Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Tour - Sightseeing (Kurobe Dam, Murodo)

Kurobe Dam, the "Great Project of the Century," took seven years to complete with the labor of 10 million people. If you walk up the 200 steps adjacent to it, you'll reach an observation deck, where you can see the dam's water release for tourists every year from Jun. 26th to Oct. 15th.

It is a base for sightseeing and mountain climbing, with views of the three peaks of Tateyama, as well as Mount Tsurugi and the Dainichi mountain range. Another major feature is the large number of sights scattered around, including Mikurigaike Pond, Jigokudani, and Tateyama Tamadono Spring Water.

It is a large highland of lava plateau stretching 20 km from east to west and 3 km from north to south.  In summer, alpine plants such as the "Etangulma" and "Iwakagami" bloom in full force, and in autumn the autumn colors delight the eyes.

A moving observation deck with a 360-degree panoramic view that connects Daikanbo and Kurobe Valley in about 7 minutes. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Ushiro-Tachiyama range and Kurobe lake.

The terrace was built in 2016.
This is the closest viewing spot to the water being sprayed, and depending on the wind direction you may get splashed with water.
You can really feel the dynamism of the tourist water release, so I highly recommend you see it from here.

Of all the observation spots, the Dam Observation Deck is located at the highest point.
After arriving at Kurobe Dam Station, you have to climb 220 steps, which can be a bit daunting.
However, the view of the Tateyama mountain range and the Kurobe Dam water release from here is a spectacular sight. If you make the effort to climb the stairs, you will be impressed.

We also recommend the dam, where you can see the tourist water release from directly above.
Walk along the dam and look at the water release from various angles, such as from the left, center, right, etc.
If it's a nice day and you're lucky, you might be able to find a spot where you can see two or three rainbows!

Located a 5-minute walk from Murodo Station in Toyama Prefecture at an altitude of about 2,450 meters, Otani receives a lot of snow due to snowdrifts, and the height can exceed 20 meters. The famous "Snow Wall" was created by removing the snow that had accumulated on the Tateyama Toll Road that passes through Otani, and the approximately 500-meter section where the walls are lined up is called "Snow Otani." The "Snow Otani Walk," where you can walk through the snow walls, is a recommended spring event that can be enjoyed from Sunday Apr. 15th to mid-Jun.. As you walk through Snow Otani, a spectacular view of the Tateyama mountain range awaits you beyond the walls! Why not experience the wonders of nature at "Snow Otani," which is only available at this time of year Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?

Have you ever encountered the "ptarmigan", a bird said to have survived the Ice Age and the prefectural bird of Nagano, Gifu and Toyama? The best time to encounter the ptarmigan, a designated national special natural monument, is Jun., when they are often seen defending their nests after territorial disputes. They are around 40cm long and make a frog-like cry of "gueee". They have thick legs for a bird and live in low pine forests called pumila. If you take a course that includes Accommodation on the alpine route in Jun., you will have a high chance of seeing the ptarmigan.

In summer, we recommend observing alpine plants at Murododaira, the highest point of the alpine route. The Tateyama mountain range is reflected on the water surface filled with melting snow, and many alpine plants bloom along the walking course that surrounds the area. If you're lucky, you might even see a family of ptarmigans with their fluffy chicks among the alpine plants. Murododaira is the place where the most flowers bloom in the year, and the green carpet as far as the eye can see is so refreshing that it will make you forget the heat below.

At Murodo, the highest point on the Alpine Route, the leaves begin to change color from mid-Sep.. Because the seasons progress at a faster pace than in the lower reaches, if you're lucky you can see the so-called "three-tiered" autumn scenery, with snow on the mountaintop, red and yellow leaves on the mountainside, and greenery just starting to change color at the base. The most spectacular of these is the autumn leaves at Tambodaira, which can be seen from the Tateyama Ropeway! Set out in search of an autumn that is more dramatic and memorable than any TV drama!