This is the perfect guide to the famous Snow Wall in Japan in Toyama Prefecture in the Northern Japananese Alps, with everything to see and enjoy nearby during your visit!
Summary
This is the perfect guide to the famous Snow Wall in Japan in Toyama Prefecture in the Northern Japananese Alps, with everything to see and enjoy nearby during your visit!
This article will introduce the best things to do on you including the Snow Wall and for a visit during any season.
The Huge Snow Wall In Japan
The Snow Wall along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is definitely something that has to be seen to be believed! With Snow Walls of up to 65 ft (20 m) making up the breathtaking Snow Corridor, visitors are truly reminded of the awesome power of Mother Nature!
The Alpine route is closed and completely inaccessible through the winter months due to heavy snow (from December to late March). However, the Snow Corridor is then literally carved the Alpine Route again each year. This is done to connect Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture.
A section of this Snow Corridor is then opened to pedestrians around Murodou Daira, at an altitude of 8,038 ft (2,450 m) from mid-April to late June. It is a great chance to take in the breathtaking views of the Snow Wall contrasted against blue skies, with the Northern Japanese Alps providing the perfect backdrop.
Toyama The Land of Snow
Why So Much Snow?
Not everyone instantly thinks of such huge Snowfall when they think of Japan. However, the other end of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Nagano Prefecture, was the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, and is known for its heavy snowfall. So how come this area gets so much snow?
Tateyama on the Japan Sea coast of Japan’s main Honshu Island is hit by the cold winds coming across the Japan Sea from Siberia. These winds pick up moisture over the Japan Sea and dump unbelievable levels of snow along the Japan Sea coast when these weather fronts hit the Northern Japanese Alps. Mt. Tateyama standing at 9,892 ft (3,015 m) and Mt. Akazawa-dake at 8,786 ft (2,478 m) are the two highest peaks and provide the most stunning backdrop in this area of particular beauty.
When To Visit
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is closed and completely inaccessible from early December to late March. The Snow Corridor around Murodou Daira is scheduled to be open to pedestrians from April 15th to June 22th in 2019.
Accommodations & Transportation
There are various hotels along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route with English websites and information can be found on the website below.
https://www.alpen-route.com/en/information/accommodation.html
Also, as private cars are prohibited, visitors must make use of the local transport which is an adventure in itself, including Japan’s longest single span ropeway cable car. The Tateyama Ropeway runs 0.7 mi (1.7 km) in the air crossing from the Daikanbo to the Kurobedaira stations, providing passengers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding nature.
Not Just A Snow Wall
Various Activities For Everyone
At nearly 65 ft (20 m) tall, the Snow Wall in Toyama is definitely a highlight to any tour, but there are many other attractions to keep the entire family entertained! 
.jpg?locale=ja)The Panorama Road lets you walk on top of the fresh snow (rather than just seeing it from below!) whilst enjoying the breathtaking mountain peaks. This stunning view can only be seen during this particular period (April 15th - May 9th).
The Gigantic Snow Hut carved directly into the snow lets you go inside for a truly unique experience (April 15th onwards). A perfect spot to take pictures to surprise family and friends back home!
The Snow Maze, made entirely by curving the snow, is fun for both children and adults. See who can find their way out of the maze fastest! (May 10th - May 19th).
The Snow Slide is a fun jumbo slide through the snow (May 22th - May 29th, June 1st – 22nd).
The dates in brackets are the planned opening times for this year, also depending on the weather the Snow Corridor may be closed. Please check the website below for up to date information.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
https://www.alpen-route.com/en/
An Activity For Every Season
Refreshing Hike In Midagahara
The stunning wetlands situated on a plateau over 6,233 ft (1,900 m) above sea level are a popular hiking spot, particularly in autumn when the leaves begin to change color. There are many hiking routes for hikers of all abilities, with various elevated wooden walkways allowing hikers to have an easy path through while also protect the marshlands from visitors.
Absolute Blue Of The Mikurigaike Pond
The Mikurigaike Pond is the biggest pond in the Murodo area, formed from volcanic movements. It is 1.5 mi (2,405 m) high and stretches over 0.4 mi (631 m) in diameter. The surface gets covered in snow from autumn to June, however it reveals its majestic beauty from July to October. Particularly the reflection of the Northern Alps on the deep blue snowmelt is beyond words!
Powerful Kurobe Dam
At a height of 610 ft (186 ｍ) the Kurobe Dam is the tallest dam in Japan and whilst it is worth visiting at any time of the year late June to October is particularly interesting. All of the snowmelt that has filled up the reservoir behind the dam is released at a rate of 15 tons of water per second!
Visit The Snow Wonderland In Tateyama
While the cherry blossoms come in blooming in April in other areas of Japan, Tateyama opens its gate to allow visitors to witness the fierce yet breathtaking nature. If you are visiting Japan in spring, make your journey up to Tateyama and experience its truly magnificent beauty!
Information
From Tokyo to Toyama By Shinkansen Take a JR Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Kanazawa from Tokyo Station. The travel time to JR Toyama Station is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.By Airplane
It takes about an hour from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Toyama Airport.
Access to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
From JR Toyama Station
After arriving at JR Toyama Station, walk to Dentetsu-Toyama Station (about 4 minutes). Then take a Toyama Chihou Railway Main Line bound for Tateyama, and get off at Tateyama Station (about 1 hour and 15 minutes).
From Toyama Airport
Take a Toyama Airport Limousine Bus bound for Toyama Station (about 20 minutes). Get off at Toyama Station. The rest of the route is the same as the above.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Address: Ashikuraji, Tateyama, Nakaniikawa, Toyama 930-1406
Tel: +81 76-432-2819
Opening Period in 2019: April 15th to November 30th
Opening Period of the Snow Wall: April 15th to June 22nd
Website: https://www.alpen-route.com/en/
Reference List
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route/index.html
https://www.alpen-route.com/en/about/seasonal.html
https://www.alpen-route.com/en/snow-wall-walk-2018apr-15th-jun-22nd%E3%80%80%EF%BD%9E%E9%9B%AA%E3%81%AE%E5%A4%A7%E8%B0%B7%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AF2018%EF%BD%9E
