Let's spend the hot summer in a summer resort above the clouds at an altitude of 2,450 meters!

  • Toyama
  • Sightseeing
2025 Tateyama Kurobe Natsu Tabi ©Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which runs through the majestic Northern Alps, is one of the world's leading mountain tourism routes, allowing visitors to reach an altitude of 2,450 meters by vehicle alone. Recently, record-breaking heat wave has been continuing in summer, but Murodou-daira above the clouds is a recommended sightseeing spot as a summer resort because the average temperature is about 15°C in summer and a pleasant breeze blows through the area. In this issue, we will introduce information on the "2025 Tateyama Kurobe Natsu Tabi" event and the best summer spots along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!

Mikurigaike Pond, with its beautiful azure lake surface

Mikurigaike Pond is said to be the most beautiful volcanic lake in the Northern Alps. It is the symbol of Murodo and a spectacular spot that you should definitely visit when you visit the Alpine Route in summer. Located about a 15-minute walk from the Murodo Terminal along a walking trail, the lake is completely covered with snow in early spring, but by mid-July, the snow melts to reveal the beautiful blue of the lake's surface. The reflection of the majestic mountains on the azure water is a beautiful sight and soothes the hearts of visitors.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route will hold the "Let's go see Mikuriga Ike! Mikuriga-ike! event is being held from June 1 (Sun.) to October 14 (Tue.). Mikurigaike Card" is distributed at Mikurigaike Onsen (hot spring) for a limited time. Mikurigaike Onsen is located at an elevation of 2,410 meters, the highest natural hot spring in Japan, so if you are interested, please stop by Mikurigaike Onsen as well!
Mikurigaike Pond ©Toyama Tourism Promotion Organization

You will be lucky if you see a grouse!

Around Mikurigaike Pond, there are clusters of high pine trees, an alpine plant that is a home for grouse, so if you are lucky, you may be able to see a grouse. Tateyama is one of the few places in Japan where you can see wild grouse up close, which are designated as a special natural treasure and protected as an endangered species. If you spot one, please observe the etiquette of observation and watch quietly and calmly.
Grouse parent and child ©Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Recommended for trekking! Let's look for heart-shaped ponds in Midagahara!

The Midagahara Plateau, which stretches at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters, was registered as an internationally valuable wetland under the Ramsar Convention in 2012. This beautiful plateau is dotted with many ponds called "gaki no tada" (rice paddies for kids) or "gaki tada" (rice paddies for kids), and some of them are heart-shaped ponds that may bring you happiness, so why don't you look for them? The area is also recommended for beginners, as the trails are well prepared for trekking. Enjoy walking while admiring alpine plants in full bloom, such as cotton grass, which is fluffy like cotton wool, and chinguruma, which is actually a member of the tree family.
Midagahara Plain ©Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

A great sightseeing spot! Kurobe Dam's sightseeing water discharge

The Kurobe Dam, one of the largest dams in Japan, was built in the midst of Kurobe's magnificent nature and was called the "Great Project of the Century" due to its large scale and unimaginably difficult construction. One of the most famous features of the Kurobe Dam is the sightseeing water release that takes place from June 26 (Thursday) to October 15 (Wednesday). The sight of more than 10 tons of water being discharged every second as a mist is truly a sight to behold. On fine days, visitors can sometimes see a beautiful rainbow over the water.
Kurobe Dam ©Toyama Tourism Promotion Organization

Black soft serve at Kurobedaira!

If you are in the mood for a cool sweet, how about the "Kurobedaira Black Soft" at the Kurobedaira Café in the taste corner of Kurobedaira Station? The black ice cream, which is inspired by the "black" of Kurobedaira, has a bitter chocolate flavor that even children can enjoy. It is also a good idea to take a picture with the magnificent scenery.

Recommended summer gourmet foods include "Mikurigaike Soft Cream" of rum and milk flavor, which can be tasted at the Murodo Terminal, and "Hasaider Float" and "Kuronyon Soft Cream" offered at the Kurobe Dam Rest House.
Kurobedaira Black Soft ©Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

The bus will be in operation from 2025! Tateyama Tunnel Electric Bus

Last year, the last trolleybus in Japan ended its operation, and the Tateyama Tunnel Electric Bus began operation in April 2025 as a new vehicle connecting Murodo and Daikanbo on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route! All of the eight buses have different wrapping designs, including one with a special design of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route's spectacular spring and autumn scenery and another with a special design of the animated movie "Wolf Children: Rain and Snow" produced by Studio MAP, so you will be able to see which one you can ride! You will be able to see which one you can ride on the day of the event.
Tateyama Tunnel Electric Bus ©Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The animated movie "Wolf Children" depicts many beautiful scenes in Tateyama Kurobe, and from June 1 (Sun.) to August 31 (Sun.), panels showing scenes from the movie and actual photos of Tateyama Kurobe will be displayed next to the stairs in the Murodo Terminal as a joint project with Studio Chizu. Please take a look.

In addition to the above, visitors to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in summer can enjoy various events such as a stamp rally for original postcards, a photo campaign and quiz related to Mikurigaike Pond and water, and "Mountain Day Days" to be held in conjunction with Mountain Day. For details, please check the "2025 Tateyama Kurobe Natsu Tabi" page on the official website.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route official website】2025 Tateyama Kurobe Natsu Tabi
This summer, how about enjoying the cool and comfortable summer resort above the clouds with its spectacular views, walking, mountain climbing, star gazing, and other enjoyable summer memories?

For hands-on tour activities, try VELTRA!

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, allowing you to choose your train and accommodations freely and apply for them all at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! Enjoy your own personalized trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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