Tateyama Area, Northern Alps, Toyama Prefecture

OVERVIEW/INTRODUCTION

Due to ease of access and the enormous amounts of snow it receives, the Tateyama Area is one of the most popular backcountry ski destinations in Japan, offering unlimited skiing and riding possiblities. It lies in Toyama Prefecture, just off the coast of the Sea of Japan, with peaks reaching upwards of 3000 meters. The area is often one of the earliest places that skiing can be had on new snow in Japan, usually starting in mid/late November.

ACCESS

In order to reach the Tateyama Area, you'll need to use the Tateyama - Kurobe Alpine Route, which is a series of various forms of transportation that traverse the Northern Alps, connecting Toyama Precture and Nagano Prefecture. (see useful links below)

From Toyama Prefecture: The approach from Toyama Prefecture begins in Tateyama Town, located about 30 minutes outside of Toyama City. From Tateyama Station, take the cable car to Bijodaira (approx 10 min) and transfer to the bus to Murodo (appox 45 min). If using this approach during the latter part of the season (after November 4th), please note that the cable car section is sometimes not in operation, but you will instead be able to take a bus directly from Tateyama Station to Murodo. Operation of the route is also weather dependant, with delays or closures occasionally occurring. If bringing skis, snowboard, or a large backpack (over 50 liters), there is an extra charge of 300 yen per item. (see useful links below)

From Nagano Prefecture: ???

SEASON

The Tateyama - Kurobe Alpine Route begins operation on April 10th with partial service running to Midagahara (1950m). The route fully opens on April 17th with service to Murodo. From this time onwards the spring season gets under way, however below freezing temperatures and full winter conditions should be expected until mid-May. Due to the abundance of snow in this area, the season usually lasts well into June, with a few die-hards even getting in turns during the Uni no Hi (Sea Day) Weekend in the end of July.
The winter skiing season typically begins in mid-November with the climax being the final 3 day weekend at the end of November. Most of the moutain huts in the Murodo Area will close after this time, and the Alpine Route itself ceases operation on November 30th.

ACCOMODATION

Numerous moutain huts can be found throughout the area, however dates of operation vary greatly from place to place. As a general rule of thumb, the ones closest to Murodo Bus Terminal will be open from late April until late November. The ones further out have shorter seasons, with some only being open for 2 or 3 months during the summer. All huts can provide food and lodging for approximately 9000yen per night (with meals). If planning to stay at one, be sure to call ahead to confirm that they will be open and, if necessary, make a reservation. (see useful links below)

If choosing to camp, there is a designated camping area in the Murodo Area known as Raicho Sawa Camp Jo. There is water and a public toilet available for use in the spring, however in November, the toilet will be closed so be careful with sanitation in the campground area during this time of the year. (see topo 1 for location)

EQUIPMEMENT

- beacon
- probe
- shovel
- ice axe
- crampons
- trustworthy partner
- the usual stuff (hat, gloves, sunscreen, camera, etc)
- 4 season sleeping bag, if camping (spring is relatively warm, but November can get to -10°c)
- money (if planning to get a beer from one of the huts or use their onsen at the end of the day)

MAIN AREAS

Murodo Area: This area is the one most often associated with the Tateyama Area as it is closest to the bus terminal. Upon exiting the terminal, you'll be greeted with a view of Tateyama Renpo to the east, Mt. Jodo to the north, Raicho Sawa to the south, and on a clear day, Toyama City and Toyama Bay to the south. The skiing and riding possibilites are endless in this area and it is from here the adventure begins. While still inside the bus terminal it is a good idea to make your final preparations before venturing outside, including putting on climbing skins. Just outside the terminal there will also be throngs of tourists, but most of them will rarely venture past this point.

Yamazaki Col (see topo 2)
One of the more popular areas for skiing in November, this area usually has sufficient snow to reach the ridgeline, allowing for a possible boot/crampon ascent to Mt Ooyama (3003m), the second highest peak in the Tateyama Range.
vertical: 600 meters
average: 29°

Raicho Sawa - yellow line (see topo 1)
Raicho Sawa is located close to the camping area making this one of the most popular lines in the area. It is also the most frequently used ascent route for those planning to ski Tsurugi Sawa and enter the Tsurugi Area. Once reaching the top of Tsurugi Sawa you'll be rewarded with a breath-taking view of Tsurugi Dake.
vertical: 490 meters (from campground)
average: 29°

Mt. Jodo - dark blue line (see topo 2)
A relatively short hike from the bus terminal, Mt. Jodo can be approached from 2 directions and usually has a good amount of snow accumulation early in the season (November).
vertical: 400 meters (from bus terminal)

Masago Dake Route - olive line (see topo 1 and topo 2)
This route is also located close to the campground, making for a popular spring approach to the 3 peaks of the Tateyama Renpo. After 700 meters of ascent from the campground, you can ski the same route down or hike up to Fuji no Oritate (2999m) and continue on to Mt. Onanji (3015m) and Mt. Oyama (3003m) and ski down Yamazaki Col or any of the other lines from the ridge. Crampons and ice axe are recommended if planning to hike to Fuji no Oritate and onwards.
vertical: 580 meters (from campground to ridgeline; additional 140 meters to Fuji no Oritate)

pic. 1

pic. 2

Tsurugi Area: The Tsurugi Area is usually not skiable during November due to a lack of sufficient snow, however when the spring season begins, 2 somewhat steep lines off the back side of Mt Tsurugi become feasible. Entering this area should be undertaken with a considerable amount of caution due to it's remoteness and the frequency of spring slides and falling rocks.

Chojiro Tan - purple line (see topo 3 and topo 4)
Descending 800 meters down Tsurugi Sawa, Chojiro Tan begins at an elevation of 1950 meters and culminates at 2870 meters. While the lower section may be ascended with climbing skins, crampons and ice axe are recommended for the steeper top section. While this route is not as far down as the San no Mado route, it is still a good distance from the Murodo Area so be sure to allow adequate time for this trip.
vertical: 920 meters
average: 34°

San no Mado - sky blue line (see topo 3 and topo 5)
This line lies quite far down Tsurugi Sawa so should best be attempted with an early morning start from at least the Tsurugi Gozan Hut area. After 1000 meters of descent down the Tsurugi Sawa you'll reach the location of the Masago Sawa Lodge at 1750 meters (buried beneath the snow so not visible). From there stay to skiers's right of the stream and at roughly 1630 meters be on the lookout for a suitable snowbridge to cross the stream and proceed skier's left of the stream. At 1590 meters you'll reach Futamata, at which point San no Mada begins. From here procede in a northwesternly direction, with a vertical gain of 1070 meters.
vertical: 1070 meters
average: 32°

Dainichi Area: Although not typically associated with the Tateyama Area, the Dainichi Area is located just to the west of Tateyama and Tsurugi offering some spectacular views of this section of the Northern Alps. There are 2 popular approaches to the mountain, usually undertaken from mid-March onwards. Both can be done as a long day trip or an easy overnight trip.

Kotto Tani Route - orange line (see topo 9)
Unfortunatly, reaching the trailhead may be the most difficult part of this route. It is accessible only by car or a long taxi ride from Kamiichi Station (Toyama Prefecture), with bus service available only during the summer months. The trailhead is located on Route ??, approximately 2 km before Banbajima which is the trailhead for the hiking route to Tsurugi Dake along the Hayatsuki-one route. Also be advised that the road is unmaintained in the winter and may require a somewhat long hike to reach the trailhead depending on snow build-up on the road. Shortly after beginning up the Kotto Tani, there is an unmaintained construction service road on lookers right that will bypass the dams in Kotto Tani. This road or the direct route up the valley are both feasible routes however the service road is usually quicker. After following the valley for 870 vertical meters, you'll reach the 1500m point of the ridgeline. From here, follow the ridgeline in an easternly direction. After an additional ascent of 540 meters, the route will connect with the Mizo Tani Route at 2040 meters (see below) and proceed to the summit of Dainichi Dake (2498m). If planning to do this route as an overnight trip, there are suitable tent locations at 1500m, 1650m and 2040m.
vertical: 1870 meters

Mizo Tani Route - green line (see topo 6 and 7)
The Mizo Tani Route begins approimately 5 km up the road from the Tateyama Station parking area. The road is gated until mid-April, so if attempting this route before this time, please be aware of the extra time involved. The trailhead is located just behind Kumujon (??) log-cabin style restaurant. As mentioned above, this route can be done as a long day trip or as an overnight one. The route follows the Mizo Tani for approximately 700 vertical meters. Once reaching the ridgeline (1300m), there is a winter hut available for use free of charge. From the hut, the route follows the ridgeline for another 1200 meters, finally reaching the summit of Dainichi Dake. The ridge will become rather narrow in some locations with large cornices so use caution in these areas.
vertical: 1900 meters