On our recent Autumn trip to Japan a great day out which I planned and the weather helped to come to fruition was to ascend the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which links the Nagano prefecture with Toyama.
While you can traverse the full length, we decided to make a base in Shinano Omachi and then go halfway up to Murodo and return – mainly so that if the weather was not good that we had two different days that we could head off on this adventure. Fortunately the weather was absolutely perfect on the day that I had planned and we had a fantastic day out exploring the route. We were the only western faces along the way – everyone else was of Japanese appearance!
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These photos are from the top of the route around Murodo. There are some great walks and we enjoyed getting out and exploring. Hell Valley is a dangerous volcanic area which is off limits, but you can look down upon the are. There was a strong rotten egg sulfuric smell on that area of the walk and warnings of lethal gases encouraged us to move through that area quickly.
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Anne Sutherland-Smith is the creative force behind Pretraveller.com, a travel blog that specializes in offering insightful guidance for exploring Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Her passion for these diverse and dynamic regions shines through in her expert advice, particularly in helping travellers stay connected with the latest in SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and eSIMs.
With an unquenchable thirst for Asian and Oceanian cultures, Anne has carved out a niche as a knowledgeable guide for those venturing into the bustling streets of Tokyo, the historical alleys of Kyoto, the vibrant scenes of Seoul, the scenic landscapes of Australia, the vibrant markets of Hong Kong, or the futuristic cityscape of Singapore. Her articles are full of practical tips and detailed information, ensuring travellers are well-equipped for their journeys.
Anne’s approach is grounded in providing reliable, authoritative travel content that enhances the travel experience. From navigating the complexities of digital connectivity on the go to immersing in the local culture, her advice is designed to make travel both enjoyable and seamless.
Fantastic combination of colours you’ve captured there Anne. Looks uniquely beautiful and an interesting place to walk in. Good weather and no foreigners sounds like a bonus too.
Have never been to Japan but it’s near the very top of my countries to visit list.
Thanks Andy – we managed to catch the autumn colours which were fabulous. I really enjoyed seeing a different part of Japan and to get away from the tourist crowds in Tokyo and Kyoto.