To visit Tateyama (including Oyama Shrine and the Murodo area), the most common way is to take the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Below, you’ll find how to get there by train, bus, or car, along with tips for visiting Kurobe Dam, staying overnight, and what to expect when coming down the mountain.
By Train from Toyama Station
- Take the Toyama Chiho Railway from Toyama Station to Tateyama Station (about 1 hour).
- Trains run every 30–50 minutes.
- Fare: ¥1,230
- From Tateyama Station, ride the cable car to Bijodaira Station (about 7 minutes).
- Cable cars run every 20 minutes.
- Fare: ¥740
- From Bijodaira, transfer to the highland bus to Murodo (about 50 minutes).
- Buses run every 40 minutes.
- Fare: ¥2,600
Travel time: Around 2 hours.
Total: Approx. ¥4,600 one way
By Bus from Toyama Station
・During the summer season, there are direct express buses from Toyama Station to Murodo.
・Fare: Approx. ¥3,500–4,000 one way (varies by season)
・They’re convenient since there’s no transfer, but service is limited to 1–2 buses per day, so check the schedule and book in advance.
By Car
・Private cars are not allowed to go all the way to Murodo.
・You can drive to Tateyama Station (or nearby parking lots) and continue by cable car and bus.
・Parking lots fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early in the morning is recommended.
Early Morning Crowds at Tateyama Station
During the busy summer season (July–October), long lines for tickets start forming as early as 5 AM at Tateyama Station.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance — advance reservations are highly recommended.
🔗 Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Official Website (Reservations)
Arriving at Murodo
Murodo (2,450m) is the gateway to climbing Mt. Tateyama.
From here, it takes about 2 hours to reach the summit of Mt. Oyama (3,015m), where Oyama Shrine stands.
Most of the trail is well maintained, but the final section involves climbing rocky terrain — sturdy shoes are a must!
Important Notes for Descending
・From 3–4 PM, buses from Murodo back to Bijodaira become crowded.
・The cable car from Bijodaira to Tateyama Station is even more crowded, and you may wait up to 1 hour.
・The cable car uses a ticket number system, so you don’t need to stand in line the whole time. However, stay nearby and listen carefully so you don’t miss your number being called.
Plan your descent with plenty of extra time!
Visiting Kurobe Dam
If you continue along the Alpine Route beyond Murodo, you’ll reach Kurobe Dam, Japan’s largest arch dam.
- Murodo
Trolleybus, 10 min
Fare: ¥2,200 - Daikanbo
Ropeway, 7 min
Fare: ¥1,300 - Kurobedaira
Cable car, 5 min
Fare: ¥900 - Kurobeko
From Kurobeko Station, walk to Kurobe Dam
- Kurobe Dam
・Services run every 20–30 minutes.
・The water discharge (summer only) is an impressive sight not to be missed!
Staying Overnight in Murodo
・There are lodges and hotels around Murodo where you can stay overnight.
・At night, you can enjoy breathtaking stargazing under clear alpine skies.
・At dawn, watching the sunrise from the mountains is unforgettable.
・Some hotels even organize sunrise tours or stargazing events for guests.
Staying overnight allows you to experience Tateyama’s natural beauty more deeply than just a day trip.
Fare Summary
| Section | One Way Fare | Round Trip Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyama → Tateyama (Train) | ¥1,230 | ¥2,460 | Toyama Chiho Railway (≈1h) |
| Tateyama → Bijodaira (Cable Car) | ¥740 | ¥1,480 | ≈7 min |
| Bijodaira → Murodo (Highland Bus) | ¥2,600 | ¥5,200 | ≈50 min |
| Toyama → Murodo Total | ¥4,570 | ¥9,140 | ≈2h travel time |
| Murodo → Kurobe Dam | ≈¥4,400 | ≈¥8,800 | Bus, ropeway & cable car |
| Toyama → Kurobe Dam Total | ≈¥8,970 | ≈¥17,940 | Alpine Route crossing |
Please check the official Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route site for the latest fares and timetables.
