The Kurobe Gorge Railway offers a spectacular journey through one of Japan's deepest ravines. The train ride provides breathtaking views of the gorge's pristine nature and stunning scenery. To help you plan your unforgettable trip, we have compiled a detailed timetable of the train services and other useful tidbits. On this page you will find the following information:
Visitors headed to the Kurobe Gorge should consider combining their visit with the nearby Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Open of Japan's most iconic natural landscapes, the combination of these two destinations offers a truly memorable experience while in Central Japan. The start point of the railway in Unazuki Onsen is a classic onsen town that can be an excellent place to spend a nice and enjoy the more rural areas of Japan.
Kurobe Gorge Railway Timetable & Services
Daily schedules for the Kurobe Gorge Railway vary throughout the year so it is best to refer to the official timetable page for the current operating times. Running 20km from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station, the railway is one of Japan’s most scenic train-rides. Taking approximately 80 minutes to complete the journey between Unazuki and Keyakidaira, the line follows the Kuronagi River along the heavily forested gorge and in doing so, passes over 20 bridges and through around 40 tunnels.
Timetable & Services
There are several stations/platforms along the line but only Unazuki, Kuronagi, Nekomata are open to the public. Please note that the train is only running to and from Nekomata at this time due to the earthquake in 2024. (current as of October 2025) From Unazuki Station, expect the following times (May 10, 2025 – November 30, 2025):
From Unazuki to Nekomata
Unazuki 宇奈月 | Kuronagi 黒薙 | Nekomata 猫又 | |
08:17 | 08:41 | 09:02 | |
09:00 | 09:24 | 09:44 | |
09:42 | 10:06 | 10:28 | |
10:22 | 10:48 | 11:11 | |
11:06 | 11:30 | 11:52 | |
11:48 | 12:12 | 12:34 | |
12:28 | 12:53 | 13:16 | |
13:11 | 13:35 | 13:58 | |
13:51 | 14:17 | 14:43 | |
14:33 | 14:59 | 15:25 | |
★ | 15:19 | 15:43 | 16:07 |
From Nekomata to Unazuki
Nekomata 猫又 | Kuronagi 黒薙 | Unazuki 宇奈月 | |
09:24 | 09:52 | 10:17 | |
10:09 | 10:36 | 10:59 | |
10:51 | 11:16 | 11:41 | |
11:33 | 11:58 | 12:23 | |
12:15 | 12:39 | 13:04 | |
12:57 | 13:21 | 13:46 | |
13:39 | 14:04 | 14:28 | |
14:22 | 14:46 | 15:10 | |
15:06 | 15:29 | 15:54 | |
15:48 | 16:12 | 16:35 | |
★ | 16:30 | 16:52 | 17:16 |
★…Operates until November 30, 2025
Further information about stops and highlights along the line can be found on our ‘Highlights of the Kurobe Gorge Railway’ page.
25 Things to Do Around the Alpine Route & Where to Stay
One of the most rewarding experiences in Japan, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route utilises a series of transports to ascend Japan’s highest mountain range. Crossing from Nagano to Tateyama, the route connects multiple destinations and opens-up an otherwise remote and dramatic landscape. Our ’25 Things To Do Around The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route & Where To Stay’ page explains just how it works, what’s on offer and where to stay.
Tours & Charters Around the Kurobe Gorge
Central Japan offers many, many reasons to visit. Operating all year round, we are the regions No.1-rated tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, to transport you to, from and between any regional destination including the Kurobe Gorge.
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen
- Spots:
- KanazawaKurobe Gorge
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
In the Northern Japanese Alps lies a small beautiful onsen town sitting at the entrance of an even more amazing sight, Kurobe Gorge, Japan’s deepest V-shaped gorge. On this tour you can experience the great natural beauty of Japan and the small town feel of a popular onsen resort. Your local guide will show you foot baths and healing buddhas, ride on the trolley train across spectacular gorges and, finally, stroll through nature with unusual onsen water rivers. City and scenery, bridges and buddhas, trolley trains and quaint walks, fully enjoy a lesser traveled part of Japan in Unazuki Onsen and the Kurobe Gorge!
For a more personalized experience, private charters are also available. We can pick you up from a location of your choice anywhere in Central Japan, and bring you to your preferred destination. Airport pickup from Tokyo or Nagoya, even Osaka, is also possible. Our services may be used for taking day trips that include a few hard to reach destinations as well, removing the hassle of using often infrequent public transport options. A guide can be requested for an additional fee to turn the day into a completely private tour, where you decide the itinerary and our guides show you around in a timely and engaging manner. For more information concerning pricing and availability, please see here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to go?
It is usually open from mid-April to November 30. You can see the snow in the spring, alpine landscapes in the summer and the colorful leaves in the fall so depending on what you want, any time is good!
What's the temperature like?
In the spring it is pretty chilly and so you'll definitely need a good jacket. High temperatures ranging from 5C to 15C (32F to 59F) are common. The summer is warm with high temperatures ranging from 20C to 30C (68F to 86F) although it can get chilly at night. Once you get into October/November temperatures drop back to around a high of 10C to 20C (50F to 68F) or even colder.
The weather changes quickly on the mountain so be prepared!
How long should I stay here?
If you want to get the most from your experience, one day or night is good enough.
There are a few things to do other than the trolley train itself, including the Yamabiko Trail. This is a short walk that follows the former path of the train that existed before the new bridge was constructed. There are multiple observations points that are walkable from the station including of the Unazuki Dam Lake, Unazuki Dam itself and of the Yamabiko Bridge from above.
Don't forget the onsen hot springs themselves! There are a couple that are open to the public. If you are new to hot springs, try a foot bath! There are three throughout the town, the one with the coolest water is the one next to Toyama Chiho Railway Station.
How long is the train ride?
Currently, as of 2025, the full length is not open, so to the station of Nekomata and back it takes 2 hours.
How is it in rain?
It's still pretty great! The clouds form a misty over to the mountains. There are two types of cars, one that is open and one that is closed. It is recommended during the rain to use the closed-type, although it comes with a small additional cost.
Is there food near the train station?
Yes, the town of Unazuki Onsen has multiple restaurants both in the trolley train station and in the town itself. There is also a convenience store that is a 5/7 minute walk from Unazuki Station.
Can you eat on the train?
Yes! Feel free to bring to bring a bento, snacks or a drink on the train. Be aware that the train moves around and there can be some decent winds, so do bring anything that can fly away easily.
What else is there in Toyama Prefecture?
Our "Things to Do in Toyama" page has everything you need to get started! The city is located conveniently between the mountains and the sea, so there is easy access to either scenery. If you're looking for a skiing, check out our "Best Ski Resorts in Toyama" or if onsen are more your things check out "Best Onsen Hot Springs in Toyama!" Nature types might be interested in our "Best Spots for Autumn Leaves Around Toyama" guide for fall foliage photography! If it's not just museums, but shrines and temples that you're interested in, you should have a look at our "Best Goshuin near Toyama" to get more info about the red stamps that are growing in popularity as well as the general "Best Shrines and Temples in Toyama." Foodies can't miss out on our "Toyama's Famous Foods" guide - it'll help you learn more about the local food and where to eat it.
