Tateyama Alpine Route Weather: Murodo Temps & Clothing
Tokyo Mate
Murodo (2,450m above sea level) on the Japan Alpine Route is about 2°C right after the April opening, around 18°C even at the height of summer, and drops below freezing before the November close. Based on the official 5-year average temperature data, here is a breakdown of the seasonal weather, clothing, altitude-based temperature gaps, and must-have items from April through November.
Alpine Route Monthly Weather & Temperature
This is the 5-year average temperature data (2021-2025) measured on site by the Alpine Route operator (Tateyama Kurobe Kanko Co., Ltd.).
| Period | 9 AM / 1 PM Temp | Chance of No Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-April ❄️ Snow Wall opens | 1.8°C / 4.0°C | 58% |
| Late April ❄️ Golden Week | 5.5°C / 7.6°C | 76% |
| Early May ❄️ Snow Wall peak | 5.1°C / 7.6°C | 73% |
| Mid-May ❄️ Recommended | 7.9°C / 10.1°C | 75% |
| Late May ❄️ Snow Wall, later half | 7.7°C / 9.9°C | 75% |
| Early June ❄️ Snow Wall, final stretch | 9.2°C / 11.0°C | 77% |
| Mid-June 🌿 Early summer | 11.1°C / 13.1°C | 70% |
| Late June 🌧️ Rainy season begins | 12.4°C / 14.0°C | 63% |
| Early July 🌧️ Rainy season | 14.3°C / 15.8°C | 61% |
| Mid-July 🌧️ Rainy season | 14.4°C / 15.9°C | 61% |
| Late July ☀️ Summer | 16.4°C / 18.1°C | 79% |
| Early August ☀️ Warmest | 17.0°C / 18.6°C | 84% |
| Mid-August ☀️ Obon | 15.5°C / 16.8°C | 62% |
| Late August ☀️ End of summer | 15.6°C / 17.6°C | 76% |
| Early September 🍂 Early autumn | 14.7°C / 16.4°C | 69% |
| Mid-September 🍂 Foliage begins | 14.4°C / 15.8°C | 74% |
| Late September 🍁 Autumn foliage | 11.6°C / 13.8°C | 72% |
| Early October 🍁 Foliage peak | 9.6°C / 11.9°C | 69% |
| Mid-October 🍁 Foliage, later half | 7.1°C / 9.7°C | 72% |
| Late October ⛄ Sudden chill | 3.7°C / 7.2°C | 81% |
| Early November ⛄ Season's end | 2.3°C / 5.9°C | 71% |
| Mid-November ⛄ Below freezing | -0.8°C / 2.5°C | 70% |
| Late November ⛄ Just before closing | -2.6°C / 0.8°C | 57% |
※ Source: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route official, Past Weather (5-year average, 2021-2025)
※ "Chance of No Rain" is the average of the morning and afternoon figures from the "晴・曇の確率 (chance of clear/cloudy skies)" in the official Alpine Route data.
👉 [Official] Check the current Alpine Route weather
Since these temperatures are 5-year averages, the actual weather can vary a lot from year to year. On a clear afternoon it can be 3-5°C higher than the table shows, and on a day with strong rain and wind the felt temperature can drop below freezing.
Season-by-Season Summary
❄️ Snow Wall season (mid-April to early June)
The best time to see the Snow Wall and still get good weather is mid- to late May. The Snow Wall is still tall enough, while the chance of no rain holds steady at 75%. Mid-April is the coldest, at 2-4°C, and also the least stable, with only a 58% chance of no rain.
🌧️ Rainy season (late June to mid-July)
The chance of no rain is 61-63%, the lowest of the year. It's best to avoid the Alpine Route during this time, or to keep your plans flexible so you can change the dates.
☀️ Summer season (late July to August)
Temperatures of 16-18°C and a 76-84% chance of no rain make this the most comfortable time. It's a great time to enjoy trekking around Mikurigaike Pond and the alpine scenery.
🍁 Autumn foliage season (mid-September to mid-October)
The colors start at Murodo first and then move down to Kurobedaira and Daikanbo. Early October is the foliage peak, with temperatures around 10-12°C, so you'll need autumn hiking clothes.
⛄ Season's end (late October to November)
From late October it gets cold quickly, reaching temperatures similar to just after the April opening. After mid-November it drops below freezing, and the season ends on November 30.
Spring Snow Wall Season (Apr-Jun): Layering Is the Key
In the spring Snow Wall season, Murodo averages 5-8°C in the morning and 8-10°C in the afternoon. The numbers alone are similar to March-April in Seoul, but at 2,450m above sea level, wind, UV rays, and reflected glare off the snowfield make it feel different.
The key is layering. When you walk around Murodo it’s cold, but inside the transport it’s warm, and once you come down to the Kurobe Dam the temperature rises by more than 7°C. If you stick with a single outfit, you’ll be cold or hot somewhere along the way.
Recommended layering for the spring Snow Wall season (Apr-Jun)
When you walk around Murodo, wear all three layers; take off the outer layer at the Kurobe Dam or inside the transport.
| Layer | Item | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Functional long-sleeve shirt (moisture-wicking, quick-dry) | Wicks away sweat |
| Mid | Fleece or lightweight down | Warmth |
| Outer | Windproof, waterproof jacket | Blocks wind, rain, and snow |
| Bottom | Long pants (stretch fabric recommended) | For snowy ground |
| Footwear | Waterproof trekking shoes or high-cut boots | Snowy, wet ground |
| Accessories | Gloves, knit cap, hand warmers | For the felt temperature |
April vs. May vs. June: even within spring, they differ
If you’re going right after the April opening, prepare as if for a real winter hike. From mid-May onward it goes above 10°C during the day, so there’s a bit more breathing room.
| Period | Afternoon temp | Feels like | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-April | 4.0°C | Like a December-January hike in Korea | Hand warmers, gloves essential |
| Mid-May | 10.1°C | Like a March hike in Korea | Fleece, windproof jacket recommended |
| Early June | 11.0°C | Like an April hike in Korea | A thin insulating layer needed |
Watch the Altitude Temperature Gap: Over 7°C on the Same Day
The point people get wrong most often on an Alpine Route trip is the temperature difference by altitude. Even at the same time on the same day, Murodo (2,450m) and the Kurobe Dam (1,470m) have completely different temperatures.
Kurobe Dam (1,470m) temperature comparison
| Period (gap) | Murodo afternoon | Kurobe Dam afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-May (7.2°C) | 10.1°C | 17.3°C |
| Late July (6.0°C) | 18.1°C | 24.1°C |
| Early October (5.8°C) | 11.9°C | 17.7°C |
➡️ In any season, there's a 6-7°C gap between Murodo and the Kurobe Dam.
Based on May: temperature comparison from Tokyo to Murodo
| Location / altitude | Mid-May afternoon temp |
|---|---|
| Tokyo (40m) | about 22-25°C |
| Nagano (362m) | about 20-23°C |
| Kurobe Dam (1,470m) | 17.3°C |
| Murodo (2,450m) | 10.1°C |
➡️ Leave Tokyo in short sleeves and you'll find a 15°C difference by the time you reach Murodo. Go without a jacket and you won't be able to properly enjoy yourself up on the Snow Wall.
When to change clothes by altitude
As you move along the Alpine Route, the key is to adjust your clothes each time the altitude changes. Keep a fleece, a windproof jacket, and gloves and a hat in your backpack, and the most efficient way is to pull them out and put them on as you climb higher.
| Section | Action |
|---|---|
| Tokyo → Nagano | Spring clothes (long or short sleeves) |
| Nagano → Ogizawa | Keep as is |
| Ogizawa → Kurobe Dam | Take out the fleece |
| Kurobedaira → Murodo | Put on the windproof jacket |
| Murodo Snow Wall walk | Add gloves and a hat |
| Murodo → Tateyama Station (descent) | Gradually take layers off as you go down |
| Tateyama Station → Toyama | Back to spring clothes |
Summer & Autumn Clothing
Summer (Jul-Aug): Short Sleeves, but an Outer Layer Is a Must
Murodo’s summer temperature is a comfortable 15-18°C in the afternoon, a cool retreat. When Tokyo is 35°C, Murodo is 18°C.
In summer, alpine treks around Mikurigaike Pond and Raichozawa are popular. The trails are well maintained, but be sure to keep a rain poncho or windproof jacket in your backpack for the afternoon showers.
| Layer | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Short sleeves or thin long sleeves | Long sleeves recommended to block UV |
| Outer | Windproof jacket or rain poncho | For sudden afternoon changes, folded into your backpack |
| Bottom | Long pants | Shorts leave you exposed to UV and insects |
| Footwear | Trekking shoes | Trails are maintained but have ups and downs |
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Foliage Season, Spring-Level Warmth
Autumn temperatures drop quickly. Early October is almost the same as mid-May. If you’re going to see the foliage in October, prepare the same layering as the spring Snow Wall season. From mid-October onward, you’ll also need hand warmers, gloves, and a knit cap.
Season’s End (November): Full Winter Gear
In mid-November, the morning is -0.8°C, and in late November it’s -2.6°C. During this period you need winter hiking clothes. From November 4 a separate timetable applies, and the season ends on November 30.
Seasonal Packing Checklist
Common to all seasons
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Windproof, waterproof jacket | For wind, rain, and sudden temperature drops |
| Sunglasses | High-altitude UV + glare off the snowfield (listed as a "must-have" in the official guide) |
| Sunscreen (SPF50+) | UV at 2,450m is stronger than on flat ground |
| Waterproof trekking shoes | For snowy, wet ground and trails (high-cut recommended for Apr-Jun) |
| Spare camera battery / power bank | Batteries drain fast in the cold |
| Cash | There are no ATMs along the route, so bring small cash for shops and restaurants |
| Rain poncho or folding umbrella | For sudden changes in mountain weather |
Additional items by season
| Season | Fleece / lightweight down / cap | Gloves / hand warmers / neck warmer |
|---|---|---|
| Apr-May | ⭕️ | ⭕️ |
| June | ⭕️ | ❌ |
| Jul-Aug | ❌ | ❌ |
| Sep-early Oct | ⭕️ | ❌ |
| Late Oct-Nov | ⭕️ | ⭕️ |
- Pets: This is a special protection area of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, so all pets, including those in cages, are prohibited. (Only guide dogs are exempt.)
- Drones: Drone use along the Alpine Route is prohibited for flying, filming, and operating alike.
The key to dressing for the Alpine Route is to think differently than you would for Tokyo.
When Tokyo is 25°C in May, Murodo is 10°C. When Tokyo is 35°C in August, Murodo is 18°C. In late October, Murodo is 3.7°C in the morning, similar to just after the April opening.
Whatever the season, always pack one windproof jacket in your backpack.
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