Commencing this summer, a new venture brings Tokyo closer than ever to the mesmerising vistas of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Starting on July 14, a direct service operated by Tokyu Bus will connect Tokyo's bustling hubs – Marunouchi, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro – to the Alpine Route's loftiest point, Murodo in Toyama prefecture.
Resting at an elevation of approximately 2,450 metres, Murodo is the gateway to the majestic Tateyama mountain range. Noted for its 360-degree panoramic views, sea of clouds and colourful alpine flora, it has long captured the hearts of hikers and tourists alike.
The bus route departs Tokyo in the evening, making brief stops at Shibuya Station at 9.15pm, Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower at 10pm and Ikebukuro Station at 10.30pm before a 10-hour and 20-minute journey to Murodo. By taking the overnight bus, which departs the South Exit of Tokyo Station at 8.40pm, travellers are delivered to the enchanting landscape of Tateyama by 7am the next day, without needing to arrange pre-hike accommodation.
On the return trip, the bus departs Murodo at 12pm, and arrives at Ikebukuro Station at 8.15pm, Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower at 8.35pm, Shibuya Station at 9.05pm and Tokyo Station at 9.30pm, after a 9.5-hour journey. This may sound like a long trip, but the buses are equipped with a suite of amenities to ensure a comfortable journey, including wifi, charging facilities, onboard toilets and ample luggage space so the night will pass by quickly.
The bus service operates from Tokyo between July 14 and August 30, and from Murodo between July 15 and August 31. One-way bus fares from Tokyo to Tateyama (Murodo) range from ¥16,000 to ¥19,000, whereas fares for the return trip to Tokyo are between ¥11,000 and ¥13,000. Ticket booking will be available online at a later date. As an attractive addition to the Alpine Route experience, this Tokyo-Murodo journey effortlessly combines the city life convenience with the serene solitude of mountain exploration.
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