Thrilling Views of the Kurobe Gorge

A small, open-air “trolley” train offers some of the most panoramic views in Japan as it slowly chugs along

The Kurobe Gorge Railway offers a journey through a beautiful mountain ravine. Originally built to aid in the construction of an electric power station, this train travels slow along a wonderfully scenic 20-kilometer stretch through tunnels and across bridges, offering sweeping views of the gorge.

Visitors may stop at some of the numerous stations along the way to enjoy all this untouched area has to offer. Visit hot spring facilities to enjoy the surrounding nature from warm waters. Go for a stroll across the many footbridges to enjoy the landscape at a leisurely pace. A variety of hiking courses have trailheads near the final stop, boasting routes sure to please hikers of all levels. The gorge is in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, so visitors can find even more in the surrounding park. 

The Kurobe Gorge Railway operates from spring, when the foliage is a fresh green and flowers are in bloom, through autumn, when it becomes a popular viewing spot for the changing colors of the forest trees. 

Access: Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes), then take the local train to Unazukionsen Station (about 30 minutes).
 

Kurobe Gorge Railway