Kurobe Gorge

What to know

The Kurobe Gorge (黒部峡谷, Kurobe Kyōkoku) is a stunning forested ravine in the rugged Northern Japan Alps. Carved by the Kurobe River, it ranks among Japan's deepest gorges. Its steep cliffs, pristine forests, and open-air hot springs make it a popular spot for natural scenery. Do not confuse it with the nearby Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, which is accessed from a different direction.

The highlight of the gorge is the Kurobe Gorge Railway, a sightseeing train originally built to help construct the Kurobe Dam. Today, the small trains run along a winding 20-kilometer route between Unazuki and Keyakidaira stations. The exciting 80-minute ride crosses over 20 bridges and passes through more than 40 tunnels, offering panoramic views of the gorge below. Trains stop at several stations where visitors can get off and explore.

Trains operate seasonally from late April through November, with peak popularity in autumn when the forested slopes turn bright orange and red. Because the mountains cover a wide elevation range, the fall color season is long, typically from mid-October to mid-November.

Most trains have two types of cars. The majority are open-sided cars with 4-person bench seats (no backrests), but many trains also include enclosed cars with more comfortable seating for an extra fee. When you buy a ticket, you get a car number, but seats within the car are not assigned. For the best views, sit on the right side when heading into the gorge.

Unazuki Station, the departure point, is in Unazuki Onsen, a small hot spring town at the gorge entrance. The town has several hot spring baths, hotels, ryokan, museums, and walking trails leading into the gorge.

Kuronagi Station is the first stop along the railway. This small, isolated station sits on a steep forested cliff where the Kuronagi River meets the Kurobe River. It offers great views of the Atobiki Bridge high above the river, but trains stop only briefly, so you may not want to get off unless you plan to visit Kuronagi Onsen.