Hiking Tateyama (立山) in Japan

• Name: Mount Tate
• Japanese name: 立山 (Tateyama)
• Location: Tateyama, Toyama (富山県立山町)
• Summit elevation: 9,892 ft / 3,015 m
• Elevation change: 2,017 ft / 615 m
• Round-trip distance from trailhead: 3.5 mi / 5.6 km
• Round-trip time from trailhead*: 3 hours 30 minutes (from Murodō)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Water on trail: No
• Trailhead facilities: Parking, bathroom, campground, lodge, drinks, food
• Nihon Hyaku-meizan: Yes
• LIVE WEBCAM

Mount Tate (Tateyama), one of Japan’s three holy mountains (三霊山, Sanreizan) along with Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan) and Mount Haku (白山, Hakusan) and one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, is located in the northern half of Japan’s Kita Alps (北アルプス) and is one of the most accessible peaks in the area.

The hike can be easily completed in a day, and the trailhead is easy to get to. However, if you find yourself here in good weather in the middle of summer (or god forbid, on a holiday), then prepare yourself for crowds.

*NOTE: The round-trip time listed above is based on my own experience. Please remember that your time may vary greatly.

GETTING TO MOUNT TATE

NOTE: The information below reflects how to get to Tateyama Station (立山駅). You can begin the hike from here, but the majority of trekkers opt to take the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート) up to begin their hikes from Murodō (室堂). The round trip cost of the Alpine Route from Tateyama Station to Murodō is ¥4,310 (English website).

• Region: Kita Alps (北アルプス)
• Accessible via public transportation: Yes
• Trailhead parking: Yes
• Trailhead coordinates: 36.583232, 137.445165 (Tateyama Station) or 36.577296, 137.595524 (Murodō Station)
• Summit coordinates: 36.573181, 137.617791

BY CAR: If you don’t want to hike over from Mount Tsurugi (剱岳), then just drive to Tateyama Station on the Toyama Chihō Railway (富山地方鉄道). There is a free parking lot down the hill from the station (36.585820, 137.448498).

BY TRAIN: By train, you simply need to arrive at Tateyama Station via the Toyama Chihō Railway which can be reached via a transfer at Toyama Station (富山駅). From here you can begin your hike or take the Alpine Route to Murodō (accessible upstairs from the train platforms). Check Hyperdia for train schedules.

THE HIKE

Tateyama is actually the name of the entire summit area surrounding Murodō, and it composed of numerous peaks – the most prominent of which is Onanji (大汝山).

To get here from Murodō, follow the signs (and paved path) up to the Ichinokoshi Hut (一ノ越山荘). You may need to cross some snowfields on your way, but the trails are meticulously groomed and cut out from the mountainside by Tateyama staff (there’s a lot of hand-holding up here).

From here, the real trail starts as it quickly gains elevation, zigzagging upward through a maze of boulders and day hikers. It takes about XXX minutes to reach Oyama (雄山), the summit area just before Onanji.

THE SUMMIT

Oyama is a markedly sad place.

It’s not nearly as large (or as sad) as the summit of Mount Ibuki, but it’s a good size and can comfortably hold a few dozen hikers.

A store full of overpriced mountain memorabilia and a shrine that costs ¥500 to walk up to are the two main attractions and are wholeheartedly endorsed by many of the Japanese hikers.

Continue north along the ridge for approximately twenty more minutes to reach Onanji while (hopefully) enjoying the surrounding peaks and views – all the way to Mount Fuji in good conditions.

From the top, you can either retrace your steps back to Murodō, continue straight and hang a left at the next trail junction to reach Murodō via Raicho-daira (雷鳥平), or continue your adventure north towards Mount Tsurugi.

MAP OF TATEYAMA

The following was the route my GPS recorded on my hike up Mount Tate (this route begins at the Murodō campground and ends at Murodō terminal; it’s also missing the last bit up to Onanji due to technical difficulties).

I have no guarantee that this route is correct, nor that it can be accurately relied upon for backcountry navigation. It should serve only as a general guideline for what the trail is expected to look like.

I have also included screenshots of the recorded elevation profile and my hike’s overall stats in the case that any of you find any of it useful (imperial units pictured).

  

Conclusion

The area surrounding Tateyama is easily one of my favorites in Japan because of how many options you have from a single place.

From Murodō you have the option to climb not only Tateyama but many other mountains, many of which can be done as day hikes (or you can traverse north to Tsurugidake or south to the Yarigadake ridgeline).

Of the three holy Japanese mountains, the peak is probably my second favorite (Hakusan being in first and Fuji being last), but as I said before, the surrounding area is one of the best I’ve been to in Japan. It’s a mountain playground just waiting to be explored.

Have any questions about Tateyama? Want another post about another one of Japan’s mountains? Have a suggestion to improve this information?

Leave a comment and let me know!