Tateyama Mountains, a relatively stable rock ptarmigan habitat is a great place to see them.You may even seem them along the trail.<\/strong> Tsutomu Matsuda of the Toyama Grouse Research Society, has been studying rock ptarmigan since the 1970\u2019s. The data accumulated over many years in the same area plays a significant role in the future preservation of the rock ptarmigan. Mr. Matsuda has been working voluntarily from a very early stage to introduce the rock ptarmigan and on efforts for its preservation. He states, \u201cthe rock ptarmigan in Tateyama have built a great relationship with people.\u201d If you have high hopes of seeing a rock ptarmigan, climb up the Raichou-zaka slope all the way to the Tsurugi Gozen hut. Murodo offers the best chance for encountering a rock ptarmigan, so we recommend taking advantage of the opportunity and spending the night at this mountain pass with excellent views of Mt. Tsurugi.<\/p>\n From Tateyama Murodo Station walk towards Mikuri-gaike Lake. Please abide by the path indicators. Continue past Mikuri-gaike Lake, Mikuri-gaike Onsen, and the Raicho-so Inn until you come upon the sprawling Raicho-sawa Camping Ground. From here you can ascend the steep Raichou-zaka slope. It takes approximately 3.5 hours to reach Mt. Bessan. As you walk, keep in mind the opportunity to encounter a rock ptarmigan.<\/p>\n
\nAs soon as you exit Tateyama Murodo Station on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route, you will find yourself in a rock ptarmigan habitat. If you are lucky there will be rock ptarmigan to greet you right out of the station.<\/p>\n