Two-Day Tour to Tateyama Kurobe Kamikochi: First Summer Tour of the Japan Alps | Enjoy Stunning Autumn Leaves
Taisho Pond is a volcanic lake formed by the eruption of Mount Yake in 1915. The "dead standing trees" in the lake create a different, dreamy scene depending on the season and time of day.
【Tashiro Pond】
Tashiro Pond is a shallow wetland where the fresh green of May, the yellow leaves of October, and the thin ice of late autumn are all breathtaking sights.
【Kappa Bridge】
Kappa Bridge is Kamikochi's most iconic attraction, located just a five-minute walk from the bus center. From the bridge, you can overlook the Hotaka Mountain Range, Mount Yakedake, and the waters of the Azusa River. During the May and summer holidays, and during the autumn foliage season, the bridge attracts numerous tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Each person is allowed one piece of luggage free of charge. Backpacks do not count. Please carry valuables with you. Pregnant women, those with heart problems, those with acrophobia, and other special needs are not recommended for this tour. Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure. The bus will depart on time, so please be sure to meet the departure time. The company is not responsible for any late arrivals.
Smoking is prohibited on the bus and there are no restrooms.
Seat assignments are not possible.
The company will not provide a refund if the passenger abandons the tour due to personal reasons.
Reminders
1. A group of 15 people will be formed. We will notify you 7 days in advance whether the group will be formed. If the group is not formed, a full refund will be given.
2 If the guest is late and misses the departure time, the fee will be 100% incurred.
3. Due to the long holiday period in Japan, the tourist destinations are expected to be crowded, so your stay may be shortened. If your return time is significantly delayed, you will be responsible for any incurred accommodation and taxi fares. Please note that we apologize for any incurred expenses.
4. If the road is closed due to bad weather and the company determines that it is harmful to the safety of passengers, the trip will be cancelled on the same day and the full amount will be refunded to the passenger. However, the transportation fee to the meeting point and other expenses will be borne by the passenger.
Even in September, temperatures can drop below 10°C, so winter clothing is recommended. Weather conditions may be inclement or snowy, so please prepare warm clothing and shoes.
6 There is no tour guide for this trip, but there will be Chinese-speaking staff accompanying you.
7. Please be aware of the autumn foliage season (September 15th to October 15th *estimated).
8. The hotel's breakfast and dinner are buffets. You will not share a room with strangers. If you are traveling alone, please book a single room.
9 Since this is a popular product with a limited time, the departure time on the second day will be adjusted according to the cable car schedule provided by Tateyama Kurobe Company.
Please refer to the arrangements of the staff on the day of the tour
Tateyama Kurobe Climbing Rules
Don't pick any flowers or plants, and take your trash with you. Remember to say hello when you pass by others on the road.
Precautions
1. There are no toilets during the hike, so remember to use them in advance at the station, hotel, etc.
2. There is almost no mobile phone signal on the mountain except at hotels and train stations. It is recommended to turn off your phone to save power.
3. Be sure to bring water, an umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses and warm clothes.
The bus company is Nishisan Traffic Co., Ltd. or RBC Daichi Sightseeing Automobile Co., Ltd.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 23 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 5 to 22 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 3 to 4 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Visiting the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route typically requires a full day, ranging from 6 to 10 hours, depending on the number of stops and how much time is spent at each attraction. Many visitors opt for a multi-day trip to fully immerse themselves in the experience and explore the surrounding areas like Kamikochi without rushing. Planning for an overnight stay in the region allows for a more relaxed and comprehensive exploration.
Kamikochi is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, often called "God's Playground," with the majestic Hotaka Mountain Range as its backdrop. It's famous for crystal-clear rivers like the Azusa River, serene ponds such as Taisho Pond and Tashiro Pond, and iconic landmarks like Kappa Bridge. The area is a protected natural habitat, offering a tranquil escape with exceptional hiking trails and opportunities to experience untouched alpine wilderness.
Visitors can expect a diverse range of alpine experiences, including traversing various landscapes using unique modes of transport like cable cars, trolley buses, and ropeways. Highlights include the spectacular Snow Wall (Yukino Otani) in spring, vibrant autumn foliage, and panoramic views of the Japan Alps. The route offers opportunities to explore alpine flora, gaze at the Kurobe Dam, and immerse oneself in breathtaking natural beauty across different altitudes.
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is best visited from mid-April to early June for the impressive Snow Wall. Summer (July-August) offers lush greenery and pleasant hiking weather. Autumn (mid-September to late October) is spectacular for vibrant fall foliage across the mountain range, with different altitudes showcasing colors at various times. Each season offers a distinct and beautiful experience of the Japan Alps.
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route uses a unique combination of six different public transportation methods to traverse the mountains. These include the Tateyama Cable Car, Tateyama Highland Bus, Tateyama Tunnel Trolley Bus, Tateyama Ropeway, Kurobe Cable Car, and Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus. This diverse system allows visitors to experience various elevations and stunning viewpoints effortlessly throughout the journey.
At Taisho Pond, visitors can witness "dead standing trees" submerged in its clear waters, creating a mystical, dream-like landscape that changes with the season and time of day, especially captivating at dawn or dusk. Tashiro Pond, a shallow wetland, offers stunning seasonal transformations, from fresh spring greens in May to brilliant yellow autumn leaves in October, and delicate thin ice formations in late autumn.
From Kamikochi's iconic Kappa Bridge, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. To the north, the majestic peaks of the Hotaka Mountain Range dominate the skyline, while to the south, the active volcano Mount Yakedake can be seen. Below, the pristine, turquoise waters of the Azusa River flow, framed by lush forests. This central viewpoint captures the essence of Kamikochi's natural splendor.
A typical two-day itinerary often dedicates one full day to traversing the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, experiencing its unique transport and alpine scenery. The second day is then spent exploring Kamikochi, focusing on its iconic sights like Kappa Bridge, Taisho Pond, and Tashiro Pond, with ample time for leisurely walks or short hikes. This structure allows visitors to enjoy both distinct natural wonders at a comfortable pace.
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