立山黒部アルペンルートを英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、立山黒部アルペンルートに関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 立山黒部アルペンルートとは
- 富山県と長野県を結ぶ全長約37kmの山岳観光ルート
- 標高3,000m級の北アルプスを横断し、毎年4月中旬〜11月中旬だけ開通
- 主な見どころ
- 雪の大谷:春限定で、高さ最大20mの巨大な雪壁の間を歩ける人気スポット
- 黒部ダム:日本最大級のアーチ型ダム、夏には迫力ある放水が楽しめる
- 室堂:標高2,450mの観光拠点で、雄大な山々やみくりが池などを散策できる
- 交通手段
- 様々な乗り物を乗り継ぎ、片道で約6時間かかる観光ルート
- 長野側または富山側どちらからもアクセス可能
- 乗り物に関する情報
- 立山ケーブルカー:立山駅から美女平駅までを結ぶケーブルカー
- 立山高原バス:美女平駅から室堂駅までを結ぶバス
- 立山トンネルトロリーバス:室堂駅から大観峰駅までを結ぶ
- 立山ロープウェイ:大観峰駅から黒部平駅までを結ぶ
- 黒部ケーブルカー:黒部平駅から黒部湖駅までを結ぶ
- 関電トンネルトロリーバス:黒部湖駅から扇沢駅までを結ぶ
2人が立山黒部アルペンルートについて話しています。
雪の大谷や黒部ダム、室堂平からの景色、様々な乗り物を乗り継いでの観光などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue

Hey Key, have you ever been to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?

Yeah, I went last autumn. It was absolutely amazing. Are you planning to go?

I’m thinking about it. I saw some photos of the snow walls, and I got curious. What exactly is that place?

It’s a mountain sightseeing route in Japan, between Toyama and Nagano. The whole route is about 37 kilometers long and only open from April to November.

So it’s not open all year?

No, it’s closed in winter because of heavy snow. But spring is super popular because of the “Snow Corridor”—huge snow walls up to 20 meters high.

That’s the one I saw online! Can you actually walk between the snow walls?

Yes! There’s a special walking path between the snow walls from April to June. It feels like walking through a frozen canyon.

That sounds epic. Besides the snow, what else is cool about the route?

So much. You use different kinds of transport—cable cars, buses, ropeways, and even a trolleybus through a mountain tunnel.

That’s interesting. So the trip itself is part of the experience?

Exactly. It’s not just about getting to one place, it’s about the whole journey. And the views are just stunning all the way.

What about the Kurobe Dam? I’ve heard that name before.

Good question! It’s the biggest arch dam in Japan. When the water is released in summer, it’s really powerful and fun to watch.

I love dramatic natural views. Is it hard to get to?

Not really. You can start from either Toyama or Nagano side. Most people do a one-day route across.

I live in Tokyo. Which side is better to start from?

If you want to see the snow corridor early in the season, start from the Toyama side. You’ll hit the snow first at Murodo.

Got it. And is there anything else to see at Murodo?

Definitely. There’s Mikurigaike Pond—a beautiful blue lake—and the view of 3,000-meter mountains all around. You feel like you’re on top of the world.

That sounds amazing. What about in summer or autumn?

Summer is great for cool mountain hikes and flowers. Autumn is super colorful with beautiful red and yellow leaves. Great for photos.

I can’t decide which season sounds better!

Well, spring has the snow, summer has fresh air, and autumn has the colors. You can’t really go wrong.

Thanks, Key. I’m definitely putting it on my travel list this year!
概要 / Overview
「立山黒部アルペンルート」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
立山黒部アルペンルート

What is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a popular mountain sightseeing route in Japan. It connects Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture. The route is about 37 kilometers long, and people usually visit it between mid-April and mid-November. In winter, the route is closed because of heavy snow.
Famous for Huge Snow Walls
The route is very famous for something called “Yuki no Otani,” which means “Snow Corridor.” In spring, from mid-April to June, visitors can walk through huge snow walls. These snow walls can be up to 20 meters high. People from all over the world come to see and walk through this special path. It feels like walking in a snowy canyon.
Beautiful Nature and Views
There are many beautiful places along the route. Visitors can see amazing mountain views, lakes, and flowers. Murodo is the highest area, at 2,450 meters. From Murodo, you can see mountains around 3,000 meters high. Another beautiful spot is Mikurigaike Pond, a clear blue lake surrounded by mountains.
Kurobe Dam and Water Discharge
One more famous spot is Kurobe Dam. It is one of Japan’s largest dams, and many tourists visit it each year. From late June to mid-October, visitors can watch water released from the dam. The powerful water show is exciting to see and popular for photos.
Enjoying Different Vehicles
Visitors travel using many different kinds of transportation. You can ride cable cars, buses, ropeways, and trolleybuses. These rides are very enjoyable and provide wonderful views. This makes the journey itself part of the adventure, not just the places you visit.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「立山黒部アルペンルート」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a famous mountain sightseeing route in Japan. It connects Toyama and Nagano prefectures, and it is about 37 kilometers long.
2: When can you visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
You can visit it from mid-April until mid-November. It is closed in winter because of heavy snow.
3: What is the Snow Corridor (Yuki no Otani)?
The Snow Corridor is a famous attraction where visitors can walk between huge snow walls. These walls can be up to 20 meters high in spring.
4: Where is the highest point on the route?
The highest point is Murodo, at about 2,450 meters. It has beautiful mountain views and a blue lake called Mikurigaike Pond.
5: What can visitors see at Kurobe Dam?
Visitors can see a powerful water release from the dam. It happens between late June and mid-October. It’s one of Japan’s largest dams.
6: How do visitors travel along the route?
Visitors use many types of transportation, such as cable cars, buses, ropeways, and trolleybuses.
7: Can you visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in winter?
No, you cannot visit it in winter. It’s closed because the snowfall is very heavy, making it dangerous.
8: What is special about Mikurigaike Pond?
Mikurigaike Pond is famous for its clear blue water. It is surrounded by mountains and is a great place for photography.
9: Is the route popular with international tourists?
Yes, many international tourists visit the route to see unique places like the Snow Corridor and Kurobe Dam.
10: Which season is best to visit the route?
Each season has special attractions: spring for snow walls, summer for alpine flowers, and autumn for beautiful red and yellow leaves.

和訳付
会話 / dialogue

Hey Key, have you ever been to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
ねぇキー、立山黒部アルペンルートって行ったことある?

Yeah, I went last autumn. It was absolutely amazing. Are you planning to go?
うん、去年の秋に行ったよ。本当に素晴らしかったよ。行くつもりなの?

I’m thinking about it. I saw some photos of the snow walls, and I got curious. What exactly is that place?
考えてるんだ。雪の壁の写真を見て興味が湧いたんだよね。あれって一体どんな場所なの?

It’s a mountain sightseeing route in Japan, between Toyama and Nagano. The whole route is about 37 kilometers long and only open from April to November.
富山と長野の間にある山岳観光ルートだよ。全長約37キロで、4月から11月だけオープンしてるんだ。

So it’s not open all year?
じゃあ、一年中開いてるわけじゃないんだね?

No, it’s closed in winter because of heavy snow. But spring is super popular because of the “Snow Corridor”—huge snow walls up to 20 meters high.
そう、冬は雪が多すぎて閉鎖してる。でも春は「雪の大谷」っていう、高さ20メートルの雪壁が見られるから大人気なんだ。

That’s the one I saw online! Can you actually walk between the snow walls?
それだよ、僕がネットで見たの!あの雪の壁の間を実際に歩けるの?

Yes! There’s a special walking path between the snow walls from April to June. It feels like walking through a frozen canyon.
もちろん!4月から6月までは、雪壁の間に特別な歩道があって、まるで氷の渓谷を歩いている気分だよ。

That sounds epic. Besides the snow, what else is cool about the route?
最高だね。雪以外だと、どんな見どころがあるの?

So much. You use different kinds of transport—cable cars, buses, ropeways, and even a trolleybus through a mountain tunnel.
他にもたくさんあるよ。ケーブルカーやバス、ロープウェイとか、山の中のトンネルを走るトロリーバスなんかにも乗れるんだ。

That’s interesting. So the trip itself is part of the experience?
面白いな。じゃあ、移動自体が楽しみの一部なんだ?

Exactly. It’s not just about getting to one place, it’s about the whole journey. And the views are just stunning all the way.
まさにその通り。目的地に行くだけじゃなくて、ルート全体が旅の醍醐味だよ。ずっと絶景が続いてるんだ。

What about the Kurobe Dam? I’ve heard that name before.
黒部ダムはどうなの?名前は聞いたことあるけど。

Good question! It’s the biggest arch dam in Japan. When the water is released in summer, it’s really powerful and fun to watch.
いい質問だね!日本最大級のアーチ型ダムで、夏に放水するときの迫力がすごくて見応えあるよ。

I love dramatic natural views. Is it hard to get to?
僕はそういうダイナミックな自然の景色が好きなんだ。行くのは難しい?

Not really. You can start from either Toyama or Nagano side. Most people do a one-day route across.
全然難しくないよ。富山側からでも長野側からでもスタートできる。ほとんどの人が1日で通り抜けるプランを選ぶかな。

I live in Tokyo. Which side is better to start from?
僕は東京に住んでるけど、どちら側から始めるのがいいかな?

If you want to see the snow corridor early in the season, start from the Toyama side. You’ll hit the snow first at Murodo.
シーズン初めに雪の大谷を見たいなら、富山側からがいいよ。最初に室堂で雪の景色を楽しめるから。

Got it. And is there anything else to see at Murodo?
なるほどね。室堂には他にも見どころはあるの?

Definitely. There’s Mikurigaike Pond—a beautiful blue lake—and the view of 3,000-meter mountains all around. You feel like you’re on top of the world.
もちろん。美しい青い湖のみくりが池もあるし、周りには3,000メートル級の山々が広がって、世界の頂点に立った気分になれるよ。

That sounds amazing. What about in summer or autumn?
すごく良さそうだね。夏とか秋はどうなの?

Summer is great for cool mountain hikes and flowers. Autumn is super colorful with beautiful red and yellow leaves. Great for photos.
夏は涼しくて高山植物を見ながらハイキングできるよ。秋は赤や黄色に山が染まって、写真を撮るのに最高だね。

I can’t decide which season sounds better!
どの季節も良くて迷っちゃうな!

Well, spring has the snow, summer has fresh air, and autumn has the colors. You can’t really go wrong.
まあ、春は雪、夏は爽やかな空気、秋は色鮮やかな景色があるから、どれを選んでも間違いないよ。

Thanks, Key. I’m definitely putting it on my travel list this year!
ありがとうキー。今年絶対行きたい場所リストに入れとくよ!
概要 / Overview
立山黒部アルペンルート

What is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a popular mountain sightseeing route in Japan. It connects Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture. The route is about 37 kilometers long, and people usually visit it between mid-April and mid-November. In winter, the route is closed because of heavy snow.
立山黒部アルペンルートとは?
立山黒部アルペンルートは日本で人気のある山岳観光ルートです。富山県と長野県を結んでいて、全長は約37キロメートルあります。通常は4月中旬から11月中旬まで訪れることができますが、冬は雪が多いため閉鎖されます。
Famous for Huge Snow Walls
The route is very famous for something called “Yuki no Otani,” which means “Snow Corridor.” In spring, from mid-April to June, visitors can walk through huge snow walls. These snow walls can be up to 20 meters high. People from all over the world come to see and walk through this special path. It feels like walking in a snowy canyon.
巨大な雪壁で有名
このルートは「雪の大谷」と呼ばれる巨大な雪壁で有名です。春の4月中旬から6月にかけて、高さ20メートルにもなる雪壁の間を歩くことができます。世界中から観光客が訪れ、この特別な道を楽しんでいます。まるで雪の渓谷を歩いているような体験です。
Beautiful Nature and Views
There are many beautiful places along the route. Visitors can see amazing mountain views, lakes, and flowers. Murodo is the highest area, at 2,450 meters. From Murodo, you can see mountains around 3,000 meters high. Another beautiful spot is Mikurigaike Pond, a clear blue lake surrounded by mountains.
美しい自然と景色
ルート沿いには多くの美しい場所があります。素晴らしい山の景色や湖、花を見ることができます。最も高いエリアは標高2,450メートルの室堂です。室堂からは3,000メートル級の山々を眺めることができます。また、美しいスポットとして知られるみくりが池は、澄んだ青い湖で山々に囲まれています。
Kurobe Dam and Water Discharge
One more famous spot is Kurobe Dam. It is one of Japan’s largest dams, and many tourists visit it each year. From late June to mid-October, visitors can watch water released from the dam. The powerful water show is exciting to see and popular for photos.
黒部ダムと観光放水
もうひとつの有名スポットは黒部ダムです。日本最大級のダムのひとつで、毎年多くの観光客が訪れます。6月下旬から10月中旬には、迫力のある放水を見ることができます。その豪快な水の放出は迫力満点で、写真撮影にも人気です。
Enjoying Different Vehicles
Visitors travel using many different kinds of transportation. You can ride cable cars, buses, ropeways, and trolleybuses. These rides are very enjoyable and provide wonderful views. This makes the journey itself part of the adventure, not just the places you visit.
多彩な乗り物を楽しむ
観光客は様々な種類の乗り物を使って旅をします。ケーブルカーやバス、ロープウェイ、トロリーバスなどに乗ることができます。これらの乗り物に乗るのはとても楽しく、素晴らしい景色を楽しめます。目的地だけでなく、移動自体が冒険の一部になっています。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
立山黒部アルペンルートとは何ですか?
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a famous mountain sightseeing route in Japan. It connects Toyama and Nagano prefectures, and it is about 37 kilometers long.
立山黒部アルペンルートは日本で有名な山岳観光ルートです。富山県と長野県を結ぶ約37キロメートルの道です。
2: When can you visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
立山黒部アルペンルートはいつ訪れることができますか?
You can visit it from mid-April until mid-November. It is closed in winter because of heavy snow.
4月中旬から11月中旬まで訪れることができます。冬は積雪が多いため閉鎖されます。
3: What is the Snow Corridor (Yuki no Otani)?
雪の大谷とは何ですか?
The Snow Corridor is a famous attraction where visitors can walk between huge snow walls. These walls can be up to 20 meters high in spring.
雪の大谷は、巨大な雪壁の間を歩ける有名なスポットです。春には雪壁の高さが最大20メートルにもなります。
4: Where is the highest point on the route?
ルートの最高地点はどこですか?
The highest point is Murodo, at about 2,450 meters. It has beautiful mountain views and a blue lake called Mikurigaike Pond.
最高地点は約2,450メートルの室堂です。美しい山の景色と、みくりが池という青い湖があります。
5: What can visitors see at Kurobe Dam?
黒部ダムでは何を見ることができますか?
Visitors can see a powerful water release from the dam. It happens between late June and mid-October. It’s one of Japan’s largest dams.
ダムからの迫力ある放水を見ることができます。6月下旬から10月中旬まで行われ、日本最大級のダムの一つです。
6: How do visitors travel along the route?
観光客はどのようにルートを移動しますか?
Visitors use many types of transportation, such as cable cars, buses, ropeways, and trolleybuses.
ケーブルカーやバス、ロープウェイ、トロリーバスなど多彩な乗り物を利用します。
7: Can you visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in winter?
立山黒部アルペンルートは冬にも訪れることができますか?
No, you cannot visit it in winter. It’s closed because the snowfall is very heavy, making it dangerous.
いいえ、冬には訪れることができません。雪が非常に多く危険なため、閉鎖されています。
8: What is special about Mikurigaike Pond?
みくりが池の特別なところは何ですか?
Mikurigaike Pond is famous for its clear blue water. It is surrounded by mountains and is a great place for photography.
みくりが池は澄んだ青い水で有名です。山々に囲まれており、写真撮影に最適な場所です。
9: Is the route popular with international tourists?
このルートは外国人観光客にも人気ですか?
Yes, many international tourists visit the route to see unique places like the Snow Corridor and Kurobe Dam.
はい、雪の大谷や黒部ダムなど特別な場所を見に、多くの外国人観光客が訪れます。
10: Which season is best to visit the route?
訪れるのに最適な季節はどれですか?
Each season has special attractions: spring for snow walls, summer for alpine flowers, and autumn for beautiful red and yellow leaves.
季節ごとに特別な魅力があります。春は雪の壁、夏は高山植物、秋は美しい赤や黄色の紅葉が楽しめます。

words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです(例文は各3つ)。

corridor : 名詞
意味:廊下、回廊。A long passage in a building or between walls.
(「雪の大谷(Snow Corridor)」で、巨大な雪の壁の間の通路という特別な意味で使用)
例文:
- We walked down the long corridor in the museum.
「私たちは博物館の長い廊下を歩きました。」 - The school’s corridor was quiet during class hours.
「授業中、学校の廊下は静かでした。」 - They entered the bright corridor leading to the hospital rooms.
「彼らは病室につながる明るい廊下に入っていった。」
canyon : 名詞
意味:峡谷。A deep valley with steep sides, often created by a river.
(「雪の大谷」を「frozen canyon(氷の峡谷)」に例え、両側に雪の壁がそびえる狭い通路を表現するために使用)
例文:
- The Grand Canyon is famous for its amazing views.
「グランドキャニオンは壮大な景色で有名です。」 - They hiked through the deep canyon all afternoon.
「彼らは午後ずっと深い峡谷をハイキングしました。」 - The river has carved a beautiful canyon over thousands of years.
「川は何千年もかけて美しい峡谷を作り出しました。」
epic : 形容詞
意味:壮大な、非常に素晴らしい。Something extremely impressive, exciting, or great.
(雪の大谷を歩く体験が、印象的で忘れられないようなすばらしい体験であることを表す)
例文:
- The movie had an epic battle scene.
「その映画には壮大な戦闘シーンがありました。」 - It was an epic journey across the mountains.
「それは山々を越える壮大な旅でした。」 - Last night’s concert was absolutely epic.
「昨夜のコンサートは本当に最高だった。」
stunning : 形容詞
意味:非常に美しい、驚くほど魅力的な。Extremely beautiful or attractive.
(立山黒部アルペンルート全体の景色が非常に美しく感動的であることを表現するために使用)
例文:
- The view from the mountain top was absolutely stunning.
「山頂からの眺めは本当に見事でした。」 - She wore a stunning dress to the party.
「彼女はパーティーに非常に美しいドレスを着ていきました。」 - The sunset at the beach was stunning.
「ビーチでの夕日は驚くほど美しかった。」
all the way : フレーズ
意味:ずっと、最初から最後まで。The whole distance or throughout a complete journey or process.
(ルートの最初から最後までずっと美しい景色が続いていることを示す)
例文:
- We drove all the way from Tokyo to Osaka.
「私たちは東京から大阪までずっと車で移動しました。」 - She laughed all the way through the movie.
「彼女は映画を見ている間、ずっと笑っていました。」 - You can see beautiful flowers all the way along this road.
「この道沿いにはずっと美しい花が咲いています。」