How to go to Mount Yakushi-dake 薬師岳
We would recommend getting to Mount Yakushi-dake 薬師岳 from Murodo Station 室堂駅 from the North, or Oritate Bus Stop 折立バス停 from the West. The general travel plan by public transport would start from Ogizawa 扇沢 or Toyama Station 富山駅 respectively, depending on which trail you are using.
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 立山黒部アルペンルート |
Timetable | Timetable (Return) - Toyama - Arimine Bus Route 富山-有峰線
- Shinjuku - Ogizawa Line 新宿-扇沢線
- Nagano - Ogizawa Line 長野-扇沢線 |
Timetable | Fares - Shinano-Omachi - Ogizawa Line 信濃大町-扇沢線 |
Timetable | Fares - Toyama - Murodo Bus Route 富山-室堂線
We recommend 2 hiking routes to Mount Yakushi-dake 薬師岳. These recommended hiking trails are organized from the shortest to the longest.
- Tateyama Murodo Trail 立山室堂コース
- Yakushidake Kurobegoro Trail 薬師黒部五郎コース
These trails typically start from
- Murodo Station 室堂駅
- Oritate Bus Stop 折立バス停
And these trails can finish at either of these endpoints
- Murodo Station 室堂駅
- Oritate Bus Stop 折立バス停
- Shinhotaka Ropeway 新穂高ロープウェイ
Mount Yakushi-dake 薬師岳, a jewel among Japan's towering peaks, offers more than just a stunning hike. It's part of a magnificent mountain range that includes some of Japan’s 100 famous mountains like the crystal-like peaks of Mount Suisho 水晶岳, the towering cliffs of Mount Washiba 鷲羽岳, the rugged terrains of Mount Kurobegoro 黒部五郎岳, and the spear-shaped Mount Yari 槍ヶ岳.
If your adventure spirit leads you to Mount Yakushi-dake 薬師岳, consider extending your journey to these other majestic mountains. Each offers a unique experience, from the panoramic views of Mount Suisho 水晶岳 to the challenging ascents of Mount Kurobegoro 黒部五郎岳. However, given the demanding nature of these trails, we decide to only recommend routes that include at most Mount Kurobegoro, especially for a single trip.
If you are interested in hiking trails to the other mountains, visit our articles on these mountains.
The most common way to get to Mount Yakushi-dake 薬師岳 is via Murodo Station 室堂駅.
Murodo Station 室堂駅 itself is near the top of Mount Tateyama 立山.
Getting to Murodo Station 室堂駅 involves taking a series of transportation along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 立山黒部アルペンルート up to Mount Tateyama 立山, and it can start either from Tateyama Station 立山駅 in the north, or Ogizawa 扇沢 in the south.
Let's take a look at how to get to Murodo Station 室堂駅 from Ogizawa 扇沢 first.
Ogizawa 扇沢 is an easily accessible entry point into the Japanese Northern Alps 北アルプス, also known as Hida Mountain Range 飛騨山脈, for people living in Tokyo.
Hence, it can very crowded especially in the mornings of summer, and the competition to board the transportation for the ascent can be intensive. You might not be able to board the vehicles right away when you arrive at Ogizawa 扇沢, unless you have made reservations.
This line operates from 1st April to 8th December 2023.
| Shinjuku West Exit Temporary Platform 26 新宿西口 ２６番臨時のりば | Ogizawa 扇沢 |
|---|---|
| 23:15 | 5:32 |
Note that timings with strikethroughs in the source quoted below are suspended. Please refer to the source below for the latest information.
Source: ALPICO kotsu Co., ltd. (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
This line operates from Apr 15, 2024 (Mon) to Nov 30, 2024 (Sat).
We do not cover the operation dates during the winter. Refer to our source at the bottom of this widget for more information.
Note that although this line passes by Shinano-Omachi Station 信濃大町駅, it is only for alighting. one cannot board this bus from the stop at Shinano-Omachi Station 信濃大町駅.
| Nagano Station East Exit 長野駅東口 | Ogizawa 扇沢 |
|---|---|
| 8:15 | 10:00 |
| 9:00 | 10:45 |
| 10:30 | 12:15 |
| 13:00 | 14:45 |
| 14:30 | 16:15 |
Source: ALPICO kotsu Co., ltd. (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
Shinano-Omachi 信濃大町 is a small town located right before the entrance to the Japanese Northern Alps 北アルプス. Visitors from Tokyo or other big cities may choose to spend a night here before they start their adventure the next day.
This is a local bus and no reservation is needed.
| Shinano-Omachi Station 信濃大町駅 | Ogizawa 扇沢 | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 5:35 | 6:15 | Apr 27 (Sat) – Apr 28 (Sun) May 03 (Fri) – May 05 (Sun) Jul 13 (Sat) – Jul 14 (Sun) Aug 03 (Sat) Aug 10 (Sat) – Aug 14 (Wed) Sep 14 (Sat) – Sep 15 (Sun) Sep 21 (Sat) – Sep 22 (Sun) Oct 12 (Sat) – Oct 13 (Sun) |
| 6:15 | 6:55 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
| 7:10 | 7:50 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 30 (Sat) |
| 8:00 | 8:40 | |
| 8:30 | 9:10 | Everyday: Apr 15 (Mon) – May 31 (Fri) Jul 06 (Sat) – Aug 31 (Sat) Weekends & Holidays: Sep 01 (Sun) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
| 9:00 | 9:40 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 30 (Sat) |
| 10:00 | 10:40 | Everyday: Apr 15 (Mon) – May 31 (Fri) Jul 06 (Sat) – Aug 31 (Sat) Weekends & Holidays: Sep 01 (Sun) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
| 10:30 | 11:10 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 30 (Sat) |
| 11:35 | 12:15 | |
| 12:25 | 13:05 | |
| 13:35 | 14:15 | |
| 14:25 | 15:05 | |
| 15:10 | 15:50 | |
| 16:25 | 17:05 | |
| 17:10 | 17:50 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
Source: ALPICO kotsu Co., ltd. (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
You typically do not need a reservation for this route.
However, if you are aiming for the early timings, it is recommended to reserve before hand to play safe.
The transportation schedule shows shows the time of departure of each trip from the starting point Ogizawa 扇沢 to start the ascent.
Along the way, you would have to make multiple transfers. It involves some walking from where you alight one transportation vehicle to where you would need to board another.
These transfer spots boast beautiful sceneries as well, so the time it takes to reach Murodo Station 室堂駅 from Ogizawa 扇沢 will depend on how fast you walk, how long you spend at these transfer spots, and, of course, the waiting time to board the connecting vehicles.
The shortest time you can reach Murodo Station 室堂駅 from Ogizawa 扇沢 is approximately 1 hour.
The transportation schedule below is valid from April 15th (Monday) to November 4th (Monday).
| Ogizawa 扇沢 | Remarks |
|---|---|
| 6:30 | Apr 27 (Sat) – Apr 28 (Sun) May 03 (Fri) – May 05 (Sun) Jul 13 (Sat) – Jul 14 (Sun) Aug 03 (Sat) Aug 10 (Sat) – Aug 14 (Wed) Sep 14 (Sat) – Sep 15 (Sun) Sep 21 (Sat) – Sep 22 (Sun) Oct 12 (Sat) – Oct 13 (Sun) |
| 7:00 | |
| 7:30 | |
| 8:00 | |
| 8:30 | |
| 9:00 | |
| 9:30 | |
| 10:00 | |
| 10:30 | |
| 11:00 | |
| 11:30 | |
| 12:00 | |
| 12:30 | |
| 13:00 | |
| 13:30 | |
| 14:00 | |
| 14:30 | |
| 15:00 | Last trip to Tateyama Station 立山駅 (Toyama City 富山市) |
| 15:30 | |
| 16:00 | |
| 16:30 | |
| 17:00 |
Source: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
This is the most popular route to ascend Mount Tateyama 立山 from the north because of it's convenience, speed and frequency.
Ascending from the northern side is less common due to the sparser population in the area facing the Sea of Japan, which can be harsh during winter. Therefore, you can expect it to be less crowded than approaching from the southern side.
You typically do not need a reservation for this route.
However, if you are aiming for the early timings, it is recommended to reserve before hand to play safe, although the population ascending from the Toyama City 富山市 side is probably not as much as those ascending from Ogizawa 扇沢.
Along the way, you would have to make multiple transfers. It involves some walking from where you alight one transportation vehicle to where you would need to board another.
These transfer spots boast beautiful sceneries as well, so the time it takes to reach Murodo Station 室堂駅 from the Toyama City 富山市 side will depend on how fast you walk, how long you spend at these transfer spots, and, of course, the waiting time to board the connecting vehicles.
The shortest time you can reach Murodo Station 室堂駅 from the Toyama City 富山市 side starting from Tateyama Station 立山駅 is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
This schedule is valid from April 15th to November 3rd.
| Tateyama Station 立山駅 | Remarks |
|---|---|
| 6:40 | Apr 29 (Sat) – Apr 30 (Sun) May 03 (Wed) – May 05 (Fri) Jul 15 (Sat) – Jul 16 (Sun) Aug 05 (Sat) Aug 11 (Fri) – Aug 14 (Mon) Sep 16 (Sat) – Aug 17 (Thu) Oct 07 (Sat) – Oct 08 (Sun) |
| 7:00 | |
| 7:20 | |
| 7:40 | |
| 8:00 | |
| 8:20 | |
| 8:40 | |
| 9:00 | |
| 9:20 | |
| 9:40 | |
| 10:00 | |
| 10:20 | |
| 10:40 | |
| 11:00 | |
| 11:20 | |
| 11:40 | |
| 12:20 | |
| 12:40 | |
| 13:00 | |
| 13:20 | |
| 13:40 | |
| 14:00 | |
| 14:20 | |
| 14:40 | |
| 15:00 | Last trip to Ogizawa 扇沢 |
| 15:20 | |
| 15:40 | Last trip to Murodo Station 室堂駅 |
| 16:00 |
Source: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
The alternative way up is by bus. I don't recommend this due to the possibility of motion sickness.
Toyama - Murodo Bus Route (Ascend) 富山-室堂線 (上り)
This bus route requires reservation. You can make your reservation at this website.
Below is the timetable for the direct bus from Toyama Station 富山駅 up to Murodo Station 室堂駅.
It operates everyday from July 15th to August 27th, and on weekends and public holidays from September 2nd to October 9th for the calendar year of 2023.
| Toyama Station 富山駅 | Murodo Station 室堂駅 |
|---|---|
| 6:30 | 9:00 |
There is only 1 trip per day in the morning.
Source: TOYAMA CHIHOU TETSUDOU.INC (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
Oritate 折立 is the other way to reach Mount Yakushi-dake 薬師岳. In fact, it is the closer starting point to the destination.
However, the only way to access Oritate 折立 is from Toyama City 富山市. So unless you live on the northern side of the Japanese Northern Alps 北アルプス, ie. not in Tokyo, or unless you are willing to travel to Toyama City 富山市 the day before and stay over, you probably would not opt for this route.
This bus is available for reservation at this website.
While you don't need to make a reservation to board this bus, you will not be able to board the bus if the bus is full.
Below is the timetable for the direct bus from Toyama Station 富山駅 to Oritate 折立.
It operates everyday from July 15th to August 27th, and on weekends and public holidays from September 2nd to 24th for the calendar year of 2023.
| Toyama Station 富山駅 | Oritate Bus Stop 折立バス停 |
|---|---|
| 6:10 | 8:10 |
Alternatively, you can take a train to Arimineguchi Station 有峰口駅 and transfer to the bus from there. Below is the schedule of this bus
| Arimineguchi Station 有峰口駅 | Oritate Bus Stop 折立バス停 |
|---|---|
| 9:50 | 10:45 |
Yes, these trips operate really early and there's only 1 in a day. Be sure to take note of it.
Source: TOYAMA CHIHOU TETSUDOU.INC (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
The Reverse Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Descend) 逆立山黒部アルペンルート (下り) consists of multiple stops along the way, with the last stop being Ogizawa 扇沢
We will cover the departure times from the peak of the route only, that is Murodo Station 室堂駅.
Check out the source for the complete timetable.
| Murodo Station 室堂駅 | Ogizawa 扇沢 Earliest Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| 8:15 | |
| 8:45 | |
| 9:15 | |
| 9:45 | |
| 10:15 | |
| 10:45 | |
| 11:15 | |
| 11:45 | |
| 12:15 | |
| 13:00 | |
| 13:15 | |
| 13:45 | |
| 14:15 | |
| 14:45 | |
| 15:15 | |
| 15:45 | |
| 16:00 | |
| 16:30 |
Source: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
This line operates from 1st April to 8th December 2023.
| Ogizawa 扇沢 | Shinjuku West Exit Temporary Platform 26 新宿西口 ２６番臨時のりば |
|---|---|
| 16:10 | 21:11 |
Source: ALPICO kotsu Co., ltd. (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
This line operates from Apr 15, 2024 (Mon) to Nov 30, 2024 (Sat).
| Ogizawa 扇沢 | Shinano-Omachi Station 信濃大町駅 | Nagano Station East Exit 長野駅東口 |
|---|---|---|
| 8:20 | 9:35 | |
| 10:30 | 11:00 | 12:15 |
| 12:00 | 12:30 | 13:45 |
| 14:40 | 15:10 | 16:25 |
| 15:40 | 16:10 | 17:25 |
| 17:00 | 17:30 | 18:45 |
Source: ALPICO kotsu Co., ltd. (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
This is a local bus and no reservation is needed.
| Ogizawa 扇沢 | Shinano-Omachi Station 信濃大町駅 | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 7:05 | 7:40 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
| 7:55 | 8:30 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 30 (Sat) |
| 8:55 | 9:30 | |
| 9:30 | 10:05 | Everyday: Apr 15 (Mon) – May 31 (Fri) Jul 06 (Sat) – Aug 31 (Sat) Weekends & Holidays: Sep 01 (Sun) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
| 9:55 | 10:30 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 30 (Sat) |
| 10:55 | 11:30 | Everyday: Apr 15 (Mon) – May 31 (Fri) Jul 06 (Sat) – Aug 31 (Sat) Weekends & Holidays: Sep 01 (Sun) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
| 11:25 | 12:00 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 30 (Sat) |
| 12:30 | 13:05 | |
| 13:30 | 14:05 | |
| 14:30 | 15:05 | |
| 15:15 | 15:50 | |
| 15:35 | 16:10 | Everyday: Apr 15 (Mon) – May 31 (Fri) Jul 06 (Sat) – Aug 31 (Sat) Weekends & Holidays: Sep 01 (Sun) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
| 16:05 | 16:40 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 30 (Sat) |
| 16:35 | 17:10 | Everyday: Apr 15 (Mon) – May 31 (Fri) Jul 06 (Sat) – Aug 31 (Sat) Weekends & Holidays: Sep 01 (Sun) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
| 17:05 | 17:40 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 30 (Sat) |
| 17:55 | 18:30 | Apr 15 (Mon) – Nov 04 (Mon) |
Source: ALPICO kotsu Co., ltd. (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Descend) 立山黒部アルペンルート (下り) consists of multiple stops along the way, with the last stop being Tateyama Station 立山駅 on the Toyama City 富山市 side.
We will cover the departure times from the peak of the route only, that is Murodo Station 室堂駅.
Check out the source for the complete timetable.
| Murodo Station 室堂駅 | Remarks |
|---|---|
| 8:00 | |
| 8:40 | |
| 9:20 | |
| 10:00 | |
| 10:40 | |
| 11:20 | |
| 12:00 | |
| 12:40 | |
| 13:20 | |
| 14:00 | |
| 14:40 | |
| 15:20 | |
| 16:00 | |
| 16:30 | |
| 17:00 | Apr 27 (Sat) – Apr 28 (Sun) May 03 (Fri) – May 05 (Sun) Jul 13 (Sat) – Jul 14 (Sun) Aug 03 (Sat) Aug 10 (Sat) – Aug 14 (Wed) Sep 14 (Sat) – Sep 15 (Sun) Sep 21 (Sat) – Sep 22 (Sun) Oct 12 (Sat) – Oct 13 (Sun) |
Source: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
Toyama - Murodo Bus Route (Descend) 富山-室堂線 (下り)
This bus route requires reservation. You can make your reservation at this website.
Below is the timetable for the direct bus from Murodo Station 室堂駅 to Toyama Station 富山駅.
It operates everyday from July 15th to August 27th, and on weekends and public holidays from September 2nd to October 9th for the calendar year of 2023.
| Murodo Station 室堂駅 | Toyama Station 富山駅 |
|---|---|
| 14:30 | 17:00 |
There is only 1 trip per day in the afternoon. Please take note of the departure time and plan your adventure appropriately!
Source: TOYAMA CHIHOU TETSUDOU.INC (Last updated: 2024-06-01)
This bus is available for reservation at this website.
While you don't need to make a reservation to board this bus, you will not be able to board the bus if the bus is full.
Below is the timetable for the direct bus from Oritate 折立 to Toyama Station 富山駅.
It operates everyday from July 15th to August 27th, and on weekends and public holidays from September 2nd to 24th for the calendar year of 2023.
| Oritate Bus Stop 折立バス停 | Toyama Station 富山駅 |
|---|---|
| 12:30 | 14:30 |
Alternatively, you can take a train to Arimineguchi Station 有峰口駅 and transfer to the bus from there. Below is the schedule of this bus
| Oritate Bus Stop 折立バス停 | Arimineguchi Station 有峰口駅 |
|---|---|
| 8:30 | 9:20 |
Yes, these trips operate really early and there's only 1 in a day. Be sure to take note of it.
Source: TOYAMA CHIHOU TETSUDOU.INC (Last updated: 2024-06-01)