Unazuki Onsen and the Kurobe Gorge Railway

Pair a soak in Toyama's riverside hot spring town with a rattling open-sided mountain train through one of Japan's deepest gorges.

Published October 26, 2026 at 11:29 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Unazuki Onsen is a hot spring resort in Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture, at the entrance of the Kurobe Gorge. From its edge, the Kurobe Gorge Railway runs about 20 km up the river to Keyakidaira, usually from late April or May until the end of November. The ride takes roughly 80 to 90 minutes one way, and the town is a convenient base for soaking afterward.

Few travel combinations are as satisfying as a mountain train ride followed by a hot spring bath, and Unazuki delivers both within a few minutes' walk. The little trolley train winds through tunnels and across bridges above a green river, while the town below offers inns that have welcomed travelers for a century. The area has also become easier to reach since the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened a station nearby. This guide explains how the railway works, when it runs, what the onsen town offers and how to build a relaxed one or two day plan. Operating dates, fares and service sections change, so check the railway's official site before you go.

Unazuki Onsen at the Gorge Entrance

Unazuki Onsen is a hot spring resort in the city of Kurobe, in eastern Toyama Prefecture, at the point where the Kurobe River leaves its gorge. Reference works place it at about 100 m above sea level and say the resort opened in 1923, in the Taisho period. Many poets and writers have visited over the years.

Hot water emerges from sources along the river at about 98 degrees Celsius, with a mild sulfur smell and a slightly alkaline character. The water is shared with the nearby Kuronagi Onsen through a pipe of about 7 km, a small example of how closely the valley's hot spring resources are linked.

Ryokan and hotels stand along the Kurobe River. The town is compact, and its gentle atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to unwind after the train.

The Kurobe Gorge Railway in Brief

The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a narrow-gauge line of about 20 km that runs from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station along the Kurobe River. The track gauge is 762 mm, and the route has more than 200 curves, which gives the ride its lively, swaying character.

The line began as a working railway. Sections opened in 1926 for construction and the route to Keyakidaira was completed in 1937, built to haul materials for hydroelectric power projects including the Kurobe Dam. Passenger service began in 1953, and the line later became a tourist favorite.

The railway is often called a trolley train. Passengers ride small open-sided cars or, for an extra fee, more comfortable enclosed cars, so choose based on season, weather and how much wind you want on your face.

When It Runs and What to Check First

The railway does not run all year. Heavy snow suspends service from December to mid-April, and the Japan National Tourism Organization describes service between Unazuki and Keyakidaira as running from May 1 to November 30, with a shorter section opening in mid to late April. Dates can vary, so check the timetable.

Service patterns have changed in recent years. After damage to a railway bridge caused by the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, trains ran only part of the way for a period. According to the railway's own site in autumn 2026, full-line service between Unazuki and Keyakidaira is operating, Nekomata Station no longer handles boarding and alighting, and the sightseeing area at Keyakidaira is restricted, so about one hour there is recommended.

Seats can be reserved for some routes, and reservations are worth making in busy autumn weeks. Confirm sections, fares and reservations on the railway's website before traveling.

What You See From the Window

The ride is about scenery. The railway passes tunnels, steel bridges and green slopes, and the Japan National Tourism Organization notes a vermilion bridge, Okukane Bridge, about 34 m above the water near Keyakidaira. Atobiki Bridge near Kuronagi Station is about 60 m high and is the highest span on the route. Its name refers to the urge to step back when looking down.

Near Kanetsuri Station, thermal water rises through the riverbank, and visitors can walk down to the riverbed. Keyakidaira has hot spring hotels and inns, a platform framed by trees and a free riverside foot bath.

Open cars are breezy and tunnels can be chilly, so bring a light jacket even in summer. The enclosed car is more comfortable for the return trip, and the railway recommends choosing according to the weather.

Autumn Colors and Other Seasons

Autumn is the most popular season because the elevation changes spread color over the slopes from mountaintop to river. The Japan National Tourism Organization describes the autumn display as a range of tones across the gorge. Reserve early if you hope to ride at peak foliage time.

Other seasons have their own appeal, from fresh green in late spring to river views in summer. Early in the season, only a shorter section of the line may be running.

Weather can affect operation. Rain, snow or river conditions may suspend trains, so check notices on the day of travel.

Getting to Unazuki

The area is easy to reach from Tokyo. The Hokuriku Shinkansen stops at Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station, which opened in 2015. A walkway links it to Shin-Kurobe Station on the Toyama Chiho Railway Main Line, which runs to Unazuki-Onsen Station at the end of the line.

The Kurobe Gorge Railway's Unazuki Station is about a five-minute walk from Unazuki-Onsen Station on the Toyama Chiho Railway, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Parking is available for visitors who come by car.

Check train schedules and the rail pass rules before you go, since discounts for certain rail passes apply only on set dates.

Soaking and Staying in Town

An overnight stay lets you soak twice: once before dinner and once in the morning. Inns in Unazuki range from small family-run ryokan to larger hotels, and many offer meals with Toyama ingredients. Tell the inn about allergies and dietary needs when you reserve, since dishes vary by shop and season.

Follow standard onsen etiquette: wash before entering, keep towels out of the water and avoid long soaks if you feel dizzy. Visitors with health conditions should seek medical advice before bathing in hot water.

If you prefer a lighter option, some hot spring facilities and foot baths welcome day visitors. Check opening hours before you go.

A Simple One or Two Day Plan

For a day trip, arrive early, ride the railway in the morning, spend time at Keyakidaira or Kanetsuri, and return to Unazuki for a late afternoon soak. This pace leaves room for lunch and a short walk along the river.

For two days, stay overnight in an Unazuki inn. On the first day, explore the town and hot spring, and on the second day ride the railway. This approach spreads out the effort and gives you more time to enjoy the scenery.

Pack comfortable shoes, a rain jacket and a small towel. Photography is lovely, so keep your camera strap secure on the open cars and respect other passengers.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Onsen Towns is available on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Kurobe Gorge Railway ride?

The route is about 20 km and takes roughly 80 to 90 minutes one way from Unazuki to Keyakidaira. Intermediate stops such as Kuronagi and Kanetsuri suit shorter trips. Sources give slightly different times, so check the official timetable.

When does the Kurobe Gorge Railway operate?

Service is closed in winter due to snow, from about December to mid-April. The Japan National Tourism Organization describes the main season as May 1 to November 30, with a partial section opening in late April. Check the railway's website for current dates and sections.

Is Unazuki Onsen near a bullet train station?

Yes. Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen connects by walkway to Shin-Kurobe Station on the Toyama Chiho Railway. The local line runs to Unazuki-Onsen Station, and the Kurobe Gorge Railway's platform is a short walk away.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Crossing the Japan Alps, Onsen Etiquette Step by Step: Bathing the Japanese Way and Gokayama: Toyama's Quiet Gassho Villages.