Discover the Kurobe Gorge by train
- Published on : 26/04/2024
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Kurobe Gorge Toyama (JNTO)
In Toyama prefecture, the Kurobe Gorge is a breathtaking sight in autumn, when the forests turn crimson. The best way to enjoy it? A train trip! All aboard now, as Japan Experience presents this exceptional line.
An atypical railroad line
Inaugurated in 1926, this railroad line was long used to transport materials to the region's hydroelectric dams. In the 1950s, rather than being abandoned, it was opened to the public. An immediate success! The landscapes along the way are a delight for travelers, especially in autumn, when the colors are breathtaking.
Open from mid-April to the end of November, the line is closed in winter due to weather conditions. Departing from Unazuki, the 20 km route winds its way through mountains, tunnels and bridges to the Keyakidaira terminus. A total of nine stations punctuate this spectacular journey, offering breathtaking views of the gorges! That's why we recommend devoting an entire day to exploring this exceptional line.
Kurobe Gorge
@Unsplash
Original tourist trains
The Kurobe line features a number of tourist carriages. The most popular are the open "torokko" cars (literally, "nose to the wind"). Very popular in summer, they allow you to escape the heat and enjoy the scenery at the same time. But don't be afraid of heights! The train moves slowly along the mountainside, overlooking crystal-clear lakes from dizzying metal bridges.
Don't panic if you're afraid of heights: the trains are also equipped with closed carriages with comfortable seats. A little more expensive, these are no less exotic, as their large windows offer a breathtaking view of the gorges.
Along the way, you can also admire locomotives and material transport trains. Some date back to the 1930s.
Visit Toyama, Kurobe Gorge Prefecture with our regional passes or the Japan Rail Pass!
Sights to discover
The Kurobe Gorge is dotted with several must-see spots along the line:
- In Unazuki, the ryokan and their onsen are the main attraction of this small spa town. Here, restaurants offer local specialties based on fresh fish and seasonal vegetables. Several viewpoints offer panoramic views of the gorge, including a pedestrian bridge ideal for immortalizing the trains crossing the landscape.
- The first dam you come across near Unazuki is also the most recent: built in 2001, it marks the beginning of the adventure. Along the way, Yanagibashi station has a surprise in store: a power station disguised as a medieval European castle!
- At Kuronagi station, a path along a river leads to a hidden onsen.
- It's worth noting that some stations are mere crossing points (the line is single-track), but they add charm to the journey.
Kurobe Gorge
@unsplash
Currently (autumn 2025), the line stops at Nekomata due to rehabilitation work. Under normal circumstances, the line continues to Keyakidaira station. Near Keyakidaira station, a path passes beneath a spectacular rock formation, reminiscent of a giant maw ready to swallow you whole. A final touch of mystery to round off the journey.
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