Japan: Hiking around Midagahara and Murodo in Tateyama

Japan: Hiking around Midagahara and Murodo in Tateyama

Going to Tateyama Alpine route is a hit or miss.  Given that the route is only open between mid-April to late-November, and with drastic change in weather to extreme low visibility, you need to research and plan before heading to this place. 

It's famous for the snow wall in April, but can be too crowded.  Thus, we decided to visit during the start of autumn in October, however, going there has strict or limited transportation. 

There is a limited ticket available on the website and you'll never know the weather until you get there by the date of your booking. 

Of course there are trade-offs, if you know that the weather is fine by early morning, they can accept walk-in travelers however, you'll start by midday.  There were also additional bus routes made available in October, but it was announced late.

In our case, I already booked our tickets one-month ahead. We chose the round-trip ride from Dentetsu-Toyama to Murodo, with the first funicular/cable car leaving Tateyama at 7:00 am. Web tickets can be exchanged to actual tickets at 12:00 nn on the day before boarding.

There are also exchange machines available in Tateyama station.

The buses in Bijodaira station were able to accommodate and drop us at Midagahara station.  We are having high hopes that there is more visibility at this place at 1930 m altitude, 15.2 degrees Celsius.

Upon arrival at Midagahara, you'll be guided on when to take the next bus heading to Murodo station.  

We had enough time to roam around Midagahara.

There were a lot of signages, providing direction in English, even showing Dainichi Mountain range. 

There are other mountain peaks (Mt. Kuwasaki) visible from the Toyama plains.

It's still raining though, we have to be careful when walking on the wooden walkway.  There were areas where we had to cross a stream.

Arriving at Murodo station, the place is already crowded.  Guessing that those joining the group tours arrived earlier.  

Some of the cafes and restaurants are opening late.  Most of the locals are bringing their own snacks or lunch.  

Given the altitude and that the ingredients and food are difficult to be carried by the shops, expect that the food comes on the pricey side.

We bought postcards and sent them immediately at the post office.  We headed to Tea Lounge Rindo to try their Kurobe dam chiffon cake.

We already knew that it's getting more cloudy in Murodo (2450m altitude, highest point in the Tateyama alpine route, at 8.9 degrees Celsius during our visit).

Compared to the sunny views of vloggers and bloggers on their visits, ours has low visibility. Even though we want to cover much walking area in Murodo, however, we cannot do that much due to visibility.

  

For safety, please know when to stop the hike.  For us, this place deserves another chance in the future.

Going back to Murodo station, it gets more crowded.  The place is well signed, even in English.  You just need to analyze and queue in properly, and you'll find your way. 

We decided to go back to Toyama city as we needed to go back to Nagoya on the same day.