Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a popular and scenic mountain pass that runs through the northern Japan Alps in Toyama and Nagano prefectures, opened its entire stretch on Wednesday, ending the winter closure period.
Snow walls stand high on both sides of the stretch toward Murodo in Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture, which is 2,
450 meters above sea level. The snow walls, called Yuki-no-otani, are up to 15 meters high this year, which is on par with the level of an average year.
But the "Yuki-no-otani Walk," which allows tourists to see the snow walls on foot, has been canceled this year to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
Tourists enjoyed the view from bus windows, a big change from an average year in the past when many foreign tourists flocked to the area.
"I've come for the first time, and I've been impressed by the sheer height of the snow walls. They make me feel that spring has come," said a company employee, 39, from Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Sightseeing bus operator Tateyama Kurobe Kanko Co. in Toyama limits the number of passengers per bus to about half capacity to prevent infection. The company also provides ventilation and alcohol disinfection of seats.
The snow walls can be appreciated until late June.
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