Autumn foliage season has arrived!

  • Toyama
  • Sightseeing
Photo courtesy of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The autumn foliage along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is the earliest in Japan, along with that of Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido, and usually starts in mid-September! Since there is a 1,975-meter difference in elevation from the summit to the foot of the mountain, the autumn leaves can be seen at various locations along the Alpine Route for about a month and a half, with the time of year staggered. The autumn leaves can be seen from mid-September to early October around Murodo and Daikanbo, from early to mid-October at Midagahara and Kurobedaira, from mid to late October at Kurobe Dam and Ogisawa, and from late October to early November at Bijyodaira and Tateyama Station, as if the leaves are falling in order from the highest point of the mountain.

After summer ends, the entire mountain gradually turns yellow. Tateyama is characterized by a rich variety of colors, including not only red and yellow, but also dark green of Japanese spruce and light green of Chishimazasa. Here are some of the highlights of autumn foliage in each area of the Alpine Route!

You can even meet thunderbirds! Autumn Colors in Murodo

Murododaira, the highest and central point of the Alpine Route at 2,450 meters above sea level, is the best location from which to view the three peaks of Tateyama (Mt. Oyama, Mt. Jodo, and Mt. Besan). The Tateyama mountain range at 3,000 meters above sea level turns into red, yellow, and green! Mikurigaike Pond and Enmadai are also popular tourist attractions in this area.
Murodo
Murodo

Tateyama Ropeway" from Daikanbong to Kurobedaira

Daikanbo, which rises 2,316 meters above sea level, commands a panoramic view of Kurobe Lake and Tambo-daira with the backdrop of the Ushiro-Tateyama mountain range. The Tateyama Ropeway, which connects Daikanbo Station and Kurobedaira Station, has no pillars to block the view, allowing visitors to enjoy the vivid carpet of autumn leaves below. The best part of this area is that you can view the "three-tiered colored leaves" with snow on the high mountains, colored leaves in the middle, and greenery at the foot of the mountains as you travel by ropeway.

The Kurobedaira Panorama Terrace, located at the Kurobedaira Station, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains from the east face of the Akutaira Mountains to the back of the Akutaira Mountains. The autumn foliage can be photographed in the open space.
Tateyama Ropeway
Kurobedaira Panorama Terrace

Enjoy the colored leaves along with the sightseeing water discharge

Kurobe Dam, located 1,470 meters above sea level, is an arched dome overflow dam that boasts the highest weir in Japan. Adjacent to the station, 200 steps lead to an observation platform where you can enjoy the dynamic water discharge of 10-15 tons per second from the Kurobe Dam and the autumn leaves of the Tateyama Mountain Range. The water discharge period ends on October 15, so those who wish to see both the water discharge and the autumn colors are advised to visit before then.
Kurobe Dam
Please check the official website for information on the changing colors of the leaves at the site.
Click here for the latest information on the autumn foliage of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!
What kind of clothes should I wear to visit the Alpine Route in autumn? The temperature during the autumn foliage season is often chilly at around 10 degrees C. In October, snow may flicker at altitudes of around 2,500 meters (around Murodou-daira). Thick, long-sleeved shirts made of wool or fleece are recommended. The temperature difference from the lower elevations and the mountain weather is changeable, so be sure to prepare rain gear even on sunny days to cope with sudden changes in weather and temperature.
Click here for more information about [Advice on what to wear and what to bring]!

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