About this tour
This 10-hour alpine expedition departs from either Kanazawa or Toyama to traverse the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route in the Northern Japanese Alps. You'll travel by coach to Murodo, where winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered terrain featuring walls that tower up to 20 metres high. En route, you'll stop at Ashikuraji, the traditional gateway to Mt. Tateyama, where your guide shares stories of how locals historically viewed the mountain's role in spiritual beliefs. The tour showcases alpine gorges, mountain lakes, and the dramatic seasonal shift that makes this region distinctive.
Highlights
- Walk alongside towering 20-metre snow walls at Murodo
- Explore Ashikuraji, the historic starting point for Mt. Tateyama ascents
- Learn spiritual history and local mountain mythology
- Coach journey across gorges and alpine highlands
- Winter landscape photography across the 'Roof of Japan'
- Views of pristine alpine lakes and seasonal terrain
What to expect
Your day begins with a coach pickup from Kanazawa or Toyama station. The drive takes you into the Northern Alps, with your English-speaking guide narrating the landscape and cultural significance of the region. At Ashikuraji, you'll spend time understanding how the mountain figured into local spiritual worldview before boarding again for Murodo. Here, the snow walls dominate the scenery—you'll walk alongside them and absorb the quiet of the high alpine environment. The route traverses exposed mountainous terrain with gorges and lakes visible below. The entire journey, including travel time between points, spans 10 hours. Bring warm layers and sturdy footwear; the area is accessible year-round, though winter conditions prevail seasonally.
Good to know
Lunch isn't provided, so bring snacks or plan to eat beforehand. Public transport options exist nearby if you need alternatives. Infants must sit on an adult's lap throughout the journey. Activities depend on weather and venue availability—the operator will contact you with adjustments if needed. This suits all fitness levels.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.