How to get to Kurobe Dam

I'll provide helpful information about how to get to Kurobe Dam, the best times to visit, discharge schedules, recommended attire, and more for those planning a trip there.

What are the visiting hours for the Kurobe Dam

The Kurobe Dam is open for tourism from mid-April to November 30.

When are the discharge periods and timings for the Kurobe Dam?

The discharge period for tourist viewing at the Kurobe Dam is from June 26 to October 15. The discharge timings are as follows:

• [6/26 - 7/31] 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• [8/1 - 9/10] 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• [9/11 - 10/15] 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM
  *Discharge might be canceled depending on weather conditions."

What is the best season to visit Kurobe Dam?

Kurobe Dam is captivating in every season.

Spring

Spring at Kurobe Dam features snowscapes through mid-April, transitioning to the thawing of snow and the emergence of fresh greenery in early May. The juxtaposition of the remaining snow-capped Tateyama Mountain Range against the verdant landscape under the clear sky creates a stunning view.

Summer

Kurobe Dam in summer becomes a cool retreat. With its altitude at 1,470 meters, it offers a refreshing escape while touring.

Autumn

Autumn at Kurobe Dam showcases vibrant foliage, offering a delightful experience for leaf-peeping tourists. The peak period for autumn foliage typically spans from mid-September to late October.

Winter

During winter, Kurobe Dam is blanketed in snow. The first snowfall around mid-October in Murodo marks the beginning of the snow-covered season, allowing visitors to enjoy the snowy landscape until the end of the touring period on November 30th.

The weather and attire for visiting Kurobe Dam:

Due to significant temperature fluctuations throughout the day, it's advisable to wear layered clothing, allowing adjustment regardless of the season.

In April and November, temperatures can drop below freezing, so adequate cold-weather gear is necessary.

Inside the Kurobe Dam station tunnel, even in summer, temperatures can hover around 10°C, and during crowded times, there might be waits within the tunnel. Carrying an extra layer, even in summer, is advisable as there are numerous reviews citing the tunnel's chilliness.

The high altitude and intense sunlight make it ideal to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and lip balm.

Additionally, due to the numerous stairs, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Recommended items to bring:

• Warm clothing
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Comfortable walking shoes

How to get to Kurobe Dam

Kurobe Dam is situated on the border between Nagano and Toyama prefectures, specifically in Tateyama Town, Toyama Prefecture.

Accessing Kurobe Dam is possible from both Toyama and Nagano prefectures, but it's more convenient to approach from the Nagano side.

If arriving from Toyama, it involves a journey on the Tateyama Cable Car, Tateyama Highland Bus, Tateyama Tunnel Trolley Bus, Tateyama Ropeway, and Kurobe Cable Car, taking approximately 2.5 hours one way from Tateyama Station.

On the Nagano side, taking a 16-minute ride on the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus from Ogizawa Station will bring you to Kurobe Dam.

Access from Ogizawa Station to Kurobe Dam

Ogizawa Station is located in Ōmachi City, Nagano Prefecture. To reach Ogizawa Station, one can use a private car or take a bus or taxi from JR Shinano-Ōmachi Station.

There are 230 free parking spaces and 350 paid parking spaces available at Ogizawa Station. During busy periods, temporary parking areas are also open.

The paid parking areas, closest to Ogizawa Station, charge ¥1,000 for 12 hours at the first and second parking lots, and ¥1,000 for 24 hours at the third and fourth parking lots. It's approximately a 5-minute walk from the free parking area to Ogizawa Station.

From Ogizawa Station, take the electric bus. Purchase day tickets at Ogizawa Station's ticket counter.

Ticket prices are ¥3,200 for adults (12 years and older) and ¥1,600 for children (6 years to under 12 years old).
※ Children include those under 12 years old or those who have not yet entered junior high school. Toddlers (under school age) are also considered children, even at 6 years old.

Those who want to make a reservation in advance can apply through the WEB ticket reservation site and collect tickets from the "WEB ticket dedicated issuance machine" installed at Ogizawa Station.

Crowd Information for Kurobe Dam

Kurobe Dam experiences heavy congestion during major holidays like the Obon festival. Due to high volumes of visitors, there might be extended waiting times for boarding the electric bus, and on such occasions, the sale of same-day tickets may be suspended.

For updates on crowd conditions, you can check the congestion forecast calendar on the official Kurobe Dam website.

Official Site：Kurobe Dam