Unazuki Onsen & Kurobe Gorge Railway

Unazuki Onsen and the Kurobe Gorge Railway sit about 45 kilometers east of Toyama City in Kurobe City, reached by the Toyama Chihou Railway Main Line from Dentetsu-Toyama Station to Unazuki Onsen Station, a trip of about 90 minutes costing ¥1,870 ($11.80) one-way. From the adjacent station, the Kurobe Gorge Railway's open-air trolley train runs into the gorge toward Keyakidaira, a round trip of roughly ¥2,710 ($17.05) taking 1 to 1.5 hours each way depending on the shuttle terminus in use; the 2026 season runs a shortened shuttle between Unazuki and Nekomata through September 30. The narrow-gauge line, built originally to serve hydroelectric construction, climbs through steep granite gorge scenery, passing high trestle bridges and tunnels with views of the Kurobe River far below. A typical day begins with an early departure from Toyama to reach Unazuki by mid-morning, since trolley trains run every 20 to 40 minutes in peak season only between about 8:00 and 15:00. After the gorge ride, Unazuki Onsen itself offers riverside footbaths and day-use hot spring bathing at several ryokan, a good way to rest before the return journey. Restaurants near Unazuki Onsen Station serve river fish and mountain vegetable dishes suited to a post-hike lunch or dinner. The trolley operates late April through late November, with October and November bringing the gorge's autumn foliage, considered among the most dramatic in the Hokuriku region; the open-air cars mean warm layers are worth packing even in the shoulder seasons, as the gorge stays several degrees cooler than Toyama City. Because the line is train-only beyond Unazuki Onsen Station, a rental car only shortens the approach and cannot replace the trolley ride itself.