Last updated on April 27th, 2024
Read on how we walked through the highland marsh pond. A short walk in the Midagahara wetlands rewarded with a beautiful view in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Midagahara (弥陀ヶ原) is a popular hiking spot for its natural scenery, lies at an altitude of 1900 m. It is located halfway along the bus ride between Bijodaira and Murodo along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Being one of the largest alpine wetlands in Japan, Midagahara wetlands is surrounded by a variety of alpine plants. There are few popular hiking trail available if you spend some time to walk through the vast wetland area. Moreover, Autumn is the best time to visit when the alpine plants change colors.
Midagahara Walking Trail
There are two popular trail in Midagahara that covers the marshland and surroundings. Both are centered at the Midagahara bus stop. The easy 1-km short loop takes about 40 minutes. While the longer 2-km loop required about 80 minutes to pass by all the marsh’s pond and viewpoint. Additionally, there is another 40 minutes trail leads from Midagahara Hotel up the slope to the Tateyama Caldera Observatory.
Midagahara Walking Trail
- Boardwalk short loop (1 km, 40 minutes)
- Boardwalk long loop (2 km, 80 minutes)
- Tateyama caldera viewpoint (600 meter, 20 minutes)
Short Hike in Midagahara Short Loop
Due to the bad weather, we decided to go for the Midagahara Boardwalk short loop. Once get off from the bus, we proceeded to book our next departure bus from Midagahara to Murodo. As we will only go for the short loop, one hour is sufficient for us to complete the trail.
There were umbrella can be borrowed at the bus stop. Please return after the walk. Added, there were trail maps available at the bus stop.
The central attraction of Midagahara is the wetlands with 2 walking paths and also caldera. Follow the anti-clockwise direction, we slowly walk through the marshland’s trails.
Although the weather was not good, the view was still very breathtaking. Wooden boardwalks are built to protect the wetland environment.
Added, there was information on walking trail in Midagahara along the journey.
Midagahara Hotel is located nearby the bus stop. It is a Western-style hotel, situated at Midagahara wetland. Many visitors choose to stay one night in Midagahara Hotel to explore Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route leisurely. The price is much cheaper and reasonable compare with Tateyama Hotel. Don’t forget to book the half board stay as it is difficult to find food in the Tateyama area. (Check Midagahara Hotel rate)
Enjoy the beautiful views of the marsh set against the backdrop of the Tateyama Mountains range.
All in all, we had a great time with a short walk in the Midagahara wetland. Within one hour, we reached the Midagahara bus stop. Next, we boarded the coming bus and proceed to our Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route one day itinerary.
How To Get to Midagahara Wetland
- Board the Togen bus which runs between Bijodaira Station and Murodo. Next, get off at Midagahara Station.
