18-meter-high snow walls at the "Snow Valley" offer a stunning visual spectacle; Mt. Tateyama & Kurobe Gorge opens in April

▲ In Japan’s Hokuriku region, one of the most popular spring events in April is ascending the Tateyama Mountain Range and walking through the "Snow Valley," where snow walls on both sides rise over 10 meters high. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

In Japan during April, aside from cherry blossoms gradually reaching full bloom across the country, one of the most unmissable travel destinations is the "Mt. Tateyama & Kurobe Gorge Opening." Walking between the towering 15 to 20-meter-high snow walls formed by accumulated snow on both sides, the breathtaking scenery—no matter when you visit—attracts an increasing number of tourists every year. This year, the opening of Mt. Tateyama & Kurobe Gorge is expected to begin on April 16.

Spanning Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture in Japan, the "Mt. Tateyama & Kurobe Gorge" is also known as the Japanese Alps or the Roof of Japan. It is only open from April to November. The entire sightseeing route stretches approximately 90 kilometers, requiring passengers to change vehicles at least six times along the way. Yet, every year between April and May, numerous visitors travel from afar just to witness the extraordinary spectacle of the "Snow Valley," which is only visible during this period.

▲ The beautiful sight of Mt. Tateyama covered in snow. (Photo / fromTateyama Alpine Climb fan page)

Every year around mid-April at an altitude of about 2,400 meters on Mt. Tateyama, the impressive and towering white snow walls formed after snow clearing are called the "Snow Valley." Travelers take a series of buses and cable cars up the mountain from the base, and the first major sight is Japan’s largest dam—the Kurobe Dam—whose majestic appearance is truly awe-inspiring. However, if you want to see the dam’s water release, it is recommended to visit between late June and mid-October.

Upon reaching the Murodo Plateau and entering the "Snow Valley," where thick white snow walls on both sides block out all other scenery, on sunny days the valley is filled only with the blue sky and endless silver-white snow. The spectacular view leaves many people deeply immersed in awe even after leaving the valley. Due to varying snow accumulation each year, the height of the snow walls also differs (in 2013, the highest point reached 18 meters).

As the seasons change, the wonders of the Snow Valley gradually melt away by summer. But once summer arrives, visitors can enjoy the layered emerald-green mountain peaks and the reflection of the mountain ranges in Kuzuryu Pond, the largest crater lake on Mt. Tateyama. The green mountains, water, and sky create a heavenly-like scene. Even if you miss the Snow Valley, the Mt. Tateyama & Kurobe Gorge remains one of the most recommended travel destinations for those who love visiting Japan.

%The amazing sight that unfolds afterward is the water release from the Kurobe Dam, so visiting between the end of June and October allows you to also witness the dam’s water discharge. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)