Kurobe Alpine Private Tour: Snowy Peaks, Cool Summers & Autumn Colors

❄ Spring (April–June): Walk through the iconic Snow Walls, an unforgettable experience only possible during these months. The best time to see them in their most pristine state is mid-April to mid-May, when they are freshly carved, towering, and brilliantly white. By late May to early June, the walls begin to melt, gradually decreasing in height. By mid to late June, the surface may appear dirtier due to exposure to wind and dust, and the walls are significantly lower.

🌿 Summer (July–September): While cities like Tokyo and Kyoto reach 35°C (95°F) with extreme humidity, Murodo stays a refreshing 15°C (59°F), offering a cool alpine escape with lush green landscapes and highland flowers.

🍁 Autumn (September–November): Witness one of Japan’s most spectacular autumn displays as the Japanese Alps turn into a sea of golden, orange, and red hues, creating an unforgettable contrast against the crisp blue skies.

This full-day adventure takes you from Nagano Station to Ogizawa, where you’ll begin your seamless journey through the mountains via electric buses, cable cars, ropeways, and trolley buses—each offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide, you’ll gain deeper insights into the natural beauty, history, and engineering marvels of this incredible high-altitude route. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or adventure seeker, this tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Japan’s dramatic seasonal landscapes.

🌟 Tour Highlights 🌟

✔ Marvel at the legendary Snow Walls (April–June) – Walk through 15-meter-high corridors of snow at Murodo (2,450m altitude).
✔ Spring, Summer & Autumn Wonders:

• Spring (April–June): Experience the towering Snow Walls, only visible for a limited time each year. Best time to visit: mid-April to mid-May for the most pristine walls.
• Summer (July–September): Escape the scorching heat of Japan’s cities and enjoy a refreshing 15°C (59°F) alpine retreat with blooming highland flowers.
• Autumn (September–November): Witness the stunning golden-red foliage of the Japanese Alps, one of Japan’s most breathtaking seasonal transitions.
  ✔ Travel through the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – Ride an unforgettable series of mountain transport systems, including an electric bus, cable car, ropeway, and trolley bus.
  ✔ Visit Japan’s tallest dam, Kurobe Dam (186m) – A masterpiece of engineering surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and vivid alpine lakes.
  ✔ Enjoy private transportation from Nagano to Ogizawa – Avoid the hassle of public transit and travel in comfort.
  ✔ Explore Murodo’s pristine alpine landscapes – See the crystal-clear Mikurigaike Pond, spot the rare Raicho (Japanese ptarmigan), and take in the crisp, high-altitude air.
  ✔ Small-group experience – A personalized and intimate tour with a maximum of 12 guests.
  ✔ Expert English-speaking guide – Learn about the geography, culture, and history of this remarkable mountain region.

🏔 Description – A Day in the Japanese Alps

❄ The Majestic Snow Walls (April–June)

Your adventure begins in Nagano City, where you’ll meet your expert English-speaking guide at Starbucks Midori Nagano Station. After a short introduction, you’ll board a comfortable private vehicle and set off on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Ogizawa Station, the eastern entrance of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route.

Arriving at Murodo (2,450m altitude), you’ll witness one of Japan’s most surreal landscapes—the towering Snow Walls. Walking through these massive corridors of ice and snow is like stepping into another world. Your guide will explain how these impressive walls are formed each year as the route is cleared for spring travelers.

⚠ Best time to visit: Mid-April to mid-May for the most impressive Snow Walls.
⚠ Late May to early June: The walls begin melting and decreasing in height. Some areas may look uneven or slightly darker.
⚠ Mid to late June: The snow surface may appear dirtier, and the walls are significantly lower.

🌿 Summer: Escape Japan’s Heat & Enjoy Cool Alpine Trails

Japan’s summer can be brutal, with cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka reaching over 35°C (95°F), high humidity, and relentless heat waves. But instead of struggling through scorching streets, you can escape to the refreshing alpine paradise of Murodo, where temperatures remain a pleasant 15°C (59°F) even in peak summer.

🌿 Breathe in fresh, crisp mountain air that feels like natural air conditioning—no sweltering heat, no sticky humidity.
🏞 Wander through lush, green highland trails that stretch across the Japanese Alps, offering panoramic views of untouched wilderness.
🌼 See vibrant summer wildflowers in full bloom, including rare alpine species that thrive only in these high-altitude meadows.
🐦 Spot the elusive Raicho (Japanese ptarmigan), a sacred bird of the mountains, camouflaging perfectly in its summer coat.

🌟 If you’re looking for a way to beat Japan’s summer heat while experiencing one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders, this is it!

🍁 Autumn: A Golden Tapestry of Colors

Autumn in Japan is breathtaking, but while Kyoto and Tokyo are packed with crowds, Kurobe Alpine Route offers a far more serene and spectacular way to experience fall colors. Here, the autumn leaves start at the peaks and cascade down the mountains, creating a dynamic color gradient that changes daily.

🍁 Witness one of Japan’s most spectacular autumn landscapes, where the alpine slopes burst into fiery shades of red, orange, and gold.
🚠 Ride the Tateyama Ropeway and see the mountains transform beneath you, with a bird’s-eye view of endless autumn foliage.
🏔 Enjoy crisp autumn air at 2,450m, far from the crowded city parks, surrounded by peaceful nature.
📸 Capture stunning photos of golden leaves reflecting in the crystal-clear waters of Mikurigaike Pond, a scene straight out of a postcard.

🍂 For travelers seeking Japan’s most breathtaking fall scenery without the crowds, Kurobe Alpine Route is an unforgettable autumn paradise.

✅ Included in the Tour

✔️ Private transportation from your hotel in central Nagano (⇄ Ogizawa)
✔️ English-speaking guide (available throughout the tour)
✔️ Flexible free time at Murodo (approx. 2 hours)

❌ Not Included

🚫 Kurobe Alpine Route round-trip ticket
 ・¥12,300 per adult
 ・¥6,150 per child
🚫 Meals & drinks (available for purchase at Murodo and Kurobe Dam)
🚫 Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional activities)

📅 Availability & Booking

📆 Tour Season: Mid-April to Mid-November
❄ Snow Wall Season: Mid-April to mid-May
🌿 Cool Summer Escape: July–September
🍁 Autumn Foliage Highlights: Late September to late October

👥 Group Size: Private tour, up to 12 guests
📍 Meeting Point: Hotel pickup in Nagano city included
 （or meet in front of Beck’s Coffee, inside Nagano Station）
🕢 Departure Time: 7:30 AM

📌 Note: This tour sells out quickly during the Snow Wall season — early booking recommended!