Photo/Illutration Visitors walk around in Murodo at the base of the Mount Tateyama range in Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture, on July 2. (Okuto Ko)

TATEYAMA, Toyama Prefecture--An overnight express bus now takes visitors from Tokyo to the spectacular Mount Tateyama range in Toyama Prefecture.

For the first time, hikers no longer need to stay overnight before climbing Mount Tateyama, which is part of the Northern Japan Alps with peaks of more than 3,000 meters.

The service connects hubs in central Tokyo and Murodo, the gateway to the Mount Tateyama range, until the end of August.

The bus arrives at Murodo, the highest point of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route at 2,450 meters above sea level, at 7 a.m., allowing  passengers ample time to climb the mountain and go sightseeing.

“The charm is that they can come directly from the metropolitan area,” a representative of the operator said.

Murodo is a famed scenic spot boasting panoramic view of the majestic mountain range. It is also home to a wide variety of alpine flora.  

The express service is jointly operated by Toyama Chihou Railway Inc., Tokyu Transses Corp. and Seibu Kanko Bus Co.

From the metropolitan area, the bus leaves from the South Exit of Tokyo Station at 8:40 p.m. The next call is at Bus Stop No. 9 at the Shibuya Fukuras commercial complex adjacent to Shibuya Station at 9:15 p.m., Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in the Shinjuku district at 10 p.m. and the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station at 10:30 p.m.

For the return trip, the bus departs Murodo at noon and makes stops in order, starting at Ikebukuro Station at 8:15 p.m.

The service operates from Tokyo until Aug. 30 and from Murodo until Aug. 31.

Reservations are accepted via the Japan Bus Online website at (https://japanbusonline.com/en).

Fares from Tokyo to Murodo cost between 17,000 yen ($120) and 19,000 yen.

Fares for the return trip are priced at between 12,000 yen and 13,000 yen.

If there are any seats left, passengers can take the bus for a one-way trip for 20,000 yen paid on board.

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