Explore Japan
CRe8Japan
クリエイトジャパン
Omachi City
Hakuba Valley, Nagano
Kurobe Dam & Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Information
2024-2025
Welcome to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route; a world-famous sightseeing destination, which runs through the 3,000-metre-high peaks of the Japanese Northern Alps. Sites like this and many more are just minutes away for travellers lodging in Omachi City, Nagano. This includes the eye-catching Kurobe Dam, which is only 16 minutes away by electric bus from Ogizawa Station.
From the Kurobe Dam, guests can venture through underground cable cars, sky-soaring ropeways or hop aboard a trolley to visit Murodo, the area’s highest point reachable by transport at 2,450 metres. From April to June, enter into a fantasy-like snowscape encased by massive snow-walls, called Yuki-no-Otani, which are over 10 metres in height in May and can even exceed 20 metres.
Mikuriga-ike Pond is another breath-taking spot in Murodo, where the Tateyama Mountain Range bounces off water so pristine, you’ll think you’re seeing double. This is best observed from late June to mid-July when the abundant alpine flora prospers and thunderbirds soar the skies; an ideal walking course for any level in search of grand views. Or, take things one step further and head for Mt. Tateyama, one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains. Its peak can be reached in approximately 2 hours from Murodo Terminal on foot.
Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant scenes of Autumn in the Alps. At Murodo, visitors can catch crisp fall foliage from mid-September, with leaves peaking below in early October that appear as a sea of colourful trees surrounding the Tateyama Ropeway.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Information -> https://www.alpen-route.com/en/
Omachi City General Information
Omachi City is located at the Southern-most part of Hakuba Valley and borders Kashimayari and Jiigatake, two excellent ski resorts with fluffy powder snow and varied trails. Both of which are included in the Hakuba Valley Lift Pass.
Kashimayari Ski Resort is great for groups with trails for all levels, and has an especially popular 4,000 metre cruising slope. It’s beloved by families for its full range of kid-friendly trails and a 150-metre snow tubing course.
Jiigatake Ski Resort is also very child and beginner-friendly with many gentle slope options to choose from for a ski/snowboard debut. There’s also a snowmobile park with forest courses for an extra splash of excitement.
From the Omachi Onsenkyo Area, getting to the action is easy. A short shuttle bus ride will get you to Jigatake Ski Resort in 10 minutes and Kashimayari Ski Resort in 25 minutes. Visitors can also hop aboard and arrive at the Hakuba Ski Area in just 50 minutes!
In Omachi City, the saying “less is more” rings true. Compared to Hakuba, the ski resorts here are more comfortable and enjoyable with less lines at the lifts, less crowded restaurants and less expensive accommodation.
Kashimayari ski resort
Kashimayari ski resort
There are more than a dozen hotels in the Omachi Onsenkyo Area, and the hot springs found here are the perfect way to relax after a long day on the slopes. Most accommodation includes breakfast and dinner, typically with an option of buffet or kaiseki-style meals. Additionally, every Saturday evening in February, the area hosts the Dream Fireworks and Sound Festival. Make sure to mark this event on your calendars for a wonderous display of Japanese taiko drum performances and fireworks!
Or, opt for an immersive experience in Japanese culture by lodging at the luxurious traditional accommodation, Hoshino Resorts KAI. This hot spring oasis is conveniently nestled in the jaw-dropping landscape found at the edge of Omachi City. Here, guests can experience authentic kaiseki cuisine and get lost in the magnificent views of surrounding mountains and rivers from multiple lookout points, including while soaking in outdoor hot springs or huddled around comfy fire pits.
KAI Alps
KAI Alps -> https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaialps/
Wachigai - Japanese cooking workshops and a dining experience
Just a 5-minute walk from Shinano-Omachi Station, take part in a dining experience unlike anything you’ve ever tried before at Wachigai, a traditional local restaurant in Omachi City. In this stunning 130+ year old establishment, guests can participate in unique Japanese cooking workshops led by an English-speaking host.
There are two course options: Sushi or Full Course. Both options introduce authentic food culture, and include ingredients such as fresh river fish and locally harvested vegetables to be enjoyed in a one-of-a-kind space.
Stepping inside Wachigai, originally owned by one of the biggest merchants of 1800’s Japan, the historical architecture and furnishings, together with the meal, give deep insight into the people who have habited this region for many, many years.
