Kurobe Gorge Railway Guide: Stations, Tickets and the Keyakidaira Reopening

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The Kurobe Gorge Railway runs from Unazuki deep into the Kurobe Gorge in Toyama, with open-air trains crossing more than 20 bridges above turquoise water. Since 1 October 2026, trains run all the way to Keyakidaira again (about 80 minutes each way) after the 2024 Noto earthquake cut the line short. The season is late April to late November; book online and bring cash for extras.

Kurobe is a city in Toyama Prefecture, on the north side of Central Japan, surrounded by mountains and the sea. Even though it's far north, H and I decided to make the trip in autumn 2019 as Part 4 of our 7-day Central Japan road trip. Thanks to H doing the 4-hour drive from Kusatsu, we arrived safely.

The Kurobe Gorge Railway

You've probably seen photos of the Kurobe Gorge Railway in Japan tourism ads without realising where it was. It's popular with locals but still under the radar for many tourists, partly because it only runs from spring to late autumn.

The gorge is about 20 minutes from Kurobe city and is a paradise of its own. It's so beautiful I couldn't stop raving about it to H, even after we got home. Just when you thought you'd seen a blue pond, the water in the Kurobe Gorge will blow your mind.

The railway was built to carry materials for the hydroelectric dams along the Kurobe River, and it's now the area's main attraction. Small open-air trains wind along the track, and you can enjoy unspoilt nature the whole way. Once we boarded, we were taken into a valley of steep cliffs and untouched forest, crossing more than 20 bridges, with a panoramic view of the gorge. Get off and explore on foot if you can.

Kurobe Gorge Railway Tickets

When we went, tickets at the station were cash only, and some stations had no ticket office, so we bought a return ticket.

2026 update: book on the official Kurobe Gorge Railway site in English with a credit card; seats open 3 months ahead and close 2 days before. Same-day tickets go on sale at Unazuki from 7:40am, but expect waits in the autumn leaf season. JR Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass holders get 10% off same-day returns bought at the Unazuki window. You can also buy a Kurobe Gorge Railway ticket on Klook. From Kuronagi, you can't reserve your return train, so plan your timing.

The Stations

Each station has its own attractions, and you'd need a full day to see them all. We were short on time after some unexpected delays, so we bought a return ticket to Kuronagi.

Unazuki Station

The line starts at Unazuki, about 20 minutes' drive from Kurobe city. From the station, you can see Unazuki Dam. I'd recommend staying a night in Unazuki Onsen so you have more time in the gorge, and so you can beat the crowds (Japanese travellers are early birds!). Compare hotels in Unazuki Onsen on Agoda; we stayed at the Unazuki Grand Hotel.

Kuronagi Station

We got off at Kuronagi and walked along the river. We took our time and almost had the place to ourselves, as most tourists went to the other stations. It made the visit very memorable. After about 500 m, you can see clear water gushing into the river. There's a small inn by the river with hot springs that visitors can use for a fee.

2026 update: Kuronagi Onsen's day baths cost ¥1,100 for adults (9am–4pm, last entry 3:15pm, cash only), and the inn is open from 1 May to 24 November in 2026. It's about a 20-minute walk from the station on a mountain path.

Kanetsuri and Keyakidaira

We didn't have time to go further, but Kanetsuri has riverside hot springs, and Keyakidaira is the end of the line. In 2026, only Keyakidaira station, its rooftop viewpoint and the visitor centre are open; the walking trails beyond it are still closed for repairs after the earthquake.

Oyster Lunch: Kakidokoro Umi (かき処 海)

If you love oysters, try the deep-sea oysters at Kakidokoro Umi, run by an oyster farm. They were fresh and juicy, and there was even an all-you-can-eat grilled and steamed oyster deal. The staff were very friendly and helpful: when they saw we didn't know how to grill oysters, they did it for us!

Address: 21 Hamada, Nakajima-machi, Nanao, Ishikawa 929-2241 (on the Noto Peninsula, a long drive west of Kurobe)
2026 note: Nanao was hit by the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, and we couldn't confirm the restaurant's current hours. Call or check before you go.

We didn't spend long in Kurobe, but H and I had so much fun. Our only regret was not having more time. Next time, we'd like to visit the other stations and do the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

Nearby: Murodo and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Photo: ::::=UT=::::, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It's not in the same area, but I'd love to visit Murodo, high up on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, for views of the Tateyama mountains. The famous snow corridor (Yuki-no-Otani), with snow walls that can reach well over 10 m, is open from mid-April to about late June. We haven't been yet.

FAQ

Is the Kurobe Gorge Railway open in 2026?

Yes. The full line from Unazuki to Keyakidaira reopened on 1 October 2026 and runs until 30 November, with a short Unazuki to Sasadaira shuttle from 1 to 6 December. It closes in winter and usually reopens in late April.

How much is the Kurobe Gorge Railway?

Adult one-way fares from Unazuki in 2026 are ¥830 to Kuronagi, ¥1,780 to Kanetsuri and ¥2,480 to Keyakidaira (¥4,960 return). Relax cars with windows cost ¥600 extra per ride.

Do I need to book the Kurobe Gorge Railway in advance?

It's best to. Online booking opens 3 months ahead and closes 2 days before. Same-day tickets are sold at Unazuki from 7:40am, but there can be long waits in the autumn leaf season.

Is the Kurobe Gorge the same as Kurobe Dam?

No. The Kurobe Gorge Railway runs from Unazuki along the lower Kurobe River. Kurobe Dam is on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a separate trip over the mountains between Toyama and Nagano.