Late April, 20m-high snow walls greet a highland bus in Otani.

After a long harsh winter,the sound of clearing snow means spring is finally drawing near. The entire Alpine route opens on April 20th. Trees begin to blossom now in the foothills, but at Otani, 20m-high walls of snow press in on visitors. Tateyama is full of wonder in the spring.

Bird watching The area around Bijodaira (977m) is still a virgin forest, containing a myriad of wild birds. Approximately 60 species can be observed here. Shomyo Falls With its 350m height, Shomyo is the largest waterfall in Japan. The falls were named this because the sound of the water thundering down the mountain was said to remind one of the sound of "Shomyo" (a chanting invocation of the Buddha) In early spring, you can see Hannoki Falls to the right of the Shomyo Falls. Spring skiing In spring, one can enjoy Alpine skiing on the silvery slopes of Murodo-daira.

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