Transports of the Alpine Route
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route traverses Japan’s highest mountain range using a range of transports. Visitors have the option of starting from the Nagano-side of the mountain range at Ogisawa Station or the Toyama-side at Tateyama Station, and coming down the other side or returning to their point of origin.
In total, the journey up and down takes approximately 6 hours however this depends on how long visitors wish to spend at each station, particularly Murodo Station and the surrounding attractions.
The following summary lists the transports used during your journey, provided in the order of visitors travelling from Nagano/Ogizawa to Toyama/Tateyama. The journey can also be made in reverse:
OGIZAWA STATION TO KUROBE DAM
The first transport is an electric bus that carries visitors from Nagano into Toyama Prefecture. Taking 16 minutes to cover 6.1km, the bus travels through tunnels originally constructed to transport workers and materials to the site of Kurobe Dam.
KUROBEKO TO KUROBEDAIRA
To access the Kurobeko cable car station, walk across the dam walkway – a beautiful stroll allowing fantastic views and chances for photos – and into the tunnel which leads to the waiting area. Once on board the cable cover, the brief journey of only 5 minutes and 0.8km transports visitors 373 meters in elevation.
KUROBEDAIRA TO DAIKONBO
One of the highlights of the journey, the Tateyama Ropeway covers 1.7km while rising 488 meters in 7 minutes. The beautiful panoramic view is fantastic however given that the car is packed with visitors, it is somewhat limited to those standing by the windows. If you cannot see the view while in the car, Daikonbo has a viewing platform worth stopping at to take in the stunning alpine vista.
DAIKONBO TO MURODO
The final transport on the journey to Murodo Station, the bus covers 3.7km and 134 meters over 10 minutes through a tunnel. YOU ARE NOW AT THE MURODO STATION, THE SUMMIT OF THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE STATION. This is where you will find the Snow Walls – at their best from April until June – and walking trails which gradually open as the snow recedes in late-June and remain open until the Alpine Route closes in November.
1 Day Tour
| [Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route | |
| Period | April to June |
| Time | 07:50/08:15 – 18:00-19:00 |
| Meeting Place | Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥30,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥23,800 |
Private Tour
| 1-Day Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the ‘Roof of Japan’ | |
| Period | July to October |
| Time | 07:50/08:15 – 18:00-19:00 |
| Meeting Place | Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station |
| Price | ¥120,000 ~ / group |
The following information lists the transports for visitors descending to the Toyama-side of the mountain range.
MURODO TO BIJODAIRA (via TENGUDAIRA & MIDAGAHARA)
Regular coaches transport visitors a distance of 23km from Murodo Station to Bijodaira. Taking approximately 50 minutes, coaches pass Tengudaira and Midagahra, allowing visitors to walk trails and board the coaches at other stops.
BIJODAIRA TO TATEYAMA STATION
A cable car descends 500 meters past the distinctive ‘Zaimokuishi’ rock formation, taking 7 minutes to cover 1.3km.
TATEYAMA STATION TO SHOMYO FALLS
For visitors wanting to visit the famous Shomyo Falls, the Shomyo Bus takes 20 minutes to run from Tateyama Station. From the bus stop, it then takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to the falls.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND THE ALPINE ROUTE & WHERE TO STAY
One of the most rewarding experiences in Japan, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route utilises a series of transports to ascend Japan’s highest mountain range. Crossing from Nagano to Tateyama, the route connects multiple destinations and opens-up an otherwise remote and dramatic landscape. Our ’25 Things To Do Around The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route & Where To Stay’ page explains just how it works, what’s on offer and where to stay.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where to go, when to go and what to do when you’re there to make sure you get the most out of your adventure to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and Central Japan! As a registered travel agent we can arrange experiences and tours, transport, accommodation and inclusive packages. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered including getting you to the best destinations and events in the region. For more information, see our ‘Walk On The Roof of Japan On A Guided Tour’ page.
