Mount Tateyama, Japan

Mount Tateyama, Japan

  For the longest time, I have been wanting to blog about my trip to Japan in November but the thought of a 12 day recount scares me. I shall cut to the chase and start from the place I like the most, and left the deepest impression.

Against the advice I read online, we decided to visit Mt Tateyama in November. Mt Tateyama is prized for it's view but in November, it is often characterized by cold, unforgiving weather.

As of now, Mt Tateyama is not easily accessible for the common tourists (especially in November) due to the lack of day tours conducted, probably due to the unfavorable conditions.

  Anyhow, we went against Tripadvisor's review and booked a free and easy tour.

http://www.tokyotravelpal.com/tour-Tateyama-Kurobe-Alpine-Route.htm

To be entirely honestly, travelling to Mt Tateyama from Tokyo is not an easy feat as there were many transfers in-between and we only have one ticket for each trip from the package. We cannot afford any mistake as transportation fees in Japan are pricey. Baring in mind we only have a day in the mountains, the last thing we want is to be lost.

After countless checking, verifying, getting on to the wrong train and getting out, we were finally getting close to the mountains. Halfway through the somewhat monotonous journey, we began to see traces of snow.

And soon, we reached Ogizawa. When we alighted from the bus, we were greeted by a light snowfall and it was sweet... Couldn't have asked for more. We went almost straight for the Trolley Bus to Kurobe Dam which is a shame because Ogizawa has a great panorama view which is really underrated.

We stopped by for some fresh spring water after a long, continuous flight of stairs.

The Kurobe Dam is frozen at the point of time but nevertheless, great view and more snow for us.

We tried having some hot drinks from the vending but its only mediocre. Do as the Romans do, they say.

For the rest of the journey to Murudo, everything else is pretty much similar.

When we reached Hotel Tateyama, the sky was getting dark. Exhausted from the travelling, we decided to grab some food. In the hotel, everything is self-sufficient. Apart from a souvenir store, a cafe and restaurant, there are no other traces of food. The restaurants has a fixed timing buffet style breakfast and dinner.

  Out of desperation, we turned to the only vending machine in our hotel and out of 4 cup noodle flavors, we were left with... 1. Seafood flavor, unassumingly boring compared to a few others that were out of stock. But it the Nissin Seafood Cup Noodles turned out to be great! There were chunks of scallops and crab sticks and we were left satisfied, but not for long.

Then it was time for dinner and we were impressed.

After dinner we moved on to a private onsen we arranged beforehand. It is comfortable and well-kept.

At specific timings, the hotel conduct tours for viewing stars, sunset or Alpine Route in the day. The star viewing presentation was conducted fully in Japanese. We failed to make it to the actual star-viewing tour due to strong winds and heavy snowfall.

But we have to see some stars or we are not going back.

We woke up at 4am in the morning in hope of seeing some stars. Hoping for the viewing gallery to be available, or the door bolt to be opened. After trying from different possible viewing sites, we ended up sneaking out from one of the windows but the snow accumulated was too much for comfort.

We enjoyed the clear, dark sky for 10 minutes in solitude.

To cut the story short, we were not the only ones sneaking out. We manage to join 2 older Japanese women and guessed we made enough noise to make the couple behind the viewing site unlock the bolt. It lasted for about 30 minutes before we went back to catch some sleep.

This is the hotel lounge on the top floor (stairs leads to observatory):

In the morning, we had buffet breakfast which was great, but dinner was better.

To make the best of the time we have, we helped ourselves to the boots and ski poles in the basement for some trekking. Ski boots and snow sleds were available but we didn't have the chance to try them out.

So that's all for now. (Pictures are all over the place, will update again when time permits.)

Overall: ⋆⋆⋆⋆ to ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
I am not sure if this is considered a review, but I enjoyed my stay in the mountains. The resort is old and quiet (I like) but charming in it's way. It is a good break from commercialized chain hotels. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Food-wise, great but prepare some snacks! The trip would have been perfect if the tour was possible.