Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
You could get from Nagano to Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen in just over an hour. But where's the fun in that? Instead, you can take the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, making your way right through the thick of the Hida Mountains (aka Northern Japanese Alps). You'll witness some gorgeous mountain scenery, a spectacular dam, interesting flora and fauna, and a variety of other attractions unique to this route, sure, but perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route are the various modes of transport you'll use to traverse through the mountains.
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