Tateyama, one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains" alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Haku, stands at 3,015 meters in the Northern Japanese Alps. Known for its spiritual significance and natural beauty, Tateyama is a major destination for both pilgrims and hikers. The mountain offers stunning alpine landscapes, hot springs, and the famous "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route," which features towering snow walls in spring.

Tsurugi-dake is one of Japan's most challenging and iconic peaks, standing at 2,999 meters in the Northern Japanese Alps. It is known for its rugged terrain, steep ridges, and knife-edged paths. The mountain offers breath-taking views and attracts experienced mountaineers seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure. Unlike more accessible peaks, Tsurugi-dake requires technical climbing skills and is not recommended for beginners. Its beauty and difficulty make it a legendary peak.

ℹ️ Trail Details & Essentials

🌐 Trail information: The Japan Alps

🧗 Tsurugi detailed route guide: The Japan Alps

🗺️ Map: Yamap

🌦️ Weather check: Mountain forecast | Tenkura

🪪 Permits & Regulations: N.A.

🟢 Trailhead (Start Point): 賽の河原

Access from Nagano:

🚌 Bus from: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (8am) OR Nagano Sta. East Exit (8:15am) ➡️ Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

💲 Bus fare: 3,700 yen (one-way from Nagano to Ogizawa)

💲 Route fare: 12,300 yen (round-trip from Ogizawa to Murodo)

💲 Bus fare: 1,650 yen (one-way from Ogizawa to Shinano-Omach)

Access from Toyama:

🚃 Train from Toyama Chiho railroad to Tateyama Station ➡️ Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

💲 Train fare: 1,230 yen (one-way)

💲 Route fare: 7,380 yen (round-trip from Tateyama to Murodo)

🔴 Trail End (Finish Point): 立山室堂

Day 1: Murodo - Kenzanso

Date: 30 September 2024

Start: 12:35 / End: 15:30

Hut: Kenzanso (13,000 yen with dinner & hot shower)

I took the earliest bus from Nagano Station at 8am and reached Murodo around 12:10pm. Bought a pork bun and hot drink for lunch, and energy jelly before starting the hike. I thought I will be late for hut check-in which is usually 4pm.

Day 2: Kenzanso - Tsurugi-dake - Tateyama - Murodo

Date: 1 October 2024

Start: 5:15 / End: 17:42

Lap 1: Kenzanso - Tsurugi-dake - Kenzanso (5h)

Lap 2: Kenzanso - Bessan - Tateyama - Murodo (5h 20m)

Hut: Tateyama Murodo Sanso (12,100 yen with dinner & hot bath)

I didn't get to buy breakfast and snacks from Murodo but I bought an energy jelly. Didn't had any breakfast before starting the climb as I was still full from dinner the night before. I ran low in energy when I almost reached the peak and had the energy jelly. Guess it worked well!

2 hikers were asking me about my route when I was descending from Bessan. They seemed shocked that I was heading to Tateyama and Murodo. Upon learning that I had accommodation booked in Murodo, they looked relieved.

While heading towards Masago, I crossed path with a hiker who recognised me from Tsurugi-dake and asked about my plan. It was 3pm then, and he commented that it will be dark (sunset is 5:40pm) by the time I reach Tateyama and was concerned. I reassured him that I have headlamp and will be fine.

Well, glad that I was usually quite fast, and the terrain wasn't technically difficult, except for the brutal descend.

⛰️ Peaks

🎒 Packing List (hut with dinner)

** Cook system not used as Kenzanso provides hot water.