楊雅雯's Reviews Page 12/13

Kurobe Dam

Standing 186 meters tall, Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest and one of the largest dams in the world. It took seven years and the efforts of over 10 million workers to overcome numerous challenges, earning it the title of a "monumental project of the century" at the time of its construction.

• Toyama
• Tourist Attractions

Tateyama Kurobe is a breathtaking route in Japan that you should experience at least once in your lifetime, and Kurobe Dam is one of the most impressive highlights of the entire trip.

Standing on Japan’s tallest dam and taking in the majestic mountains, emerald-green lake, and massive structure is truly awe-inspiring. On a clear day, the blue sky and white clouds make the mountain scenery even more beautiful, and the gentle breeze feels amazing. Every step feels like walking through a postcard.

Kurobe Dam is also a major stop on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, and in summer, you can see the spectacular water discharge. This trip is not just about enjoying beautiful scenery. It is a relaxing, unforgettable experience worth treasuring for a lifetime.

Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.

• Gifu
• Famous Places

A lot of people think Shirakawa-go is a must-see in winter for the snow, but summer has its own captivating charm. The lush green mountains, deep blue sky, and rows of traditional gassho-zukuri houses make it feel like you’ve stepped into a little village from a fairy tale. Every photo looks like a postcard.

Summer in Shirakawa-go is full of greenery and is also a favorite season for many travelers. The weather is comfortable, and walking through the village with a gentle breeze feels so relaxed and pleasant, without the winter chill.

Slow down, take in the scenery, and feel the quiet, simple beauty of this World Heritage site. It honestly makes you not want to leave.

If you have the chance to travel to central Japan, Shirakawa-go is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Go experience this dreamy, fairy-tale-like hidden gem for yourself.

Kamikochi

Kamikochi offers one of Japan's most spectacular mountain sceneries. Its magnificent landscape is designated as a Special Natural Monuments along with Special Places of Scenic Beauty. Walter Weston, a British Anglican missionary praised Kamikochi in his writing “Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japan Alps” in 1896 which made Kamikochi an internationally well-known mountain area.

• Nagano
• Nature Spots

There’s none of the noise of the city here—just the sound of flowing water, birdsong, and a gentle breeze moving through the treetops. It naturally makes you slow down and quietly enjoy the healing power of nature.
Whether you’re walking to Kappa Bridge or wandering along the trails, every angle is so beautiful that it’s hard to leave.

If I could choose only one natural spot in Japan to visit in my lifetime, I think Kamikochi would be my answer. This hidden gem, known as the “hometown of the gods,” is truly worth experiencing in person at least once.

Kamikochi Hotel Shirakabaso

Kamikochi is one of the most picturesque places in Japan. Kamikochi Hotel Shirakabaso is located right in front of the Kappa Bridge, one of the central spots in Kamikochi.

• Nagano
• Hotels

This stay at Kamikochi Hotel Shirakabaso had one major highlight: the location is fantastic. You can walk to Kappa Bridge, making it super convenient whether you want to enjoy the morning mist early in the day or take an evening stroll with mountain views.
The room was comfortable and clean, and the charming natural scenery of Kamikochi was right outside the window. It really lets you slow down and enjoy the quiet of the mountains and forest. If you visit Kamikochi, I recommend staying overnight so you can truly experience its stunning scenery at different times of day. This is more than just a place to stay—it’s an unforgettable travel memory.

Tateyama Kurobe Snow Valley Festival

Located near Murodo, known for its heavy snowfall, the "Otani" area boasts abundant snow accumulation, with depths approaching 20 meters. This area is part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a world-renowned mountain sightseeing route featuring peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation. Every year from April to June, the Tateyama Kurobe Snow Valley Festival takes place, centered around the Otani area.

• Toyama
• Spring festivals & Events

Tateyama Kurobe’s Snow Wall is absolutely one of those dream destinations I think everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime!
Standing between snow walls over 10 meters high is truly breathtaking. It feels like stepping into a world of ice and snow. The Snow Wall Festival, open only in spring each year, lets you walk up close along the snow wall path and experience this incredible sight for yourself. Every photo looks like a postcard.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, I highly recommend adding Tateyama Kurobe to your itinerary. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime place where you can experience an unforgettable snowy wonderland in person!

Tateyama Highland Bus

The Tateyama Highland Bus operates between Bijodaira and Murodo, two stations on the popular mountainous sightseeing route, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This bus journey covers approximately 23 km from Bijodaira to Murodo, which sits at an elevation of 2,450 m, and takes about 50 minutes.

• Toyama
• Buses

The Tateyama Highland Bus is one of the essential transportation options on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. It connects Bijodaira and Murodo, climbing along the way to an elevation of about 2,450 meters, with stunning alpine scenery right outside the window. In spring, you can get an up-close view of the impressive Snow Wall, while in autumn you can take in mountains covered in brilliant fall colors. Riding this bus isn’t just about getting from place to place—it’s one of the most exciting experiences to look forward to on a Tateyama Kurobe trip!

Tateyama Cable Car

As the first transportation link from the Toyama side on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route-a mountain tourism route totaling 37.5 km in length with a maximum elevation difference of 1,975 m-the Tateyama Cable Car connects Tateyama Station with Bijodaira Station.

• Toyama
• Trains & Subway

The Tateyama Cable Car is one of the must-ride transportation options for exploring the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route! It climbs from Tateyama Station up to Bijodaira, gaining more than 500 meters in just about 7 minutes. Along the way, it passes through forests and mountainsides, with views out the window that are hard to look away from.

After arriving at Bijodaira, you can transfer to the highland bus and continue on to Murodo, beginning an incredible Tateyama Kurobe journey. It’s not just a cable car ride—it’s the starting point for some of Japan’s most spectacular scenery!

JR Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa Station, the gateway to Ishikawa, is served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which opened in 2015. It connects Tokyo and Kanazawa in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and serves as the starting point for sightseeing in Kanazawa and the Hokuriku region.

• Kanazawa
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

Kanazawa Station! Known as one of the “most beautiful stations in the world,” Kanazawa Station perfectly blends modern architecture with traditional culture. The biggest highlight is the massive Tsuzumi-mon Gate, which symbolizes Kanazawa’s Noh culture, paired with the glass-covered Motenashi Dome. As soon as you step out of the station, you can’t help but stop and take photos.

Kanazawa Station has also been selected for lists of the world’s most beautiful stations, making it the first photo spot for many travelers arriving in Kanazawa.

Kanazawa Castle Park

In 1583 (the period of Tensho 11th), Toshiie Maeda entered this castle as the first feudal lord, since then this castle had been used by the Maeda family of Kaga Domain until the early time of the Meiji, later the ruin of this castle was reconstructed to use as a large park for citizens.

• Kanazawa
• Parks & Gardens

In Kanazawa, definitely plan to visit Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle on the same day! Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle are right next to each other, just a few minutes apart on foot, so they’re perfect to do together.

Stroll through Kenroku-en and enjoy the garden scenery that changes with the seasons, then head into Kanazawa Castle, which is full of historic atmosphere. You can take in the impressive stone walls and architecture while experiencing both nature and history in one trip.

Taking your time at both spots takes about half a day to a full day. The photo opportunities are beautiful, too. It’s a classic Kanazawa itinerary you absolutely shouldn’t miss!

Kenroku-en

Kenroku-en was founded and developed for about 180 years by the Maeda clan lord in Kaga, which is a strolling-style landscape garden and one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.

• Kanazawa
• Parks & Gardens

A lot of people say Kenroku-en is at its most beautiful during cherry blossom season or when it’s covered in snow, but I actually really love the fresh greenery of summer. The lush green trees reflected on the pond, together with the sound of flowing water, add a refreshing touch to the hot summer weather.

Walking slowly along the garden paths, feeling the breeze pass through the treetops, and occasionally stopping to admire the classic Kotoji Lantern and Kasumigaike Pond, every angle feels like a landscape painting.

Summer may be hot, but it’s also the season when you can really feel Kenroku-en’s peaceful atmosphere. Sit down at a teahouse, cool off with a bowl of shaved ice or a Japanese sweet, then keep wandering at an easy pace and enjoy Kanazawa’s unique slow rhythm.

If you get the chance to travel to Kanazawa, don’t only plan around cherry blossom season. Kenroku-en in summer is also well worth savoring.