Speaking of Japan, what do you think of first? Temple, Shrine, Japanese foods such as Sushi, Udon? Or the place of Kyoto, Osaka? That is all true. Those are symbol of Japan. But also Japan is known as a mountains and forests country. In terms of geography, the majority of Japan is mountains and forests. We are rich in nature. I don’t tell a lie. Actually in Japan, big cities with no mountains are very few. Most of the cities has some mountains or forests. Now you know about the geography of Japan, so Why don’t you enjoy Japan mountain too? I am going to tell you one of the inspiring places now.
There is a mountain tourist spot called Tateyama. You might think Tateyama is a mountain name since it has the word “yama” in the name, which means mountain in Japanese. But Tateyama is not a mountain but a mountain range. The mountain range goes through Toyama prefecture and Nagano prefecture. You can enter the mountain range from both sides. The scenery would be different depending on which side you enter from. But, you don’t have to be sad. They sell a tourist ticket from Toyama side to Nagano side.
Cable car station 
Cable car arriving
If you enter from Toyama prefecture side, you need to take a cable car at the foot of Tateyama. No cars or vehicles are permitted in Tateyama. So you need to take provided transportations to go up to the summit. After going up by the cable car, then you transfer to a bus. From the cable car station to the summit, it takes around 50 minutes.
This time, let’s get off at Midagahara bus station and then walk around. There are several hiking course. A few courses are to enjoy Midagahara place. If you want to try a mountain climbing, there is a course that is from Midagahara to the summit, Murodo. (Strictly speaking, Murodo is not the summit of the mountain range. But Murodo is the terminal in Tateyama, so here I say Murodo as the summit)
Just after a few minutes of walking, you can see the city down there. If you are lucky, you can see sea of clouds too. The mountain weather can change easily, so even if you cannot see them because of weather, do not be sad. There are much hope of being able to it as long as you are there.
If you are interested in walking from Midagahara to Murodo, I recommend wearing good hiking clothing. In the middle of the course, there are some area you have to walk besides cliff or you need to use chains embedded in the rocks. After passing the area, keep on walking on the path while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Sometimes take a break at the rest place. The nature there will release your tiredness. For those who do not like insects, do not worry. You will eventually be good with them when arriving at the summit. Walking in Tateyama is the place like this. It can change everything in you. All of the things you experience there will be unforgettable memories.
