Keyakidaira Kurobe Gorge
Ride an open-air trolley train through one of Japan's deepest V-shaped gorges, famed for its dramatic scenery and autumn colors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors
Keyakidaira Kurobe Gorge
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride an open-air trolley train through one of Japan's deepest V-shaped gorges, famed for its dramatic scenery and autumn colors.
"Scenic railway up the mountains. Splendid views especially in autumn."
🧥 Dress in Layers
Temperatures can vary significantly in the gorge. Pack layers to stay comfortable, especially on the open-air train .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking to explore scenic spots like Sarutobi Gorge. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 309 reviews
Type
Train Station
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train
Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station
Ride an open-air trolley train through a dramatic V-shaped gorge with stunning mountain and river views.
Okukane Bridge
Near Keyakidaira Station
A striking vermillion bridge offering breathtaking views of the Kurobe River and the surrounding gorge.
Sarutobi Gorge
Keyakidaira area
Explore this narrow, dramatic section of the gorge, accessible by a short walk from Keyakidaira Station.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Autumn Colors
Book Your Train Tickets in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress in Layers
Temperatures can vary significantly in the gorge. Pack layers to stay comfortable, especially on the open-air train.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking to explore scenic spots like Sarutobi Gorge. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible! Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of the colorful leaves and dramatic landscapes.
♨️ Try the Foot Bath
Near Keyakidaira Station, you can find a foot bath to relax your feet while enjoying the gorge views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress in Layers
Temperatures can vary significantly in the gorge. Pack layers to stay comfortable, especially on the open-air train.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking to explore scenic spots like Sarutobi Gorge. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible! Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of the colorful leaves and dramatic landscapes.
♨️ Try the Foot Bath
Near Keyakidaira Station, you can find a foot bath to relax your feet while enjoying the gorge views.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
The train ride itself is about two hours one way. Factor in time for exploring at Keyakidaira and any stops along the way.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kurobe Gorge Railway for its breathtaking scenery, especially during autumn. The open-air trolley train experience is a highlight, offering an immersive journey through a dramatic natural landscape. While some find the journey long, most agree it's a worthwhile and essential part of a trip to Toyama.
"A must stop to visit the various scenic spots near this station. The orange trains here were eye catching. The station is spacious and well maintained. All the train timings are easily read and visible. Do spend a bit of time here to explore the surroundings. Well worth the time!!"
Hector Niam
"Scenic railway up the mountains. Splendid views especially in autumn. Be sure to try the open air onsen a stone's throw away from the last station up at the Kurobe Gorges."
Shinichi Kee Soon
"After about 1 hrs in very chilled rainy day of mid November. What we found is first snow on top of mountains. Outstanding Scenery, Worth !!!"
Khemmachat Man
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo or Osaka, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama Station. From Toyama Station, transfer to the Ainokaze Toyama Railway to Toyama-Chihō Railway's Unazuki Onsen Station, which is the starting point for the Kurobe Gorge Railway.
Yes, it's feasible as a day trip from Kanazawa. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama, then transfer to the local lines to reach Unazuki Onsen Station. The entire journey can take around 2-3 hours each way.
The most common route is via the Toyama Chihō Railway from Toyama Station. The journey to Unazuki Onsen Station takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and offers scenic views along the way.
Yes, there are parking lots available near Unazuki Onsen Station for visitors who are driving. It's advisable to check for availability and fees in advance, especially during peak season.
The Japan Rail Pass generally covers the Shinkansen and JR lines. However, the Toyama Chihō Railway and the Kurobe Gorge Railway are private lines and are not covered by the JR Pass. You will need to purchase separate tickets for these.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The round-trip fare from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station is approximately ¥3,960 for adults and ¥1,980 for children. Fares may vary depending on the destination station.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak autumn foliage season, to guarantee your seat on the popular trolley train.
The railway typically operates from late April to November 30th. Operating hours vary daily, usually from around 8 AM to 5 PM. It's best to check the official website for the exact schedule for your travel dates.
There is no separate entrance fee for Kurobe Gorge. The cost is primarily for the scenic trolley train ride that takes you through the gorge.
The trolley train operates in most weather conditions, including rain. However, in severe weather, operations might be suspended for safety. It's advisable to check the status on the day of your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Keyakidaira, you can explore scenic spots like the Okukane Bridge, Sarutobi Gorge, and enjoy a relaxing foot bath. It's the furthest accessible point by train and offers stunning views.
The journey from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes one way, covering about 20 km.
While the primary way to experience the gorge is via the train, there are walking paths and short trails around Keyakidaira Station for exploring the immediate surroundings.
Expect dramatic V-shaped valleys, steep cliffs, clear turquoise rivers, numerous bridges, tunnels, and in autumn, vibrant foliage. The scenery changes beautifully with each season.
The trolley train cars have steps, and some areas around Keyakidaira may have uneven terrain. It's advisable to contact the railway company in advance to inquire about accessibility options.
📸 📸 Photography
Keyakidaira Station and the surrounding areas, especially near Okukane Bridge and Sarutobi Gorge, offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The train itself, with its orange carriages, is also a photogenic subject.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the mist and soft colors, while late afternoon offers warm, golden hour light. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of autumn often make any time a good time.
Yes, the open-air nature of the trolley train allows for excellent photo opportunities as you travel through the gorge. Be mindful of other passengers and hold on securely.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash in tunnels or sensitive areas. Drone usage is typically prohibited.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gorge views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the water and foliage. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit