The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is something that I have always wanted to do but never done. You see, we have always visited Japan in Winter but the route is only open from April to November. The timing is just wrong! Now that we are here in June, I have to check this place off my bucket list. And was I happy to the max? Absolutely not! I was sadly disappointed in fact, because it rained from the moment we woke up and throughout the day up at the Alps. It literally ruined my day.
Here's us making the best out of a miserable rainy and foggy day.
Taking the coach, one of the transports along the route.
One would think Summer will bring lots sunshine and wide pasture. There are still snow on the ground.
Compare this scene with the greenery view from our trip to Kurobe Gorge. What a contrast!
Although there are snow, the temperature is not cold. It would be perfect if not for the rain and poor visibility.
New life forming amidst the melting ice.
One of the stations that we took shelter in.
This is the reason for my trip. To be able to walk along the snow corridor that is 20m tall at the highest. That's like a 7-storey building! Unfortunately because of the bad weather, the snow corridor is not opened to visitors.
This is the alternative choice that we had at Murodo.
Many were not defeated by the rain, and venture out to explore the place.
What would be the mountain range view of the Japanese Alps, and what I see is a let-down. Sigh.
On better days, one could take several walking routes around Murodo. You can visit a crater lake, or scale to the summit of Mount Tateyama.
A stone path that leads to somewhere that I could not even see.
Another near missed.
Taking the ropeway down.
Rain, rain, go away! That was probably the sentiment of everyone.
Scene covered by thick clouds.
An opening revealed a part of the supposedly beautiful scenery. Well, at least I got to see a tiny bit.
Another notice depicting the mountain range.
Here's what I see. Argh....!
Catching the cable car down to Kurobe Dam.
This is the tallest dam in Japan.
Lake view from the dam.
Side view of the lake that is holding water from the alps.
The reflection of the mountains from the lake is supposed to be a spectacular sight. Obviously not today.
From the stained mark, the water level could reach almost to the surface.
Reverse side of the dam.
Crossing the dam.
Midpoint.
Vertical drop of 186m.
Side of the dam.
Building on the left consists of a cafeteria and observation deck.
The alps reappeared on the background when the clouds clear off.
The sun decided to come out when we got down from the mountains. This is taken in the train on our way back to Tokyo.
A recommended tour of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route will take 8 hours. It would cover all the stops, with walking trips in between to the popular sights and interests. I think I only covered 20 percent of it. Yes I am disappointed. Especially after seeing on internet the awesome photos and expecting to capture them. Mind you, the total fare for 2 days is not cheap as well.
Well, you win some, you lose some. At least it only rained one day. Perhaps it is a lesson from the big man above, that I should not only be thankful for good things, but also for bad ones. This of course, gives me the opportunity to come back again. With good weather, I hope to rewrite this journey with better photos and experience. Watch out!
And another travel trip awaiting....
No comments:
Post a Comment