2-Day Tour of Tateyama Kurobe and Kamikochi in Japan | Includes Tateyama Kurobe Transportation Pass, Onsen Accommodation, Breakfast and Dinner, Departure from Nagoya
- Starting from Nagoya, enjoy a hassle-free tour with a private car: transportation, accommodation, and itinerary arrangements are all taken care of in one go, eliminating the need for complicated transfers and making your Northern Alps adventure easy.
- A double experience in the Northern Alps: Visit the popular Tateyama Kurobe Alps and Kamikochi in one trip, and experience the most representative and magnificent mountain scenery in central Japan.
- Experience the classic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Easily explore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route by taking unique mountain transportation such as cable cars and electric buses through spectacular mountain scenery.
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Kamikochi: wander along Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge, and the banks of the Azusa River, admiring the clear streams, forests, and the Hotaka mountain range, and savor a healing time away from the city.
- Popular autumn foliage viewing spots: Step into the world of autumn leaves in the Northern Alps, admire the layers of red leaves on the mountains of Kamikochi and Tateyama Kurobe, and experience the limited-time natural beauty of autumn in Japan.
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Transportation Guide for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (from Ogisawa to Tateyama)
- Ogizawa → Lake Kurobe: Take the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus to Kurobe Reservoir (approximately 15 minutes by electric bus).
- Lake Kurobe → Tateyama: Take the Kurobe Ropeway to Kurobe-daira (approximately 7 minutes by ropeway).
- Kurobe-daira → Daikanbo: Take the Tateyama Ropeway to Daikanbo (ropeway ride approximately 7 minutes).
- Daikanbo → Murodo: Take the Tateyama Tunnel Electric Bus from Daikanbo to Murodo (about 10 minutes by trolleybus).
- Murodo → Bishoujindaira: Take the Tateyama Kogen Bus from Murodo to Bishoujindaira (approximately 20 minutes by Kogen Bus).
- Mebiruhei → Tateyama: Take the Tateyama Ropeway from Mebiruhei to Tateyama Station (ropeway ride approximately 7 minutes).
※The route for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route may be changed to the Tateyama to Ogisawa route depending on the reservation situation. The length of stay may also be adjusted depending on the entry time. Please be aware of this.
※For official information on the Tateyama Kurobe Alps route, please click here.
Room Type Description
- The room type for this group's accommodation is subject to the hotel's group booking arrangements and may be either Japanese-style or Japanese-Western style; specific room type cannot be guaranteed. In principle, accommodation will be arranged as two people per room, but the actual room type and amenities will depend on the hotel's arrangements on the day of check-in.
- Solo travelers should select the Single room option when booking. If the same order has an odd number of people and no Single room option is selected, a triple room will be arranged first. If the accommodation facilities cannot provide a Triple room, it will be arranged as one double room and one Single room. Thank you for your understanding.
- Aside from traditional Japanese-style rooms, most Japanese hotels offer twin rooms. Triple or quadruple rooms can be requested, but cannot be guaranteed; availability depends on hotel room availability.
- Passengers under the age of 18 are not allowed to join the tour alone; infants under the age of 6 may participate if they do not occupy a bed, and if they need a bed, please select the child plan to register.
Located in the Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Kamikochi is a representative mountain scenic area, known as the "Furusato of the Gods." It boasts a stunning landscape where the clear Azusa River, the magnificent Hotaka Mountain Range, and primeval forests intertwine. Strolling around the Kappa Bridge, one can admire the picturesque scenery of clear streams, mountains, and forests, experiencing the different charms brought by the changing seasons. In autumn, the mountains and forests are ablaze with vibrant colors, showcasing the unique tranquility and grandeur of the Northern Alps—a hidden mountain paradise not to be missed on any journey.
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, located in the Northern Alps of Japan, is a representative mountain sightseeing route. In autumn, the route offers varying shades of red leaves depending on altitude, ranging from golden yellow and orange-red to deep crimson, creating a breathtaking panorama against the backdrop of majestic peaks, lakes, and valleys – a unique autumn spectacle of the Northern Alps. The best time to view the autumn foliage is from late September to early November. In higher altitude areas like Murododaira, the peak season is from late September to mid-October, while in lower and mid-altitude areas, it extends to late October to early November. By taking cable cars, buses, and other unique modes of transportation through the mountains, one can appreciate the gradual changes in autumn colors with altitude and experience the most representative charm of autumn foliage viewing in the central Japanese mountains.
"Mikuri-ike" is located on the Murodo Lava Plateau at an altitude of about 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. Every year until late June, it is covered with snow. In summer and autumn, the lake reflects the dreamlike scenery of the Tateyama Three Mountains. When you stroll along the lake, you may have the chance to encounter alpine wildlife such as ptarmigans or ferrets. It is a popular scenic spot that is a must-visit for Tateyama Kurobe.
The Kurobe Dam discharges floodwaters for tourists from June 26th to October 15th each year, releasing over 10 tons of water per second daily, allowing visitors to experience its awe-inspiring power up close. Built over seven years, the Kurobe Dam is one of Japan's most iconic engineering feats. Walking along the banks of Japan's highest dam is a must-do experience on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, allowing visitors to personally appreciate its grandeur and immense beauty.
The Tateyama Snow Wall (Snowy Valley) is a representative landscape of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, limited to spring. It is located in Murodo, at an elevation of approximately 2,450 meters. After the snow is cleared in winter, towering snow walls are formed, and visitors can stroll among them to enjoy the spectacular snow wall scenery.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
- Travel departure point/destination: Nagoya, Nagano, Toyama
- Trip duration: 2 days
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus company names: Sunshine Tourism / KEY JAPAN Co., Ltd. / Ryufuji Tourism, etc.
- Meals: Breakfast once, lunch once, dinner once
- Accommodation options: Tateyama Prince Hotel, Kurobe Kokan Hotel, Ryuseitei Keisui Hotel, Azumino AMBIENT, Hotaka-so Hotel, Hotaka Hotel, Okuhida Yagayatake Hotel, Kokusai 21 Hotel, Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu, Hotel Wood Takayama, Hida Takayama Washington Hotel, Mercure Toyama Resort & Spa, ANA Toyama, EXCEL Tokyu Hotel, or similar.
- Minimum group size: 10
- Team Leader: 1
- Tour guide: 0
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
- Operating Company Name: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
- Address: 7th Floor, Toranomon Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- License Number: Tourism Authority Registered Travel Agent No. 1892
- Name of travel agency: Japan Travel Agents Association (Regular Member)
Reminders
A minimum of 10 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
This is a group tour based on booking volume. After making a reservation, you will need to wait for confirmation of the group's formation. Vehicles will be arranged according to the final number of participants. This is a local group tour, and you may share a vehicle with other travelers during the trip. Please be aware of this.
This tour will be arranged using legally licensed green-plated vehicles based on the number of passengers. Each passenger is generally limited to one piece of checked baggage. If you have excess or special baggage (such as strollers, wheelchairs, sports equipment, etc.), please make a note when making the reservation. The actual carrying capacity is subject to the vehicle company's determination.
The transportation, accommodation, and attractions in this itinerary will be arranged as closely as possible to the original schedule. However, in the event of inclement weather, traffic congestion, full reservations for attractions and restaurants, temporary closures of facilities, accommodation adjustments, seasonal factors, or other force majeure events, the order of the itinerary or the attractions visited may be adjusted according to the actual local conditions. The final arrangements will be subject to the local situation. We appreciate your understanding.
This tour includes a qualified guide who provides guided tours and attentive service in Chinese, English, and Japanese. For tours with fewer than 10 people in a small vehicle, the Chinese-speaking driver will also serve as the accompanying staff, and English-speaking guidance may not be available. Translation software will be used to assist communication if necessary. For the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route, a separate guide will be arranged. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
Please confirm the meeting time and location before departure. Please arrive at the meeting point before the designated boarding time and actively seek out the LION guide to check in. The bus will depart on time, so please do not be late.
During the peak season for the Kurobe Alpine Route, the order of sightseeing spots or accommodations may be adjusted due to factors such as crowds, reservations, and accommodation confirmations. If the start of the climb is early, breakfast will be provided in a boxed meal or a voucher of 1,000 yen per person. We appreciate your understanding and forgiveness.
It is not easy to buy vegan food in Japan. If you need to eat vegetarian food, it is recommended that you prepare suitable food in advance in case of need.
If access to the Upper Highlands is restricted due to weather, road conditions, or other factors, the transportation method or itinerary will be adjusted according to the situation on the day. If access is still not possible, the itinerary will be changed to a sightseeing tour of Hida Takayama. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
If access to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is impossible due to weather or other force majeure events, we will flexibly relocate you to a nearby registered attraction based on your transportation and accommodation arrangements on the day. Thank you for your understanding.
Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, and those over 80 years of age must be accompanied by a relative or friend. If you place separate orders, please fill in the order number of the person accompanying you in the remarks. If not specified, we cannot guarantee that you will be in the same group.
The photos shown on the product page are for illustrative purposes only; the actual scenery may vary depending on the weather and season.
If the tour is cancelled due to insufficient participants, a full refund will be issued. However, if the cancellation is due to personal reasons of the traveler (being late, not arriving, leaving the tour midway, abandoning the trip, etc.), no refund or compensation can be requested.
If you need to leave the group during the trip, please inform us in advance when registering and sign a departure agreement with the tour leader on the day of the trip. Failure to complete the trip will be considered as automatic abandonment, and no refund will be given.
This itinerary involves a significant amount of travel. Please assess your physical condition before registering. If you have chronic illnesses, mobility issues, are pregnant, or have other health concerns, please inform us when registering and carefully evaluate whether you are suitable to join the tour.
Without altering the itinerary details, the actual itinerary will be subject to final confirmation from the hotel and may be flexibly adjusted based on local traffic conditions and operational arrangements to ensure a smooth trip and high-quality travel experience. Please refer to the pre-departure briefing or final itinerary confirmation for the final details.
FAQ
1. What is the typical travel duration for experiencing the full Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
Experiencing the full Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which involves traversing between Nagano and Toyama Prefectures, typically takes a full day, ranging from 6 to 9 hours. This duration includes transfers between various unique mountain transportation modes like cable cars, electric buses, trolleys, and ropeways. While it can be done in a long day, integrating it into a multi-day tour allows for a more relaxed exploration of each section and its scenic viewpoints.
2. Are private vehicles allowed for traveling along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
Private vehicles are not permitted along most of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route to preserve its natural environment. Visitors must use the designated public transportation system, which includes a series of unique vehicles like cable cars, electric buses, ropeways, and trolley buses. This comprehensive transportation network is part of the experience, ensuring smooth travel through the varied mountain terrain.
3. How can visitors experience the Murodo Snow Wall, also known as the Tateyama snow corridor, within the Alpine Route?
The Murodo Snow Wall, or Tateyama snow corridor, is a seasonal highlight of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, typically open from mid-April to late June. Visitors can reach Murodo by taking the Tateyama Tunnel Trolley Bus and Tateyama Kogen Bus within the Alpine Route system. Once at Murodo, you can walk along the pedestrian path between the towering snow walls, offering a unique and impressive natural experience.
4. What are the transportation options for reaching Kamikochi from Nagoya?
For a hassle-free journey to Kamikochi from Nagoya, many multi-day tours include private car transportation, managing all transfers directly. If traveling independently, public transportation options involve taking a train from Nagoya to Matsumoto, then transferring to the Matsumoto Electric Railway to Shin-Shimashima. From Shin-Shimashima, you would take a local bus to Kamikochi. Note that private cars are also restricted within Kamikochi, requiring a transfer to local buses or taxis from designated parking lots.
5. What unique mountain transportation experiences can be found on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route offers a series of unique mountain transportation experiences. These include the Tateyama Cable Car, which ascends a steep incline, the Tateyama Kogen Bus traversing the highlands, the Tateyama Tunnel Trolley Bus (Japan's only trolley bus), the Tateyama Ropeway offering aerial views without support towers, and the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus. Each mode provides a different perspective of the spectacular mountain scenery and adds to the adventure.
6. What are the main scenic highlights to look forward to in Kamikochi?
Kamikochi, nestled in the Northern Alps, is renowned for its pristine natural beauty. Key scenic highlights include the tranquil Taisho Pond, offering reflections of the Hotaka mountain range; the iconic Kappa Bridge, a famous wooden suspension bridge over the Azusa River; and the crystal-clear waters of the Azusa River itself. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along well-maintained walking trails, surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking mountain vistas.
7. When is the best time to visit Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kamikochi for autumn foliage?
For experiencing the stunning autumn foliage, the ideal time to visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kamikochi is generally from late September to late October. Due to the varying altitudes, the autumn colors descend gradually. The higher elevations of Tateyama Kurobe typically see peak colors earlier in October, while Kamikochi, at a slightly lower altitude, often showcases its vibrant reds and golds from mid to late October, offering a prolonged viewing season.
8. What type of accommodation is typically included for multi-day tours visiting both Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kamikochi?
Multi-day tours visiting both the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kamikochi often include accommodation in traditional Japanese inns, specifically onsen hotels or ryokans. These accommodations provide an authentic cultural experience, allowing guests to relax in natural hot springs after a day of exploring the mountains. Typically, tours arranging such stays also include both breakfast and dinner, ensuring a comfortable and comprehensive travel experience.
