王小鈞's Reviews Page 7/11

Venus Line

"Venus Line" is a plateau driving course in Nagano Prefecture with a total length of about 76km and an average altitude of 1400m. It is a mountain road that runs through the plateau of Yatsugatake-Chūshin Kōgen Quasi-National Park.

• Nagano
• Nature Spots

This time, I visited Lake Shirakaba and the Kurumayama Highlands, driving along the Venus Line, known as one of Japan’s most beautiful highland roads. The route was filled with wide-open grasslands, rolling mountains, blue skies, and white clouds. Every stretch of scenery was stunning, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it.

That night, I stayed at a hotel in the Kurumayama Highlands. The next morning, when I opened the curtains, I could enjoy the morning light over the highlands and the fresh natural scenery. The air was especially crisp, and it made both my body and mind feel completely relaxed.

Whether you’re going for a scenic drive, taking photos, or simply enjoying the highland views at a leisurely pace, I highly recommend it. It was an unforgettable part of my trip to Nagano.

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

Kurobe Dam, the tallest dam in Japan, is also one of the most breathtaking sights on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This impressive 186-meter dam, surrounded by mountains and emerald-green lake water, is absolutely stunning.

I was lucky to visit on a perfectly clear day. The blue sky and white clouds made the majestic dam look beautiful from every angle, like something straight out of a postcard. Standing on top of the dam and feeling the combination of nature and engineering wonder was truly unforgettable.

If you have the chance to visit Tateyama Kurobe, don’t miss Kurobe Dam. It’s absolutely a place worth keeping in your memories.

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

As soon as the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opened this year, I immediately planned a holiday trip there. I finally got to visit this long-dreamed-of destination!

This year, the snow walls in Yuki no Otani were about 11 meters high, which was a little lower than I had expected. But standing there in person between those massive snow walls was still incredibly impressive. The weather was clear that day, and the contrast between the blue sky and the bright white snow walls was gorgeous. Every angle looked beautiful, like a dreamy scene from a postcard.

Taking the different modes of transportation along the route and enjoying the magnificent views of the Tateyama mountain range made the whole trip full of surprises and emotion. Tateyama Kurobe is truly a stunning place you should visit at least once in your life. Highly recommended!

Tateyama Ropeway

Situated within the popular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which spans a total length of 37.2 km and a maximum elevation difference of 1,975 m, the Tateyama Ropeway connects Kurobedaira and Daikanbo with an elevation difference of approximately 500 m.

• Toyama
• Ropeway

The Tateyama Ropeway is one of the most anticipated ways to travel along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. As the cable car slowly glides through the mountains, you can look down from high above at the magnificent valleys and endless mountain ranges. The scenery is breathtaking.

There are no support towers blocking the view along the way, so you get a 360-degree look at nature’s incredible landscape. Every second is worth capturing on camera.

Whether it’s the snowy scenery in spring, the lush greenery in summer, or the red maples in fall, each season offers its own stunning views. If you visit Tateyama Kurobe, don’t miss this unforgettable journey through the sky!

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 a must-ride part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. In just a few minutes, it climbs a steep mountainside, with stunning views of the alpine forest along the way.

I recommend buying your ticket first after arriving, then taking your time with photos so you don’t miss your ride. Even on a weekday, there were still plenty of visitors, which shows how popular it is. Surrounded by mountains and picture-perfect scenery, every stop makes you want to pause and take it all in. It was definitely one of the most unforgettable experiences of the Tateyama Kurobe trip.

Kurobe Gorge

A large canyon deeply carved into a V-shape by the erosion of the Kurobe River. The water originating from Mt. Washu in the central part of the Northern Alps flows down a steep slope with a height difference of 3,000 meters over a length of 86 km between the Tateyama Mountain Range and the Ushirotateyamarenpo.

• Toyama
• Nature Spots

On this trip along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, I passed through Kurobe Gorge and was truly blown away by the scenery. The weather was excellent that day, and the magnificent valley, lush green forests, and clear streams came together like a breathtaking painting.

Riding through the mountains, every turn revealed a different view of nature. Kurobe Gorge is known for its deep ravines and dramatic mountain scenery, and I couldn’t stop taking photos. It’s absolutely worth a visit!

Inuyama Castle

The Inuyama Castle keep is one of five deemed national treasures in Japan. It’s especially famous for remaining today as the oldest watchtower-style keep in Japan. It’s said it was built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the father of Oda Nobunaga.

• Aichi
• Tourist Attractions

Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s National Treasures and has one of the oldest surviving castle keeps. From the top of the keep, you can take in beautiful views of the Kiso River. The rich historic atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

I recommend planning a half-day visit. Besides touring Inuyama Castle, you can also stop by Haritsuna Shrine and explore Inuyama Castle Town, which is full of Edo-period charm. Along the way, you can try local treats like dango and gohei mochi, take photos, and leisurely enjoy the appeal of this old castle town. It’s a classic spot near Nagoya that’s absolutely worth visiting.

Inuyama Castle Town

This castle town stretches south from Inuyama Castle, a famous castle built in 1537 and designated a National Treasure. Miraculously spared from the ravages of war for more than 480 years, both the castle and castle town still retain the original town layout based on the defensive castle structure known as sogamae. With its old-world atmosphere and manageable size, it is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

• Aichi
• Tourist Attractions

Inuyama Castle Town is the main route to the National Treasure Inuyama Castle, and it still has a strong Edo-period streetscape. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time.

There are lots of unique dessert shops, cafés, and souvenir stores along the way. Eating while you stroll is one of the best parts here. I especially recommend freshly grilled gohei mochi and chewy, fragrant dango—both are must-try local specialties in Inuyama.

If you visit on a weekday, there aren’t too many tourists, so it doesn’t feel crowded. You can take photos, enjoy the food, and slowly soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of the old street. It’s definitely worth setting aside half a day to a full day for a relaxed walk around the area.

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER　

The tower is Nagoya’s symbol, built as Nagoya TV Tower for tourism and TV broadcast and completed in 1954. In 2011, TV signals were switched from analog to digital and its function as a consolidated radio tower was ended.

• Nagoya
• Observatories

If you’re in downtown Nagoya, you definitely shouldn’t miss Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER! During the day, you can enjoy this landmark building, and at night, when it lights up, it becomes even more romantic and beautiful. It’s perfect for photos.

The area around it is packed with department stores, shopping malls, great restaurants, and cafés, so it’s super convenient whether you want to shop, try Nagoya’s local specialties, or pick up souvenirs. It’s easy to get to and works well for either a half-day or full-day itinerary. Food, shopping, and sightseeing all in one place—one of Nagoya’s must-visit spots!

Kinshachi Yokocho

A superb gourmet area in Nagoya Castle Town, Kinshachi Yokocho, is divided into two sections.

• Nagoya
• Shopping Streets

Kinshachi Yokocho is right next to Nagoya Castle and is a food street you shouldn’t miss when visiting Nagoya. It brings together many well-known local Nagoya spots, with specialties like miso pork cutlet, hitsumabushi eel rice, chicken wings, and oyakodon. Around mealtimes, there are usually long lines, which shows just how popular it is.

After exploring Nagoya Castle, stopping by here for food and souvenir shopping is the perfect plan. You can try a variety of Nagoya specialties in one place and enjoy a strong Edo-period atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit!