This video documents a solo journey in May along the iconic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート), one of Japan’s most scenic mountainous thoroughfares connecting Toyama and Nagano prefectures. Known for its dramatic seasonal landscapes and innovative mountain transport systems, this route offers some of the most memorable sights in the Japanese Alps.

The trip starts at the renowned ‘Snow Wall of the Great Valley’ (雪の大谷), where visitors can walk between snow corridors towering up to 16 meters high. This unique phenomenon occurs when heavy snowfall is cleared from the mountain road, creating an impressive canyon of snow that attracts tourists from around the globe every spring and early summer. The stunning blue-and-white vistas here provide unmissable photo opportunities, making it one of Toyama’s top seasonal attractions.

Next, the video explores the area around Mikuriga-ike Pond (みくりが池), a vivid volcanic crater lake surrounded by expansive snow fields and alpine scenery. Wildlife watchers will enjoy a brief segment observing the elusive ptarmigan (ライチョウ), a rare bird native to this high elevation. The journey then continues through Daikanbo (大観峰), an acclaimed panoramic viewpoint accessible via ropeway, and Kurobe-daira (黒部平), a key station on the route featuring sweeping alpine vistas.

The climax of the trip is a visit to Kurobe Dam (黒部ダム), Japan’s largest and one of its most spectacular dams. With its dramatic concrete structure, powerful water discharge, and setting amidst deep valleys and steep snowy slopes, the dam is often likened to a ‘final boss dungeon’ by travelers. Constructed in the mid-20th century, the dam represents the pinnacle of Japanese civil engineering and remains a bucket-list destination for visitors to the region.

Travelers embarking on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route can utilize a range of transport options including cable cars, buses, ropeways, and tunnel trolleys. The route is best visited from late April through June to experience the snow walls, but it also offers rich hiking, sightseeing, and hot spring opportunities throughout the green season.