Spring Exclusive: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route’s Snow Wall Opens Up

In early April, while Japan is bathed in the pink beauty of cherry blossoms, the seasonally limited Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in Hokuriku also opens for the season. Winters in Japan’s Hokuriku region are especially long, with over half the season blanketed in snow, with an average snow accumulation of over 6 meters. The access roads to Tateyama Kurobe and the foothills of Mount Hakusan are closed from November to March of the following year. But at the end of March, just before the snow melts, the 20-meter-high snow walls are the most breathtaking natural spectacle.

Tateyama Kurobe is Japan’s version of the Alps, with its vast valleys and towering peaks rivaling the alpine beauty of Switzerland. Stretching along the main ridge of the Chubu-Sangaku National Park between Toyama and Nagano prefectures, the range of 3,000-meter-class mountains forms an international-level mountain sightseeing route. What makes this route most captivating is not only the openness of the mountains and the changing scenery as you ascend, but also the diverse range of transportation options. Even those who don’t usually engage in mountain sports can easily ride Tateyama’s transit systems and enjoy a unique travel experience.

To witness the grandeur of the Hokuriku mountains and snow, the classic route is the “Snow Wall” section of the Tateyama “Alpine Route,” from Murodo to Tengudaira. This section officially opens on April 17th each year, with snow walls as high as 20 meters—taller than the tour buses themselves. The “Snow Wall Hiking Activity” allows you to experience the frozen sensation of walking through snow walls. Additionally, during the opening period, various events are held to accommodate the many visitors, such as snow play and snow hiking, where you can feel the warmth of spring arriving and the awe of the snow walls in the crisp alpine air.

To visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route’s Snow Wall, you can take the Tateyama Highland Bus that runs between Tengudaira and Murodo stations, or simply walk to view the Snow Wall. Spring in Hokuriku has temperatures ranging from around 0 to 10 degrees Celsius, so be sure to bring enough warm clothing, such as snow suits and non-slip shoes, to fully enjoy the snowy experience.

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Read More: Journey Along the Alpine Route (Provided by Tripass Attractions)