Journey to Japan’s Roof – Explore Tateyama Kurobe & Marvel at Towering Snow Walls!

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network; Photos provided by Wufu Travel

The biggest mountain news in Japan every spring is undoubtedly the opening of “Tateyama Kurobe”!

Stretching across Japan’s roof, the continuous peaks of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route offer a chance to ride six different types of transportation while taking in the majestic natural scenery of towering mountains. It’s Asia’s only alpine sightseeing route—have you tried this mind-blowing experience yet?

In 2017, Tateyama Kurobe will open on April 15th. Based on monthly temperatures in the Tateyama area, April averages around -5°C to 10°C, so be sure to pack your coat, snow boots, and scarf to fully enjoy the temperature and natural beauty of Tateyama Kurobe.

The highest point along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is Murodo, at an altitude of about 2,450 meters, featuring numerous scenic spots. The must-see Snow Wall is spectacularly displayed here. Every year before the opening, snowplows clear a path through the snow-filled valley and build towering snow walls, allowing visitors standing on the road to witness the high snow walls on both sides. At maximum accumulation, the snow can reach up to 20 meters—about the height of a 10-story building—creating an awe-inspiring sight.

To explore the Tateyama Mountain Range, you’ll need to take six different types of transportation, including cable cars, plateau buses, trolley buses, and aerial lifts. Aside from the much-anticipated Snow Wall, you’ll also encounter unique scenery at different altitudes—such as views not visible in other seasons—as well as charming scenes like snow-covered trees lining the road, all leaving lasting impressions.

▲ Transportation Overview.
A. Tateyama Station – Bijodaira [1.3 km / 7 min]
B. Bijodaira – Midagahara – Tengu-daira – Murodo [23 km / 55 min]
C. Murodo – Tateyama Main Peak – Oku-Hotaka Viewpoint [3.7 km / 10 min]
D. Oku-Hotaka Viewpoint – Kurobe Flat [1.7 km / 7 min]
E. Kurobe Flat – Kurobe Lake [0.8 km / 5 min]
F. Kurobe Lake – Kurobe Dam [0.6 km / 15 min]
G. Kurobe Dam – Shinano-Omachi (Fanazawa) [6.1 km / 16 min]

When visiting Tateyama and Kurobe, don’t miss the stunning scenery of “Kamikōchi.” This mountainous region is regarded as the home of the gods in Japan. Sitting at an elevation of 1,500 meters and surrounded by verdant peaks and drifting mountain mist, it exudes a fairy-tale-like, ethereal atmosphere, resembling a paradise on Earth. Additionally, you can stroll through the “Takayama Sanmachi Old Town,” which preserves traditional Edo-period houses and streets and is known as “Little Kyoto.” The streets are lined with quaint old shops, immersing you in a sense of nostalgia as if you’ve traveled back to the Edo period.

The picturesque village of “Shirakawa-go Gassho Village,” resembling a fairy-tale hamlet, is also a must-visit. Famous for preserving traditional Japanese gassho-style buildings that are designed to block wind and withstand heavy snow, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The triangular thatched-roof houses blend harmoniously with the surrounding countryside, creating a charming rural ambiance that feels like stepping into a delightful fairy tale.

After enjoying the majestic spring mountains, you certainly shouldn’t miss the stunning beauty of countless shibazakura (moss phlox)! The 2017 Fuji Shibazakura Festival takes place from April 16 to May 29, where 800,000 shibazakura flowers create a colorful carpet at the foot of Mount Fuji, heralding the arrival of spring and inviting visitors to enjoy this vibrant season.

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