The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a thrilling ride into the heart of the northern Japan Alps.
Kurobe Gorge Railway at peak foliage – image © Rail Man Photo Office
The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a thrilling ride into the heart of the northern Japan Alps. Unless you plan to hike, this is arguably the best way to get right into the heart of the Alps. It’s particularly beautiful in the October fall foliage season. It’s possible to hike to an onsen from the last stop, Keyakidaira. Tickets are easy to get.
Kurobe Gorge Railway Route Map
This map summarises the route taken by the Kurobe Gorge Railway. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Visit the Kurobe Gorge Railway official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Passengers enjoying the foliage – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
You can get schedules from the official Kurobe Gorge Railway website.
Kurobe Gorge Railway Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Kurobe Gorge Railway train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
- Buy same-day tickets at Unazuki Station.
- Buy online via Klook.
- Buy online via Kurobe Railway booking page.
Sample Fares
- Regular seat: ¥1,980 between Unazuki to Keyakidaira
- First-class seat: regular seat charge plus ¥530 regardless of distance
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
