The beautiful Kurobe Gorge Railway is the main attraction of the Kurobe Gorge in the mountains of the Northern Japan Alps. With careful planning, you can enjoy the trip and the various spots along the way, especially in autumn to view the beautiful fall leaves in Toyama Prefecture.
Table of Contents
- About Kurobe Gorge and the Railway
- Route Guide and Sightseeing Spots in Kurobe Gorge
- Information about Kurobe Gorge Railways
- How to reach Kurobe Gorge?
- Conclusion
About Kurobe Gorge and the Railway
Kurobe Gorge - Kurobe Kyokoku 黒部峡谷 in Japanese - is a gorgeous canyon formed by the Kurobe River in Toyama Prefecture, Japan and is also one of Japan’s deepest. Its natural beauty across seasons and its hot springs are the main attractions for tourists. And the way to enjoy it is through the Kurobe Gorge Railway which takes visitors over and through multiple bridges and tunnels, including the famous red bridges found in the main photos of Kurobe Gorge. It’s approximately 80 minutes from end to end of the current route available and the train ride lets tourists indulge in the view of the gorge all along the journey, and for those willing, there are hiking trails and other things to enjoy along the way.
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Route Guide and Sightseeing Spots in Kurobe Gorge
The train has 4 stops for passengers to explore, namely Unazuki Station, Kuronagi Station, Kanetsuri Station and Keyakidaira Station.
Each stop has various sightseeing spots, so here we have listed a few of the most famous ones.
Unazuki Station
This is the first station where you get on the train. There are also trails leading to observation points which you can check out as well. As Unazuki Station is part of Unazuki Onsen, a quaint hot spring town, you can look forward to a nice bath at the end of your travels on your return!
Shin-Yamabiko Bridge
Arguably the most iconic image of the Kurobe Gorge is this crimson red bridge called Shin-Yamabiko Bridge. It is also known as New Yamabiko Bridge. You are going to love the view of and from this bridge.
Unazuki Dam
This is one of the newest attractions along the route, as this dam opened in 2001. As you pass it, you will see the red Komen Bridge as well as Shin-Yanagawara Power Plant which you can’t miss because it looks like a European castle tower! It is a beautiful location for all your Instagram worthy pictures!
Kuronagi Station
This is the second stop along the way.
Kuronagi Onsen
Kuronagi Onsen is a secluded hot spring and ryokan, traditional-style accommodation. How secluded is it? It takes a 20-minute walk - or rather, more of a hike - to reach Kuronagi Station and there’s no other way to get there. But once you’re there, you’ll be immersed in a forest on the mountainside for a truly calming experience.
Atobiki Bridge
This blue bridge stretches across the deepest part of the gorge in the whole route. You can get off the train at the station and take photos of the bridge, as it’s really close. The bridge itself is 60 meters tall and 64 meters long. Stare down as you cross over it if you dare!
Kanetsuri Station
This is the third stop on the railroad.
Kurobe Mannen Yuki
This is an interesting phenomenon where this snowbank, called Kurobe Mannen Yuki, never melts. The snow builds up every year and remains a permanent wall. It’s recommended to be viewed in May because the snow in contrast with the new greenery in spring is quite the sight. The observatory is a 3-minute walk from the station.
Kanetsuri Kawara Bath
Kanetsuri Kawara is an open air historic hot spring by the Kurobe River that’s completely free. The catch? It’s completely out in the open meaning anyone can use it, but everyone can see you! Many people use it as a foot bath, but people who are staying in Kanetsuri often actually take a dip. You can also choose to stay at Kanetsuri Onsen Inn, provided you have a prior reservation made. In the evening, people staying in the inn can get exclusive use of this outdoor bath.
Keyakidaira Station
Last but not least, Keyakidaira Station is the fourth and last stop on the railway.
Sarutobikyo Gorge
Sarutobikyo - the name meaning “jumping monkey” - is a beautiful gorge about a 30-minute walk from the station. It’s considered one of the most beautiful places in the whole area, which is quite the reputation considering that the whole route has been described as beautiful.
Hitokui Iwa
Much closer to the station is an interesting walkway where the trail looks as though cut directly into the cliff, the name of the spot being “people-eating rock” by the way it curves overhead over the trail walkers. It’s only about a 5-minute walk from the station.
Information about Kurobe Gorge Railways
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There are 3 kinds of train seats available for booking (Making reservations is HIGHLY recommended especially in the busiest season which is fall to see the autumn leaves. Some same-day tickets are available but as it takes time to transfer to the train, and you often can’t just jump immediately on the next available train, it’s best to be prepared.)
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Regular - Open-air (which means there are no windows) cars with four-person bench seats make up most of the train.
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Second Class - Has windows and cushier seats with backs for an additional cost
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First Class - Has windows and the backs of the seats can be moved so you’re never stuck with your back to the view going forward.
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Although your car will be assigned by your reservation, seating is “first come, first served” so make sure to leave enough time to line up. You’ll want to grab seats on the right side when leaving from Unazaki Station to get the best views and photos along the way.
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There are no toilet facilities on the train but there are facilities available in each station.
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It is advisable to carry some extra clothes as the mountain weather can change quickly and it can get chilly especially if you’re riding the open-air cars.
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The trains don’t run at night and the last train leaves in the early evening, so make sure you leave enough time to do everything on your itinerary. Hiking paths may also close due to weather so check at the first station as there may not be noticed beforehand.
How to reach Kurobe Gorge?
From Tokyo Station, you can take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station (NOT the final destination), then transfer to the Toyama Chiho Railway which will take you to Unazuki Onsen Station (yes the names are quite similar so don't get mixed up!). From there, it’s a short walk to the Kurobe Gorge Railway. It’s a roughly 3-hour journey.
From Osaka or Kyoto, take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express train to Kanazawa then take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen for Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station. The rest of the trip is the same as Tokyo from that point. The journey will take about 4 hours.
From Nagoya Station, you can take Wide View Hida to Toyama Station then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kurobe Unazuki Onsen, after which is the same as the two above. The journey will take about 4.5 hours.
Or you could fly into Toyama Airport and take a bus to Toyama Station and follow the above routes. Or you could take an overnight bus to Toyama Station and follow the above routes as well.
Conclusion
Kurobe Gorge is a famous destination in Japan and is enjoyed via the Kurobe Gorge Railway. Although you can visit at any time of the year, again we suggest autumn is the best time to visit. It's a good place for short hiking trails and to enjoy hot springs. It is best enjoyed with family, friends or with a group of people who enjoy the natural beauty. Just make sure to reserve your tickets in advance for the smoothest travels.
