Although I typically drive to the area, for first-time visitors, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is best experienced via public transportation. This allows you to start from one side and exit from the other, avoiding backtracking and giving you more time to explore without doubling back.

To access Ogizawa Station, the starting point of the Alpine Route from the Nagano side, there are several public transport options available, including direct bus services from major locations. This makes the journey smooth and convenient, whether you’re coming from Nagano, Tokyo, or other hubs.

1. From Nagano Station (Nagano side)

• Alpico Bus offers a direct service to Ogizawa from Nagano Station. This journey takes about 1.5 hours and is one of the most convenient options for travelers beginning the Alpine Route from the Nagano side. However, the buses do not accept reservations and can be quite busy, especially during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early​

  SNOW MONKEY RESORTS

  Alpico

• Timetable: Services run from mid-April through early November, aligning with the Alpine Route's operational season.

2. From Tokyo

• You can travel from Tokyo to Nagano Station via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which takes approximately 90 minutes. Once in Nagano, you can transfer to local bus to Ogizawa.

3. From Osaka: Travel by Thunderbird Express to Kanazawa, then take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama, and begin the route from Tateyama Station if starting on the Toyama side.

Important Tips:

• Seasonal Operation: The Alpine Route typically operates from mid-April to November. Be sure to check the schedule as weather conditions may affect services.

• No Private Cars: Private vehicles aren’t allowed along most of the Alpine Route, so public transportation is essential for all segments beyond Ogizawa and Tateyama.