Unazuki Onsen
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. The Kurobe Gorge is one of those areas and is the biggest gorge in all of Japan. The entrance to that stunning natural scenery is the town of Unazuki Onsen. Situated at the entrance of the beautiful Kurobe Gorge, Unazuki Onsen is the largest hot spring town in Toyama Prefecture. Home to many guesthouses including traditional ‘ryokan’ and large hotels, the hot springs of Unazuki Onsen are known for the clarity of their water, known to aid healthy and vibrant skin. The scenery of the gorge even in this area can be refreshing and a good taste or things to come.
— About the Hot Spring Resort Town
— 25 Things to Do Around Toyama
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
WHERE IS THE UNAZUKI ONSEN
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 onsen town itself sits in an opening in river gorge that eventually becomes the deepest gorge in all of Japan. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the sense of adventure as you escape from modern society grows as you go deeper and deeper. Unazuki Onsen is the jumping off point and rest spot for those journeys.
ABOUT THE HOT SPRING TOWN
This small onsen town in the mountains opened its first hot spring in 1923 and has been visited by many famous authors and artists throughout history. It is famed for the clearness of the hot water that run through the same rocks you can see all over the Kurobe Gorge. Today there are numerous traditional Japanese Inns, hotels and day spas that you can choose from if you want to experience the waters.
The town itself always has some nice sights with a small temple where you can pour hot water over a statue for good luck, footbaths, traditional restaurants and a shrine with cute protection amulets with a moon on it. If you tire of walking around the town then head out for a short nature walk. There are a few hints at the spectacular Kurobe Gorge on this trail where you can get great pictures of the river, train and mountains all in one shot. You can also see a western looking “castle” and a modern art inspired observation deck.
There is so much to explore in this small town even before hopping on the Kurobe Railway (open April to November) to see the beautiful gorge. Unazuki Onsen is the gateway to the Kurobe Gorge a scenic train that runs about once or twice an hour. The round trip takes about 3 hours as you wind your way through the gorge. Deep in the mountains you can get off at Keyakidaira and walk around and soak in the natural beauty of the Northern Japanese Alps.
Stick around to enjoy a small traditional Japanese onsen town that has been popular for over a century before hopping on the scenic train running through stunning landscapes. This is a trip worth at least a day or two.
HOW TO GET THERE
The easiest way to get to Unazuki Onsen 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.
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!
