2-Day Bus Tour from Tokyo: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Shirakawa-go & Hida Takayama

Tour Description

Experience the stunning natural landscapes of central Japan with this remarkable 2-day bus excursion. Traverse the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, an impressive mountain passage that links Toyama and Nagano Prefectures. Utilize various modes of transport such as cable cars, ropeways, mountain buses, and electric buses, all while taking in the ever-changing panoramic vistas of the Northern Japan Alps.

Depending on the season, travelers can witness a variety of sceneries along the route. Summer offers mild temperatures and vibrant alpine flowers, whereas autumn turns the mountains into a vivid array of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Due to the significant elevation variations, visitors can appreciate autumn hues in different sections of the route for a prolonged period.

A key highlight of this tour is the impressive Kurobe Dam, one of Japan's largest dams. During the sightseeing water discharge period, vast amounts of water cascade into the valley below, creating a stunning spectacle. On bright days, rainbows frequently emerge in the mist, enhancing the already breathtaking views.

The itinerary also includes a visit to the historic village of Shirakawa-go, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through this scenic village and immerse yourself in the charm of rural Japan.

In Hida Takayama, discover delightful Edo-period streets adorned with traditional merchant houses, cozy cafés, sake breweries, and specialty shops. The town is celebrated for its delectable local cuisine, including specialties featuring Hida beef and classic Japanese sweets.

Allow the professionals to handle transportation and logistics, and simply relish one of Japan's most iconic scenic experiences.

Highlights

• Journey along the renowned Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route utilizing six distinct forms of mountain transport.
• Experience breathtaking seasonal landscapes, from summer's alpine blooms to the brilliant colors of autumn leaves.
• Tour the remarkable Kurobe Dam, recognized as one of Japan's greatest engineering achievements.
• Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go.
• Wander through the meticulously maintained streets of Hida Takayama.
• Enjoy an overnight stay at a hotel conveniently situated near Toyama Station.
• Book single and twin rooms at the same rate.

Itinerary

• Meeting Point: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku) 07:00 Departure (On July 18–19, August 8, 10, 13, September 19, 20, 22, October 10, 11, and November 1, the tour departs 20 minutes earlier at 6:40 AM instead of the regular 7:00 AM departure time.)
• Hida Takayama Free time to explore the historic old town. (Approx. 70 minutes)
• Shirakawa-go. Free time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage village. (Approx. 70 minutes)
• APA Hotel Toyama Ekimae After check-in, dinner will be at your own expense. The hotel is conveniently located near Toyama Station.
• Please finish breakfast before departure. Departure time will be announced by the tour escort on the previous day. Walk approximately 10 minutes from the hotel to Toyama Chiho Railway Station. Travel by local train to Tateyama Station.
• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Traverse (Approx. 7 hours | From Tateyama to Ogizawa)
• Tateyama Station Board the Tateyama Cable Car.
• Bijodaira
• Tateyama Highland Bus (Approx. 50 min) Travel through magnificent alpine scenery, passing forests, valleys, and high mountain landscapes.
• Murodo The highest point of the Alpine Route at approximately 2,450 meters above sea level. Enjoy free time to explore the area, admire alpine scenery, and take photos of the spectacular mountain landscape.
• Tateyama Tunnel Electric Bus (Approx. 10 min) Travel through the mountain tunnel toward Daikanbo.
• Daikanbo One of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Alpine Route, offering panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps.
• Tateyama Ropeway (Approx. 7 min) Ride Japan's longest span ropeway without support towers while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Kurobedaira Transfer point with beautiful observation decks overlooking the Kurobe Valley.
• Kurobe Cable Car (Approx. 5 min) Descend through the mountains toward Kurobe Lake.
• Kurobeko (Kurobe Lake) Enjoy scenic views of the emerald-colored lake created by Kurobe Dam.
• Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus (Approx. 16 min) Travel through the tunnel connecting Kurobe Dam and Ogizawa.
• Ogizawa Meet the tour bus.
• Shinjuku (Tokyo) Arrival: Approximately 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Price Details

Included

• Experience fees
• Accommodation
• Japanese guide
• Round-trip transportation
• Air-conditioned bus
• English/Chinese -Speaking Assistant

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned

Important Information

• After the scheduled departure time, we will depart at the discretion of our staff, so please strictly observe the meeting time.
• Scheduled times and contents are subject to change depending on road conditions.
• In the unlikely event that you arrive late and need to use a taxi or stay overnight, we will not be able to respond to your request.
• Depending on the number of participants, it may be a medium-sized bus or a small-sized bus.
• The bus does not have a toilet.
• No smoking inside the car. In principle, reclining is not permitted. (Excluding some courses)
• The arrival place may be different from the meeting place.
• The storage period for lost items is 2 weeks after the end of the trip. However, we will immediately dispose of food items such as living things and items that are difficult to store. Please note that.
• Please refrain from participating with pets.
• We will decide the seat for the bus.
• In case of emergency, you may be shared with the tour conductor. Please note.
• Facility admission fees included in the tour price are different from the official prices. There is no refund or additional request for the difference from the official price after the tour departs.
• If the number of participants is less than 25, or if the operation is impossible due to a disaster or accident, the enforcement will be changed or canceled by the day 3 days before the start of the trip (13 days before the accommodation).
• We may not be able to meet your seating requirements, hotel smoking / non-smoking requests, and allergy requests. After explaining, we may decline in advance.

Purchase Notice

• On July 18–19, August 8, 10, 13, September 19, 20, 22, October 10, 11, and November 1, the tour departs 20 minutes earlier at 6:40 AM.
• Hotel rooms will be assigned as non-smoking rooms or deodorized rooms. Guests wishing to stay in a smoking room must select the smoking-room request option at the time of booking. Requests are subject to availability.
• Due to traffic conditions, the sightseeing time in Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go may be shortened.
• If the itinerary is significantly delayed due to heavy traffic, Shirakawa-go may be viewed from the bus without a stop for sightseeing.
• Access to the Shirakawa-go observation deck requires a separate shuttle bus fee payable on-site. Depending on traffic and shuttle bus operations, access to the observation deck may not be possible.
• The best season for autumn foliage varies by sightseeing location.

Autumn foliage schedules are based on average seasonal conditions and may vary depending on weather and climate conditions.

• The tour will operate once the minimum number of participants is reached, regardless of foliage conditions.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Information

• On Day 2, guests will travel by local train (approximately 1 hour) from Toyama to Tateyama Station, the entrance to the Alpine Route. The walk from the hotel to Dentetsu Toyama Station takes approximately 10 minutes.
• Seating on the Toyama Chiho Railway is non-reserved and seats cannot be guaranteed.
• Large luggage and non-essential belongings (except valuables) should be left at the hotel reception upon check-out. They will be transported by the tour bus and returned at Ogizawa after completing the Alpine Route. Access to stored luggage will not be available during Alpine Route sightseeing.
• Departure time from the hotel on Day 2 varies according to Alpine Route reservation times and may be between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The exact departure time will be announced on the day of travel.
• Arrival time back in Tokyo may also vary depending on Alpine Route reservation schedules.
• In the event of severe weather or operational disruptions, transportation on the Alpine Route may be suspended, making the full route traversal impossible. In such cases, Alpine Route transportation fees will be refunded and alternative sightseeing destinations will be provided.
• This tour involves more walking, stairs, and boarding/disembarking of transportation than standard bus tours.
• The Kurobe Dam sightseeing water discharge is scheduled from June 26 to October 15. Tours departing after October 15 will visit the dam outside the water discharge period.
• The Kurobe Dam water discharge may be cancelled due to weather or operational reasons. No refund will be provided in such cases.
• Luggage may be stored on the tour bus; however, guests are responsible for safeguarding their valuables at all times.
• Comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing are highly recommended.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 21 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 20 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 100% cancellation fee