Set at the foot of Mount Tateyama, one of Japan’s three sacred mountains, the town of Tateyama is an adventure-seeker’s dream. It’s famous for the 90-kilometre-long Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, but is also home to sacred peaks, steep icy gorges, steamy hot springs and glorious mountain scenery.

Things to do

Tateyama experiences some of the highest snowfall in the world. Follow the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route during spring when the pass is literally carved through the snow. Known locally as “Yuki-co-Otani”, the walls of this snow corridor reach 20 metres high.

Witness the magnificence of the Kurobe Dam, the tallest dam in Japan. Walk across the 186-metre-high dam wall and feel the thunderous roar of water being released. For an aerial view of the emerald water, climb the stairs to the observation deck and take the Tateyama Cable Car down the mountain range from Daikanbo to Kurobe Daira.

Keen for an active adventure? Hike 2.5 kilometres from Murodo Daira to the summit of Mount Tateyama. There’s a shrine at the summit and captivating 360-degree views of the Northern Japanese Alps. Follow the trail to Mikuigia-ike Pond and witness a stunning reflection of Mount Tusig in the shimmering water.

Visit the Ecchuu Ceramic Art Village to discover traditional Japanese pottery, known as “Seto Yaki”. Wander through the exhibit displaying the works of five local artists who preserve this 400-year-old pottery technique and have a go at making and painting your own earthenware.

Getting around

Toyama Kitokito Airport is a 25-minute taxi or one-hour bus and train journey from Tateyama Station. Tateyama is three hours from Tokyo, four hours from Osaka and five hours from Nagoya via train. Car rentals and local buses are popular ways to explore Tateyama.