A snow route that continues on for 500m through the deep Otani (grand valley) in an area known for heavy snowfall
Located along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route at an altitude of 2450m, the highest point of Murodo is a lively area as a tourist spot for activities such as trekking and mountain climbing in summer. However during winter, this area is known worldwide as a prominent place for heavy snowfall. Close to Murodo, Otani has an extremely heavy snowfall which can exceed 20m. Yuki-no-Otani (Grand Snow Valley), a famous place in winter along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, is a part of the route which has to be dug out so that vehicles can pass. Both sides of the route are represented by huge snow walls with a height of 20m and the passage continues for 500m. Work to create the passage is difficult, and roads inundated by the tremendous amounts of snow are slowly dug out by bulldozers while searched out by GPS. It is for this reason that many people visit to get a glimpse of this scenery that only exists in winter. In this area that has been designated as a Special Natural Monument with its many animals, as the seasons change, you can also see the precious sight of grouse in winter which have wings as white as the snow itself.
A seasonal event! Try walking on the snow walls in the Otani Walk
As the season of closed-off roads due to heavy snow ends, the Yuki-no-Otani event known as the Otani Walk in which you can walk across the valley is held between mid-April and mid-June when all alpine routes are open. During the lush green season going from spring to summer on the ground, you can enjoy a silvery world in this area. When you receive your certificate of passage at Murodo Terminal (Central Plaza), you walk ahead 100m to reach the entrance into Yuki-no-Otani. This is the beginning of the world of snow walls which soar into the sky. At the same time, there is the gigantic Snow Maze in May, the Snow Slide on which you can enjoy sleighing in June, and other fun snow events for kids and adults alike which bring many tourists.