Celia Grace NachuraGet ready for a breathtaking winter wonderland experience! That’s right; even though it’s already springtime in many parts of the world, one of Japan’s biggest snow festivals is only about to begin: The Yuki no Otani Festival (Snow Corridor Festival) returns to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in Japan from 15 Apr to 25 Jun 2024.
If you love magical winter sceneries, then this festival is a must-see. Read on to find out more about this one-of-a-kind event in the snowy mountains of Japan.
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Snow Corridor Festival highlights
Image credit: Go! Nagano Japan | Official Facebook Page
Traversing the Northern Alps of Japan, the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. It’s one of the snowiest parts of Japan; in the dead of winter, this road is completely inaccessible. Thus, you’ll have to wait for spring to witness the huge mountains of snow that the region has become famous for.
And it’s definitely worth the wait! After a long winter of heavy snowfall, snow ploughs clear the roads, leaving towering walls of snow reaching up to 20 metres high. These are the centrepiece of the unique Yuki no Otani Festival; the event is staged to celebrate the massive snow walls that form along the scenic mountain route. Known as the famous snow corridor, the 500-metre path on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a striking winter spectacle. Take a leisurely stroll along the corridor surrounded by awe-inspiring walls of snow, then marvel at sweeping views of the Tateyama mountain range on Panama Road.
During the latter part of the festival — typically in June — snow will start to melt and signal the changing seasons. As spring and warmer temperatures take over the region, travellers will get to witness the stunning Mikurigaike Pond dotted with floating ice and enjoy the emerging summer greenery. Keep an eye out for the rare grouse birds that are most active in the area during this time.
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Visit the incredible snow corridor at Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Image credit (L–R): Go! Nagano, Japan | Official Facebook Page; Ankur Panchbudhe | Flickr
Catch the Snow Corridor Festival between 15 Apr and 25 Jun 2024, from 9.30am to 3pm. Indeed, the Yuki no Otani Festival is a must-see for nature lovers and those who want to experience the lingering beauty of winter. So, mark your calendars for this incredible event! For more information and updates on the 2024 festival, visit the official Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route website here.
