Utilizing my experience as a Toyama Prefecture nature commentator (naturalist) and global warming prevention promoter, I am a nature guide(I got the qualification in 2011). The commentary area includes areas such as Tateyama/Murodo, Tateyama/Midagahara, Shomyo Falls, Kurobe Gorge, and prefectural natural parks. For details, please contact us by email.
Access to Tateyama/Murodo Tateyama/Midagahara
Although there is a toll road in this area, private cars cannot enter due to the protection of the natural environment. Therefore, you can either walk up the mountain trail or take a ride on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. It usually takes more than 8 hours to reach Murodo on the mountain trail, so most people use the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route(below). It takes about an hour and a half to reach Murodo.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route cuts through the Northern Alps, which is lined with peaks with an altitude of 3,000 meters, such as Mt. Tateyama. It is one of the world’s leading mountain sightseeing routes. The total length is 37.2km, and the maximum height difference is 1,975m. Almost the entire section is in Chubu Sangaku National Park. You can easily enjoy the majestic nature of Tateyama Kurobe, which spreads above the clouds, by passing through many scenic spots.
History of Tateyama and the Alpine Route
Introduction of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route select the season under the page,then you can see Expected temperatures and Recommended clothing and footwear
Tateyama Kurobe Kanko Co., Ltd. website
Guided tour recommended plan
Tateyama/Murodo Area [Departure/Arrival at Murodo Bus Terminal]
① Otani Snow Wall Guided Tour April – June : About 2 hours
A tour that walks slowly through Otani Snow Wall while listening to commentary. You can see why it snows so much here. It may be canceled due to weather.
② Ptarmigan Exploration Tour April – May : About 2 hours
We will look for Ptarmigan around Murodo. This is the best time to see ptarmigans, as there are few places to hide in the remaining snow. This season we can see Ptarmigan in pairs.Female ptarmigans eat a lot of food to lay eggs. Male ptarmigans pay attention to their surroundings so that females can concentrate on their diet. You can observe such a situation up close.The chances of seeing the lovely ptarmigans are high, but please understand that you may not be able to see them.
③ Murodo Area Guided Tour : Approximately 1 to 3 hours
This is a walking tour around Murodo while listening to explanations of topography, plants, history, etc. You can see the beautiful Mikurigaike Pond and Jigokudani, which is still fuming. Please contact us for walking distance and time.
④ Alpine Plant Observation Tour Early-July to Mid-August : About 3 hours to about 5 hours
This tour aims to see alpine plants growing in clumps at Mt.Jodo or Higashi-ichinokoshi. Since you will be walking on a mountain trail, mountain climbing equipment and experience are required.I will guide you to the rare alpine plants whose flowers can be seen at that time.
Chonosukesou looks like chinguruma, but you can tell because the shape of the leaves is completely different. Named after Chonosuke Sugawa. Like chinguruma, it is a very small tree. Flowers bloom from early to mid-July.
Takaneibara (Takanebara) is a tree of about 1m, but around here it is about 20cm. The colony takes more than 4 hours round trip from Murodo. Flowers are from mid to late July.
[Departure/arrival from Midagahara bus stop]
⑪ Guided tour of Midagahara : About 1 to 3 hours
This is a tour that takes you slowly around Midagahara while listening to explanations about the nature of the wetlands registered under the Ramsar Convention. The contrast between alpine plants and ponds that change with the seasons is attractive.
⑫ Tateyama Caldera Tour : About 1 to 2 hours
This is a round-trip tour to the caldera observatory around the Tateyama Caldera (no entry). You can see the construction work in the caldera when there are no clouds. Alpine plants can also be seen in the forest zone of Oshirabiso on the way.
[Shōmyō Falls bus stop departure/arrival]
⑮ Shōmyō Waterfall Guided Tour : About 2 hours (cancelled if the access road is closed)
This is a walking tour while listening to explanations about the characteristic topography created by the Shōmyō River. You can see why such terrain was created and what will happen after this.
[Unazuki station departure/arrival]
⑱ Kurobe Gorge Guided Tour About 3 to 6 hours ※Betweem Unazukionsen station and last stop
This is a tour that uses a trolley train and walks while listening to explanations about the gorge created by the Kurobe River. Depending on the drop-off point, what you can see is different, so please contact us in advance. In addition, please bear the torokko train fare for the guide.
Ditels Trolly train (official site)
It is the source of Kuronagi Onsen. Not usually seen. Also, photography is prohibited in this area.
I’m looking forward to guide beautiful outdoors and enjoyable experience.
A free guided tour experience session will be held.(Schedule completion)
Course ⑮ Shōmyō Falls Guided Tour Spring Season.
May 31th 14:00-
Please let us know by e-mail that you would like to participate in a free guided tour experience session, the desired date and time, the number of participants, the applicant’s name, and your phone number. We will check the application email and reply.
- Please apply at least 3 days before the event date.