Do I need to make reservations in advance?

Reservations are not mandatory, as same-day tickets can be purchased at Unazuki Station starting at 06:50 hours and all passengers are guaranteed seats. However, waiting times may occur during Golden Week holidays (first week of May), Bon Festival, and autumn leaf season due to congestion. Online reservations are recommended during peak periods to avoid delays. Reservations are made by car number, with seating on a "first come, first served" basis within your assigned car.

What should I wear and bring for the train ride?

The open-air trolley cars are exposed to mountain weather, so proper preparation is essential. Bring extra clothes as mountain weather is unpredictable and bad weather can arrive quickly. From late September it can be cold, and spring temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F). Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring stations along the route. Layered clothing and rain protection are advisable regardless of season.

Are pets allowed on the train?

Pets are not permitted on the Kurobe Gorge Railway, except for seeing eye dogs. Passengers are responsible for the care of their seeing eye dogs during the journey. Service animals require no additional documentation but must remain under the owner's control throughout the trip.

How long are tickets valid and can I stop at intermediate stations?

Round-trip tickets are valid for 2 days, allowing flexibility to explore the gorge at your own pace. You can disembark at intermediate stations like Kuronagi, Keyakidaira, or Nekomata to visit hot springs, hiking trails, and observation points, then catch a later train back to Unazuki. This makes it possible to spend a full day exploring multiple locations along the route.

Is the full route currently operating?

No, the railway is currently operating with limited service. A bridge was damaged in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024, and won't be repaired before 2026 at the earliest. The railway currently operates only as far as Nekomata Station. This still provides access to spectacular gorge views and hot spring facilities, though the full journey to Keyakidaira is temporarily unavailable.

Kurobe Gorge Railway

4 (16)Train StationTransit StationTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

The Kurobe Gorge Railway operates Japan's most dramatic mountain railway experience through one of the country's deepest gorges. Originally built to serve the construction of the Kurobe dam for the Kansai Electric Power Company, which was completed in 1963, this 762mm narrow gauge railway was never intended for tourism. However, so many people requested to ride the train to enjoy the spectacular views of the gorge that the company began allowing travelers to use the railway, eventually spinning off as an independent railway company in 1971.

The railway holds significant cultural value as both an engineering achievement and gateway to Japan's pristine wilderness. The train travels 20.1 kilometers from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station through terrain that remains largely inaccessible by road. The gorge showcases some of Japan's most untouched natural beauty, with emerald river waters cutting through densely forested mountains that transform into spectacular displays of autumn colors each October.

Passengers ride in distinctive open-air trolley cars that provide unobstructed views of the dramatic landscape. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes one way, traveling at a leisurely 16 kilometers per hour. The experience includes crossing high bridges over the rushing Kurobe River and passing through tunnels carved into sheer rock faces. Multiple intermediate stations allow visitors to disembark and explore hot spring resorts, hiking trails, and observation points throughout the gorge.

The railway operates seasonally from mid-April through November, with tickets available in multiple classes. Round-trip fares range from ¥1,660 for adults to Kuronagi Station and ¥2,820 to Nekomata Station, with first-class upgrades available for an additional ¥600. Access the railway via JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station (2.5 hours, approximately ¥12,000), then transfer to local trains to reach Unazuki Station. Same-day tickets can be purchased from 6:50 AM at Unazuki Station, though advance reservations are recommended during peak seasons including Golden Week, summer festivals, and autumn foliage periods.