Kurobe Gorge

Cross a deep gorge on a train

Formed in the Northern Japan Alps over a long time by the Kurobe River, the Kurobe Gorge is a large, beautiful valley that draws visitors in with its spectacular beauty. The open-air trains of the Kurobe Gorge Railway, a sightseeing railway that travels a route not accessible by car, is a popular way to experience this magnificent wilderness up close.

Trains cross the valley, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons

The open-air trains operate from late April to November, linking the 20 km stretch between Unazuki Station and Keyakidaira Station on the Kurobe Gorge Railway. The trains, which take a leisurely hour and twenty minutes to make the journey each way, pass through more than 40 tunnels and over 20 bridges. The scenic views from the train cars change with each season, with fresh greenery in spring, cool summers, and the colorful leaves of fall, offering new revelations with each visit. Special tours are sometimes arranged in winter.

The superb scenery of the gorge and off-the-beaten-path hot springs

In addition to its wilderness grandeur, the Kurobe Gorge is famed as a hot spring resort that offers soothing relaxation to visitors. The open-air baths scattered around the vicinity of the stations on the way have a hidden, off-the-beaten-path feel to them, offering visitors the luxury of enjoying a magnificent view of the gorge while relaxing in the steamy spring waters.

The area around the station has hot springs and a dam for your enjoyment

The area around Unazuki Station, the starting point for the Kurobe Gorge Railway, serves as the gateway for sightseeing in Kurobe Gorge and features many things to see and do. Popular for its plentiful hot springs with silky smooth water, Unazuki Onsen offers foot baths and day-use hot spring facilities. Unazuki Dam has an observation platform that offers stunning views, and there are also walking trails in the area. The Kurobe River Electricity Memorial Hall has many displays where you can learn about the history of hydroelectric power on the Kurobe River.