Share this tour
Escape the urban mayhem of Tokyo on a relaxing 2-day trip from Tokyo to travel through Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Experience what being surrounded by a 20-meter high snow wall is like in Spring. Witness the water discharge from the dam in the Summer. Enjoy beautiful fall foliage of the mountains in Autumn.
After staying overnight in Toyama prefecture, on the following day, you will visit Shirakawa-go, a place that is listed as UNESCO's World Heritage Site; Hida Takayama, which is also known as "Little Kyoto".
What's Included
Lunch
Meeting and pickup
Meet at the open space near the Bellmart Kiosk, located by the Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station. (On the second floor of the kiosk is a Starbucks). Please arrive at least 10mins before the scheduled meeting time. Please look for staff wearing jerseys with our company logo and tell them the tour name
Itinerary
-
1
After meeting your tour conductor in the morning, you’ll board the Shinkansen Asama with reserved seating, departing Tokyo between 7:20 and 9:30 AM. The train will take you to Ueda Station, where you’ll transfer to a comfortable tour bus. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train details, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.
Admission ticket free -
2Takayama
First, you’ll arrive in Hida Takayama, a town that preserves the charm of old Japan. Known as "Little Kyoto" for its traditional wooden houses, narrow streets, and picturesque canals, Hida Takayama is a place where time seems to stand still. As you walk through the historic district, you’ll discover well-preserved merchant houses, quaint shops, and beautiful temples that reflect the rich culture and history of the area. Take your time to explore traditional merchant houses, visit the local markets, or just enjoy the tranquil surroundings. You’ll also enjoy a local lunch featuring Hida beef, one of Japan’s most prized wagyu varieties, known for its rich flavor and tenderness. The town’s nostalgic atmosphere will leave you with a sense of old-world Japan that’s hard to find anywhere else.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Shirakawago
Next, you’ll visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These steep-roofed homes are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and resemble hands pressed together in prayer. Surrounded by mountains and rice fields, the village feels like a living museum of traditional Japanese life. You’ll walk through the village, admire the architecture, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Depending on the season, the scenery may be lush green or golden with autumn leaves—each offering a unique and beautiful experience.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
In the evening, you’ll arrive in Toyama City and check in at APA Hotel Toyama Ekimae, located near Toyama Station. You’ll stay in a Western-style room (single or twin). Please note that due to the hotel’s layout, even guests booking as a pair may be assigned 2 single rooms. Some rooms may be deodorized smoking rooms. Dinner will be a Japanese-Western buffet served at the hotel. Afterward, you can relax in the public bath and prepare for an early start the next day. Please note: departure from the hotel may be as early as 6:00 AM, and breakfast may be provided as a boxed meal depending on the schedule.
12 hours • Admission ticket included -
5
You’ll depart early in the morning (around 6:00-8:00 AM, depending on seasonal congestion) and begin your journey into the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route located at an elevation of 475m. Prepare to experience the grandeur of Japan’s mountainous beauty as you begin your ascent into one of the world’s most spectacular mountain sightseeing routes. It is a renowned mountain tourism route that spans across the Northern Alps, passing through towering peaks that rise over 3,000m. The total length of the route is 37.2km, with a maximum elevation difference of 1,975m. As you journey through, you’ll be immersed in the vast, breathtaking natural landscape of Tateyama Kurobe, where the magnificent beauty of the alpine world unfolds before you. Your large luggage will remain on the bus, which will be transferred to the final stop at Ogizawa, so please carry only essential items like warm clothing, rain gear, and valuables in a small backpack.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6
You will board the Tateyama Cable Car for 7 mins for a scenic ascent up to Bijodaira, reaching an elevation of 977 meters. As you glide up the mountainside, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, where snow still lingers even into late spring. At Bijodaira, you’ll transfer to the Tateyama Highland Bus (50 mins ride), which takes you through winding mountain roads toward Murodo. This section is especially famous for its early autumn foliage, typically peaking from early to late October. The bus passes through scenic spots like Midagahara, a marshland plateau, and offers views of waterfalls, alpine forests, and dramatic cliffs.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7
Your journey continues to Murodo, the highest point of the route at 2,450 meters. Known for its alpine scenery, volcanic landscapes, and the cobalt-blue Mikurigaike Pond, Murodo offers stunning views year-round. In spring, the area reveals its iconic Snow Walls, towering up to 20 meters depending on snowfall. These are carved by snowplows over two months as the route reopens. From April 15 to June 25, the Snow Wall Walk lets visitors stroll between these massive walls—a rare and breathtaking experience. (Note: May be canceled due to weather.) In summer, the trails around Murodo-daira are covered with beautiful alpine flowers. Lunch will be served at a restaurant inside the terminal. Even in warmer months, temperatures stay cool (13–19°C), so layered clothing is recommended. In autumn, crisp air and vivid colors transform the landscape, making Murodo a spectacular destination across all seasons. At Murodo you will take Tateyama Tunnel Electric Bus for 10 min.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
8
This station offers one of the most breathtaking views on the route, with a sweeping panorama of the Kurobe Gorge and surrounding peaks. From here you’ll board the Tateyama Ropeway (7 mins). The Tateyama Ropeway is Japan’s longest one-span ropeway, offering a 360-degree panoramic view as you glide through the mountains. With no support towers along the route, you can enjoy an unobstructed aerial journey over the valley below — a true “walk in the sky.” In autumn, this area is a highlight for foliage viewing, with colors typically peaking in early to mid-October.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
9
At Kurobedaira, you’ll find a small alpine garden and a peaceful viewing area. This is a transfer point to the Kurobe Cable Car (5 mins), which takes you through a tunnel carved into the mountain toward Kurobe Lake. The station is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers a quiet moment to enjoy the highland air.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
10
You’ll arrive at Kurobe Lake, a man-made reservoir with emerald-green waters nestled between towering cliffs. The lake is fed by snowmelt and mountain streams, and its calm surface reflects the surrounding peaks. The area is especially beautiful in autumn, when the trees along the shoreline turn golden and red.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
11Kurobe Dam
Next, you’ll walk 15 mins across the Kurobe Dam, Japan’s tallest dam at 186 meters high. From June 26 to October 15, the dam features a spectacular water release, sending powerful jets of water into the gorge below. The sight is dramatic and awe-inspiring, especially when framed by autumn foliage. Please note: the water release may be canceled due to weather conditions.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
12
After, you’ll take a Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus (16 mins) and arrive at Ogizawa Station, the final stop on the Alpine Route. Here, you’ll rejoin your tour bus and begin the journey toward Matsumoto, passing through scenic countryside and mountain roads.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13
At Matsumoto Station, you’ll board the Limited Express Azusa with reserved seating. This comfortable train will take you back toward Tokyo, with optional stops at Hachioji and Tachikawa for those who prefer to disembark earlier. You’ll arrive in Shinjuku Station between 20:00 and 21:30, concluding your two-day journey through Japan’s cultural and natural treasures. From historic villages to alpine peaks, this tour offers a rare chance to experience the diversity and beauty of Japan in every season.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
Tokyo->Hida Takayama, Shirakawa-go
Toyama->Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route->Shinjuku
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infant (0-2 years old) are free-of-charge with no arrangement.
- Child (3-5 years old) rate includes tour bus seat only. Train seats, seats on Alpine Route transportation, meals and bedding are not provided.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 14 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infant (0-2 years old) are free-of-charge with no arrangement.
- Child (3-5 years old) rate includes tour bus seat only. Train seats, seats on Alpine Route transportation, meals and bedding are not provided.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 14 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
- Delays, shortenings of the tour or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to a refund.
- Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- On the Alpine Route, you will use different types of vehicles to travel through the mountains. Wearing comfortable and thick winter clothes (as visiting spots might be very cold) and walking/trekking shoes, also using a backpack for putting your belongings necessary for strolling are strongly recommended. Sunglasses and sun screen is preferable to have.
- Traveling along the Alpine Route might have to be discontinued in the case of bad weather or other conditions. In such a case, vehicle fares for the non-traveling zone will be refunded.
- Snow Wall Walk is available between around 15 April and 25 June. It may be cancelled in case of dangerous situations such as snowstorm, snow removal work, etc.
- The order of the itinerary may be changed, also visiting time at Murodo and other places can be shortened depending on the traffic conditions, etc.
- When visiting the Alpine Route, you can leave your luggage on the bus and travel through the route with a backpack with only valuables.
- As the hotel primarily offers single rooms, even if you book for 2 people in one room, you may be assigned 2 separate single rooms.
- You may be placed in a deodorized smoking room that has been treated during cleaning. Room type requests or guarantees cannot be accepted.
- Due to the seating arrangement, even if you booked the tour as a group or a pair, your seats may be separated. Due to seat layout, congestion, and the use of group tickets, we cannot accept requests for specific departure/arrival times or seat preferences (e.g., window or aisle). Seats on the Shinkansen will be in non-smoking cars, but even for bookings of two or more people, adjacent seating is not guaranteed.
- All transportation within the Alpine Route will be shared with general passengers.
- Depending on weather and crowd conditions, start/end times may change, and the itinerary may be shortened.
- The Kurobe Dam sightseeing water discharge may be canceled due to weather conditions. (Scheduled discharge period: June 26 – October 15)
- From November 4 to November 30, the Tateyama Cable Car (between Tateyama Station and Bijodaira) will be suspended due to equipment upgrade work. During this period, a substitute bus service will be provided.
- In spring, at Murodo the tour includes only the Snow Wall Walk. The walking trails toward Mikurigaike Pond involve walking on snow, and due to remaining snow conditions and safety concerns, free exploration of Murodo-daira is not permitted. The Snow Wall Walk may be canceled depending on weather conditions.
- As the Alpine Route tends to be extremely crowded right after opening, departure from the accommodation on Day 2 may be as early as 6:00 AM. If departure is earlier than usual, breakfast may be provided as a boxed meal.
- A backpack that keeps both hands free is highly recommended. Please keep your valuables compact and easy to carry.
- A rain poncho with a hood is essential. It allows you to move freely and stay dry even without an umbrella.
- Seasonal clothing: Average temperatures at Murodo (based on the official Alpine Route website): April: 0°C to 2°C (morning), 2°C to 4°C (afternoon) / May: 4°C to 7°C (morning). 6°C to 9°C (afternoon) / June: 9°C to 11°C (morning), 11°C to 13°C (afternoon)
- Comfortable footwear: Some areas around Murodō involve walking on snow. We recommend trekking shoes or sneakers that are well broken-in and have good grip.
- Useful items: On sunny days, the reflection off the snow can be intense. Sunglasses and sunscreen are helpful to protect your eyes and skin.
- Delays or non-participation due to public transportation delays will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the scheduled time listed.
- Not recommended for travelers with leg problems as this tour requires a lot of walking. Also, when transfer you might have to wait in a line and there is no place to sit.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
