Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Day Tour from Matsumoto and Nagano

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Day Tour from Matsumoto and Nagano

Info
¥22,800 / person
  • Alpine Route ticket not included
  • 📅 Period: Mid April – November
  • 🕒 Duration: Approx. 9–10 hours
  • 📍 Matsumoto & Nagano Stations
Matsumoto Station Departure 7:45 AM Station meeting

Start at 7:45 AM from Matsumoto Station, Alps / West Exit.

Return around 4:30–5:00 PM, depending on weather, Alpine Route conditions, and traffic.

Alpine Route ticket not included
Adult ¥12,300 / Child ¥6,150, paid directly at Ogizawa.
Book Now
Nagano Station Departure 7:30 AM Station meeting

Start at 7:30 AM from Nagano Station.
Meet in front of Beck’s Coffee, just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates.

Return around 4:30–5:00 PM, depending on weather, Alpine Route conditions, and traffic.

Alpine Route ticket not included
Adult ¥12,300 / Child ¥6,150, paid directly at Ogizawa.
Book Now

Experience one of Japan’s most dramatic mountain routes on a small premium group tour to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Depart from Matsumoto Station or Nagano Station and travel comfortably by tour vehicle to Ogizawa, the gateway to the Alpine Route.

From Ogizawa, continue through the Northern Alps by electric bus, cable car, ropeway, and other mountain transport systems. This tour follows an Ogizawa–Murodo round-trip route, visiting Kurobe Dam and Murodo before returning along the same route to Ogizawa.

Enjoy free time at Murodo for lunch, photography, and alpine scenery. Seasonal highlights include the spectacular spring Snow Wall, summer flowers and greenery, and colorful autumn mountain landscapes. Your guide supports you with tickets, transfers, and timing throughout the route.

This tour returns to Ogizawa and does not continue through to Tateyama Station. Guests may leave the group at Murodo and continue independently, but guide service is not provided beyond Murodo.

Alpine Route ticket is not included. Please purchase the Ogizawa–Murodo round-trip ticket separately at Ogizawa at the official price: Adult ¥12,300 / Child ¥6,150. No markup is added.

✓ Travel comfortably by tour vehicle from Matsumoto Station or Nagano Station
✓ Follow the Ogizawa–Murodo round-trip route through the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
✓ Visit Kurobe Dam and experience its dramatic mountain scenery
✓ Enjoy free time at Murodo for lunch, photography, and alpine views
✓ Receive guide support with tickets, transfers, and timing throughout the route
✓ Experience seasonal highlights including the Snow Wall, summer greenery, and autumn colors
✓ Start early to maximize your time at Kurobe Dam and Murodo
✓ Option to leave the group at Murodo and continue independently, with no guide service beyond Murodo

Your journey begins early from either Matsumoto Station or Nagano Station, depending on the departure option you choose.

Matsumoto Station Departure: Meet your guide at 7:45 AM outside the Alps / West Exit.
Nagano Station Departure: Meet your guide at 7:30 AM in front of Beck’s Coffee, just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates.

After meeting your guide, travel to Ogizawa, the gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Starting early allows you to begin the Alpine Route in the morning and enjoy more time at Kurobe Dam and Murodo.

From Ogizawa, continue through the Northern Alps by electric bus, cable car, ropeway, and other mountain transport systems. Your guide will support you with tickets, transfers, and timing throughout the day.

This tour follows an Ogizawa–Murodo round-trip route. You will visit Kurobe Dam and Murodo, then return along the same Alpine Route back to Ogizawa before traveling by tour vehicle to Matsumoto or Nagano. This tour does not continue through to Tateyama Station.


❄ Spring: Snow Wall Season

In spring, walk through the iconic Snow Walls at Murodo. The best time to see them at their most impressive is usually mid-April to mid-May. By late May and June, the walls gradually melt and become lower.

At Murodo, located at 2,450m, the Snow Wall creates one of the most memorable spring experiences in the Japanese Alps.

⚠ Best time: Mid-April to mid-May for the most impressive Snow Walls.
⚠ Late May to June: The walls gradually melt and become lower.


🌿 Summer: Cool Alpine Escape

In summer, Murodo offers cool mountain air, open alpine views, and beautiful highland scenery — a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity of Japan’s cities.

🌿 Fresh mountain air far above the summer heat
🏞 Alpine trails and panoramic views
🌼 Highland flowers and summer scenery
🐦 A chance to spot the rare Raicho, the Japanese ptarmigan


🍁 Autumn: Mountain Colors

In autumn, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route becomes one of Japan’s most spectacular mountain color routes. The leaves change from the higher elevations first, creating beautiful layers of red, orange, and gold.

🍁 Colorful alpine slopes
🚠 Sweeping mountain views from the route
🏔 Crisp autumn air at high altitude
📸 Beautiful photo spots around the mountains and ponds


✅ Included in the Tour

✔️ Transportation from Matsumoto Station or Nagano Station to Ogizawa and back
✔️ English-speaking guide throughout the tour
✔️ Guide support for tickets, transfers, and timing
✔️ Free time at Murodo


❌ Not Included

🚫 Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Ogizawa–Murodo round-trip ticket
・Adult ¥12,300
・Child ¥6,150
🚫 Meals & drinks
🚫 Personal expenses


📅 Availability & Booking

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

👥 Tour Style: Small premium group tour
📍 Meeting Points: Matsumoto Station Alps / West Exit, or Nagano Station Beck’s Coffee
🕢 Departure: Matsumoto 7:45 AM / Nagano 7:30 AM
🕔 Return: Around 4:30–5:00 PM

📌 Note: This tour starts early to maximize your time at Kurobe Dam and Murodo.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Trip Itinerary

A full-day journey from the city to one of Japan’s most dramatic high-alpine landscapes.

Duration Approx. 9–10 hours
Highest point Murodo · 2,450 m
Route Ogizawa ↔ Murodo
7:30 / 7:45 AM Departure

Meet your guide

Meet & Depart

Your guide will meet you at your selected station, provide a short briefing, and help you prepare for the day. Then depart by road for Ogizawa, the eastern gateway to the Alpine Route.

Nagano Station · 7:30 AM In front of Beck’s Coffee, just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates.
Matsumoto Station · 7:45 AM Outside the Alps / West Exit, near the taxi stand.
9:00 AM Ogizawa

Enter the mountains

Begin the Alpine Route

Your guide will assist with tickets and help you move smoothly through the first transfer. Board the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus and travel through the mountain tunnel toward the Japanese Alps.

Ticket support Electric bus Mountain transfer
9:45 AM Kurobe Dam

Scale & scenery

Visit Kurobe Dam

Visit Japan’s tallest dam, standing 186 meters high and surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. Enjoy time for photos, walk across the dam, and take in the views of the mountains and lake before continuing deeper into the route.

186 m high Lake views Photo stop
1:15 PM Return route

Back through the Alps

Begin the Return Journey

Return through the Alpine Route using the same mountain transport systems. Your guide will support the transfers and timing. After completing the route, continue by road toward your original departure station.

4:30–5:00 PM Tour ends

Nagano or Matsumoto

Arrive Back at the Station

Return to your original departure station, depending on the option selected at booking. Your tour ends after a full day exploring the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

Times are approximate. The schedule and return time may vary depending on weather, Alpine Route conditions, congestion, and road traffic.

Have a Question?

Contact us via email or WhatsApp. Please note that WhatsApp is only used for simple availability checks and post-booking communication.

Check Availability by Starting Point

Choose your starting point first. The correct booking calendar will appear below.

Tour Info

Duration: Approx. 9–10 hours

Tour Style: Small premium group tour

Route: Ogizawa–Murodo round-trip route. This tour visits Kurobe Dam and Murodo, then returns to Ogizawa. It does not continue through to Tateyama Station.

Optional Onward Travel: Guests may leave the group at Murodo and continue independently toward Tateyama, Toyama, or Kanazawa. No guide service is provided beyond Murodo. Please tell us in advance if you plan to do this.

Departure Time: Matsumoto Station 7:45 AM / Nagano Station 7:30 AM

Return Time: Around 4:30–5:00 PM

Return time may vary depending on weather, Alpine Route conditions, and traffic.

Included
  • Transportation from Matsumoto Station or Nagano Station to Ogizawa and back
  • English-speaking guide
  • Guide support for tickets, transfers, and timing
  • Free time at Kurobe Dam and Murodo
Not Included
  • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Ogizawa–Murodo round-trip ticket Adult ¥12,300 / Child ¥6,150
  • Meals and drinks
  • Personal expenses
Meeting Points
  • Matsumoto Station: 7:45 AM — outside the Alps / West Exit
  • Nagano Station: 7:30 AM — in front of Beck’s Coffee, just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates

❓ Do you help with Alpine Route tickets?

Yes. The Alpine Route ticket is not included in the tour price, but your guide will assist you with purchasing the required Ogizawa–Murodo round-trip ticket at Ogizawa on the morning of the tour. Adult ¥12,300 / Child ¥6,150. No markup is added.

❓ Is this a private tour?

No. This is a small premium group tour. You may be joining other travelers on the same departure.

❓ Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, but we recommend this tour for children aged 10 and above. The day is long, and the Alpine Route involves several transfers, walking, and mountain weather.

❓ What should I wear or bring?

Please dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Even in warmer seasons, Murodo is at high altitude and can be much cooler than Matsumoto or Nagano.

We also recommend bringing a light jacket, sunglasses, drinks, and snacks.

❓ Can I bring a suitcase?

Large suitcases are not recommended on this group tour. Please use coin lockers at Matsumoto Station or Nagano Station, or store your luggage at your hotel before joining the tour.

Small day bags are fine.

❓ How much walking is involved?

There is no serious hiking required. Most of the route is traveled by electric bus, cable car, ropeway, and other mountain transport systems.

At Kurobe Dam and Murodo, you will have free time to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

❓ Does this tour go through to Tateyama Station or Toyama?

No. This tour follows an Ogizawa–Murodo round-trip route. You will visit Kurobe Dam and Murodo, then return along the same Alpine Route back to Ogizawa before traveling by tour vehicle to Matsumoto or Nagano.

This group tour does not continue through to Tateyama Station or the Toyama side.

❓ Can I customize the itinerary?

No. This group tour follows a fixed itinerary to keep the timing smooth for all guests.

If you would like a customized route, hotel pickup, or a different drop-off location, please consider our private tour option.

❓ Can I be dropped off in Toyama instead of returning to Matsumoto or Nagano?

No. This group tour returns to the original departure station: Matsumoto Station or Nagano Station, depending on the option you booked.

For a Toyama-side drop-off or a custom route through the Alpine Route, please consider our private tour option.

❓ Can I leave the group at Murodo and continue to Tateyama, Toyama, or Kanazawa on my own?

Yes. If you plan to continue independently toward Tateyama, Toyama, or Kanazawa, you may leave the group at Murodo.

Please tell us in advance if you would like to do this. After leaving the group at Murodo, your guide will not accompany you beyond Murodo. Guide service and return transportation to Matsumoto or Nagano will end, and no partial refund will be provided.

Onward travel from Murodo depends on Alpine Route operating conditions, weather, and ticket availability.

❓ What happens if the weather is bad?

The Alpine Route usually operates in various weather conditions. However, if there is extreme weather, transport suspension, or a partial route closure, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety.

Return time may also vary depending on weather, Alpine Route conditions, and traffic.

❓ How far in advance should I book?

Spring, especially mid-April to mid-May, is the busiest season because of the Snow Walls. We recommend booking early for weekend, holiday, and Snow Wall season departures.

Still have a question? Contact us

Other Tours
7 Hours

Snow Monkeys, Obuse & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano

VIEW TOUR
6.25 to 8.5 Hours

Matsumoto Everything Tour: Castle, Miso, Wasabi, Wine & Ukiyo-e

VIEW TOUR
6-7 Hours

Togakushi: A Serene Walk Through Sacred Forests & Soba Traditions

VIEW TOUR

Check Our Blog

Yes – You Can Do the Snow Monkeys as a 1-Day Trip from Tokyo (Even with an 8:45 AM Start)

Yes – You Can Do the Snow Monkeys as a 1-Day Trip from Tokyo Many travelers wonder: “If the Snow Monkey tour in Nagano starts at 8:45 AM, can I still do it as a simple day trip from Tokyo?” … Read More

Featured Post

Snow Monkey Day Trips from Tokyo: The 3 Best Itineraries

Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo & Nagano — 3 Easy Day-Trip Itineraries Snow Monkey tour ideas + direct links to our group & private tours Planning a Snow Monkey tour? Below are three hour-by-hour day-trip itineraries that actually work in … Read More

Featured Post

Top 8 Places to Stay for the Snow Monkeys (Nagano & Beyond)

Top 8 Places to Stay for the Snow Monkeys (Nagano & Beyond) Where to stay for Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park — a practical, no-fluff guide Planning a Snow Monkey trip and wondering where to base yourself? Your base changes everything … Read More

Featured Post
A cheerful family of four dressed in winter clothes smiles as they watch a snow monkey relaxing in a hot spring, surrounded by snowy mountains in Nagano, Japan. A perfect scene for family-friendly tours to Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Snow Monkey Tour for Families: What to Know Before You Go

🐒 Snow Monkey Tour for Families: What to Know Before You Go Planning a family trip to see the world-famous Snow Monkeys in Nagano? You’re not alone — this magical winter experience is one of the most unforgettable activities for … Read More

Featured Post

Snow Monkeys & Sake: The Ultimate Private Winter Tour in Nagano

Looking for the perfect winter day in Japan?Picture this: steaming outdoor onsen, wild monkeys soaking in hot springs, and a sip of rare local sake served directly from a centuries-old brewery.This isn’t a dream — it’s one of our most … Read More

Featured Post

Snow Monkey Tours from Nagano vs Tokyo – Which Starting Point Is Best for You?

Planning to visit the world-famous Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan, but not sure whether to start your tour from Tokyo or Nagano? You’re not alone. While the Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) is one of Japan’s most iconic wildlife … Read More

Featured Post

How to Visit Nagano & the Snow Monkeys from Tokyo: Smart Routes & Best Places to Stay

🐒 Snow Monkey Private Tour — And So Much More: The Best One‑Day Trips Around Nagano Planning a once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey to Japan and dreaming of meeting the Snow Monkeys? You’re in excellent company. Jigokudani Yaen Koen stands as one of … Read More

Featured Post

Snow Monkey Private Tour – Best One-Day Trips in Nagano

Snow Monkey Private Tour – And So Much More: The Best One-Day Trips Around Nagano Planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan and thinking about visiting the Snow Monkeys? You’re not alone — the famous Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) … Read More

Featured Post

Best Nagano Autumn Tours 2025 – Explore Nature, Culture & Hidden Gems

Plan your perfect autumn in Nagano with curated tours of nature, culture & hidden gems.
… Read More

Featured Post

Discover the Best Summer Tours in Nagano & Matsumoto

🌿 Discover the Best Summer Tours in Nagano & Matsumoto When the summer heat rolls into Japan, there’s no better escape than the cool highlands of Nagano and the cultural gems of Matsumoto. With lush forests, crisp mountain air, and … Read More

Featured Post