With the arrival of spring comes one of Japan’s most breathtaking hidden wonders—the “Snow Wall” of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in Toyama Prefecture. Towering snow walls, reaching up to 20 meters high, create a dreamlike landscape that captivates countless travelers every year and sparks widespread attention on social media.
This article introduces the highlights of the Snow Wall, how to get there, tips on clothing and what to bring, as well as nearby sightseeing spots—all from the perspective of a travel agency and my own personal experience.
If you’re looking for a unique spring getaway or want to witness a scenic marvel worthy of your photo album, be sure to read to the end.
The Majestic Snow Walls of Tateyama: Everything You Need to Know About the Iconic “Snow Wall” Experience
Located along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in Toyama Prefecture, the “Snow Wall” is a towering wall of snow that emerges with the arrival of spring. At Murodo Plateau, situated at an altitude of around 2,450 meters, snowfall accumulated over the winter reaches nearly 20 meters. When the snow is cleared, it reveals a breathtaking “white canyon” of immense scale.
Open to the public from mid-April to mid-June each year, the experience of walking between the towering snow walls—known as the “Snow Wall Walk”—is truly unforgettable. On clear spring days, the vivid contrast between the blue sky and the shimmering white snow creates a mesmerizing view that enchants visitors.
The Snow Wall is especially popular among photography enthusiasts and international tourists, and stands as one of Japan’s most iconic winter-to-spring scenic wonders.
How Is the Snow Wall Formed?
The Snow Wall, or Yuki-no-Otani, is formed naturally each year near Murodo Station (elevation 2,450 meters) along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This area is one of the snowiest regions in Japan, where snowfall during the winter can reach around 7 meters—and in particularly heavy years, nearly 20 meters is not uncommon.
Starting in mid-April, after the Alpine Route has been closed for the winter season, snow removal begins using specialized snowplows. As the path is cleared, towering walls of snow are left standing on either side of the road. These monumental snow walls are then opened to the public and become known as the “Snow Wall” of Tateyama.
What makes this sight so extraordinary is that it is not man-made—it’s a natural masterpiece sculpted by extreme weather and elevation. The breathtaking landscape, created by the unique combination of high altitude and topography, has become an iconic symbol of spring in the Tateyama region, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
How to Get There & Ticket Tips | A Guide to Exploring the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
To visit the “Snow Wall,” you’ll need to travel along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. From the Toyama Prefecture side, the most common route is to take the cable car from Tateyama Station to Bijodaira, then transfer to a highland bus to reach Murodo. Alternatively, from the Nagano Prefecture side, you can access Murodo via Ogizawa and the Kurobe Dam. Both routes are fully accessible by public transportation.
As the area can become crowded during peak season, it’s highly recommended to make reservations and purchase e-tickets in advance via the official Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route website. Choosing a plan with reserved seating will help ensure a smoother and more comfortable journey.
Transportation to Snow wall
If the weather is clear, the train ride to Tateyama Station offers spectacular views from the windows. The conductor often slows down the train at scenic spots, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the landscape.
Around the Golden Week holiday, it’s highly advisable to book your tickets as soon as reservations become available. As this is a popular tourist destination, seats tend to fill up quickly. Rest assured, if you need to cancel, a full refund is typically available if done within the designated cancellation period.
If your schedule allows, consider experiencing both routes—the journey from Toyama and the one from Nagano—for a more complete and memorable adventure.
During this season, special temporary buses operate from Bijodaira to Murodo. While they may not follow a strict timetable, you can rest assured that they will take you all the way to Murodo without issue.
When returning to Tateyama Station, no reservation or time slot is required. Buses operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and passengers board as each bus arrives. If you’re concerned about catching your train home, it’s a good idea to start lining up for the return trip around 3:00 PM to ensure a smooth descent.
Sightseeing spot
Snow Wall Walk
It goes without saying that this is the main attraction of the entire area. Once you arrive, head back along the path the bus came from—this is where the famous Snow Wall Walk begins.
Stretching about 500 meters, the towering snow walls on either side create an extraordinary experience that feels completely removed from everyday life. While the height of the walls varies from year to year, when they reach close to 20 meters, the sight resembles a natural cathedral of snow.
In 2025, the Snow Wall stands at an impressive 16 meters—the tallest it has been in recent years, making it an especially memorable time to visit.
The snow wall here towers far above the very bus you arrived in—it’s truly massive!
At the highest point of the wall, there’s a popular sign marking the maximum height, and many visitors line up to take a commemorative photo there. If you join the queue from the bus terminal side, be prepared for a long wait. However, there’s a little-known tip: the opposite end of the path (where the buses ascend) is far less crowded, allowing you to snap your photo quickly without the long lines. It’s a hidden gem for savvy travelers!
Panorama road
You can also walk along the top of the Snow Wall. At first, it’s quite an impressive experience—but the scenery remains fairly uniform, and the walk can be physically demanding.
For a more enjoyable visit, we recommend taking photos at the open area near the entrance to the Panorama Road, where you get a great view. Then, rather than continuing all the way, consider turning back through the Snow Wall corridor—it’s a more pleasant and memorable way to enjoy the visit.
Mukurigaike
From the rooftop of the terminal, a snow-covered path leads toward Mikurigaike Pond. Along the way, you’ll find another snow corridor, giving you another chance to enjoy the spectacular snow walls of the area.
About a 15-minute walk from the terminal, you’ll reach Mikurigaike Onsen and a small cafeteria—perfect for a short break if you have some extra time. In summer, the pond reveals its stunning blue color, but during this season, it’s still beautifully blanketed in snow.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a raichō—the Japanese rock ptarmigan, a Special Natural Monument of Japan—gracefully walking across the snowy landscape.
What to Wear & Bring: Tips for Enjoying the Snow Wall in Comfort
When visiting the Snow Wall, it’s essential to prepare for both cold weather and slippery conditions. Even in May, temperatures around Murodo can range from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), so warm clothing such as fleece jackets, windbreakers, and gloves is a must. The sunlight can be intense at this altitude, so bringing sunglasses and sunscreen will also make your visit more comfortable.
For footwear, we recommend non-slip trekking shoes or waterproof sneakers to navigate the snow safely. Due to the high elevation, it’s important to monitor your physical condition—stay hydrated and take breaks regularly to avoid altitude-related fatigue.
As a reference, temperatures during Golden Week were around 1°C (34°F), but with all the walking, it can start to feel warm. Wear layers you can easily remove to adjust your comfort level throughout the day.
Trivia
The elusive gengyo (also known as genge), a deep-sea fish sometimes referred to as a “phantom fish,” isn’t exclusive to the Snow Wall area—you can also try it at izakayas around Toyama Station if you have time.
I personally tried it at a local spot called Uohiro, just a short walk from Toyama Station. To be honest… deep-sea fish aren’t exactly packed with flavor. The taste was very mild—almost nonexistent—and the texture was mostly soft and gelatinous, with a noticeable collagen-like feel.
If you’re curious, give it a try… but consider yourself warned!
Comments