Unazuki Onsen (Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Unazuki Onsen is a hot spring resort town in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, where you can experience the Northern Alps and the magnificent beauty of the Kurobe Gorge up close. It first began to be used as a hot spring in 1923 and has since developed as a base for tourism in the gorge. Scattered around are hot spring inns, footbaths, and public baths, and the area is characterized by its combination of a relaxing atmosphere as a therapeutic hot spring resort and the convenience of tourist facilities.

The biggest attraction is the gorge tour on the Kurobe Gorge Railway (Trolley Train). From the train that runs slowly along the gorge, you can enjoy the beauty of the gorge that changes with the seasons (fresh greenery in spring, deep greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter). It is a tourist destination where you can fully enjoy the majestic nature while soothing your fatigue in hot springs.

Highlights

• Kurobe Gorge Railway (Trolley Train)
  The trolley train that runs from Unazuki to Keyakidaira is a famous attraction that allows you to get a close-up look at the cliffs and mountain streams of the gorge. The famous sites along the way (Meiken Bridge, Kanetsuri, etc.) and the scenery from the train window are highlights. The one-way trip takes about 80 to 90 minutes, and the round trip course takes about half a day to a full day.
• Stroll around Keyakidaira
  At Keyakidaira, the last stop of the trolley train, there are walking paths, observation spots, and natural open-air baths (please check in advance to see if it will be crowded or if you can bathe). There is also a walking route where you can get a close-up look at the power of the gorge.
• Hot spring towns and accommodations
  The standard way to enjoy a soak is to stay overnight. Some hotels and inns also accept day-trip bathers, so you can easily just enjoy the hot springs. We also recommend taking a break in the foot baths or public baths.
• Riverside walks and bridge views
  Around Unazuki, there are walking trails and observation points along the mountain stream where you can take your time taking photos and observing nature. The autumn foliage season is particularly spectacular.
• Seasonal highlights
  Spring: The contrast between the fresh greenery and the remaining snow on the high mountains. Summer: A stroll through the cool canyon. Autumn: The peak of the autumn leaves (best viewing time is mid-October to early November). Winter: There are some days when the service is limited, but the snow scenery is exceptional (please check the operating period).

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station: Toyama Chiho Railway, Unazuki Onsen Station (Toyama Chiho Railway Line), Kurobe Gorge Railway, Unazuki Station (the trolley train boarding entrance is Unazuki Station)
• By Shinkansen: Get off at Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line → Take a bus or taxi from the station for about 20-30 minutes (be careful of the number of buses).
• From Toyama: From Toyama Station (or Dentetsu Toyama Station), transfer to the Toyama Chiho Railway and travel to Unazuki Onsen Station in approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes (varies depending on train schedules).
• carTake the Hokuriku Expressway (Hokuriku Road) and get off at Kurobe IC, then take the national and prefectural roads for about 30 minutes to 1 hour (varies depending on the IC and route). Parking is available at the accommodation. Be careful of road conditions in winter.
• Air: Accessible from Toyama Kitokito Airport by rental car or airport shuttle bus.
• remarks: The trolley trains get crowded during peak seasons, so we recommend making reservations in advance (at the ticket counter or online) and arriving early, especially during long weekends and the autumn foliage season. The Kurobe Gorge Railway's operating periods and times change depending on the season, so please check in advance.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: Half a day to a full day (hot spring bathing + strolling around the area or enjoying a short trolley ride)
• If you include a round trip on the Kurobe Gorge Torokko train and a stroll around Keyakidaira: 3 to 5 hours (round trip on the train + time for walking around the area)
• If you include lodging: We recommend a two-day, one-night plan (you can enjoy the hot springs in the evenings and mornings and leisurely sightseeing in the gorge). During the autumn foliage season and busy periods, it is a good idea to stay two nights to give yourself some extra time.

Nearby spots

• Kurobe Gorge (the gorge itself and the entire trolley train route)
• Keyakidaira (nature walking area at the end of the trail)
• Around Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station (tourist information center and souvenir shops)
• Toyama area (Toyama city sightseeing: Toyama Castle, Glass Museum, etc.) — Often combined with Unazuki
• Tateyama and Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (can be combined depending on the season and route. Access requires a different route and time)

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Check operation and business information: Kurobe Gorge Railway operations are subject to the season and weather. In winter, service may be suspended or sections shortened, so please check the official website for the latest information.
• congestion: The trolley train is crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, and the New Year holidays. We recommend making reservations in advance and arriving early.
• What to wear and what to bring: The canyon has large differences in elevation and temperature. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, and warm clothing (especially in spring, autumn, and winter). Even in summer, it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings.
• Hot Spring Manners and Bathing RulesPlease observe general hot spring etiquette (wash your body in the washing area, do not put towels in the bath, etc.) when using public baths or baths at inns. Please check in advance as some inns and facilities will refuse bathing if you have tattoos.
• Nature protection/safetyPlease be mindful of safety and the environment by not crossing the fences from the trail or getting too close to the riverbank. There are some mountainous areas where mobile phone reception is poor.
• Cash and facility information: Small shops and local facilities may only accept cash. Credit cards and electronic money may not be accepted, so please bring some cash with you.

Unazuki Onsen is an attractive tourist destination where you can enjoy both hot springs and dynamic gorge scenery. Enjoy a relaxing and soothing trip in the hot springs while enjoying the seasonal changes in nature. We recommend checking the latest information (operation, business hours, reservations) on the Kurobe Gorge Railway and accommodations before your visit.