Seasonal Attraction

SpringApril - June

The operating period for 2024 is as follows,

  • Full route (Dentetsu Toyama – Nagano) April 15th to November 30th,2024
  • The route is closed from December 1st to April 14th.

When spring comes, the Alpine Route is literally ‘carved through’ the snow. There are no other sites that can give this experience. Many people from all over the world are deeply impressed by the 18 meter high snow wall. Blue skies can be seen above the bus and white snowcapped peaks are visible between the walls of snow. If you wish to see the snow walls, it is recommended that you visit in June. Even in late June the walls are still over 10 meters high. As there are fewer visitors in June, you can enjoy a more relaxed sightseeing experience. Also, the weather in June is warm and more predictable. When walking on the snow fields around Murodo you may be able to see a white ptarmigan. In Tateyama, the Alpine ptarmigan are sometimes referred to as “messengers from God”. The birds will bring happiness to those who see them. They can be seen in Murodo from late May to June, especially in the area around Mikurigaike (pond).

Temperature

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is located at an altitude of over 3000 meters. There is a noticeable difference in temperature compared with the surrounding plains.

Average monthly temperatures within the Alpine Route – Murodo
Month 4 5 6
Highest temperature 6°C (43°F) 10°C (50°F) 14°C (57°F)
Lowest temperature -3°C (27°F) 3°C (37°F) 7°C (45°F)

Spring Style

Murodo and Midagahara are still covered in snow. In order to stroll through the snowfields, we strongly advise you to bring waterproof shoes/boots for trekking, and due to the reflection of the sun on the snow, we also suggest that you bring some sunscreen and sunglasses.

Other useful items
gloves, heat pads, scarf, woolly hat, neck warmer, sunglasses.

* Snow wall visits can be quite cold, warmer, winter wear is advised.

Raicho (Ptarmigan)

These ptarmigan live only in the mountains. They were revered as messengers from god and treated very well. Because of this they are not shy around people. They have survived since the ice age. The birds are designated as a Special National Treasure. About 240 birds live in the Murodo area. If you are lucky, you might see one. From May to June it is especially easy to spot brown Raicho silhouetted on the remaining snow.