The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a spectacular mountain sightseeing route in Japan that takes you on an incredible journey through the "roof of Japan" using a series of cable cars, trolleybuses, and a ropeway. During a journey to this magical area, you'll definitely want a way to remember it, so souvenirs are a great bet. From original t-shirts, local alcohol and mountain spring water to stuffed animals and animals based sweets, there is something for everyone! Share the love with friends at home or pick up something that will last a lifetime!
Shopping for the perfect souvenir can be a chore, so we've compiled this list of the Alpine Route's best gifts to help you find something special for everyone.
These can be found mostly at the major shops on the route, especially at the Murodo Station at the top.
North Face Tateyama Original T-Shirt
The North Face has a unique partnership with the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, operating an official shop that offers exclusive, limited-edition gear. Here, you can find clothing and accessories, like t-shirts, hats, and jackets, that feature special Tateyama-themed designs you can't buy anywhere else.
Local Sake
On the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, you can find unique sake brewed with pure, high-quality water from the snowmelt of the Tateyama Mountains. These sakes, such as the famous Masuizumi and Ohoshizora brand, are often aged in cool mountain environments, resulting in a distinct, crisp flavor profile. They make for a very special and exclusive souvenir, as some varieties are only available for purchase at locations along the route itself.
Raicho (Ptarmigan) Stuffed Animals
The raicho, or rock ptarmigan, is a bird of great significance to the Tateyama mountains, revered as a special natural monument and a symbol of the area's pristine alpine environment. This bird is famously unbothered by people and has become a beloved symbol of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Due to its importance and docile nature, you can find a wide variety of raicho-themed goods, including very popular and adorable stuffed animals, at souvenir shops along the route.
Raicho(Ptarmigan) Eggs Sweet
The "raicho no tamago" (rock ptarmigan eggs) are a popular sweet souvenir found along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, named after the area's special bird. These charming, egg-shaped confections consist of a soft sponge cake with a sweet, creamy filling, making them a delicious and cute memento of your trip.
Tateyama Spring Water
One of the unique experiences on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is the opportunity to drink fresh, pure water directly from the mountain's natural springs. This water, sourced from the melting snows of the sacred Tateyama mountains, is known for its incredible purity and is believed to have beneficial properties. For those who want to take some home, you can also purchase bottled versions of this spring water at souvenir shops along the route, a popular and practical souvenir.
Local Beer
A unique souvenir from the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is the local craft beer, often brewed using the same pristine mountain water that flows from the springs. This beer is a popular way for visitors to taste the pure environment of Tateyama in a refreshingly different form.
Hoshi-no-Shizuku Sweet
The "Shoshi no Shizuku" (Droplets of the Stars) is a popular sweet souvenir from the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, named to evoke the image of a clear, starry night in the mountains. This confection is a delightful jelly-like sweet with a subtle flavor that reflects the purity of the alpine environment, making it a unique and poetic memento of your trip.
