Destination: Nagoya -> Shirakawa-go -> Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route -> Tokyo
Date of Travel: May 18th - 22nd, 2013
I have finally went to one of my dream destinations in the world! The amazing Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a must go place in Japan. I would even say one of the top scenic routes in world. The panoramic view of the snow mountains, above sea water of around 1,900 m, with a route that requires you to travel in 7 different transportation across the mountains. Truly amazing.
Out of the 4 seasons, you can only visit this route in 3 only as during winter times the snow falls so heavy the mountain closes off from public. It opens every year in mid April to the public, where routes have been cleared off already which effectively created the Great Wall of Snow.
I have heard of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 4 years ago and since then I have always wanted to go. But timing was always wrong with the 3-11 tragic event and Yen was so high back then.
Besides visiting the Alpine Route, there is also the Shirakawa-go village which is another must go place. It is around the same area so why not pay a visit. Shirakawa-go village has been listed as the world heritage place for the distinctive village building and the historical preservation of it.
Shirokawa-go's houses - the roof is built with hays which every 6 years they will change it. There is quite a few hostels within the village that operates in these houses. However, it tends to get full pretty fast so make your reservation as early as possible.
Alpine Route - the thickness of the snows fell during winter creates a huge wall tunnel during spring
Till next time Japan <3
