Japan - the Alpine Route - has anyone stayed overnight along the route ?

[BCons]

We have a few days in late Oct (OK, the working weekdays in between rugby world cup games..) and using our JR passes we plan to do the Japan Alps - the so-called Alpine Route , Tateyama/Kurobe, starting from Tokyo via Nagano and finishing in Toyama. There's plenty of info at the official website :

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

www.alpen-route.com

But starting the day from Tokyo It threatens to be a long day - the website says to allow 6-7 hrs for the Alpine transit, assuming its not too busy. So we'd like some comment from anyone who has done this trip about accommodation to break this into two days - and suggestions for walks, sightseeing etc.

Any guidance out there in AFF land pls ?

 

[Willjet]

Hi, I travel to Japan quite often as my in-laws are there and have lived in Japan. That's a great plan the October foliage will be amazing! You can definitely break it into two days and stay over at Murodo, the highest section of the route. Hotel Tateyama is right at the bus terminal and is Japan's highest located hotel with resplendent views of the stars at night. There are also onsens around and really beautiful hiking ranges.

 

[Himeno]

This might help

Trip report of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Toyama to Nagano

I visited Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Toyama to Nagano in June, 2017. It was raining but it was a nice trip. I would like to show you my trip in this post.

jprail.com

 

[BCons]

This might help

Trip report of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Toyama to Nagano

I visited Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Toyama to Nagano in June, 2017. It was raining but it was a nice trip. I would like to show you my trip in this post.

jprail.com

Himeno-san

Many thanks, just the sort of info we are looking for. I think we will look to stay at Omachi overnight, in order to make an early start..

 

[rbjhan]

I've stayed overnight there, in Hotel Tateyama. It was expensive but well worth the money IMHO.
I started from Toyama and ended the trip in Matsumoto.
Day trip is certainly possible but I wouldn't do it from Tokyo...

 

[BCons]

I've stayed overnight there, in Hotel Tateyama. It was expensive but well worth the money IMHO.
I started from Toyama and ended the trip in Matsumoto.
Day trip is certainly possible but I wouldn't do it from Tokyo...

Yes, agree whole thing in a day from Tokyo is too much. Have settled on a Ryokan in Omachi, with alpine route to follow next day. There are a number of us and not all could justify the Tateyama..

 

[rbjhan]

Yes, agree whole thing in a day from Tokyo is too much. Have settled on a Ryokan in Omachi, with alpine route to follow next day. There are a number of us and not all could justify the Tateyama..

You are going in Oct, afaik it's not peak season, one day is probably enough.
I was there mid Apr 2016, a few days after it opened. EVERYONE was there to see the snow wall....if I didn't book Hotel Tateyama I would most likely reconsider the whole thing

The snow wall was surely a magnificent sight though.