Itinerary

From Nagano to Toyama via the Alpine Route

  • Toyama
  • Nagano
  • Sightseeing
  • Nature

Starting from Tokyo, this route travels via Nagano and crosses the Alpine Route to Toyama, offering a dynamic journey through Japan’s nature and history. After exploring cultural landmarks such as Zenko-ji Temple and Matsumoto Castle, continue on to the Alpine Route, known for some of Japan’s most spectacular scenery. Visit highlights like Kurobe Dam and Mikurigaike Pond along the way before arriving in Toyama.

Day 1

Tokyo Station

Access to Zenko-ji Temple
Tokyo Station
　Shinkansen: approx. 1 hr 30 min
Nagano Station
　Bus: approx. 15 min
Zenko-ji Temple

Tokyo Station
Tokyo

Tokyo Station

Built in 1914, the beautiful red brick station building is a historic structure designated as an Important Cultural Property. The station interior, with its "Character Street" featuring anime goods, sweets, and ekiben from across Japan, is a massive tourist destination in itself. As the starting point of Japan's railway network, history and modern convenience live side-by-side.

  • Tokyo
  • Sightseeing
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Train + Bus：about 1 h 45 min

Zenko-ji Temple

Duration of stay：2 h

A historic temple with over 1,400 years of history, open to all Buddhist sects.
Known for the saying “visit once in a lifetime,” it offers unique experiences like the underground passage beneath the main hall.

Zenko-ji Temple
Nagano

Zenko-ji Temple

A majestic national treasure with over 1,400 years of history, famous for the saying "Visit Zenko-ji at least once in your life." It is one of Japan’s most important pilgrimage sites, welcoming all visitors regardless of their religious sect. The massive wooden main hall is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture. Visitors can experience the "Okaidan Meguri," a walk through a pitch-black tunnel under the altar to seek spiritual awakening. It remains a powerful symbol of faith and a peaceful sanctuary for the soul.

  • Nagano
  • Sightseeing
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Train + Bus：about 1 h 30 min

Matsumoto Castle

Duration of stay：1 h

A designated National Treasure with an original keep, often called the “Crow Castle” for its black exterior.
Its elegant structure and seasonal scenery make it one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.

Matsumoto Castle
Nagano

Matsumoto Castle

A stunning National Treasure and one of Japan’s oldest original castles, famous for its elegant black exterior that earned it the nickname "Crow Castle." Built in the late 16th century, its unique five-layered, six-story wooden keep is a masterpiece of feudal architecture. Unlike many castles, it is built on a plain, and the reflection of the black castle and the Northern Alps in the surrounding moat is an iconic sight. Visitors can climb its steep wooden stairs to experience the authentic structure used by samurai centuries ago.

  • Nagano
  • Sightseeing
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter

Day 2

Train + Bus：about 2 h

Kurobe Dam

Duration of stay：2 h

One of Japan’s largest arch dams, famous for its impressive scale.
During water discharge season, visitors can witness powerful cascades set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Kurobe Dam
Toyama

Kurobe Dam

Standing 186 meters tall, Kurobe Dam is Japan's highest dam and a masterpiece of modern engineering. Built in a remote valley of the Northern Alps, it serves as a symbol of the nation's rapid industrial growth. From June to October, visitors can witness the dramatic "Sightseeing Discharge," where over 10 tons of water per second is released, creating a powerful mist and often beautiful rainbows.

  • Toyama
  • Sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
Train + Bus + Walking：about 1 h

Mikurigaike Pond

Duration of stay：1 h

A volcanic crater lake along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
On clear days, the surrounding peaks reflect on its calm surface, creating a serene and breathtaking alpine landscape.

Mikurigaike Pond
Toyama

Mikurigaike Pond

Mikurigaike is a stunning volcanic lake at an altitude of 2,405 meters, often called the most beautiful pond in the Northern Alps. Its deep blue waters perfectly reflect the majestic Tateyama peaks like a mirror. Surrounded by alpine flowers and snow that lasts until early summer, it is a peaceful paradise where lucky visitors might even spot the rare "Raicho" (rock ptarmigan) bird.

  • Toyama
  • Sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
Train + Bus + Walking：about 2 h 30 min

Toyama Prefecture

Toyama Prefecture
Toyama

Toyama Prefecture

Located in the center of Japan, Toyama Prefecture features a dynamic landscape with a 4,000-meter elevation difference, from the 3,000-meter Tateyama Mountains to the 1,000-meter deep Toyama Bay. It is home to World Heritage sites and mystical mountain routes. As a treasure trove of gastronomy with fresh seafood and local sake, it attracts travelers from all over the world.

  • Toyama
  • Area Info
  • Sightseeing
  • Food
  • Activities
  • Nature
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
スポット一覧
  • Tokyo Station
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Kurobe Dam
  • Mikurigaike Pond
  • Toyama Prefecture