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Kurobe Gorge

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Kurobe Gorge

Ride the trolley train into a secluded gorge filled with spectacular scenery.

3.18 5

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Supervised by :  Kurobe Gorge Railway Co., Ltd.

Kurobe Gorge is a vast V-shaped gorge carved deep into the landscape by the Kurobe River. Originating at Mount Washiba in the central Japanese Alps, the river flows for 86 km between the Tateyama and Ushiro-Tateyama mountain ranges, descending steep slopes with an elevation difference of up to 3,000 m.

The only way to access this rugged gorge is by trolley train. The gently rocking journey from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, traveling approximately 20 km and passing eight stations along the way. Scenic spots along the route include Sarutobi Gorge, designated both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument; Okukane Bridge, which spans the main course of the Kurobe River 34 m above the water; and the striking Hitokui Iwa, or “People-eating Crag,” which appears ready to swallow passersby. Open-air hot spring baths and foot baths are also scattered throughout the area. Visitors can explore the walking trails along the gorge while taking in the scenery of each season.

There are two types of trolley train cars: open-air ordinary passenger cars without windows and roomier relaxation cars. Choose according to the season, your plans, and the size of your group. Restaurants are available at Unazuki Station, where the trains depart, and Keyakidaira Station, the final stop. A selection of boxed meals to eat on the train is also available.

Highlights

  • A variety of walking routes offer different ways to explore according to your available time and interests.
  • At the beginning of the operating season, trains run round trips on only part of the route, from Unazuki Station to an intermediate station.
  • Trains often sell out during busy periods, so advance reservations online are recommended.

Photos

  • The train passes through fresh greenery and crosses railway bridges spanning the gorge.

    The train passes through fresh greenery and crosses railway bridges spanning the gorge.

  • Okukane Bridge near Keyakidaira Station, with Hitokui Iwa farther ahead

    Okukane Bridge near Keyakidaira Station, with Hitokui Iwa farther ahead

  • An open-air passenger car offers refreshing breezes along the way. (Photo courtesy of the Toyama Tourism Organization)

    An open-air passenger car offers refreshing breezes along the way. (Photo courtesy of the Toyama Tourism Organization)

  • The large open-air bath at Kuronagi Onsen, 600 m from Kuronagi Station (Photo courtesy of the Toyama Tourism Organization)

    The large open-air bath at Kuronagi Onsen, 600 m from Kuronagi Station (Photo courtesy of the Toyama Tourism Organization)

  • Kanetsuri Riverbank, where visitors can also play in the water

    Kanetsuri Riverbank, where visitors can also play in the water

Reviews

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 蘇自強
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    On a hot summer day, I boarded the Kurobe Gorge trolley train alone, thinking, “It’s just an adventure, right?”
    As soon as the train departed, a cool breeze began to blow, and the farther up the mountain we went, the cooler it became! Along the way, the leaves were lush and green, and the river was deep blue, making the summer heat disappear. Someone pointed across the stream and said, “See that? That’s snow that has been there for a thousand years!” The “winter walkway” beside the tracks is used by railway maintenance workers during the snowy season. Their dedication to maintaining the railway even in the bitter cold is truly admirable! This was not only an adventure, but also a moving journey!

  • 王小鈞
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    On this trip along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, I passed through Kurobe Gorge and was truly blown away by the scenery. The weather was excellent that day, and the magnificent valley, lush green forests, and clear streams came together like a breathtaking painting.

    Riding through the mountains, every turn revealed a different view of nature. Kurobe Gorge is known for its deep ravines and dramatic mountain scenery, and I couldn’t stop taking photos. It’s absolutely worth a visit!

  • 游文祥
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    There are many hot springs near Kurobe Gorge, especially in the Unazuki Onsen area. After exploring the gorge, you can relax in a hot spring. It really makes for a perfect trip.

  • 劉享
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    This railway was originally used for mining, but now it's a sightseeing train. It's especially cool in the summer, and I bet the gorge looks even more beautiful in the fall.

  • Lee Jie Dong
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    The scenery along the little train ride is gorgeous! But since the train has no windows, the wind made it freezing the whole way!

Details

Name in Japanese
黒部峡谷
Postal Code
938-0293
Address
11 Kurobe Kyokokuguchi, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture
Phone
0765-62-1011 (Kurobe Gorge Railway Customer Center)
Trolley Train Closure Period
December to mid-April
Trolley Train Hours
Varies by operating period. Please see the timetable on the official website for details.
Trolley Train Fares
Varies by route. Please see the official website for details.
An additional charge applies for relaxation cars.
Access
Just steps from Unazuki Onsen Station on the Toyama Chihou Railway
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa