Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Crossing Model Course

This mountain sightseeing route pierces the Northern Alps using six kinds of transport. The whole line runs about 37.2 kilometers with a maximum elevation difference of roughly 1,975 meters. Starting from Tateyama Station on the Toyama side, you cross in a single day to Ogizawa on the Nagano side while chasing grand views. The route is seasonal, generally open from mid April to the end of November, and closes entirely in winter.

Course Route

8:00 Start at Tateyama Station Arrive at Tateyama Station, the terminus of the Toyama Chitetsu line and the Toyama-side gateway. Setting off early to catch the first cable car gives you a comfortable day.

8:30 Beech forest walk at Bijodaira Ride the Tateyama Cable Car up to Bijodaira at 977 meters. It climbs a steep line of about 1.3 kilometers in around 7 minutes, opening onto a highland of old-growth beech forest.

9:30 Arrive at Murodo The Tateyama Highland Bus climbs to Murodo at 2,450 meters. From Bijodaira to Murodo is about 23 kilometers and roughly 50 minutes. In spring the walls of the Snow Corridor on both sides of the road are overwhelming.

11:00 Loop around Mikurigaike Walk the shore of the clear blue crater pond that mirrors the Tateyama peaks. The Murodo plateau is rich in alpine flowers, and a slow loop rewards you with changing scenery.

13:00 From Daikanbo to Kurobedaira From Murodo to Daikanbo you ride the Tateyama Tunnel electric bus (the former trolleybus was replaced by battery electric buses from the 2025 season). From Daikanbo the Tateyama Ropeway offers a walk in the air, with Lake Kurobe and the Ushiro Tateyama range below.

15:00 Visit Kurobe Dam From Kurobedaira the Kurobe Cable Car drops to Lake Kurobe. Watch the powerful sightseeing water release and cross the tallest dam in Japan on foot. Beyond the dam, the Kanden Tunnel electric bus carries you out to Ogizawa.

Highlights

The giant snow walls of the Snow Corridor, the alpine flowers of Murodo, and the dam water release are all must-sees. The changing seasonal faces add to the charm, from spring snowscapes to summer alpine blooms and autumn foliage.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: Tateyama Station to Ogizawa is a full day including transfers and stops. Plans differ depending on whether you cross one way or make a round trip to Murodo.
• Transport: You connect six vehicles in turn: Tateyama Cable Car, Tateyama Highland Bus, Tateyama Tunnel electric bus, Tateyama Ropeway, Kurobe Cable Car, and Kanden Tunnel electric bus.
• Fare guide: The official one-way fare for the full line from Tateyama to Ogizawa is 10,940 yen for adults, and the round trip from Tateyama to Murodo is 7,380 yen for adults. Please check the official site for the latest fares.
• Access: Tateyama Station is about one hour by Toyama Chitetsu rail from Dentetsu Toyama Station. From the Nagano side, Ogizawa is the starting point.
• Avoiding crowds: During long holidays and the autumn leaves season, waits build up at each vehicle. Check the timetable of each in advance and book web tickets in peak periods. Starting at the first departure reduces waiting.
• Clothing: The summit stays cold even in midsummer. Bring a jacket and wear sturdy walking shoes. The season generally runs from mid April to the end of November.

A Quick Tip

If you feel unsure about time or stamina, a round trip only as far as Murodo is a sound option. The altitude is high, so walk slowly and stay hydrated.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Parking at Tateyama Station: About 900 free parking spaces. There are also about 600 spaces in an overflow lot opened only in peak season, which is also free of charge
• Parking at Ogizawa Station: In addition to 230 free parking spaces, there are 350 paid spaces (1,000 yen per 12 hours). In peak season an overflow lot also opens (1,000 yen per vehicle, about 15 minutes to the station by free shuttle bus)
• Coin lockers and luggage: Coin lockers are provided at Tateyama, Bijodaira, Midagahara, Murodo, Kurobe Dam and Ogizawa stations. Short-term luggage storage and baggage forwarding services are also available
• Toilets: Every station has wheelchair-accessible toilets. The toilets at Tateyama Station and Ogizawa Station are available 24 hours
• Pets: As this is within Chubu Sangaku National Park, bringing pets is prohibited for the sake of nature conservation (guide dogs excepted)
• Inquiries: 076-481-1500 (Tateyama Kurobe General Information Center), 0261-22-0804 (Kuroyon General Reservation Center)
• Official information: Official website of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Tateyama Kurobe Kanko)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and fees are subject to change, so please check official information before you set out.