Challenge: Completing the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in One Day

The "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route" is a scenic route that spans Toyama and Nagano prefectures in Japan, connecting "Ogizawa" Station and "Tateyama" Station. Open from April to November each year, visitors can traverse the mountainous terrain using various modes of transportation, such as cable cars, buses, and trolleybuses. The transportation system here is highly developed, with detailed information and guides available on the official website. Starting from either Nagano's "Ogizawa" Station or Toyama's "Tateyama" Station, visitors can explore the route's popular attractions and complete the journey, including travel and transfer times, within a single day. Before setting off, I had already purchased the "Tateyama Kurobe, Takayama, and Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass," which covered all transportation costs. I began my journey early in the morning, around 6 or 7 AM, from Ogizawa. The route was bustling with tourists. After transferring, I first arrived at the "Kurobe Dam." The dam's structure was impressively massive, and during the "tourist water discharge" (not an official flood release), the roaring sound of water was accompanied by a surprise sight of a rainbow refracted in the light! Walking from the top of the dam into the mountains and transferring to another mode of transportation, I reached "Daikanbo." From the observation deck, I could take in the breathtaking view of the Tateyama mountain range and Kurobe Lake. At that moment, my camera serendipitously captured a soaring eagle 🦅! At "Murodo Plateau," I was immediately greeted by a panorama of mountains over 3,000 meters above sea level. It's no wonder the Japanese affectionately call this area the Northern Alps. Murodo itself is situated at an altitude of about 2,450 meters and is home to several popular attractions, including the volcanic crater lake "Mikurigaike," Jigokudani (Hell Valley), and the iconic Tateyama peaks. This area is relatively flat and features well-maintained walking paths, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll while admiring various alpine plants. I became so engrossed in photography here that I lost track of time, which forced me to skip other attractions on my way down. I rushed downhill and arrived at my hotel in Toyama close to 8 PM. Travel guides mention that if the timing is right, you can witness a unique phenomenon called "three-colored foliage," where the mountain peaks are covered in snow, the mid-slopes are adorned with red and yellow autumn leaves, and the base is lush with freshly tinted green trees. This spectacle is best viewed in early to mid-October. I hope that on my next visit, I will be fortunate enough to experience this stunning sight.