[Tour conditions]
Departure/Destination: Tokyo/Nagano, Toyama
Trip duration: 3 days and 2 nights
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company: Taiyo Bus or equivalent
Meal conditions: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch (bento), 2 dinners
Available accommodation:
*The confirmed accommodation details will be provided in the voucher sent before your departure.
■1st Night: Hotel Sunny Valley or Hotel Grace Hakuba / By the Hof Yahira / Hotel Piemont Yamajyu / Hakuba Glade Inn Ebisuya / Hakuba Happo-kan / Hakuba Hotel Ogiya / Hotel Abest Happo Aldia / Hotel Stella Bella / Hotel Abest Hakuba Resort / Hakuba Esquina / Sunplaza Tsugaike / Sunrise Tanne / Cerulean Alpen / Hotel Bellheart / Hakuba Alps Hotel [Japanese Room, Western Room (Twin)]
■2nd Night: APA Hotel Takaoka Station Front or Manten Hotel Takaoka
[Western-style room (single/twin)]
*Please note that even if you book a room for 2-4 people, you may be assigned to separate single rooms.
Minimum number of participants: 25
Tour conductor: 1
Guide: 0 ※No guide-interpreters will accompany the tour
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC.
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Travel industry association: Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents
[Consignment sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Inc.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Affiliated organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
A minimum of 25 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
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Regarding the Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train: ① For customers departing in April: The train will operate on a turnaround route from Unazuki to Sasadaira. Due to snow conditions and the damage to "Kane-tsuri Bridge" caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the operation route may be subject to change. ② For customers departing in May or later: Due to snow conditions and the damage to "Kane-tsuri Bridge" caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the operation route for 2025 has not been confirmed. We will provide details regarding the train route once it is determined. ③ The ride will last approximately 30 minutes one way. You will be riding on an open car (regular car) with no windows.
Travel time may vary depending on road conditions. In addition, due to unexpected traffic congestion or congestion at tourist spots, we may have to omit some sightseeing spots, shorten the sightseeing time, or delay the arrival time at the accommodation or move up the departure time.
Regarding the round-trip train departure and arrival times, the schedule is based on the timetable at the time of the recruitment advertisement. Due to the annual timetable revision in mid-March and the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, there may be discrepancies between the listed departure and arrival times.
Regarding Kamikochi: The walk will be within 30 minutes from Kappa Bridge, with the westward route leading to Tashiro Bridge and the eastward route reaching the area between Kappa Bridge and Myojin Pond. For safety reasons, free exploration around Taisho Pond, Tashiro Pond, and Myojin Pond is not permitted on this course.
Due to expected congestion immediately after the Alpine Route opens, the departure time from the accommodation may be around 6:00. (If the departure time is earlier, breakfast may be provided as a bento.)
What to bring:
Bag: A backpack that keeps your hands free is convenient. Please pack your luggage as compactly as possible. (Large luggage will be sent via bus.)
Rain gear: A hooded raincoat that keeps your hands free is recommended.
Dress according to the season: The average temperatures at Murodo are (9am/3pm) *From the Alpine Route official website April: 0°C-2°C/2°C-4°C, May: 4°C-7°C/6°C-9°C, June: 9°C-11°C/11°C-13°C, July: 13°C-16°C/14°C-17°C, August: 14°C-17°C/16°C-19°C, September: 11°C-14°C/13°C-15°C, October: 2°C-9°C/5°C-11°C, November: 1°C-3°C/-1°C-3°C
Comfortable shoes: Depending on the season, you may be walking on snow around Murodo. We recommend wearing comfortable trekking shoes or sneakers that are not slippery.
Convenience items: On sunny days, the reflection from the snow can be strong, so sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.
The full traverse of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route typically takes a full day, ranging from 6 to 8 hours, depending on how many stops and activities you engage in. It involves multiple unique forms of transportation, and each section offers distinct scenic views. A 2-night, 3-day tour allows for a more relaxed pace to appreciate all the highlights.
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route offers a diverse range of experiences, including panoramic views from cable cars and ropeways, traversing through tunnels on trolley buses, and the dramatic scenery of the Kurobe Dam. Key highlights are the changing alpine landscapes, the majestic peaks, and the unique combination of various transportation methods across the mountains.
Yes, it is possible to traverse the entire Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in one day, but it requires efficient planning and an early start to maximize your time. While a single day allows you to see the main attractions, a multi-day tour provides a more relaxed pace to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and explore various points of interest along the way.
The optimal season depends on your preference for scenery. Spring (mid-April to June) is famous for the towering Snow Walls. Summer (July to early September) offers lush greenery, alpine flowers, and comfortable hiking weather. Autumn (late September to October) transforms the route with stunning fall foliage. The route typically closes for winter.
Due to significant altitude changes, layered clothing is highly recommended for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Bring warm layers, a waterproof and windproof outer jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Even in summer, temperatures at higher altitudes can be cool, especially in the mornings or evenings.
The Snow Walls, or Yuki no Otani, are accessible from Murodo Station on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This unique walking experience typically opens from mid-April to late June. Visitors can walk between the towering snow corridors, which can reach heights of up to 20 meters. Guided tours often include this seasonal highlight.
In Kamikochi, visitors can explore the pristine highland valley, known for its stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear Azusa River. Activities include walking along well-maintained trails, enjoying picturesque views of the Hotaka Mountains, and capturing iconic photos at Kappa Bridge. It's a perfect spot for nature walks and admiring alpine scenery.
Riding the Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train is a scenic adventure through one of Japan's deepest V-shaped gorges. The open-air carriages offer unobstructed views of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and impressive bridges. It's an immersive way to experience the wild, untouched nature of the region, especially vibrant with greenery in summer and fiery colors in autumn.