The Toyama Alpine Route is one of Japan’s most spectacular mountain sightseeing experiences, and in spring, its iconic snow corridor draws visitors from around the world. We originally planned to cross the entire route, but since we were traveling by car, we opted for a round-trip journey from Ogizawa Station to Murodo and back—a flexible alternative for self-driving visitors.
We arrived at Ogizawa Station by 7:00 AM to buy our round-trip tickets on the spot (¥12,300). Tickets tend to sell out early during peak seasons, so we highly recommend booking online in advance if your schedule is fixed.
How to Buy Tickets Online
Step 1: Choose the Right Ticket
Book the Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket for the complete journey from Ogizawa to Tateyama or vice versa. You can choose a one-way or round-trip option depending on your plan.
Step 2: Use the Official Site
Select your date, departure point, and cable car departure time.
Credit card payment only.
Step 3: Collect Your Ticket
Bring your booking QR code to the station. The printed ticket will cover all six transport segments.
Important Notes:
- Booking period typically runs mid-March to end-August.
- Seat reservations are only needed for the first cable car.
- Mobile IC cards like Suica are not accepted.
Toyama Alpine Route live camera
They have live webcams online, so you can check the visibility and snow conditions before you go.
Check the link to view: https://www.alpen-route.com/en/livecamera/daikanbo.html
What to Expect: Segment by Segment
1. Ogizawa Station
Our starting point on the Nagano side. Car parking is available but limited.
2. Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus (16 min)
The journey begins with a bus ride through a tunnel beneath Mt. Akazawa-dake, ending at the Kurobe Dam.
3. Kurobe Dam
At 186 meters, Japan’s tallest dam is an engineering marvel. We took a short walk across and stopped by the observatory for panoramic views. It’s a bit of a climb, but worth it if you’re feeling energetic.
Best season:
Water discharge: mid-June to October
Fall foliage: early to mid-October
4. Kurobe Lake Cable Car to Kurobedaira (5 min)
This tunnel cable car takes you up quickly, though there’s not much to see during the ride. Once at Kurobedaira Station, enjoy a beautiful viewing deck before transferring to the ropeway.
5. Tateyama Ropeway (7 min)
This is the most scenic part of the trip. Floating over a deep valley with no supporting pylons, the view is uninterrupted and stunning.
6. Daikanbo Station
Another scenic stop offering a panoramic view of the surrounding alpine ranges. We transferred here to the final leg—a tunnel bus.
7. Tunnel Trolley Bus (10 min)
Riding through Mt. Tateyama itself, the bus brought us to the final destination: Murodo.
Murodo Station: The Roof of Japan
At 2,450 meters above sea level, Murodo Station is the highest in Japan. Here, you’ll find shops, cafés, rest areas, and the Tateyama Murodo Hut, one of Japan’s oldest mountain lodges.
Spring Highlight: The Snow Corridor
We visited in April, and the famous Yuki no Otani snow walls were in full display—massive snow walls reaching up to 20 meters high. After a quick lunch at the station, we strolled along the snow corridor and enjoyed the surreal landscape.
Heading Back to Ogizawa
At 1:00 PM, we began our return journey along the same scenic route, arriving back at Ogizawa in the afternoon.
After our mountain adventure, we stayed at Hakuba-Ism, a cozy cabin perfect for groups. It includes everything you need—BBQ setup, cooking utensils, and a peaceful outdoor setting.
Price: ¥47,625 per night (7 people)
Ideal for families or friend groups
We’ve stayed here before and would gladly return
How to Get to Toyama Alpine route?
If you do not have a car, the Toyama Alpine Route is still very accessible by public transportation or guided tours. From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano or Toyama Station, then transfer to local trains and buses heading to either Ogizawa Station (Nagano side) or Tateyama Station (Toyama side).
For added convenience, guided tours are available via klook:
1-day tour: Approx. ¥2,800 – covers the main highlights and round-trip access.
Final thoughts
Even as a round-trip route, the Toyama Alpine Route is a breathtaking journey that blends natural beauty, engineering feats, and seasonal spectacles like the snow corridor. Whether you’re traveling by car or planning a full crossing, this route is a must-experience for spring and summer travelers.
