April–JuneYuki no Otani Snow Wall Walk (Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Usually mid-April (the day the Alpine Route fully opens) to late June
Autumn Leaves · Chubu & Hokuriku
Tateyama Murodo and Midagahara
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, ToyamaMountain & highland🍁 Typical peak: Mid Sep – Mid Oct
Overview
Overview
Autumn leaves at Murodo-daira, at 2,450 m the highest point on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, and on the Midagahara plateau spreading out below it. Autumn arrives here earlier than almost anywhere in Japan, and you can enjoy autumn grasses against the backdrop of the Tateyama mountains.
- Address
- Closed
- Open April 15 to November 30 in 2026
- Time needed
- Half a day for Murodo only; a full day to travel the whole route
- Official website
- https://www.alpen-route.com/
Area weather
Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine RouteWeather and what to wear in Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookTateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Day Tour (from Kanazawa)Guided bus tour from Kanazawa crossing Midagahara, Murodo, Kurobe Dam and more by six modes of transport. Alpine Route fares are paid on site on the dayView on Klook- PRKlookTateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Full-Day Tour (from Nagano)Guided bus tour from Nagano Station East Exit with about 2 hours at Murodo and a stop at the Kurobe Dam observation deck. Alpine Route fares are paid on siteView on Klook
- PRKlookTateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Day Tour (from Nagano Station)Guided tour from Nagano Station crossing from Ogizawa via Kurobe Dam, Daikanbo, Murodo and Bijodaira to Tateyama Station. Alpine Route fares are paid on siteView on Klook
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually mid-September to early October (Murodo-daira), late September to mid-October (Midagahara)
September
October
November
December
With a large range of elevations, the autumn leaves continue for about 2 months as the colors move from place to place. Check the official autumn leaves updates for the latest
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
At Murodo-daira, rowan, mine-kaede maples and chinguruma turn red and yellow. At Midagahara, rowan and mine-kaede maples dye the slopes around the marshes, and you may even see a sea of clouds.
📷 Best views
Murodo-daira
At 2,450 m. The Tateyama mountains and the autumn leaves of rowan and more
Midagahara
A plateau at 1,930 m. Autumn leaves of rowan and mine-kaede maples, and a sea of clouds
Daikanbo to Kurobedaira
Three-tiered colors of snow, autumn leaves and green seen from the ropeway
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Buying web tickets in advance is recommended in the autumn leaves season
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Murodo TerminalFrom Tateyama Station, take the cable car and then the Tateyama Highland Bus
- From major stations & airports
- Dentetsu-Toyama Station: Toyama Chiho Railway Tateyama Line to Tateyama Station, then the cable car and highland bus to Murodo (About 65 min to Tateyama Station)
- By car & parking
- Parking around Tateyama Station. Private cars cannot go to Murodo
- Getting back
- Return transport gets crowded in the afternoon, so reserve your time with a web ticket for peace of mind
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Waits for transport tend to be long on autumn leaves weekends
- Quieter times
- Early-morning services on weekdays
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- October normals for Toyama: high 21.6°C, low 13.1°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Murodo, at 2,450 m, is far colder than the lowlands
- What to wear & bring
- It can be as cold as midwinter on the mountain, and the weather changes quickly. Bring a down jacket, gloves and rain gear
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Tateyama Murodo and MidagaharaPR
- PR9.1
天狗平山荘
★★Check rates on Agoda246 reviews1.5 km from center 
PR8.5立山室堂山荘
★★★Check rates on Agoda105 reviews0.4 km from center
PR8.8雷鳥荘
★★★Check rates on Agoda41 reviews0.8 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
April–June
SeptemberAttractions
Attractions in Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
ExperienceKurobe Gorge Railway (Torokko Train)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
A torokko (open-air) train running from Unazuki Onsen deep into the Kurobe Gorge. Full-line service between Unazuki and Keyakidaira resumed on October 1, 2026, and you can ride all the way to the Keyakidaira terminus during the operating season until November 30. From the windowless open cars, you can enjoy the beauty of the gorge and the views from the railway bridges.
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Chubu & Hokuriku
Park
Mountain & highland🍁 Typical peak
Park🍁 Typical peakAkasawa Natural Recreation Forest
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Agematsu, Nagano
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Late Oct
Mountain & highland🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Avenue & old town🍁 Typical peak
Castle🍁 Typical peak
Garden
GorgeKorankei Gorge
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Asuke, Toyota, Aichi
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
✦ Illumination
Peak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05