Early Summer Comes to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Mikurigaike Snowmelt Information" distribution starts on Tuesday, May 12, 2026!

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, one of the world's leading mountain tourism routes connecting Toyama and Nagano prefectures (operated by Tateyama Kurobe Kanko Co.

The melting of snow at Mikurigaike Pond, one of the Alpine Route's most beautiful sights, has finally begun. The beautiful surface of the lake, which is called "Mikurigaike Blue," usually appears in late May, but this year it is a little earlier than usual, signaling the arrival of early summer.

Mikurigaike Pond is located in Alpine Park in the southwestern part of the countryside.

Mikurigaike Pond is located about 10-15 minutes on foot from the Murodo Terminal, the highest point on the Alpine Route, and has been called "the most beautiful volcanic lake in the Northern Alps. The view of the lake's surface reflecting the majestic mountains is breathtaking.

As the snow melts, the clear blue surface of the water peeks out, creating a vivid contrast with the surrounding remaining snow. This mysterious blue color is called "Mikurigaike Blue" and attracts many visitors. This year, the snow is expected to melt earlier than usual, allowing visitors to view this beautiful scenery earlier than usual.

Mikurigaike melting snow information: https://www.alpen-route.com/seasonal-news/

2026 Tateyama Kurobe, Natsutabi: https://www.alpen-route.com/enjoy_navi/summer/

Mikurigaike Pond, Murodou-daira (photo taken 5/10)

Mikurigaike blue (late June)

Mikurigaike Pond and its scenery is a must-see destination for tourists.

After strolling around Mikurigaike, visitors can enjoy gourmet food in the Murodo Terminal. Popular dishes include hearty butaman (pig buns) made with carefully selected ingredients and original soft-serve ice cream with the image of "Mikurigaike Blue". The Alpine Route offers a wide variety of gourmet foods along with the magnificent nature.

Gourmet and souvenir information: https://www.alpen-route.com/gourmet_and_souvenir/

Oyama no Butaman (Murodo Terminal 1st floor, Tateyama Soba)

Mikurigaike Soft (Murodo Terminal 1st floor, coffee shop)

What is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of the world's most famous mountain tourism routes located in the Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Tateyama. Visitors can easily enjoy the spectacular views of the 3,000-meter-high Tateyama Mountain Range and Kurobe Dam while traveling between Toyama and Nagano Prefectures via cable cars, buses, ropeways, and other unique vehicles unique to mountainous regions.

Operating period in FY2026 (tentative): April 15 (Wed.) - November 30 (Mon.)

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Route Map