The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a narrow-gauge trolley train that winds slowly along a steep, densely forested ravine once used to transport workers and materials during construction of the Kurobe hydroelectric dams. Its open-air carriages, running between Unazuki Onsen and Keyakidaira, cross numerous bridges and tunnels above the rushing Kurobe River, and the gorge is considered one of Japan’s finest autumn foliage viewing spots, drawing large crowds each October and November.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Unazuki, Toyama |
| Hours | Late April–late November (seasonal); ~8:00–16:00 |
| Admission | Roughly ¥1,900–2,700 one-way depending on distance |
| Time needed | 1.5–3 hours round trip |
| Best time | Late October–early November for foliage |
What to See
- Open-air carriages winding along the forested gorge.
- Numerous bridges and tunnels above the rushing Kurobe River.
- Some of Japan’s finest autumn foliage viewing, October–November.
- History as a former construction railway for the Kurobe dams.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Unazuki Onsen hot spring relaxation nearby.
- Pair with Kurobe Dam for the full Kurobe story.
- Read our Toyama overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR/Toyama Chiho Railway to Unazuki Onsen Station, then the trolley train departs nearby.
- By car: parking available near Unazuki Onsen Station.
Tips
Autumn weekends see heavy demand and long queues — arrive early or consider a weekday visit during peak foliage season. Open-air carriages mean weather exposure, so dress warmly even in mild-seeming autumn conditions, as the gorge stays cooler than surrounding lowlands.
