Tengu-daira

Overview

Tengu-daira is a volcanic plateau at an altitude of 2,300 meters, located in Tateyama-cho, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama Prefecture. Situated along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, this lava plateau is renowned as a treasure trove of alpine plants. Formed 60,000 to 50,000 years ago, this lava plateau is geologically younger than the surrounding areas, formed more recently than the 100,000-year-old Midagahara plateau but older than Murodo. Tengu-daira was formed by lava flows during a period of intense volcanic activity around Mount Murodo, near the outer rim of the Tateyama caldera. Subsequent lava flows that formed Mount Tengu and Mount Kunimi shaped the current landscape. Many exposed rocks are visible in Tengu-daira, including andesite (a volcanic rock) and erratic boulders transported by glaciers. The vegetation is similar to that of Murodo, but with fewer crowds, offering a more relaxed hiking experience. Key plants found around Tengu-daira include: chinguruma (silvery cinquefoil), watasuge (cotton grass), iwakaagami (dwarf primrose), zenteika (golden saxifrage), and miyamakinbai (alpine cinquefoil). Extensive areas feature shojosuge, iwaicho, as well as iwashirobu, shojo bakama, mitsubaouren, kobaikeisou, miyamariンドウ, and shiraneninjinn growing in profusion. Within the ponds, you'll find yuchi kawazusuge, moosengoke (sundew), kidachimizugomoku (sphagnum moss), and numagaya. Ezo hosoi grows in the drier areas around the ponds. Tengu-daira offers ample accommodations, including the Tateyama Kogen Hotel and Tengu-daira Sanso. Taking the Tateyama Kogen bus on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and getting off at the Tengu-daira bus stop will place you before a breathtaking panorama of majestic scenery and a vibrant display of alpine flowers. The excellent location provides a vast flower field immediately upon arrival—a rare treat at an altitude exceeding 2,000 meters. During fine weather in summer, the Tengu-daira Suihei-do (horizontal path) allows you to walk between Tengu-daira and Murodo Station in about 50 minutes. A round trip takes less than two hours, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed stroll. Tengu-daira is a place where you can truly feel the power of nature, with its magnificent scenery and beautiful flowers in full bloom. We highly recommend a visit.