Tateyama Kurobe & Shirakawa-go 3-Day Tour
- Spring snow wall: see Tateyama Kurobe's spectacular Yuki-no-Otani snow wall up close, open only from April to June
- Fuji Shibazakura: enjoy the spring-only view of pink moss phlox and Mt. Fuji in the same frame
- World Heritage Shirakawa-go: visit the fairytale-like gassho-zukuri village and experience Japan's original rural scenery
- Hida Takayama old town: stroll Edo-style streets and feel the charm of traditional merchant house culture
- National Treasure Matsumoto Castle: home to Japan's oldest five-story, six-floor castle keep, with a 400-year history
- Hot spring ryokan: 1 night at a hot spring ryokan to relax and ease your travel fatigue
- Early-bird offer: limited spots, available until full, first come, first served.
Package options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 15 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, With dinner |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism, Hiking |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
What does the Central Japan 3-day tour include?
The sights depend on the season you travel.
- April–June (spring only): Yuki-no-Otani (Snow Wall), Oishi Park / Fuji Shibazakura Festival, Shirakawa-go, Hida Takayama and Matsumoto Castle.
- July–November (summer and autumn only): Mikurigaike Pond, Oishi Park, Shirakawa-go, Hida Takayama and Matsumoto Castle.
- Free gift (July–November): a Murodo-only Mikurigaike Pond ice cream, a refreshing soda flavor combined with rich milk that recalls the clear, charming Mikurigaike Pond in the snow-melting season. You may choose vanilla ice cream or a coffee drink instead. If you decline the gift, no refund or compensation will be provided.
How do you travel the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
From Ogizawa to Tateyama, the route uses these vehicles:
- Ogizawa → Lake Kurobe: Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus to Kurobe Dam (approx. 15 minutes)
- Lake Kurobe → Tateyama: Kurobe Cable Car to Kurobedaira (approx. 7 minutes)
- Tateyama → Daikanbo: Tateyama Ropeway to Daikanbo (approx. 7 minutes)
- Daikanbo → Murodo: Tateyama Tunnel Electric Bus (trolley bus, approx. 10 minutes)
- Murodo → Bijodaira: Tateyama Kogen Bus (approx. 20 minutes)
- Bijodaira → Tateyama: Tateyama Cable Car to Tateyama Station (approx. 7 minutes)
- Peak season: depending on entry reservations, the route may change to Tateyama → Ogizawa, and stay times may be adjusted to the entry time. Thank you for your understanding.
- Official information: for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route official website, please click here.
Important information
- Group tour: this is a local joined group tour. After booking, you need to wait for the group to be confirmed. Vehicles are arranged by the number of participants, and you will share the vehicle with other travelers.
- Vehicles and driving time: legally licensed commercial green-plate vehicles are used throughout. Under the latest rules issued by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in April 2024, daily driving time may not exceed 10 hours (counted from the actual departure from the garage), to prevent traffic incidents caused by driver fatigue.
- Guide language: a qualified tour guide accompanies you throughout with friendly, attentive service; guiding is mainly in Chinese.
- For other languages, please note it in the remarks. Staff will help as far as possible, and translation software may be used on the day.
- Groups of 25 or more needing English or Korean service get a separate tour with English or Korean guiding; with fewer than 25 people, you will join a combined tour. Thank you for your understanding.
- Itinerary changes: transport, accommodation and sights follow the original itinerary as far as possible. In special cases such as bad weather, traffic jams, fully booked sights or meals, temporarily closed facilities, hotel changes, seasonal changes, hotel confirmation or other force majeure, the order may be adjusted or sights swapped, based on local arrangements. Thank you for your understanding.
- Snow wall height: the Tateyama Kurobe snow wall (Yuki-no-Otani / Great Snow Valley) is a natural landscape. Its actual height depends on that year's weather and natural conditions, so the height you can see cannot be guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding.
- Vegan food: vegan food is quite hard to buy in Japan, so we recommend guests who need it prepare their own in advance, just in case.
- Activity openings: for the scheduled opening of activities on Tateyama Kurobe, please refer to the official website announcements.
Room types
- Group rooms: mainly twin rooms (2 small beds); Japanese-style or Japanese-Western rooms may also be provided. In principle, 2 people share each room, so please book on a 2-per-room basis.
- Solo travelers: if you do not choose a single room, you will share with a traveler or tour leader of the same gender. One adult traveling with one child aged 6 and under cannot book a 2-per-room option; please book a single room instead.
- Infants under 2: join free of charge without their own seat and must be held by a guardian. For a seat, buy a child ticket and bring an infant safety seat that can be fixed to the bus seat.
- Beds: except for Japanese-style rooms, hotel rooms in Japan have 2 small beds. A room with 1 large bed can be requested but not guaranteed; the actual room type follows the hotel's arrangement on the day of check-in. Thank you for your understanding.
- Triple rooms: rare except for Japanese-style rooms; they can be requested but not guaranteed. If unavailable, please split one person into another room, or book a single room and pay the single room supplement. Thank you for your understanding.
- Quad rooms: rare except for Japanese-style rooms. If unavailable, 2-per-room rooms will be provided. Thank you for your understanding.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
![[Spring Exclusive] Tateyama Snow Wall 'Yuki-no-Otani (Snow Wall)' Walk Experience (Scheduled opening period: April 15, 2026 – June 25, 2026)](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_546975/20260114024447_eGymU/jpg)
[Spring Exclusive] Tateyama Snow Wall 'Yuki-no-Otani (Snow Wall)' Walk Experience (Scheduled opening period: April 15, 2026 – June 25, 2026)
![[Spring Exclusive] The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a popular spot that must be visited during the moss phlox season. Colorful moss phlox carpets the ground, and with Mount Fuji as a backdrop, you can experience the romantic charm of this seasonal spring flower field.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_546975/20260125140242_Og9Ts/jpg)
[Spring Exclusive] The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a popular spot that must be visited during the moss phlox season. Colorful moss phlox carpets the ground, and with Mount Fuji as a backdrop, you can experience the romantic charm of this seasonal spring flower field.
![[Summer/Autumn Exclusive] Mikurigaike Pond is located on the Murodo lava plateau at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters. It is a lake formed by a volcanic eruption about 10,000 years ago and is known as the most beautiful volcanic lake in the Northern Alps. It is covered in snow until late June every year. In summer and autumn, the lake reflects the dreamy scenery of the Tateyama mountains. Walking along the lakeside, you may have the chance to encounter alpine wildlife such as ptarmigans or ermines. It is a must-visit popular scenic spot on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_546975/20251113082517_O28hl/jpg)
[Summer/Autumn Exclusive] Mikurigaike Pond is located on the Murodo lava plateau at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters. It is a lake formed by a volcanic eruption about 10,000 years ago and is known as the most beautiful volcanic lake in the Northern Alps. It is covered in snow until late June every year. In summer and autumn, the lake reflects the dreamy scenery of the Tateyama mountains. Walking along the lakeside, you may have the chance to encounter alpine wildlife such as ptarmigans or ermines. It is a must-visit popular scenic spot on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
![[Summer/Autumn Exclusive] Kurobe Dam conducts sightseeing water discharge from 6/26 to 10/15 every year, with a daily discharge volume of over 10 tons per second, allowing you to experience its breathtaking power up close. Completed over seven years, Kurobe Dam is one of Japan's most representative great engineering feats. Walking across the top of Japan's highest dam is a classic experience not to be missed on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, where you can personally feel its magnificent scale and height.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_546975/20260125125759_x8G6l/jpg)
[Summer/Autumn Exclusive] Kurobe Dam conducts sightseeing water discharge from 6/26 to 10/15 every year, with a daily discharge volume of over 10 tons per second, allowing you to experience its breathtaking power up close. Completed over seven years, Kurobe Dam is one of Japan's most representative great engineering feats. Walking across the top of Japan's highest dam is a classic experience not to be missed on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, where you can personally feel its magnificent scale and height.
'Kawaguchiko Oishi Park' offers a panoramic view of Mount Fuji up close. Seasonal flowers decorate the lakeside, and the scenery changes with the seasons, making it a popular spot for photographing Mount Fuji.
National Treasure 'Matsumoto Castle', also known as 'Crow Castle' or 'Fukashi Castle', is located in the center of Matsumoto City. With a 400-year history, it is one of the twelve remaining original castle keeps in Japan and the oldest five-story, six-floor keep. Along with Himeji, Inuyama, Hikone, and Matsue Castles, it is one of the 'Five National Treasure Castles of Japan'. Against the backdrop of the blue sky and the Northern Alps, its black-and-white exterior is particularly striking, reflecting beautifully in the moat. It is a classic castle not to be missed when visiting the Chubu region.
World Heritage Site 'Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village' is a traditional Japanese landscape surrounded by mountains. Step into a fairytale-like village of thatched-roof houses and experience traditional rural culture and historical lifestyles.
'Hida Takayama Old Town' is known as 'Little Kyoto of Hida'. It preserves a nostalgic Edo-period atmosphere, perfect for strolling through old streets to taste local food and experience artisan culture.
Purchase Notice
Tour conditions
- Departure / destination: Tokyo – Yamanashi / Nagano / Gifu / Toyama
- Duration: 3 days
- Transportation: chartered bus
- Bus companies: Sunshine Kanko / KEY JAPAN Co., Ltd. / Ryuto Kanko, etc.
- Meals: breakfast 2, lunch 1, dinner 2
- Accommodation: one of the following or equivalent:
- Tateyama Prince Hotel
- Kurobe Kanko Hotel
- Ryokusuitei Keisui
- Azumino Ambient
- Hotakaso
- Hotaka Hotel
- Okuhida Garden Hotel Yakedake
- Hotel Kokusai 21
- HOTEL WOOD Takayama
- Hida Takayama Washington Hotel
- Tonami Mercure Toyama Resort & Spa
- ANA Crowne Plaza Toyama
- Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu
- Minimum group size: 15
- Tour leader: 1
- Tour guide: 0
Tour planning / operation
- Operating company: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
- Address: 7F Toranomon Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- License number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1892
- Travel association: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 15 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 14 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please confirm the meeting time and location before departure, arrive before the designated time, and look for the LION tour leader to check in.
The bus will depart on time. If you fail to join the tour due to lateness or personal reasons, it will be considered a voluntary withdrawal, and no refunds or rescheduling will be provided.
Itinerary order and stay durations are for reference only and will be adjusted flexibly based on weather, traffic, and on-site conditions. Actual arrangements are subject to on-site announcements.
During the peak season of Tateyama Kurobe, the order of sightseeing spots or accommodation may be adjusted due to crowds, mountain entry reservations, or accommodation confirmation. If the mountain climbing time is early, breakfast may be provided as a packed meal or a JPY 1,000 allowance per person. Thank you for your understanding.
In case of force majeure such as bad weather, natural disasters, traffic accidents, or government orders, our company reserves the right to adjust, change, or cancel the itinerary for safety reasons.
Bus seating is one seat per person. Seats cannot be specified and you may be seated next to someone of the opposite gender. Actual arrangements are subject to on-site assignment.
If the itinerary is delayed due to traffic jams, accidents, or other factors, please assess your subsequent travel plans yourself. We cannot compensate for personal losses caused by such delays.
Each traveler is limited to 1 piece of luggage (total dimensions not exceeding 120 cm). If you have special luggage (e.g., strollers, wheelchairs, sports equipment, etc.), please note it when booking. The bus company will determine if it can be accommodated.
Travelers aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult; travelers aged 80 and above must be accompanied by a friend or family member. If you have chronic illnesses, mobility issues, are pregnant, or have other health concerns, please inform us when booking and assess whether you are fit to join the tour.
Photos shown on the product page are for illustrative purposes only; actual scenery may vary depending on weather and season.
Japanese hot spring facility regulations: Those with tattoos (including stickers), who are intoxicated, or have skin or infectious diseases are not permitted to bathe. Thank you for your cooperation.
Travelers aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult; travelers aged 80 and above must be accompanied by a friend or family member. If traveling companions book separately, please include the companion's order number in the order remarks; we cannot guarantee you will be in the same group if not noted.
If the tour is canceled due to insufficient participants, a full refund will be provided. If canceled due to personal reasons (lateness, no-show, leaving the tour midway, etc.), no refunds or compensation will be provided.
If you need to leave the tour during the trip, please inform us when booking and sign a tour departure agreement with the guide on the day. Failure to complete the itinerary will be considered a voluntary withdrawal, and no refunds will be provided.
This itinerary involves long travel times. Please assess your physical condition before booking. If you have chronic illnesses, mobility issues, are pregnant, or have other health concerns, please inform us when booking and assess whether you are fit to join the tour.
Without changing the itinerary content, the actual schedule may be adjusted based on final hotel confirmation, local traffic conditions, and operational arrangements to ensure a smooth trip and quality experience. Please refer to the pre-departure briefing or final itinerary confirmation documents for actual arrangements.
If the scheduled mountain entry time is too early to enjoy the hotel breakfast, a packed breakfast or an allowance of JPY 1,000 per person will be provided instead. Thank you for your understanding.
FAQs
1. Can visitors still see the impressive snow walls at Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Valley in June?
Yes, the Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Valley (Yuki-no-Otani) is typically open for viewing from April to June. While the snow walls reach their peak height in May, they are still a magnificent sight in June, although they may gradually decrease in height as spring progresses. Visitors in June can still experience the impressive scale of these towering snow structures.
2. Where is the exact location of the Snow Wall Valley (Yuki-no-Otani) within the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
The Snow Wall Valley, also known as Yuki-no-Otani, is located along the Murodo Plateau section of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This area is famous for its towering snow corridors, which are a highlight of the route's spring opening. Visitors can walk directly through this impressive natural formation, experiencing the immense snow walls firsthand.
3. What is the best viewing season and timing for experiencing the Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Valley's highest points?
The Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Valley is open for viewing from April to June. The snow walls typically reach their maximum height, often over 15 meters, in April and early May, offering the most dramatic and awe-inspiring experience. As the season progresses into June, the walls remain impressive, though their height gradually decreases. For the absolute highest points, late April to early May is considered ideal.
4. What is the distinction between "Tateyama Kurobe" and "Kurobe Tateyama" when referring to the Alpine Route?
"Tateyama Kurobe" and "Kurobe Tateyama" generally refer to the same iconic Alpine Route, but the naming convention often indicates the direction of travel. "Tateyama Kurobe" typically suggests starting from Tateyama Station on the Toyama side and proceeding towards Ogizawa/Kurobe Dam. Conversely, "Kurobe Tateyama" implies starting from the Nagano side (Ogizawa) and heading towards Tateyama, highlighting the unique bi-directional experience of the route.
5. What are the main cultural highlights to explore in Shirakawa-go and Hida Takayama Old Town?
In Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors can explore the unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, known for their steep, thatched roofs resembling praying hands, offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese rural life. Hida Takayama Old Town provides a charming walk through well-preserved Edo-period streets, featuring traditional wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and craft shops, showcasing Japan's historic townscapes and culture.
6. Does the tour include an overnight stay in a traditional Japanese hot spring ryokan, and what amenities are typically provided?
Yes, the tour includes an overnight stay at a hot spring ryokan, providing an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing. While specific amenities can vary, ryokans typically offer comfortable traditional Japanese-style rooms, communal hot spring baths (onsen) for relaxation, and often include exquisite traditional Japanese meals (dinner and breakfast), providing a comprehensive cultural lodging experience.
7. When is the ideal time to witness the Fuji Shibazakura Festival's blooming period as part of the spring tour?
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a special event exclusively held in spring. The tour makes a special arrangement to visit during this period, allowing visitors to enjoy the dreamy scenery of vibrant pink shibazakura flowers set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji. Typically, the festival's blooming period occurs from mid-April to late May, offering the most spectacular floral displays.
8. What kind of unique experiences and scenic views can be enjoyed within the Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Valley?
Within the Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Valley, visitors can embark on a captivating walk along the "Yuki-no-Otani" snow corridor, experiencing the sheer scale of towering snow walls on both sides. This unique experience offers breathtaking panoramic views of pristine snow landscapes and provides exceptional opportunities for memorable photos, immersing you in the majestic winter wonderland of the Japanese Alps, even into spring.
