Important Notes During Bus Tour
Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the bus.
Members of the odd-numbered group may need to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
As stipulated by Japanese law, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
Please remain seated and avoid walking while the tour bus is moving.
Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff. Please do not change your seat during the tour.
Please be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting place on time. The bus will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.
Latecomers who wish to rejoin the group will be responsible for all transportation fees.
8.Please wear the sticker provided by the tour guide visibly.
Avoid sticking the sticker on leather goods, as it may leave marks.
Do not use the seat reclining function or adjust the seat settings.
Please set all electronic devices, including mobile phones and game consoles, to silent mode.
Talking on mobile phones and making video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
Arrival times at each sightseeing spot may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The use of drones for filming or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
Please do not use perfume, sprays, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may disturb other passengers.
Manage your valuable belongings yourself.
After the tour, please take all your trash with you and do not leave any on the bus.
Ensure you do not forget or leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
For fruit-picking tours, please note that fruit is to be consumed only on the farm. Bringing it home in your own bag is strictly prohibited.
If you fail to follow these regulations and cause a disturbance on the bus, you may be asked to leave the bus, even during the tour.
No, personal vehicles are generally not permitted along the main sections of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Access is restricted to designated entry points. Visitors are required to use the unique series of mountain transportation systems, which include cable cars, trolley buses, ropeways, and electric buses, to traverse the route. This system is in place to protect the alpine environment and manage traffic efficiently.
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is famous for its diverse and unique mountain transportation systems. These include the Tateyama Cable Car, Tateyama Kogen Bus, Tateyama Ropeway, Kurobe Cable Car, and Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus. Each offers distinct views and experiences as you traverse through different elevations and landscapes, connecting various scenic spots like Mikurigaike Pond and Kurobe Dam across the route.
While it is technically possible to traverse the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in a single day, it is quite ambitious and requires careful planning to manage transfers and ensure sufficient time at each attraction. Many visitors opt for a multi-day trip to fully explore highlights such as Mikurigaike Pond and the Kurobe Dam, and to accommodate potential weather changes or transport delays, allowing for a more relaxed and comprehensive experience.
Mikurigaike Pond, located at 2,410 meters on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, is a stunning volcanic lake known for its crystal-clear, deep blue waters. Visitors can observe the majestic reflection of the surrounding Tateyama mountain peaks on its surface, especially on clear days. The area is also notable for its unique alpine flora and fauna, and occasionally, residual snow can be seen even during the summer months, adding to its picturesque appeal.
During your approximately two hours of free time in Kamikochi, a highlight is a stroll around the iconic Kappa Bridge, offering panoramic views of the Azusa River and the surrounding Hotaka mountain range. You can also take leisurely walks along the well-maintained trails that follow the river, enjoying the pristine alpine scenery. For those interested, a visit to Myojin Pond, about an hour's walk from Kappa Bridge, provides a tranquil experience amidst lush forests.
The Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest arch dam and a magnificent engineering marvel along the Alpine Route. Key features include its immense scale, offering breathtaking views of the dam wall and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can walk across the dam, explore various observation decks for different perspectives, and witness the spectacular water discharge, which typically occurs from late June to mid-October, often creating rainbows against the backdrop of the valley.
The overnight stay on this multi-day tour is provided in the Hakuba area, typically at a hot spring hotel such as Hakuba Himekawa (Tsugaike) Onsen, Resort Inn Marion Shinano, or a similar class establishment. These hotels offer comfortable accommodations and often include access to traditional Japanese hot springs, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring the alpine scenery and prepare for the next day's adventures.