The Tateyama Alpine Route in the Northern Japan Alps

Ancient mountain worship views Mount Tateyama in the Northern Japan Alps as a sacred site where heaven and hell exist side by side. Today we’ll join the Tateyama Alpine Route starting from Uozu City in Toyama. First we’ll drive to Tateyama Station. Then take a cable car up to Bijodaira Station. And then take a highland bus as far as the Murodo Plateau. From there we’ll go for a hike to check out the Mikurigaike Pond, a 10,000 year old volcanic crater lake. Then Hell Valley, an active volcanic crater depression venting hot steam and heavy sulfur gasses. And finally Mikurigaike Onsen, which uses water piped directly from Hell Valley and at over 2400 metres is Japan’s highest natural hot spring.