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Last updated on May 16th, 2026

The impressive sight of Kurobe Dam is one of the must-visit attractions in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. We had a good time wandering around during our visit.

At height of 1500 meter, Kurobe Dam (黒部ダム) or Kuroyon Dam (黒四ダム) is the tallest dam (186 m) in Japan. It is built after World War II to generate additional electricity in hydroelectric power. The Kurobe lake behind the dam holds 200 million cubic meters of water. Up to 15 tons of water are spectacularly discharged through the dam. It able to generate one billion kWh per year to the Kansai region.

Kurobe Dam is nearly the end of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. We spend about 2 hours just wandering around the area. It was the season for fall foliage at around Kurobe. The view was so breathtaking with vibrant color of autumn leaves. Although the weather was not so good but the misty fog make for a majestic place.

Read on my Kurome dam blog to give you some idea if you are looking for what to do and eat in the Kurobe dam. Estimate spend time 2 hours in Kurobe dam.

Scenic View Along The Kurobe Pathway

Walked Through Tunnel from Kurobe Cablecar to Kurobe Dam

Follow the crowd, we walked through the tunnel once get off from the Kurone cable car. It was about 5 minutes walking journey.

Once out from the tunnel, we were welcomed by the beautiful view. Gosh!!! The view was so spectacular.

The mist added to its beauty and made the Kurobe Dam like a fairyland.

We walked through the pathway and cross the Kurobe lake. It was about 15 minutes of walking journey. But it may take longer as we keep on taking photo along the journey.

We spotted the Kurobe Sightseeing cruises (Garube) which operated on the lake from June to early November. It is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery of Alps and Lake Kurobe. This highest sailing boat ride (at 1,448 m sea level) took about 30 minutes.

Kurobe Dam

The Kurobe Dam will discharge its high-pressure water from late June to mid-October. You can witness the dam discharging its spectacular amount of water during that time. It’s about 10 tons of water shoot out in every second. You may possible to see the rainbows arching across the plumes of water droplets if you’re lucky.

Unfortunately, on the day we visited, no water was released into the dam. We one week late according to the schedule!

Dam Observation Deck

Located at the eastern end, there is a Dam Observation Deck where you can have the best view of the dam and its surrounding terrain from above.

Long flight of stairs To Korobe Observation Deck

You need to climb up 280 steep long flight of stairs to see the finest view of the dam. It was a long hard climb. However, it worth the climb just for the amazing view.

You can also choose to go down to see the Monument to Workers. Almost 10 Million workers were worked on the dam for over 7 years. By the time it completed, 171 workers sadly lost their lives during the construction. There is a monument to dedicated the workers who sacrifice their lives on this incredible project.

We didn’t went for this route and only proceeded to upstairs.

It took us some time to climb over the 220 steps up to the Observation Deck. We were rewarded with a beautiful mountain view from Kurobe Dam once on top. All the steps were worth it!

We spend some time admiring the view from the Observation Deck.

There is Kurobe Rest House at the top of the Dam Observation Deck. We took some rest in the rest house. You can also try the Kurobe Dam Curry, a lake of delicious curry behind a dam of rice. But we were too full at that time. So we skipped it.

After we had admired the view at Kurobe Dam, we walked to on the other side of the dam to take the Kanden tunnel electric bus to Ogizawa.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Travel Blog:

Last updated on May 16th, 2026

Read on my short stroll in Murodo, the highest point in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. A beautiful place with a fantastic view of Tateyama Mountain Range.

Murodo (室堂, Murodō) is a very popular sightseeing attraction in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The main attraction is Snow Wall or Yuki-no-Otani which open from mid-April to mid-June. During this time, buses and people can walk through the Snow Wall. Many visitors from all around the world are coming along the way to witness its full glory.

Although the highlight of the Murodo is the Snow Wall. But every season has its beauty in its way. We visited Murodo at end of October and this area was already covered in snow. We did not have a chance to experience the snow corridor. But the view in Murodo was very breathtaking.

We spend some time wandering around and had a short stroll to Mikurigaike pond. Continue read on.

Murodo Hiking Trail

There are several short and long trails available in Murodo. During the summer, it would be fun to hike and explore nature. Many places are located within walking distance such as Mikurigaike pond, Tateyama Murodo Hut, onsens (hot springs) and Hell valley.

Here are an overview of Murodo hiking trails in that area:

Mikurigaike pond return (600 meter, 30 minutes)
Mikurigaike pond loop (1.7 km, 60 minutes)
Raichozawa return (2.4 km, 150 minutes)

Short Stroll To Mikurigaike Pond

Once we walked out of Murodo Station, the snow is all around the places. It was so cold when we stepped out from the station. The best things was the snow turn this region into a winter wonderland.

Within walking distance to the Murodo Station, there is a Tateyama Tamadono Spring Water. It is drinkable from early June when the snow starts to melt through to late October.

Too bad we miss the chance to drink the fresh cold mountain water.

We decided to do a short walk to Mikurigaike Pond. The pathway to the Mikurigaike Pond was covered in snow.

We manage walked to Mikurigaike Pond, going fairly slowly. Some area were about 10 cm deep of snow.

Did we miss to catch the sight of white Alpine ptarmigan? The ptarmigan is referred to as “messengers of God” and the Japanese believe that it will bring you happiness if you see a ptarmigan. The best place to spot them is in the area of Mikurigaike pond.

We had some hard time to walk to Mikurigaike pond. But still, we enjoyed the journey and the whole scenery is worth a visit. We would like to go further but it was impossible to do so. The weather was so cold especially with the strong wind and thick fog. We were not able to see things due to the thickened fog.

If you are visiting this area with snow, please remember to wear non-slip footwear. Added, the trekking pole would be handy as the snow on the stone paths sometimes gets slippery.

Lunch at Murodo Station

In the end, we went back to the Murodo Station to get our lunch. The hot udon was not very impressive but it was really helpful after the short stroll in cold weather. The price was slightly expensive but still reasonable.

The Murodo Station complex also includes a hotel called Hotel Tateyama which located at this highest point of the Alpine Route. It has Japan’s highest onsen (hot spring) and restaurant. Best place to stay in the Tateyama Alpine route is you are planning to visit this area in a relaxing mood. (check Hotel Tateyama Rate here)

After some rest, we continue our Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route itinerary to Daikanbo.