodo | Tateyama Highland Bus | ~50 mins | Shomyo Falls viewing point |
| Murodo | Snow Wall, Murodo Observatory deck | ||
| Murodo to Daikanbo | Trackless Tram | 10 mins | Stunning views |
| Daikanbo to Kurobe-ko | Tateyama Aerial Cable Car | 7 mins | More stunning views! |
| Kurobe-ko to Kurobe Dam | Walk | 15 mins | Kurobe Dam and potential observation deck (if time) |
| Kurobe Dam to Ogizawa | Kurobe Gorge Electric Bus | ~25 mins | |
| Ogizawa to Shinano Omachi | Bus | ~40 mins | Luggage collection |
| Shinano Omachi to Matsumoto | JR Train | Sunset views! |
My Recommendation? Absolutely!
This journey is more than just a trip; it's an experience that will stay with you forever. The breathtaking scenery, the efficient transportation system, and the overall ease of the journey make it perfect for English-speaking travelers. If you're looking for an incredible adventure in Japan, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route should be at the top of your list. Trust me on this one!
