A paradise for snow walkers at 2,400 meters above sea level — Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens in mid-April

▲Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is open for the season again!! (Photo / from Wikipedia)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

In April in Japan, aside from the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming across the country, what other destinations are worth visiting? The "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route," which attracts many Taiwanese travelers every year, has just announced its opening date. Starting April 16, visitors can venture deep into the mountains at an altitude of 2,400 meters and walk through massive white snow walls as high as 18 meters.

The "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route" spans Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture in Japan, also known as the Japanese Alps or the Roof of Japan. It is regularly open to tourists from April to November each year. The entire sightseeing route stretches about 90 kilometers, requiring travelers to switch vehicles at least six times from start to finish. Nevertheless, many tourists still make the long journey here every year just to witness the unique spectacle of the "Snow Wall Valley," which is only visible during this period.

The Chubu-Sangaku National Park recently announced the 2015 opening schedule. From April 16 to November 30, visitors can enter the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the Japanese Alps. The popular attraction known as the "Snow Wall Valley," often referred to as a walker’s paradise amid snow walls, will be accessible to visitors from April 16 to June 22. During this time, guests can stroll through the area and even carve their wishes and messages into the snow walls.

Aside from the Snow Wall Valley, visitors can also walk along the panoramic snow-covered paths to take in views of the Tateyama Mountain Range. At the entrance and exit of the snow walls at Murodo Station, there is also a snow play square where visitors can enjoy sledding on the snow cleared from the mountains and experience the fun of shoveling snow.