Through the Kurobe Alpine Route
Getting out of Tokyo, breathing in the pure mountain air, soaring high above the clouds and admiring the breathtaking scenery when you only have 2 days? That's what this Alpine tour is all about.
You'll be travelling by high-speed train, electric bus, trolley, funicular and cable car, and switch seamlessly from one mode of transport to another, enjoying a new panorama at each stop. You'll be walking at an altitude of almost 2,500 meters at the foot of one of Japan's three sacred mountains.
Depending on your tastes and on the season, you will be able to enjoy the spectacle of volcanic resurgences, a primary forest with trees thousands of years old, immense waterfalls reputed to be the highest in the country, an impressive wall of snow, cross a huge dam on foot and, in the evening, relax in a thermal water bath.
You will also have the choice of sleeping at altitude or descending to the comfort of a small water town depending on the season of your trip.
Spring version, from 20 April to 15 June & Summer version, from 16 June to 15 October.
2 days / 1 nights itinerary throughout the Kurobe Alpine Route
- Departure city : Tokyo
- Tateyama
- Toyama
- Return city : Tokyo (other options available)
Please find detailed itinerary information below.
Why choose this excursion to Japan ?
- Discover the Kurobe Alpine Road and its impressive panoramas.
- Take the many means of transport between each summit.
- Stay in a high mountain or spa resort.
- Enjoy a bath in one of Japan's famous ‘onsen’.
- Many recommendations for the area available in the provided digital travel guidebook.
Your excursion in detail
Itinerary
Day 1 : Conquering the summits
If your trip takes place in spring, you'll need to leave Tokyo early in the morning. You'll board the famous shinkansen to Nagano, the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics.
From there, you'll embark on a journey across the Japanese Alps, traversing the mountain range from east to west using a variety of transportation modes. You'll have minimal wait times between each stage, allowing ample time to appreciate the stunning scenery.
Around 1 PM in spring, or in the afternoon during the summer months, you'll reach a plateau at an altitude of 2,450 meters, where short hikes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. In summer, we recommend spending the night there to experience the magic of a starlit sky.
The next day, you'll descend the western slope. For spring travelers, a two-hour break will allow you to marvel at the impressive snow walls before continuing your journey downhill to a luxurious spa for the night.
Day 2 : The western slope
In summer, you'll descend from the high plateau via a combination of bus, cable car, and train. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to stop and admire the stunning natural wonders that this mountain range is known for.
For those who experienced the winter wonderland the day before, the second day offers an in-depth exploration of an underrated provincial capital, providing a glimpse into authentic Japanese culture away from the crowds.
Regardless of your choice, you can conclude your tour in this city or return to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Kanazawa via high-speed train.
Accommodation
- 1 night in a high mountain or spa establishment (depending on the season)
The base rate includes a twin room.
Transportation
- This tour includes train tickets and a pass for the entire journey
- You can also book an optional return journey to Tokyo or Kyoto
Visit & meals
- All breakfasts and dinners are included
Included in your self-guided excursion
Other services
- 7/7 telephone assistance in English and Japanese
- Complete digital travel diary before your departure
Not included in the price of your excursion
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses, including lunches (you will find recommended restaurants selected by us in your travel pack)
- Entrance fees to museums, gardens or temples
- Internet access (i.e. with a an e-SIM card)
- Everything not included in the "Included in your excursion" section
Other services
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