Kurobe Gorge Railway: Scenic Vistas and Hot Springs Await Passengers on this Breathtaking Route

Unazuki Station is a five-minute walk from Unazuki Onsen Station on the Toyama Chihō Railway.

The six peaks of Dashiroppō visible in the distance.

Shutterbugs love to photograph the scenic train as it lumbers by.

The open-air cars are popular with sightseers.

The enclosed “relax” carriage, with its rotatable seats, keeps passengers warm in cold weather as they view the sights.

Sightseers wave to the train crossing the Shin-Yamabiko Bridge.

A view of the train from the Yamabiko lookout.

The souvenir shop has plenty of train-themed merchandise.

An exhibit on the second floor of Unazuki Station traces the trainline’s history.

The Unazuki Dam, one of several hydropower plants along the line, and its reservoir are a short distance from Unazuki Station.

A 1951 ticket states that the railway assumes no responsibility for passengers’ safety.

The castle-like Shin-Yanagawara Power Station is a relatively new facility that began operating in 1993.

A suspension bridge allows macaques to move back and forth across the river.

The train leaves Kuronagi Station, heading for Atobiki Bridge.

An aqueduct carrying water to Shin-Yanagawara Power Station, as seen from Atobiki Bridge.

The train rolls alongside the Dashidaira Dam.

The 200-meter high cliff face of Nezumigaeshi looms beyond the red bridge at Kurobe Power Station No. 2.

A train pauses at a siding at the Kanetsuri Station to allow carriages coming from the opposite direction to pass. The train reenters the main track by backing up a short distance.

Steam rises from the riverbank near Kanetsuri Station. The hot spring is a great place for an impromptu foot bath.

A lookout atop Keyakidaira Station.

The vermillion-lacquered Okukane Bridge on the way to Babadani Onsen adds a spot of color to the lush greenery. In the background to the right is Kurobe River Power Station No. 3.

Visitors on the trail walk under a huge rock overhang.

The riverside lookout offers good views of the surrounding mountains. The complimentary footbath is a popular attraction.

Snow is already visible at the very top of the mountains by the end of October.