[Summer/Fall Only] From Kanazawa: Shomyo Falls, Light Alpine Hikes and Tateyama Mountain's Majesty

Tateyama is one of Japan's Three Holy Mountains along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Haku. It has been used to make a grueling pilgrimage for more than 1300 years but, over the last century, has become more famous for it's nature hikes, offering panoramic views out from the mountaintop to the Sea of Japan. Tateyama is also famous globally for its snow wall which runs from May to the end of June. Once the snow is mostly melted, however, visitors are able to fully explore everything the mountain has to offer. On this tour, you'll see Japan's highest waterfall, hike across a plateau, and carve your own path through the area at "The Roof of Japan."

Highlights

• See the tallest waterfall in Japan, described as having one of the most pleasant sounds in the country.
• Enjoy your lunch looking out over the mountain slopes.
• Hike around the plateau known as the Roof of Japan.

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below
***Lunch note: As there are few opportunities to stop at a restaurant, we recommend bringing a lunchbox, bento or snacks to enjoy during the trip.

Description

This tour will start at Kanazawa Station at 8:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Information Center near the Shinkansen Ticket Gates. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station as well if you feel the need; however, you can of course store your belongings on the tour bus as well. Don't forget to grab a bento or something from the convenience store, as we'll be stopping for a picnic on the mountainside.

You will get on the bus at the bus terminal on the Kanazawa Port side of the station. After boarding, you will ride nearly two hours on the highway through the countryside of the Hokuriku Region and eventually onto the traditional road used by pilgrims to start their journey up the mountain. We'll head a little deeper into the mountain valley to reach our first stop: Shomyo Falls.

There is a short hiking trail up to the base of the falls. The 350m waterfalls were first formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, which carved the path of the valley. In spring and early summer, the melting snow from the mountaintop pushes the waterfall to its peak and also forms the Hannoki Falls, directly facing the Shomyo Falls.

Shomyo literally means "chanting scripture" and the sound of the waterfall's four drops is said to be one of the most beautiful in Japan. Ancient pilgrims thought the noise sounded like monks chanting in a temple. You'll have to decide for yourself if you agree, but it is undeniable that the sound of the waterfall and the feel of the spray is relaxing. Especially against the heat of the Japanese summer!

Once we've taken in our fill of the falls, we'll make our way back to the bus and begin our ascent up the mountain. In summer and autumn, this path up the mountain is a feast for the eyes. With more than 16,000 hectares of forest, some of the cedar trees have been standing for 1000 years. Higher up the mountain, we'll see stretching wetlands leading out to the ocean.

At the Midagahara Wetlands Plateau, we'll hop out the bus to take a trek through the trails. Bring a bento with you, as we'll stop and have lunch while we look out over the wetlands. From this high viewpoint, it's easy to feel on top of the world, above even the clouds themselves. Eat up, as you'll need the energy! There are a few routes around this area, but your guide will help you keep your bearings and get the best views for how much time we have here.

Once we've explored the plateau to its fullest, we'll get back on the bus and make the final ascent to the top of the mountain, Murodo. There is a small station here with a café, some shopping areas and a restaurant. If you declined to bring a bento, you can take some time and have lunch here. The area out at the back of the station is a series of large hiking trails. Your guide will explain the different routes available as you make your way to one of the most famous sights on the mountain: Mikurigaike Pond.

With your back to Murodo Station, this volcanic pond reflects Mt. Tsurugi in the distance. Even in late July, there are pockets of deep snow which call back to just how heavily the snow falls in the mountain range. There are some years when it doesn't even all melt before winter comes again! This pond is part of what is known as Hell Valley, as the warm water is unsafe to consume. Pilgrims would climb through the Hell Valley, symbolically ascending from the Buddhist version of hell to the Pure Land of the afterlife. While you are unlikely to see any pilgrim monks today, you should bring your camera nevertheless to take advantage of the views around the mountainside.

From here, you will have some free time to explore, picking a trail that suits you. Amateur hikers can do a lap around the pond, passing by the Mikurigaike Onsen, the highest-altitude onsen in Japan. You can look out down the mountainside from the bath, enjoying a view most never get to experience. There is also a small restaurant here and some seating outside to enjoy a tea or a coffee in the mountain air.

Before we get back on the bus and begin our journey back to Kanazawa, we'll first meet up and your guide will explain some of the history of the mountain and the religion associated with it. We'll learn how the pilgrimage began and the rituals worshippers would do. We'll also see the old shrine that was on the top of the mountain. Before it was replaced in 1996, it stood on the mountain peak for 130 years, braving the elements. Of course, you are welcome to instead use that time to explore the mountain a little more! Once we're all back, we'll head down the mountain.

As the journey back to Kanazawa takes nearly two-and-a-half hours, we'll stop for a few minutes at Alpen Mura, a small service area near the bottom of the mountain. You can stretch your legs, go to the bathroom and grab a few snacks for the ride home. If you're looking for souvenirs, your guide will be able to help you with recommendations!

From Alpen Mura, it takes just over an hour to get back to Kanazawa. After a long day of hiking, feel free to sit back, relax and just enjoy the ride. If you have any questions about things to do and see in Kanazawa, or any other part of your trip to Japan, feel free to ask your guide! We love hearing about people's plans and helping them make the best of their trip.

Meetup Points

Kanazawa Station @ 8:00 A.M.

The meetup point is outside of the Shinkansen ticket gates, in front of the information center. If you are heading out from the gates, look forward and to the right and you will see four large sumo wrestlers lined up. This is where we will be meeting. For those coming from outside the station, you will find this sign immediately inside of the East Entrance of Kanazawa Station. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 8:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag.

Notes

Tour Availability Disclaimer

All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

Included

• Transportation
• English-speaking guide.

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation

Other Information

• This tour involves hiking through some quite steep and difficult trails. While there are options to do less-challenging routes, this tour is best suited for guests with a reasonable degree of physical fitness.
• This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or rain coat if necessary.
• Guests who wish to go inside the onsen may want to bring towels and soap to use. If not, they can be purchased from inside the onsen itself. Please follow standard etiquette while inside the onsen. If you are unsure, your guide will be happy to assist you.
• There will be free time along the way for guests to enjoy the locations at their own pace. However, please make sure that you are at the respective meetup points at the time stated by your guide. If you get lost or need assistance, feel free to call the number which is listed on your tour pass, and our staff will assist you immediately.