Japan’s spectacular mountain railway | Kurobe Gorge Railway
🚂 Japan’s Spectacular Mountain Railway: The Kurobe Gorge Railway 🚂
Embark on a rail journey into the Northern Japan Alps aboard the Kurobe Gorge Railway, one of the most scenic railways in Japan. Originally constructed to support dam and power station projects, this historic train line now offers travellers a breathtaking ride through the stunning Kurobe Gorge. Kurobe Gorge is the deepest V-shaped gorge in Japan.
In this video, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan your trip on this iconic railway. From how to get to Unazaki Station, the starting point of the journey, to insider tips on the best seats for the most spectacular views, you’ll have all the details to make your ride unforgettable. Discover why this scenic mountain train in Japan is a must-see, especially during autumn when the gorge transforms into a canvas of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows.
Planning your visit? Learn about the railway’s unique industrial history, its seasonal highlights, and practical travel tips like ticketing, packing essentials, and the best time to ride. Whether you’re interested in exploring Toyama’s rail travel options, experiencing the magic of Japan’s autumn foliage, or uncovering one of the country’s hidden gems, this video has you covered.
🌟 Why Watch This Video?
See what it’s really like to ride the Kurobe Gorge Railway, rain or shine.
Get practical advice for your next adventure in Japan.
Experience the beauty of this mountain railway, one of Japan’s top train journeys.
Whether you’re a fan of train travel in Japan, a nature lover, or just looking for unique travel experiences, this video will inspire and prepare you for a memorable trip on the Kurobe Gorge Railway.
🎥 Don’t forget to subscribe for more informative rail travel guides and immersive adventures!
Kurobe Gorge Railway official bookings and information:
https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/en/
🚉 Train: Kurobe Kyōkoku Tetsudō Kabushiki gaisha (Kurobe Gorge Torokko Train)
🚉 Operator: Kurotetsu
🚉 Route: Unazuki – Keyakidaira
🚉 Distance: 20.1km
🚉 Travel time: 1h 18mins (one-way)
🚉 Class: Standard class
🚉 Travel date: 28 October 2023
EQUIPMENT:
🚉 Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, iPhone 15 Pro Max
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:39 – Toyama Chihō Railway to Unazuki Onsen Station
02:36 – Unazuki Onsen – start of Kurobe Gorge Railway
03:42 – Boarding Kurobe Gorge Railway
05:05 – Shin Yamabiko Bridge
06:19 – Komen Bridge and Unazuki Dam
08:03 – Tochi no Yu irrigation canal
08:38 – Autumn foliage
09:12 – Kuronagi Station and Atobiki Bridge
11:21 – Dashidaira Station
12:15 – Nekomata Station
13:28 – Kanetsuri Station
15:13 – Keyakidaira Station
16:44 – Sights around Keyakidaira
18:08 – Train to Unazuki and rail fares
19:48 – Aqueduct Bridge
20:40 – Best view of Shin Yamabiko Bridge
21:30 – Unazuki Station
Music
I use Artlist for high quality, licensed audio. If you sign up using my referral link below, you will get two extra months for free.
https://artlist.io/Adam-3542584
Credits and sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurobe_Gorge_Railway
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/247/
https://www.tateyama-kurobe.com/en/area/kurobe-gorge.php
Follow me on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/_fromthewindowseat/
Tweets by AdamGJoyce
https://facebook.com/adamjoycetravels
#tripreport #JapanTravel #KurobeGorgeRailway #TrainTravel #ToyamaTravel #ScenicRailways #AutumnInJapan #trainreview
32 Comments
Great to see you back. Your informative videos are always worth waiting for Adam.
Thanks! Another fabulously informative train excursion video that transports me along as if I was there!👏
Hello Mr.W. S.
Thanks for bringing beautiful memories back
Nice to hear your voice again
Cheers from Sri Lanka
Another trip worth doing near there is the Alpine route, which crosses the Northern alps using a combination of cable cars, aerial rope way, buses, and Japans only electric trolley bus. You walk across the Korobe Dam.
Must go
Hi Adam
You’ve done it again, love all your videos. I was very doubtful when I looked at those open carriages and the surrounding weather and the statistics you provided re the average daily temperature. Looks like one needs a thick weather proof jacket, a decent hat, a rain mac. The scenery reminds me of parts of New Zealand although I must say the infrastructure and the housing is definitely first class in Japan. Even though you filmed this a year ago it was kinda clever to upload it at around the same time of year as you filmed it last year. Japan, here I come. Although traveling vicariously through you might have to suffice for now.
Hoping you are well, looking forward to your next upload. I shall be in Melbourne in Feb next year. Can’t wait to be back in Oz and New Zealand again. Cheers Zoltán
Excellent.
I always love seeing railroads from across the world
Excellent video, i didn't know Japan had a narrow gauge private railway, 2' 6", that was quite spectacular, thankyou for posting.
Absolutely stunnig Adam! Really hope i can make it to this part of the world one day.
Excellent coverage
Amazing journey – it's surprising that its not better known outside Japan.
At 16:42 at the the Keyakidaira station, it is very obviously two cars down on your left side, so there must be a way to drive there.
You coming to Europe anytime soon? You’ll be amazed what we have on offer 😛
Such a beautiful journey – I’d never heard of it before! The colour of the water is just stunning. Thanks for another great video 🌟
Adam I’m going to Adelaide on Sunday
Excellent video my friends awesome 😮like and Greeting 🙋🏻♂️ from Argentina 🇦🇷 suscribete New suscriptor 😊
Wow fantastic
Welcome to Japan. I am glad you liked a taking a ride. You found a monkey, but I think you missed the suspension bridge exclusively for monkeys. What a nice and friendly facility, isn’t it ? The bridge is shown at 8;35. Please come back again and walk to Babadani Onsen where you will find a natural bath tub in the gulch, stream. It takes less than one hour from Keyakidani station.
Wonderful👍👍😊
I traveled this line in May this year, one week after Golden week, on a Tuesday. It wasn,t very crowded and the weather was perfect. The landscape was green and lush and the view was gourgeous. I can highly recommend visiting this valley. Sadly i could only go halfway up the gorge because of the damaged bridge. As a narrow gauge train nerd, this was on my bucket list.
Will you try the overnight xpt from Sydney to Melbourne
Very nice video, we are currently planning to cross the Japanese Alps ourselves in autumn 2025, it's a pity that the railway line is interrupted.
Love your work , I am so envious of all the rail journeys you do 👍
I enjoy ever bit of your well done videos. Thank you for sharing👍✌️
Just wonderful 🙂
The railway is still used to transport material and workers for maintaining the dams and power stations up the Kurobe gorge. Its not just a tourist train ride. I travelled on it in November 2023 so was good to see your video of it.
ご来訪ありがとうございます。現在は猫又までしかいけません。来年秋には欅平まで開通予定です。
❤
Really Enjoyable Adam, I have also made lots of notes as a serious inspiration for my next trip, so watching this series with interest
Great video Adam, hope to do this trip one day! 😎
I was surprised when they switched the points @1:44. Many Japanese local operators seem to just have their trains "cut" them. Speaking of which, that's what the Kurobe Gorge train does @12:50