【乗り物博覧会】迫り来る大絶景を満喫する旅！【立山黒部アルペンルート】

My journey on the Alpine Route began at Dentetsu Toyama Station at 5:20 AM. I'd recommend arriving early to secure a good seat, especially if you want to enjoy the scenery on the right side of the train. The train itself is a retro delight, with bright red seats and an old-fashioned atmosphere that perfectly sets the mood for the trip. It's an hour-long ride to Tateyama, and it's fascinating to see how local life intersects with this sightseeing route, passing charming wooden station buildings along the way. I even got to see the Alps Express and other unique trains at the platform. I was so touched when a kind family let me go to the front of the line after I'd given up my spot due to a door position mix-up!

From Tateyama Station, I boarded the Tateyama Cable Car. This ride requires a specified time, and I had booked the 8:20 AM departure online. Be aware that if you need to change your time on the day, it costs 500 yen, and tickets can sell out. The cable car is unique because it has a loading platform for large cargo, a remnant from the Kurobe Dam construction. The vehicles are decorated with local flowers and animals. I managed to get the first car, which is ideal for experiencing the force of the steep 7-minute climb to Bijodaira Station, with an elevation difference of about 500 meters. Traveling through the tunnel with echoing sounds feels like being in a movie!

After the cable car, I took the Highland Bus for a 50-minute ride from Bijodaira to Murodo Terminal, the highest point of the Alpine Route at 2450m altitude. This bus climbs about 1500m, offering incredible views of nature changing outside the window. I recommend sitting on the left side for the best views, especially of the huge Tateyama cedars and Japan's tallest Shomyo Falls. As you ascend, the big trees disappear, and the magnificent Northern Alps spread out before you, taking your breath away. It's exciting to anticipate the scenery that awaits!

From Murodo Terminal, I embarked on an hour-long walk around Mikurigaike Pond. The scenery, surrounded by magnificent mountains, is truly indescribable. Mikurigaike Pond itself is said to be the most beautiful volcanic lake in the Northern Alps, with a stunning deep blue color. As I walked, I kept an eye out for grouse, and to my delight, I spotted one! There's also a hot spring along the way, though I didn't have time for a soak on my day trip. I also passed Jigokudani, where steam comes out, but the road nearby is closed due to toxic gas. Despite getting a bit lost and deviating from the route, I was glad to see even more scenery I hadn't planned on. It was quite warm, so I ended up in short sleeves, but it's good to have layers as the temperature can vary. I even had a lovely chat with a fellow solo traveler from Yokohama!

This was a highlight of my trip: riding Japan's last trolleybus, officially a trackless train, from Murodo to Daikanbo. It was scheduled for discontinuation at the end of November this year, so I made sure to experience it. It looks like a bus but runs on electricity from overhead wires, making it legally a railway. I aimed for a front seat as it runs entirely through tunnels. The ride is surprisingly quiet, feeling more like a train than a bus. The 10-minute journey felt too short, and I wished I could ride it back and forth multiple times! The blue light section, where a large amount of spring water emerged during the Kurobe Dam construction, was particularly interesting. It was an emotional experience, especially with the Galaxy Express 999 melody playing as we departed.

From Daikanbo, I took the Tateyama Ropeway, which connects Japan's longest 1.7 km span without any support pillars. This 7-minute aerial walk offered stunning views, and I even caught glimpses of the beautiful autumn leaves on Mt. Tateyama. It's fascinating how the best time for autumn leaves varies along the Alpine Route due to the significant elevation differences. The ropeway was quite packed, showing its popularity.

Next, I boarded Japan's only fully underground cable car from Kurobedaira to Kurobe Dam Lake Station. This unique design protects the natural scenery and prevents damage from heavy snowfall. It opened in 1962, and the original passenger car is still in use today. I managed to get in the back of the train, which descends a steep slope in one go. It's impressive to see the sturdy cable and learn about the unique wheel design that allows the cars to pass each other in the tunnel. The journey through the tunnel felt exciting, knowing I was finally heading to Kurobe Dam.

Finally, I arrived at Kurobe Dam! This huge concrete arch dam, Japan's highest, is incredibly beautiful. It was the last day of the year's tourism water release, so I got to witness over 10 tons of water spouting out every second. The sound of the water on the wind was powerful, and I could feel its immense energy. I even saw a rainbow! I climbed the outside staircase to the observation deck, which was quite tough, but the views of Lake Kurobe and the water discharge were worth it. You can also get a dam card for free at the information center. It was a poignant visit, knowing my great-grandfather was involved in its construction, and seeing the monument to the 171 people who lost their lives during this challenging project.

My final vehicle on the Alpine Route was the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus, taking me from Kurobe Dam to Ogizawa Station. This environmentally friendly bus doesn't emit CO2 and charges quickly in about 10 minutes for each round trip. The windows were cloudy due to the low tunnel temperature, which can be 10 degrees Celsius even in summer. It was impressive to see many electric buses passing each other in the narrow tunnel. We quickly passed the prefectural border between Toyama and Nagano, and I imagined the heroic efforts of digging this tunnel through a large fracture zone. At Ogizawa Station, I saw the arrival head mark, inherited from the previous generation of trolleybuses, and watched the bus raise its pantograph to charge. This completed my journey across the Alpine Route!