Snow Walls is very very popular on Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. (C) Tateyama Kurobe Kanto / JTOA
I have never thought visiting Alpine Route from Tokyo as day trip. But I have received some inquiries and check the timetable. And I found that we can do it.
Actually it is quite easy trip. Please fine the sample itinerary of day trip to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Tokyo.
From Tokyo to Shinano-Omachi
There are two routes to get the gateway, Ogizawa.
All JR train access
Limited Express Azusa is only train to go to Shinano-Omachi from Tokyo (Shinjuku) directly.
This is the best route for JR pass user all time.
Shinjuku 7:30 – (Limited Express Azusa 3) – Shinano-Omachi 11:03
Shinano-Omachi 11:15 – (Local bus) – 11:55
If you use JR Pass, this route is recommended because Shinjuku to Shinano-Omachi is fully covered by JR Pass. Limited Express Azusa 3 is only train to get Shinano-Omachi directly from Tokyo without any transfers. Limited Express Azusa 1 departs at 7:00, it goes only Matsumoto. You can take a local train to get Shinano-Omachi from Matsumoto. But arrival time is 10:48. You leave 30 minutes early but you can arrive 15 minutes early. Limited Express Azusa 3 is the best choice.
Hokuriku Shinkansen and express bus route
The new fleet, E7/ W7 series run on Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Hokuriku Shinkansen and Express bus can take you to Ogizawa much faster than All JR train access above
Tokyo 6:16 – (Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki 501) – Nagano 7:39
Nagano 7:55 – (Alpico express bus) – Ogizawa 9:40
You have to leave more than 1 hour earlier but you can get Ogizawa more than 2 hours earlier. This route was not recommended for JR pass user because express bus is not covered by JR Pass.
If you use Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket at 9,000 yen, you can take this express bus.
Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (JR East official site)
This deal covers all part of the trip from Nagano to Toyama. And actually this deal is cheaper than even regular fare between Shinano-Omachi and Toyama, 10,850 yen.
The bus service takes you to the gateway, Ogizawa of Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route directly from Nagano. As I mentioned above, you can get there 2 hours earlier than Limited Express Azusa route. As long as Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket is on sale, this route is the best way for all travellers.
You can find the timetable and the fare of Alpico Express Bus at the link below:
Alpico Bus Line, Express bus service for Nagano – Omachi, Ogizawa
Travelling on Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
You can walk on Kurobe dam. (C) Nagano Prefecture / JNTO
Total trip time is about 2 hours for Ogizawa to Tateyama. But you will walk on the trail and enjoy alpine view and fresh air. Official site recommend to spend 6 hours for Ogizawa to Tateyama one way trip. Official site gives you timetable and model course.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route timetable and fare
Model course from Ogizawa to Tateyama
Go back to Tokyo from Toyama
There are many Hokuriku Shinkansen trains to Tokyo. The fastest Hokuriku Shinkansen train “Kagayaki” runs once an hour.
For example, if you start from Ogizawa at 9:40, you will be Toyama around 16:00. You can take the following train.
Toyama 16:58 – (Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki 510) – Tokyo 19:12
Of course, you can stay on Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route more and take later Hokuriku Shinkansen train.
The last two of Hokuriku Shinkansen trains are the following:
Kanazawa 19:39 – (Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki 516) – Tokyo 22:12
Kanazawa 21:00 – (Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki 518) – Tokyo 23:32
You have 4 extra hours if you take the last train to Tokyo. You can enjoy Toyama and try to eat local cuisine for dinner.
Even if you take All JR trains route (Shinjuku – Shinano-Omachi route), you can reach Toyama around 18:00. You can take these trains very easily.
Now you know how easy to make a day trip to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Tokyo.
Which way is better, from Ogizawa/Shinano-Omachi or from Toyama?
If you stay Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route as much as you want, the route from Ogizawa is better. Because Hokuriku Shinkansen runs late night. But if you take the route from Toyama, the last bus to Nagano from Ogizawa is 16:30 departure. You can have a bit more time on Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route if you start from Ogizawa.
However if you start from Toyama, you can stop at Nagano a little bit. The bus arrive Nagano at 18:10. The last Hokuriku Shikansen train to Tokyo from Nagano depart at 22:08. If you are interested in Nagano, you may start from Toyama. You can visit Zenko-ji temple even in night time. It is open for public 24 hours.
Add Kanazawa if you want to have more
Higashichayagai area is one of most popular spots in Kanazawa. (C) Kanazawa City / JNTO
As I explained above, you can reach Toyama around 16:00. If you love to challenge and visit the places as many as you want, you can add Kanazawa. This is not very recommended but it is possible.
Toyama 16:26 – (Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakutaka 565) – Kanazawa 16:48
Kanazawa 21:00 – (Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki 518) – Tokyo 23:32
You have 4 hours in Kanazawa if you are okay in night time. I recommend you to spend more in Kanazaawa. But your schedule is very tight and want to see Kanazawa, this is one of the options.
Suggested deal
Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket is on sale from April 16 to November 6, 2018. This ticket is valid for 5 days and it is sold at 9,000 yen. You may use this ticket until November 13, 2016. Please see the official site at the link below to find the detailed information.
For other part of this trip, Hokuriku Arch Pass may be the best choice. It covers Tokyo to Nagano, and Toyama to Tokyo.
Japan Rail Pass may be considerable. This covers both Tokyo – Nagano (or Shinjuku – Shinano-Omachi) and Toyama – Tokyo. You cannot get the worth of JR pass by this day trip. But if you have other trip in your trip plan, JR Pass is more convenient and more versatile.
JR East Pass does not cover Toyama. You need to add fare for Toyama – Joetsu-Myoko. The additional fare is 5,630 yen for this segment. If you add this fare on top of JR East Pass at 22,000 yen, it is more expensive than Hokuriku Arch Pass and it is not much different from JR Pass 7 days at 29,100 yen.
If you pay single fare, the total fare is 20,930 yen (Toyama – Tokyo 12,730 yen and Tokyo – Nagano 8,200 yen). Actually this is cheaper than both JR Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass. But both pass covers local train in Tokyo, Haneda or Narita airport access. You may get the worth by this day trip + some more trips. If you add one more long trip, you can get even 7 days JR Pass.
Don’t forget to check the timetable before you go
The above sample itinerary is built by timetable of September 2015. When you use this sample itinerary, please check the updated timetable.
Alpico Bus Line, Express bus service for Nagano – Omachi, Ogizawa
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route timetable and fare
At last, one of my readers, Jonathan gave me his experience of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Please refer this post about Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Comments
Hi Mr. Takeshi
I will visit Tokyo and Osaka on 24 – 30 November 2016
Between that time, I would like to visit Tateyama Alpine Route in 1 day tour. If I use JR pass, which is the best way for me to go from Tokyo or from Osaka? I plan to buy Tateyama Kurobe option ticket but the ticket is on sale till Nov 13. I need your advice what transportation can I use to travel the Tateyama Alpine Route.
Thank you in advance.
Sy
Hi Sy,
If you want to make one day trip, trip from Tokyo is easier. Please see the link below if you do from Osaka.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-from-nagoya-and-osaka-kyoto.html
Technically Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is open until the end of November. But late November is completely winter there. Even current conditions is winter at Murodo.
Live camera at Murodo http://www.alpen-route.com/en/live_camera/murodo.html
It’s not surprised if this route is closed by severe weather. So please check the weather before you go. And prepare complete winter clothing, outer wear and boots. If you expect fall weather, don’t go there.
If you go there, you have to pay single fare on the spot. There is no deals available. So simply just pay one by one at the ticket booth there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I would like to ask, if I have JR pass National wide, do I still need to buy Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket? What is this ticket for? Is it a ticket for 1-day tour? Thanks.
Hi Rita san,
JR Pass does not cover any transportation on Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. So you need to use this pass or regular ticket. Please see the link below to find more info about Tateyama Kurobe option ticket.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr. Takeshi
I’m planning to go with this route : Tokyo – Tateyama – Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Tokyo. Which is the best route for me given I own the JR Pass? And is it possible for me to visit Tateyama on February? Please kindly advise. Thanks.
Hi Dea,
You may use JR Pass but Hokuriku Arch Pass is cheaper.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-osaka-hokuriku-arch-pass-user-guide-clarify-valid-trains-coverage-area-and-compare-single-fare-and-pass.html
Unfortunately you cannot visit Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. It’s closed during winter time. It’s open from mid April to November.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have a plan like below:
6-9 October: around Tokyo, on 9 October I will go to Toyama from Tokyo (I will use JR pass), stay 1 night at Toyama
10 October: go to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route from Toyama (should I buy Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass?)
at night I will go to Osaka from Tateyama (use JR Pass)
11-12 October: around Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima (use JR Pass)
13-14 October: around Kyoto, Nara and go back to Tokyo for night flight (I will use JR Pass again)
FYI, I will activate the JR Pass from 8-14 October, is it a good plan? And do you think I really need to buy Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass for travel on 10 October?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Dee,
I agree with your plan. You will use JR pass in the right way.
Most recommended deal for Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is Tateyama Kurobe option ticket.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
However if you use this deal, you have to go through this route until the end. That means you have to travel to Nagano after Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and then go to Osaka. It’s possible but it will be a long trip. You have two routes to get Osaka. One is Nagano – Nagoya – Osaka and other one is Nagano – Kanazawa – Osaka.
If you want to leave your luggage in Toyama, you may use Kanazawa route and stop by Toyama on the way to Kanazawa.
And also you can use luggage delivery service.
http://www.alpen-route.com/en/transport_new/baggage.html
If you use this delivery service, you can Nagano – Nagoya – Osaka route. Actually trip time between these two routes are not much different. If you want to save your cost, you can leave your luggage at Toyama. But you have to make an extra stop at Toyama.
Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass is too much and too expensive for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi
Hi Takeshi,
Sorry I make a mistake, actually I will stay 1 night at Takaoka, and in the morning I will take the train to Tateyama Kurobe. I will leave the luggage in Toyama. Is it better to buy Tateyama Kurobe option ticket? or buy a round trip ticket Tateyama Sta ⇔ Kurobe Dam?
Actually I plan to use JR Pass from Tokyo – Takaoka, then Takaoka – Toyama. Then I will buy round trip ticket Tateyama Sta ⇔ Kurobe Dam. At noon I will use JR Pass again from Toyama – Osaka.
The round trip ticket is a bit expensive if I compare to Tateyama Kurobe one way option ticket, but I wonder when I need to use the ticket.
If I use the ticket start from Dentetsu Toyama, the end of the route to use this pass is Nagano, so in this case can I use JR Pass from Nagano – Toyama (to pick the luggage)?
Which one is more convenience?
Thank you so much.
Hi Dee,
If you want to have a round trip to Kurobe Dam, you have to use regular round trip ticket. You cannot use Tateyama Kurobe option ticket. This ticket allows you to have only one way trip. You can use JR Pass to take Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano to Toyama. But I don’t think you come back to Toyama by noon. It’s too tight. I have never done round trip from Toyama to Kurobe Dam. I have actually no idea how long it takes. But I think it’s still tight to come back to Toyama by noon if you have round trip. So I cannot compare which one is better, Toyama-Nagano one way or Toyama-Kurobe Dam round trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Sorry to bother you again 🙂 I have another question, my schedule is not fix yet, I wonder which way is better for me. Can you give me more advice please? Do you think which scenario is the best so I can reach Osaka around 8-10 PM? and which one is more cheaper?
1. spend one night at Takaoka, the next day, day trip from Tateyama Sta ⇔ Kurobe Dam (refer to website it will take 9 hours, I know that’s too tight), and if everything goes well I will reach Toyama around 4PM. then go to Osaka using JR Pass.
2. spend one night at Nagano/ Shinano-Omachi/ Ogizawa, the next day, go to Tateyama using Tateyama Kurobe option ticket (refer to website Ogizawa – Tateyama will take 6 hours), possibly I will use transfer baggage service in this case (do you know how much is the fee?). Then from Toyama – Osaka using JR Pass.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Dee,
In the schedule, I don’t think it’s much different. You can choose whichever you want, round trip or going through alpine route with baggage transfer. You can find baggage transfer info at the link below:
http://www.alpen-route.com/en/transport_new/baggage.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Below is my itinerary, could you please advise whether the route is appropriate and any tourist pass that I can use?
Day1 – reach Osaka at 3:45, head to Nagoya.
Day2 (Nagoya & Nagashima)
Nagoya Castle -> Tokugawaen Garden -> Togukawa Art Museum -> Nabana no Sato -> Nagoya
Day 3 (Nagoya)
Inuyama Castle -> Urakuen Garden -> Bunraku Meseum
Day 4 (Takayama)
Shinhotaka Ropeway -> Hida no Sato -> Sanmachi Suji District
Day 5 (Shirakawa-go)
Day 6 (Kanazawa)
Omi-cho Market -> Oyama Jinja Shrine -> aga-machi Buke Yashiki District -> omura Family Samurai residence, and the Takada Family remains -> Myoryuji Temple
Day 7 (Kanazawa)
Kenrokuen Garden -> Kanazawa Castle -> Higashi Chaya District
Day 8 (Fukui)
Prefectural Dinosaur Museum -> Eiheiji
Day 9 – Day 10 (Osaka)
Thank you.
Hi Celest san,
The following deals are recommended:
Kintetsu Rail Pass for day 1 and 2
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
Don’t use Kintetsu Rail Pass “Wide”. It includes KIX to Namba return. But single fare + regular pass is cheaper than Wide pass.
You also need to add subway pass or single ticket for city sightseeing in Nagoya. But you can use Kintetsu rail pass to get Kuwana where is the nearest station to Nabana no sato. You also need to add single ticket for day 3.
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass for day 4 to 8
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
This pass does not cover bus to Shin-Hotaka, city bus in Kanazawa and Takayama and bus to Dinosaur Museum.
It’s valid for 5 days only. You need to add single fare from Fukui to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
You may get Osaka after Fukui on day 8 and you can save your cost.
Please see the link below to get the deals for Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi
No problem, Celest.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I would like to check, is that possible to plan to go Alpine Route at 24 Nov (end of Nov)? Kindly please advise.
Thank you.
Hi Celest san,
It will be still open but not recommended. I’m not surprised if it’s closed due to severe winter condition. It’s completely winter up there and it will be very cold.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi san.
No problem, Celest san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I plan to do the Alpine Route next week. I will start my journey from Toyama. After the Alpine Route i need to return back to Toyama. I still cant get the clear picture how to return back to Toyama after the Alpine Route. For you info i have the Takayama-Hokuriku Pass
Hi Sha san,
You need to take an express bus to Nagano from Ogizawa. Please see the link below:
http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/nagano_omachi/#timetable_summer
After arriving Nagano, take Hokuriku Shinkansen to get back to Toyama.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-kanto/tokyo/ueno/hokuriku-shinkansen-direct-access-to-kanazawa-nagano-and-toyama-from-tokyo.html
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass does not cover any part of this trip. For travel on Alpine route, the following deal is recommended. It covers from Toyama via Alpine route until you get Nagano.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
After arriving Nagano, single ticket is only choice. It costs around 7000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
May I know when is the good time to visit the alpine route for hiking purposes? Is it possible to do it on April 2017?
Thanks
Hi Melissa,
If you want to hike there, July and August are the best season. Alpine route is open in mid April. In April, you cannot even go through the route. But this season is very popular because Great Snow Wall can be seen. Snow depth is more than 10m in this season.
http://www.alpen-route.com/en/about/climate.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi san 🙂
No problem, Melissa san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m planning to go to Japan on Nov 15 (Will arrive at Osaka), is the alpine route still accessible on that date??since on the website it will be open till Nov 30. Is it recommended to visit alpine route on that date?
Thanks.
Regards,
–tuti–
Hi Tuti san,
It’s still open but not surprised if it’s closed due to the severe weather. In my opinion, it’s not the right season to visit there. The weather is winter condition.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
need your advise for a day trip to tateyama.
we will arrive at Narita Airport on 19 June 2016.
and the next day we gonna take a day trip to Tateyama.
at the Narita Airport we gonna buy tateyama kurobe option ticket. and we also gonna use JR Pass for this trip.
we stay at Royal Park Shiodome Tokyo Hotel.
here is our schedule for the tateyama trip on 20 Jun 2016,
(i learn it from google maps)
Go to Tateyama :
05:30 walk from hotel to Shinbashi Station
05:49 take Tokaido Line (Takasaki) from Shinbashi to Tokyo Station
06:16 take Hokuriku-Shinkansen Kagayaki 501 from Tokyo Station to Toyama Station
08:26 arrive at Toyama Station
continue with Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (from Toyama to Nagano)
Back to Tokyo :
15:55 take Hokuriku-Shinkansen Kagayaki 510 from Nagano to Tokyo Station
19:31 take Yamanote Line for Shibuya/Shinjuku to Shinbashi Station.
19:34 walk to Hotel
is the timetable from google maps still valid ? any advise ?
thanks in advance for any advise.
regards, Kelly
Hi Kelly,
Kagayaki 510 departs from Nagano at 17:55, not 15:55. You can take this train but you can take earlier train because bus from Ozizawa arrive at 16:55.
http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/nagano_omachi/#timetable_summer
You will have one hour to transfer but it’s too much unless you want to stay around Nagano station.
If you want to spend more on alpine route, you can take later bus to get Nagano station at 18:15. There are still many train go to Tokyo.
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_hokuriku_u/07.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thanks Mr. Takeshi
really appreciate your reply.
No problem, Kelly.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m planning to do the Alpine Route this June. Will it be possible to get the Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket with a Tokyo Wide Area Pass? I plan to take the Shinkansen up to Sakudaira and then pay for the remaining train rides until before I get to the first area covered by the option ticket, and then go around Toyama a bit after doing the mountain route then hop on a highway bus at night to go back to Tokyo and arrive the next day. Will this be doable? Thank you!
Hi Kurarisu san,
Yes, it will work. You need to pay the additional fare for Sakudaira to Nagano. You can use Tateyama Kurobe option ticket from Nagano to Toyama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com