The Kurobe Gorge, located in the rugged mountains of the Northern Japan Alps, is a picturesque and densely forested ravine. Carved by the Kurobe River, it stands as one of Japan's deepest gorges and is renowned for its unspoiled wilderness, towering cliffs, and natural hot springs, making it a popular destination for those seeking scenic beauty.

The main attraction of the gorge, the vibrant red Yamabiko Bridge serves as a prominent landmark, welcoming visitors to the Kurobe Gorge. With a length of 166 meters, it stands as the longest bridge spanning the Kurobe River. The bridge can be admired from various viewpoints, including the Unazuki Station area, the Yamabiko Observation Platform nestled in the surrounding hills, or from a pedestrian bridge adjacent to it.

Nearby Yamabiko bridges , the Kurobe Gorge Railway operates as a sightseeing train originally constructed to facilitate the building of the Kurobe Dam. Today, these small trains traverse a winding, 20-kilometer route between Unazuki and Keyakidaira stations. During the captivating 80-minute journey, passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the gorge, crossing over 20 bridges and passing through more than 40 tunnels. Along the way, the trains make stops at several stations, allowing visitors the opportunity to disembark and explore the surrounding areas at their own pace.

How to Get There

The Kurobe Gorge should not be confused with the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Although geographically close to each other, they are accessed from different directions.

From Tokyo

Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kurobe Unazuki Onsen (2.5 hours, about 12,000 yen one way, 1 train/hour, covered by the Japan Rail Pass). Toyama Chiho Railway trains depart from Shin-Kurobe Station (next to the shinkansen station) to Unazuki Onsen Station (25 minutes, 640 yen, 1-2 departures per hour, not covered by the Japan Rail Pass). The sightseeing trains into the Kurobe Gorge depart from a separate railway station, Unazuki Station, a short walk from Unazuki Onsen Station.

From Kyoto/Osaka

Take an hourly departing JR Thunderbird limited express trains from Osaka or Kyoto to Kanazawa and transfer the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen for Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station. The entire journey takes about three hours, costs about 9,500 yen, and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Toyama Chiho Railway trains depart from Shin-Kurobe Station (next to the shinkansen station) to Unazuki Onsen Station (25 minutes, 640 yen, 1-2 departures per hour, not covered by the Japan Rail Pass). The sightseeing trains into the Kurobe Gorge depart from a separate railway station, Unazuki Station, a short walk from Unazuki Onsen Station.