Kurobe Gorge
The Central Japanese Alps are not only famous for the beautiful snow capped mountains of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine but also the valleys and gorges created from the streams and river following from them. Japan has its share of beautiful gorges and ravines and among them, Kurobe Gorge is one of the most beautiful. Cut deep into the mountains by the Kurobe River, this is also one of Japan’s steepest gorges, blessed with beautiful forest – especially stunning in autumn – and several outdoor ‘onsen’ (natural hot springs). Easy to access by shinkansen from Kanazawa and Tokyo, you can enjoy this area from many of the major destinations around Japan.
Explore more about the Kurobe Gorge Railway below!
— 25 Things to Do Around Toyama
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
WHERE IS THE KUROBE GORGE
The mountains in the east of Toyama prefecture has many famous spots including the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine and the Kurobe Gorge. Although technically close to each other, they are separated by some of the tallest mountains in Japan with no direct connection(yet). The Kurobe Gorge can be found east of Unazuki Onsen town in the valley of the Kurobe River. Although it takes a lot of time to get there, the location in the deep mountains in Central Japan make it a ‘must-go’ if you’re in the area.
ABOUT THE GORGE
Kurobe Gorge is the product of the Kurobe River that flows from the middle of the Northern Japanese Alps. It starts from a height of 3,000 meters and winds its way 86 kilometers to the sea. This river creates the deep and spectacular V-shaped gorge that is known as the deepest in Japan. The gorge is best experienced riding the 20 kilometer, open-carriage Kurobe Gorge Railway. Operating from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station, the historic train takes approximately 80 minutes to cover the winding 20km journey. Passing over more than 20 bridges and through 40 tunnels, the views of the forested gorge are stunning. The mix of tall mountains, red bridges, blue-green water and stones throughout make for scenery that is difficult to forget.
At its most popular in autumn, the railway operates from mid-April until November from the terminus of Unazuki Station. There are four stations along the line, from where visitors can walk or enjoy an onsen, with some restaurants and accommodation also available. For accommodation options, refer to our ‘Unazuki Onsen & Kurobe Gorge Area’ hotel page.
HOW TO GET THERE
The easiest way to get to the Kurobe Gorge is from the Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Shinkansen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Make sure you are on the Hakutaka train, because only the “local” shinkansen run through this station about once an hour. The journey from Osaka(Kyoto) takes about 3(2.5) hours, costs about 12,000(11,000) yen and requires transfers at Tsuruga and Kanazawa. If you’re travelling from Kanazawa(Toyama) it takes 36(12) minutes and costs 3,560(1,470) yen. For those travelers coming from the east, trains from Tokyo(Nagano) take about 2.5 hours(50 minutes) and 11,550(5,950) yen.
Once you are at the station, hop on the Toyama Chiho Railway at Shin-Kurobe Station to Unazuki Onsen Station. This train takes 24 minutes and costs 640 yen. The journey is a very rural train line with nice views as you slowly make your way into the mountains. Once in the onsen town, you can hop on the Kurobe Gorge Railway. Get off at Keyakidaira Station so you can walk around the area and experience being deep in the gorge’s beauty.
TOP 25 THINGS TO DO AROUND TOYAMA
Stunning mountain landscapes in the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and Kurobe Gorge, historical temples throughout Takaoka, and traditional experiences in a UNESCO World Heritage site, Toyama has little bit of everything for travelers to Japan. The region doesn’t just have things to se but things to eat and do. You can try your hand at wood-carving, metal working or even papermaking. The seafood in the area is one of Japan’s best and freshest so you can’t miss the sushi. Our ’Top 25 Things To Do Around Toyama & Where To Stay’ page explains just how everything works, what’s on offer and where to stay.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Central Japan offers many, many reasons to visit. Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s 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.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Toyama and Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
