Unazuki Onsen
A deep gorge onsen resort at the mouth of the Kurobe River canyon — the starting point of the Kurobe Gorge Railway (Torokko train), which follows 20km of sheer cliffs into the mountains. The hot spring water (alkaline, 97°C at source) is piped 6km from the source in the gorge to the resort. The canyon walls are 200m tall beside the train.
1 day recommended
Torokko round-trip ¥2,820 (Unazuki–Nekomata), ¥1,660 (Unazuki–Kuronagi)
Onsen town accessible year-round; Kurobe Gorge Torokko railway: Apr–Nov; day baths at ryokan: typically 12:00–16:00
April–November (train season), autumn foliage October
Unazuki-Onsen Station on Toyama Chiho Railway (from Toyama, 45 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Kurobe Gorge Torokko (open-air train) runs 20km through sheer canyon walls — April to November
- 2
The gorge walls reach 200m vertical on both sides of the open train car
- 3
The onsen town has a free footbath overlooking the gorge — Kurobe River churning below
Local Tips
Unazuki is the gateway to the Kurobe Gorge — the narrow-gauge Torokko (open-sided trolley) railway travels 20km into the gorge through a series of bridges, tunnels, and riverside ledges. The autumn foliage (October) in the gorge is extraordinary. The onsen water here is one of Japan's finest bicarbonate springs. Book the Torokko train well in advance for October visits.
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