Sep–Nov
The deepest V-shaped gorge in Japan, threaded by an open-air trolley train that no road can reach. Hot-spring ryokan at the gateway, cliffs 1,500 metres overhead.
Following the January 2024 Noto earthquake, trains run only between Unazuki and Nekomata until at least September 30, 2026. The Kanetsuri Bridge slope is under repair; status from October will be announced in early July.
Kurobe sits at the eastern edge of Toyama prefecture, where the Kurobe River carves Japan's deepest ravine through the heart of the Northern Alps. The whole destination is anchored at one Shinkansen stop, Kurobe-Unazuki-Onsen, and the local Chitetsu railway delivers you to Unazuki Onsen, the hot-spring village from which the trolley train departs.
In autumn, the gorge becomes one of Japan's most photographed places. In winter, it goes quiet under three metres of snow. Year-round, the ryokan and onsen below stay open.
Cliffs rise 1,500 m on either side, with an average canyon gradient of 36°. Sat inside Chubu-Sangaku National Park.
A 762 mm narrow-gauge line that began in 1923 hauling cement for hydroelectric construction. Today, you ride the same track passengers first boarded in 1929.
Alkaline beauty-bath ryokan steps from the torokko station. Premium kaiseki, riverside soaks, sweeping gorge views.
Every Hakutaka stops at Kurobe-Unazuki-Onsen, 2 h 20 min from Tokyo. A 1-minute walk to the local Chitetsu line takes you the final 25 minutes to Unazuki Onsen.
Every Hakutaka stops at Kurobe-Unazuki-Onsen Station. From there it's a 1-minute walk to the Chitetsu line, then 25 min to Unazuki Onsen and the torokko terminus.
The torokko itself is not covered by JR Pass, it's a private third-sector railway. Reservations open Apr 1 (individuals) / Jan 10 (groups). See the official site for current discount programmes.
The Torokko Densha, a 762 mm narrow-gauge open-air trolley train threading 20 km along Japan's deepest gorge. Operating April 20 – November 30, 2026.
Reservations open · book 2–3 months ahead for autumn. The official site accepts bookings 3 months ahead in five languages; ryokan can also book on guests' behalf.
Group bookings open (15+)
Individual bookings open
2026 season opens
Both cars run on the same train. The choice is between unfiltered canyon air and a backrest with a roof. After "is it running", it's the most-asked question we hear.
The classic open-air torokko. No windows, no glass, just roof and side rails. Bench seats, four across, no backrest.
Enclosed cars with openable windows. Cross-seats with backrests. Some are barrier-free with wheelchair access.
The train moves at a deliberate pace, the point isn't speed. Highlights, in order, on the right-hand side outbound from Unazuki.
Crimson steel arch, 40 metres above the river. Named for the way the train's sound echoes through the onsen village. The first marquee shot of the ride.
Emerald reservoir behind Unazuki Dam. A small suspension bridge, the Monkey Bridge, was built specifically so monkeys could cross the lake. Look up; you might see one.
The most spectacular bridge on the line, 60 m high, 64 m long, spanning the deepest section of the canyon. The name means "step back". Early explorers reportedly were so frightened they instinctively did.
A 200-metre cliff face called Nezumigaeshi (rat-return) rises directly above the train. The Year of the Cat 2026 has temporarily opened this workers-only stop with a viewing deck and 20-minute photo break.
The full 20.1 km of the line continues past Nekomata to Kanetsuri and Keyakidaira. These sections are closed for 2026 while the Kanetsuri Bridge slope is repaired. Kept here for planning a return trip when the line fully reopens.
Cliff-side ryokan, riverside hot springs you build yourself, and the Kurobe "eternal snow" patches that don't fully melt in summer.
The final terminus. Rooftop observation deck, foot bath, soba and char restaurants, gateway to the Sarutobikyo trail.
One of only two places in Japan designated both Special Place of Scenic Beauty AND Special Natural Monument. ~30-min walk from Keyakidaira.
34-metre crimson arched bridge near Keyakidaira Station. Iconic photo composition with autumn foliage.
"Human-eating rock", a path carved through the cliff where the rock above curves outward. 5 minutes from Keyakidaira.
Cliff-side rotenburo with waterfall sounds. 15 minutes from Keyakidaira; ¥1,000 day-use.
The natural base for any Kurobe trip. Alkaline beauty-bath water, kaiseki featuring local seafood and mountain vegetables, and the torokko platform a few minutes' walk away.
Full hotel options & current prices: Toyama Hotels Guide →