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Ride cable cars, hike through snow corridors, and explore alpine trails on one of Japan’s most scenic mountain adventures.

Tourists walk along a paved road on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, surrounded by thick snow on mountain slopes under a cloudy sky. People in jackets capture photos and enjoy the stunning snowy landscape.

A Journey Through the Japanese Alps

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Japan’s rugged mountain beauty. With towering snow walls, sweeping alpine views, and a mix of trains, cable cars, and ropeways, this journey through the Northern Japan Alps is packed with variety and adventure.

We started our journey from Kanazawa, aiming to travel from Tateyama Station in Toyama to Murodo, the highest point along the route. Each leg of the trip revealed something new—from snowy plateaus to misty wetlands and steep mountain passes. While the full Alpine Route continues to Ogizawa in Nagano, we chose to stop at Murodo since our next destination was Takayama and we didn’t want to double back.

What Makes This Route So Unique

A family of four stands on a road beside an imposing snow wall along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. They hold a sign with Japanese text and the date 2015/6/17, all wearing jackets and sunglasses under a cloudy sky.

Even before reaching the summit, the landscape is dramatic. From mid-April to late June, towering snow walls called Yuki no Otani (雪の大谷) rise up around Murodo Station. These snow corridors can reach up to 20 meters (65 feet)—taller than a six-story building!

But the Alpine Route is more than just snow. Each season brings its own beauty. Summer hikers will find wildflower-covered marshes, while fall visitors are treated to fiery red and orange foliage.

It’s also an engineering marvel. To complete the whole route, riders had to ride a mix of trains, cable cars, buses, ropeways, and trolleybuses—each offering new views and experiences.

When to Visit

Dense green foliage and shrubs cover the landscape under a cloudy sky, with thick mist partially obscuring the distant view along the scenic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. A metal fence runs along the foreground.

The full route is open from mid-April through late November. Spring is the only time to see the famous snow corridor. Summer brings comfortable hiking temperatures and clear views. In autumn, colorful leaves cover the valleys and slopes. We traveled in June and were surprised to see both deep snow and green meadows in the same day.

The Route, Step by Step

Getting to Tateyama Station

We started from Toyama Station, then transferred to the Toyama Chiho Railway at Dentetsu-Toyama Station. The one-hour train ride to Tateyama Station passed through quiet countryside and small mountain towns.

Tateyama to Bijodaira – Cable Car Ride

A red and cream-colored funicular railway car travels uphill through a lush, green forested area on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, passing by a stone structure and a signpost along the track.

At Tateyama Station, we boarded the Tateyama Cable Car, which climbs steeply up a 24-degree incline to Bijodaira. The ride was only seven minutes, but the views of cedar forests and misty hills gave us a taste of what was to come.

Bijodaira to Murodo – Scenic Bus Drive

From Bijodaira, we took the highland bus to Murodo, passing through Midagahara Plateau. In summer, this area is filled with alpine flowers and wooden walkways. As we gained elevation, the landscape turned white and silent, with snow covering the surrounding peaks.

Murodo – Snow Corridor and High-Altitude Fun

A child wearing sunglasses and a green jacket pulls a red sled up a snowy hill along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, while another child in the background walks uphill with a blue sled. A building and snow piles are visible behind them.

Murodo (室堂) is the highest station along the route at 2,450 meters. The snow corridor was the highlight of our trip. Even in mid-June, the walls were over 10 meters tall. We joined other visitors walking the route, taking photos, and our kids had so much fun sledding in the snow.

A Warm Meal at Japan’s Highest Restaurant

Inside Murodo Station, we had lunch at Restaurant Tateyama—Japan’s highest-altitude restaurant. We ordered local Toyama specialties like deep-fried shiroebi (white shrimp) and thick-cut Himi udon. The warm, comforting meal was just what we needed after spending time in the snow. After lunch, we began our return journey back to Toyama, already talking about visiting again in a different season.

How to Get to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Train/Bus

  • From Toyama Station, take the Toyama Chiho Railway to Tateyama Station (1 hour).
  • From Nagano Station, take a local bus to Ogizawa Station (1 hour 40 minutes).
  • Total travel time: 6 to 8 hours for a full crossing.

Pro Tip: Reserve your Alpine Route tickets online in advance, especially during spring snow corridor season.

Why the Alpine Route Was One of Our Favorite Experiences

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. From walking between massive snow walls to soaking in mountain views and seasonal colors, every part of it felt a little surreal—in the best way.

If you’re traveling between Toyama and Nagano, this isn’t just a detour… it’s the kind of adventure you’ll be talking about long after the trip ends. We’d absolutely do it again.

More to Explore Nearby

After taking in the panoramic mountain views and engineering wonders of the Alpine Route, explore more of what Toyama Prefecture has to offer:

  • Kurobe Gorge – Ride the open-air Torokko Train through dramatic ravines and colorful forests along the Kurobe River.
  • Toyama Castle – Discover the city’s samurai past at this reconstructed castle set in a tranquil park.

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