Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Spring-Summer Journey: Snow Walls, Renowned Gardens, Gassho Villages & the Ultimate Stay at Kagaya

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Northern Japan’s Hokuriku region is a treasure trove for travelers, especially in spring and summer when its stunning natural landscapes and majestic scenery leave visitors in awe. Gaze up at the Tateyama mountain range, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Gassho villages, stroll through Japan’s famous gardens — if you want to see the snow walls, be sure to go before June. Once the snow melts, you’ll have to wait another whole year to witness this breathtaking spectacle again. Up～

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route traverses the Japanese roof ridge — the Tateyama Mountain Range. It's an international-level alpine trekking route. Yet, such an amazing mountain journey requires no heavy gear or camping. By using just six different modes of transportation, you can effortlessly cross the 2,400-meter elevation difference between Toyama and Nagano prefectures. It’s the ultimate choice for enjoying alpine scenery.

This year, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens on April 15th, with the Murodo’s Great Snow Valley accessible from April 15 to June 22. The towering snow walls, some reaching over 20 meters high, attract a continuous stream of visitors every year and never fail to amaze. Those who wish to witness the majestic snow walls must seize the opportunity — don’t wait until they melt only to say: Zannen (what a pity)! Zannen (what a pity)! You can also experience the bathhouse culture, or choose to stay at the legendary Kagaya Onsen, which has been ranked Japan’s No. 1 for 37 consecutive years, and enjoy an exquisite traditional Japanese journey.

Riding the Alishan Forest Railway is nothing special — taking the Kurobe Gorge Railway is way cooler. The Kurobe Gorge is a popular attraction in Hokuriku, featuring Japan’s deepest V-shaped canyon. It has been designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.

Board the Kurobe Gorge Train and ride along the Kurobe Gorge Railway from Unazuki Station to Kurobe Dam Station. During the 80-minute journey, you’ll enjoy views of streams, valleys, forests, lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The colorful spring scenery unfolds outside the windows like a beautiful seasonal painting.

The most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hokuriku is undoubtedly Shirakawa-go’s Gassho Village. Located in a heavy snowfall area, the steep thatched roofs, designed to prevent snow accumulation, are shaped like hands in prayer — a striking architectural feature. For the Japanese, they symbolize the nation’s spirit in battling nature.

Due to the mountainous terrain that isolated the region, a unique local culture and customs have formed. To this day, 113 Gassho-style buildings remain well-preserved. Fields and gardens interweave beside the houses. In spring and summer, they’re accompanied by green rice paddies and lush forests, creating idyllic rural mountain scenery that’s truly refreshing. In winter, when heavy snow falls, the white snow blankets the rooftops, forming a beautiful scene reminiscent of gingerbread houses in a fairy tale. In winter, you can also visit here to enjoy a world of silver-white snow, warm yourself by the crackling fireplace in the chilly air, chat with the homeowners, and spend a night in a Gassho-style guesthouse. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture — a historic castle town — Kenroku-en Garden is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, alongside Kairaku-en in Mito and Koraku-en in Okayama. Its elegant name originates from “The Record of Famous Gardens in Luoyang” by Song Dynasty poet Li Gefei, which stated that a renowned garden must possess the “six attributes”: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas. Hence, it was named “Kenroku-en” (Garden of Six Attributes). Strolling through it lets you slowly savor the distinct moods of this famous garden, which takes on a different look each season.

Kenroku-en is a strolling pond garden in the Japanese style. The garden features small bridges, waterfalls, stone lanterns, pavilions, and waterside shelters. If you observe carefully, you’ll find the seasonal expressions reflected in the flowers, plants, and trees throughout the garden. Cherry blossoms in spring and irises in summer welcome visitors to share in the essence of the seasons.

Known as Japan’s mysterious land, Kamikōchi is surrounded by mountains over 3,000 meters high. It is considered the “Home of the Gods” by the Japanese. In July 1877, British metallurgical engineer William Gowland described this place in a magazine as the “Japanese Alps.” The naturally formed landscape of majestic mountains and pristine waters is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

The vegetation in Kamikōchi mainly consists of primeval forests of birch and larch. Great Lake, Tashiro Pond, and Meiji Pool are scattered throughout. In June, the fresh buds of birch trees emerge like a “thin green mist,” adding a unique seasonal ambiance. Truly, the Home of the Gods is an earthly paradise.

Visiting Japan without soaking in an onsen? Then you haven’t truly experienced it all. The must-experience hot spring ryokan in Hokuriku is none other than... Kagaya. It has held the top spot in the “100 Best Ryokan” list for 37 consecutive years and boasts the title of “Japan’s No. 1.”

Staying at the century-old Kagaya, you’ll feel an incredibly thoughtful level of service from the moment you step into the hot spring inn. Each room has a dedicated attendant. At dinner, aside from sampling exquisitely prepared traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine, you can also enjoy a performance of Japan’s Taiko Drum Show. Before bed, indulge in a relaxing onsen soak to soothe your body and mind. So this is the “Emperor’s Hot Spring” — the place the Japanese Emperor designates for his annual vacation. Now it’s your turn to try it out.

More Related Information
The Hokuriku region is colorful and diverse in spring and summer. Xiangsheng Travel Agency offers a variety of itinerary options, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.
Recommended Itinerary: Hokuriku | Kagaya, Tateyama Kurobe, Gassho Village, Nagoya Triphttps://goo.gl/q5lST6
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