There are many easy ways to access Nagano Prefecture, such as hopping on the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo or driving in along one of the many expressways.  And there are some more scenic routes, such as the highway or train following the old Nakasendo Trail up the Kiso Valley or a bus or car over the Japanese Alps from Hida-Takayama to Matsumoto.  But by far the most adventuresome gateway to Nagano is the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route which takes in the majestic Mt. Tateyama and the massive Kurobe Dam all while riding an exciting variety of transport modes.