Kurobe Gorge
Kurobe Gorge, A Deep Granite Gorge In Toyama In The Northern Japan Alps, Seen From The Open Sided Kurobe Gorge Railway, A Narrow Gauge Line Of Tunnels And Bridges That Runs From Unazuki Onsen Up The River In Summer And Autumn. · Kurobe, Toyama
Kurobe Gorge is a deep, steep-walled gorge on the Kurobe River in Toyama, inside the Chubu-Sangaku National Park in the northern Japan Alps. Most visitors see it from the Kurobe Gorge Railway, a narrow-gauge 'torokko' sightseeing train of small open-window carriages that runs about 20 km from Unazuki up to Keyakidaira, roughly 80 minutes one way. The line crosses bridges high above green water and passes through many tunnels, and the gorge walls close in as you climb. It runs only from late April to late November, because snow closes the gorge in winter. It suits rail fans, photographers and travellers who like dramatic scenery without hard hiking, and Unazuki Onsen at the start offers baths before or after. It is worth the detour on a clear day in early summer or autumn colour season. It is not worth it in heavy rain, when rockfall can stop the trains, or if you dislike a slow ride with crowds. Seats are limited and weekends fill, so book ahead. The Kurobe Dam is a different route.
Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe, Toyama; the Kurobe Gorge Railway leaves from Unazuki Station, reached from Toyama by the Toyama Chiho Railway, Kurobe, Toyama, Japan
The railway runs only in the open season, from late April to late November, with several departures a day from Unazuki and the last return in the afternoon - confirm the timetable, which changes by month. The line closes in winter because of snow and avalanche risk, and may stop for rockfall, heavy rain or inspections at short notice. Seat booking opens about a month ahead and weekend and autumn colour seats fill early - confirm how to reserve. Open-window cars cost the base fare, while the enclosed salon car costs extra. Unazuki Station is reached from Toyama by the Toyama Chiho Railway and a short change; IC cards may not work on the gorge line, so carry cash.