[Murodo] The most fascinating highland area in Northern Japan Alps

Murodo is a highland area on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which is the most popular destination there.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of the world’s snowiest areas, so it cannot be visited in winter (December to March). However, in spring when the snow melts and snow is removed, and there comes a period when you can walk through a wall of snow called “Snow Valley.” In summer, Murodo is a bustling base for climbing Mt. Oyama and Mt. Tsurugi, and in autumn, you can enjoy the autumn leaves of the plateau.

Murodo is a highland area with an altitude of 2,450 meters. In addition to a large volcanic lake and 3,000-meter-class mountains, you can see rare alpine plants such as gentian and aleutiana, and highland animals such as ptarmigan.

What to Know and What to See Murodo

Tateyama Gyokuden Water

Just outside the Murodo Terminal building, there is spring water gushing from a fault directly beneath Mt. Oyama, the main peak of the Tateyama mountain range. It is free to take the water. If you are planning to go hiking or take a walk in the area, fill up your empty plastic bottles with delicious water.

Yuki no Otani

This snow festival is held every year from mid-April, when the entire Alpine Route is open, until late June. An artificial snow wall about 15 meters high (the height varies depending on the amount of snowfall in winter) is created in the Otani area just before arriving at Murodo Terminal. Naturally, the snow wall gets lower as the season progresses. If you want to go at the highest point, we recommend going right after the Alpine Route opens.

Mountain trails

Most of the roads in the Murodo area are paved, but some are rough like this one, so we recommend wearing hiking boots.

Mt. Tsurugi

From Murodo, you can also see Mount Tsurugi, known as the most difficult mountain in Japan. If you are a beginner, please do not take the climb lightly.

Mikuriga-ike Pond

It is a huge volcanic lake with a diameter of 600 meters and a depth of 15 meters. On a clear day, the sunlight reflects off the lake surface, creating a beautiful sight.

Jigoku-dani

Located at an altitude of 2,300 meters, this area is surrounded by a gently sloping valley. Although it is a little far away, you can see part of it from Mikurigaike Onsen. Jigokudani is currently closed to traffic due to the volcanic gas eruptions and poisoning incidents that have occurred. When walking around the area, please take safety precautions such as placing a damp towel over your mouth.

Alpine Plants -Chinguruma (Aleutiana)

It has five small white petals and yellow stamens and pistils, and the flowers are 3 cm wide. In autumn, the leaves turn bright red, forming part of the autumn foliage.