[Departing from Nagoya, Japan] 2-Day Tour of Tateyama Kurobe Alps Route, Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village, Hida Takayama Old Town, Gunjo Hachiman Old Town, and Hot Springs (Summer Retreat/Autumn Foliage Viewing)

"Gungami Hachiman Castle Town": Designated as a National Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings due to its "historical landscape where townhouses and water conservancy facilities are integrated", it retains the street layout and architectural style of the Edo period. Among them, "Sōji Water" is selected as one of the "100 Famous Waters of Japan". It is an underground spring with crystal clear water. Soji Water is divided into three layers. The layer closest to the water source can be used for drinking water, the next layer can be used for washing rice or chilling food, and the layer below that can be used for washing dishes.

×

Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village: This village offers different beautiful views in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In spring, the fields gradually turn green, and the pink cherry blossoms add a touch of pink, creating a picturesque scene with the thatched houses, attracting countless photography enthusiasts. In summer, the rice paddies and farmlands of Shirakawa-go are lush and green, set against the blue sky and white clouds, forming a pastoral scene. In autumn, the thatched houses and layers of red leaves create a dreamlike picture. The winter snow scene is the most famous. Shirakawa-go is covered with thick white snow, and the entire Gassho-zukuri village appears pure and peaceful, like a fairy tale world.

×

Takayama Old Town, known as "Little Kyoto of Hida and Takayama," preserves wooden townhouses over 300 years old, continuing traditional cultural traditions such as markets, sake cellars, and handicrafts, making it the core area for experiencing Takayama's history and culture. The Takayama Jinya is the only surviving Edo-period district magistrate's office in Japan, where visitors can tour the council chamber, the torture chamber, and other facilities, recreating the daily life of governance during the samurai era.

×

【Ōsetsu-dani (Snow Valley)】Tateyama is one of the world's most heavily snow-covered areas, with an average snow depth of about 7 meters. At its peak, the snow depth reaches 20 meters, equivalent to a ten-story building. Visitors can walk up to 500 meters along the breathtaking snow walls. Sledding is also available for snow activities. In April, snowplows can be seen clearing snow. Late April to June is the most spectacular time to visit. After July, the snow walls lower, but even in August, some snow remains, allowing for snow activities. Murodo and Midahara are still covered in snow, so waterproof shoes or rain boots are recommended. Sunglasses are also a good idea as the snow can be very bright.

×

Starting from Murodo, the heart of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a 15-20 minute walk along the trail leads to the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Observatory. Along the way, you can enjoy views of alpine vegetation, remnant snowscapes, and volcanic landscapes. The observation deck, situated on the Murodo Plain, offers the best vantage point for overlooking Jigokudani and gazing at the distant Tateyama mountain range. The sign for the Jigokudani Observatory on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route shows a desolate yet magnificent volcanic landscape in the distance, highlighting the diverse scenery of Daisetsudani and the hidden highlands of the route.

×

Mikurigaike (Mikurigaike Pond) boasts crystal-clear, deep blue waters that, on sunny days, act like a natural mirror, reflecting the Tateyama mountain range and the blue sky and white clouds—a truly breathtaking sight. The lake changes dramatically with the seasons: Late Spring/Early Summer (June): The lake begins to thaw, with remnants of snow mingling with the water, creating a stunning scene. Summer (July-August): Lush greenery abounds, with alpine plants blooming along the shore, making it a great time for hiking and photography. Autumn (Late September): The lake area turns red, reflecting the autumn leaves and snow-capped peaks. Winter (Mid-October onwards): The lake gradually freezes over, creating a magnificent, pristine white snowscape (closed after November). Legend: The lake's name, "Mikurigaike," means "Kitchen of the Gods," and it is said to be a sacred pond used to offer water to the deities worshipped in Tateyama. Frequent geothermal activity in the area, evidenced by sulfur fumes and geothermal steam, indicates that this is an active volcanic region.

×

Kurobe-daira is a key viewpoint on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, at an altitude of 1,828 meters. Surrounded by the peaks of Tateyama and Go-Tateyama, it is renowned for its panoramic mountain views, the lush greenery of Kurobe-daira, and the stunning vistas overlooking Lake Kurobe. It is also a prime spot for viewing alpine flora.

×