2026 Kurobe Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

#Kurobe Gorge Kurobe Gorge is a V-shaped gorge formed in the upper and middle reaches of the Kurobe River in the Northern Japan Alps. The trolley train connects Unazuki and Keyakidaira, covering approximately 20 kilometers one way in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Once carrying dam construction workers, this train now serves as a tourist attraction. The train has open-air regular cars and windowed "relaxed" cars, with the "relaxed" cars being more expensive. The Kurobe Gorge Train, which runs through the rugged gorge, offers beautiful scenery, especially the autumn foliage. However, it is closed in winter for safety reasons. I enjoyed buying a bento box on the first floor of the small station and going up to the second floor to enjoy it while taking in the stunning scenery.

#JapanTravelGuide I traveled to Toyama Prefecture in early August!!! Day 1 11:00 Arrive at Toyama Station Eat black ramen🍜 12:00 Depart for Murodo 2:30 Arrive at Murodo and stroll around the hotel Stay at a mountaintop hotel (Raichosou) Day 2 8:00 Depart for Kurobe Dam 9:30 Sightseeing around Kurobe Dam for about 1 hour and 30 minutes 11:00 Depart for Dentetsu Toyama Station 4:00 Overnight in Takaoka Day 3 7:00 Depart for Unazuki Onsen 10:30 Ride the trolley 12:30 Return to Toyama Station #KurobeDam #TateyamaKurobeAlpineRoute

Looking for a scenic escape from the city? A day trip to Kurobe from Toyama offers dramatic alpine views, engineering wonders, and peaceful natural surroundings — perfect for travelers who want a mix of nature, history, and adventure. 🚆 How to Get There from Toyama By train: Take the Ainokaze Toyama Railway or JR Hokuriku Line to Kurobe Station, then transfer to the Toyama Chiho Railway to Unazuki Onsen Station (around 1.5–2 hours total). This is the gateway to the Kurobe Gorge. Japan Rail Pass is partially valid — the JR portion is covered, but the private Toyama Chiho Railway is not. 🏞️ What to See and Do 1. Kurobe Gorge Railway (Torokko Train) A highlight of the area! This narrow-gauge scenic train winds through the mountains, over deep ravines and rivers, offering views of: 💧 Steaming hot springs 🍁 Lush green (or fiery red) forests 🏞️ Suspension bridges and dramatic cliffs 🕐 Full ride to Keyakidaira Station takes about 1 hr 20 min (one way). Tip: Go in autumn (late Oct–early Nov) for peak foliage, or in spring for melting snow and bright greens. 2. Unazuki Onsen Before or after your train ride, relax in this peaceful hot spring town. Highlights: Public foot baths (free!) Traditional ryokan stays (if you extend your trip) Retro streets with local snacks and craft shops 3. Kuronagi Onsen Accessible via a hike from the Torokko train line, this secluded riverside onsen offers a true off-the-beaten-path experience, with an open-air bath nestled in nature. 📸 Photo Spots Shin-Yamabiko Bridge: A red steel bridge that pops against green or autumn leaves Atobiki Bridge: The highest point on the railway Unazuki Dam: A modern marvel with viewing decks 🎒 What to Bring Light jacket (mountains can be chilly, even in summer) Comfortable shoes for walking or light hiking Camera or phone with lots of memory — you’ll take many photos! 🌄 Good to Know The Kurobe Gorge Railway is closed in winter (typically late Nov–mid April) due to heavy snowfall Buy tickets early in peak seasons, especially in fall Train cars are open-air or enclosed — pick based on the weather! Whether you're into photography, slow travel, or just want to breathe in the mountain air, Kurobe Gorge is one of Japan’s most scenic hidden gems — and makes for an unforgettable day trip from Toyama.

| Three-Day Tour of Kanazawa and Toyama. 🔷Three-day itinerary: Day 1: Takayama ➡️ Bus 🚌 ➡️ Kanazawa ➡️ D.T. Suzuki Museum ➡️ 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa ➡️ ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa Day 2: Kanazawa ➡️ Shinkansen 🚄 ➡️ Kurobe Unazuki ➡️ Unazuki Onsen ➡️ Kurobe Gorge Railway ➡️ Gorge hiking ➡️ Return to Toyama ➡️ Toyama Glass Art Museum ➡️ Return to Kanazawa hotel Day 3: Kanazawa hotel ➡️ Omicho Market ➡️ Higashi Chaya District ➡️ Kazuemachi Chaya District ➡️ Kenrokuen Garden ➡️ Kanazawa Castle ➡️ Oyama Shrine ➡️ Nagamachi Samurai District ➡️ Kanazawa Station to Nagoya 🔷Kenrokuen Garden, known as one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, offers breathtaking scenery and spectacular Japanese landscaping. The logo of Kenrokuen is the koto-shaped stone lantern, and the garden features a "strolling garden" design that allows visitors to enjoy different views while walking. 🔷D.T. Suzuki (1870-1966), known as "the world's Zen master." The D.T. Suzuki Museum was designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, and has an extraordinarily powerful atmosphere that is incredibly serene. Over 70% of the space is dedicated to a "water mirror," with floor-to-ceiling windows where each window frame becomes a picture. The "Water Mirror Garden" embodies the essence of Zen self-reflection in an enclosed space. 🔷21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, won the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Architecture Biennale. The museum's exterior resembles a transparent floating disc, with 360-degree transparent glass walls that naturally integrate the outdoor scenery with the interior, allowing people to experience the connection between art and the city. 🔷Toyama Glass Art Museum, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, features an exterior wall combining granite, glass, aluminum, and other materials, resembling the expressive Tateyama mountain range. Additionally, the interior space is spacious and transparent, with extensive use of wood creating a particularly warm environment. 🔷Kurobe Gorge, located in eastern Toyama Prefecture, is Japan's deepest V-shaped gorge nestled between the Tateyama and Ushiro-Tateyama mountain ranges. Riding the slow-moving electric train of the Kurobe Gorge Railway allows you to enjoy the beautiful gorge scenery between Unazuki Onsen Station and Keyakidaira Station.

Toyama Prefecture is located in the center of the Japanese archipelago, in the north-central part of Honshu. It is rich in tourism resources, unique culture, and delicious food. Here are some recommended tourist attractions in Toyama, Japan: Natural Attractions - Kurobe Gorge: Located in eastern Toyama Prefecture, it is the deepest V-shaped gorge in Japan, sandwiched between the Tateyama and Ushiro-Tateyama mountain ranges. Take the Kurobe Gorge Railway train to enjoy the 41 tunnels and 25 bridges along the way. The Atobiki Bridge is a representative attraction in the deepest part of the gorge.  - Toyama Bay: Known for its spectacular natural scenery and rich marine ecology, it is famous for the "Spring Quartet" scenery, which includes the snow-capped Tateyama mountain range, Toyama Bay seafood, tulips and rapeseed fields, and pink cherry blossoms. In spring and summer, you can also see a blue bay formed by a large number of firefly squids gathering.  - Amaharashi Coast: Known as one of the most beautiful bays in Japan, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea on one side. The snow-capped peaks of the Tateyama mountain range contrast with the blue sea, creating a picturesque view.  Cultural and Artistic Attractions - Toyama Glass Art Museum: A museum dedicated to glass art, showcasing various glass artworks from ancient to modern times, including practical utensils, decorations, and contemporary art installations. The architectural design is modern and artistic.  - Toyama History Museum: The museum collects and displays historical artifacts and materials from ancient to modern times in the Toyama area. Through rich exhibits and detailed historical materials, visitors can learn about the historical changes and cultural heritage of Toyama. Other Attractions - Tateyama: Known as the Japanese Alps by many Japanese people, it has majestic mountains and snow-capped peaks all year round. It offers unique plateau scenery. You can take a cable car or hike to enjoy the magnificent mountain views and natural scenery.  - Toyama Defense Base: It offers parent-child adventure projects, suitable for families with children to play together, experience military-themed activities and facilities, and learn about national defense knowledge.

8-Day Japan Tour: Don't Miss the Hot Springs! Carefully selected itineraries to let you enjoy Japanese hot spring culture. Start your healing journey now! -------------------- 🌸 Itinerary Suggestions: Explore the Beauty of Japan 🌸 Day 1: Shirakawa-go - Higashi Chaya District Stroll through the Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go and experience the charm of a World Heritage Site. In the evening, visit Higashi Chaya District and experience the ancient tea ceremony culture. Day 2: Kinkaku-ji - Fushimi Inari Taisha - Senbon Torii - Osaka Castle Park - Shinsaibashi - Dotonbori Visit the golden Kinkaku-ji, explore the mysterious Fushimi Inari Taisha, pass through the spectacular Senbon Torii, and visit Osaka Castle Park to experience the historical charm. Finally, shop and enjoy delicious food at Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. Day 3: Free Time in Osaka Enjoy free time in Osaka. You can choose to join a day tour to explore Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Grove, and other attractions to experience the local slow life. Day 4: Nara Park - Miho no Matsubara Get up close and personal with the cute deer in Nara Park, then head to Miho no Matsubara to enjoy the magnificent coastal scenery. Day 5: Mt. Fuji 5th Station - Fuji Shibazakura Festival - Oshino Hakkai - Ginza Climb to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji to enjoy the magnificent mountains, participate in the Fuji Shibazakura Festival to experience the sea of flowers, visit the magical Oshino Hakkai, and then enjoy a high-end shopping experience in Ginza. Day 6: Senso-ji - Nakamise Shopping Street - Akihabara Electric Town Visit the ancient Senso-ji to pray for blessings, stroll through Nakamise Shopping Street to buy special souvenirs, and finally experience the charm of anime culture in Akihabara Electric Town. Day 7: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route - Unazuki Onsen Cross the magnificent Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and experience the grandeur and mystery of nature. Relax at Unazuki Onsen in the evening. Day 8: Kurobe Gorge - Fugan Canal Kansui Park Visit the deep Kurobe Gorge and admire the wonders of nature. Finally, visit Fugan Canal Kansui Park to experience the tranquility and beauty of the water city. -------------------- 🧳 Travel Checklist: Japan Travel Essentials 📞 Prepare a SIM card to stay connected and enjoy your trip. 🔌 A plug adapter is essential as Japan has a different voltage. Don't forget to bring one. 🪪 Bring your documents, including your passport and visa. 👗 Dress for the season. Japan is cold in December, so bring warm clothes. 🔋 Bring a charger and power bank to stay charged wherever you go. 💊 Bring some regular medicine for peace of mind. 💰 Bring your wallet and credit card so you can shop and eat without worry. -------------------- Your Japan trip is all here! Keep this guide handy and set off easily. Your dream trip starts now!

As I have one day in Toyama before travelling to Takayama, I decided to visit Kurobe Gorge and go sightseeing on the famous Kurobe Gorge Railway. Unfortunately, the route is not fully open as parts of the railway was damaged from the earthquake. Good thing is it take less time to complete the scenic route, and I get to walk around Unazuki station a bit before heading back to Toyama station. To reach here, I took a Toyama Chiho Railway Main Line. It takes 1 hour 50 minutes from Toyama station to Unazukionsen station. (Tip: a day pass is cheaper than buying a round trip ticket. You can buy it at the ticket office at Toyama station, they only accept cash) The Kurobe Gorge Railway begins at Unazuki station, located approximately 350m away from Unazukionsen station. Tickets can be purchased in advance, you can also buy it directly at the ticket office at Unazuki station. During the peak of fall foliage, it can be crowded so if you have everything set, I recommend to reserve the ticket in advance. I visit here at the end of October. The color was just starting to change but it was already beautiful. The open air seat really makes you feel closer to the nature and allows you to enjoy the atmosphere better. #toyama #kurobe #travel #japan #fallfoliage

I went there in October and it was quite cold. The leaves had just started to change color, but the scenery was spectacular. (It was quite cold so it's best to dress warmly.) I went from the first stop to the last stop, and I heard there was a hidden hot spring at a station along the way. I'd like to stay at the hot spring next time. #Kurobe #KurobeDam #TrolleyTrain ##HotSpring 11 KurobeGorgeEntrance, Kurobe, Toyama 938-0283

Kurobe Gorge can be said to be one of the attractions I think is a must-see in my life when I go to Japan🇯🇵❤️ From Unazuki Station to Keihira Station👏🏻 The total length of 20 kilometers is one of the most beautiful tram routes in Japan🇯🇵😬 especially during the autumn leaf 🍁 season will be visited by many people There will be along the Kuro-Nagawa☺️ between Unazuki and Keihira Station It is a canyon along the forest 😌😌 You will pass 20 bridges and 40 tunnels 😉😉 The whole journey takes about 80 minutes 🫶🏻 However, it will only be open to the public from mid-April to the end of November 🥹🥹 If you want to sit, you have to get it at the right time This railway 🚞 was part of the huge project of Kurobe Dam in the 50-60s ❤️❤️ This tram line is now one of the most popular 👏🏻 sightseeing lines in Japan🇯🇵 central region 😌 is an open-air carriage 🚇 you can definitely enjoy 😎 the best sightseeing experience !! ️ And along the way you can 😌 choose to get off at different stations and walk There will be many different restaurants🍴 and hotels🏨☺️ near the station You can also enjoy the natural hot spring ♨️😳 You can start from Nagoya and Osaka, but Osaka will be much closer☺️ Most people will choose to stay for two days and one night so the schedule is not so urgent😳 It will be a lot of fun 🫶🏻🫶🏻 #Japan Attractions #Hong Kong Good Places #Resident Writer #Overseas Travel #Parents and Parents Good Places #Parents and Parents Good Places #Parents and Parents Holidays Good Places #Parents and Children Activities Good Places #Parents and Children Play Good Places #Parents and Children Discharge Good Places

I stopped by this place while on a trip to Toyama with my daughter. Outside, there's a mountain-sized white trampoline, which the kids absolutely loved. There's also a slide next to the trampoline, and there's also a water feature under the stepping stones where little ones can splash around. Inside, there's a food court, a shop selling locally grown produce and souvenirs, and an indoor play area, so it's perfect for sunny days. This is a recommended spot for kids in Toyama! Address 925-1 Horikiri, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture Hours 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM Closed Open year-round Parking 24-hour service (50 large vehicle spaces, 166 small vehicle spaces, 4 disabled parking spaces, 4 compassionate parking spaces, 2 electric vehicles) (10 motorcycle spaces) Free parking! #food #themepark

Visited the famous Unazuki Onsen. It takes about two hours from Toyama Station, but the journey was exciting. I had to change trains a couple of times, but the trains got more and more retro, and the scenery became more rural. When you live in a city, you start to get excited about scenery like this. The spring water is relatively mild, so you can take a long bath. I stayed at an inn called "Yamanoha," and I was very impressed with the room with a beautiful view of the famous overpass and river. It's a great place to relax. I'd like to go again someday. #2021c #Onsen

A cheesecake specialty shop in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture. It's located right next to Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station. This particularly stylish shop in the hot spring town sells delicious cheesecake. When you pour berry sauce on top, it transforms into a beautiful mountain-shaped cheesecake! How about enjoying it under the winter sky? #winterscenery #retrotownscape

When I went sightseeing in Kurobe, I rode the Kurobe Gorge Railway's trolley train. Because of heavy rain the day before, the river was muddy, so I couldn't see the beautiful color of the river, but normally you can see the emerald green color of the river. The train started at Unazuki Station and ended at Keyakidaira Station, where I enjoyed a stroll around Kurobe Gorge.

Entaijiso is located in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture. It is famous for Kurobe Dam, but it is also famous for its hot springs. You can also take a day trip to the baths, so please come and visit. You can access the hot spring town on foot from Kurobe Onsen Station. The hot springs while watching the snowy scenery will warm your cold body! Be careful not to slip! #hotsprings #snowscenery

Toyama Prefecture Kurobe Dam You can see the dam up close, and it is spectacular during the time when water is released. You can walk beside the dam. During the tourist season, they release water for tourists. Kurobe Dam is part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route tour, and I passed through the alpine route. I highly recommend this route. #BreathtakingView #KurobeDam #ToyamaPrefecture

Having ridden many cable cars, this one still takes your breath away. From Kurobe-daira to Daikanbo, the cable car cuts directly through the valley, with a bottomless gorge below and snow-capped mountains in the distance. If you're lucky, you might encounter a sea of ​​clouds, making the entire cable car look like it's floating on cotton candy—a truly surreal sight. Everyone in the cabin was quiet, busy looking out the window, constantly snapping photos with their phones and cameras. Those few minutes felt absolutely worthwhile; the cable car ride alone was worth it. The entire Tateyama Kurobe route involves many transfers, and the cable car is just one part, but it's definitely the most memorable. 📍 Tateyama Kurobe Ropeway (Kurobe-daira - Daikanbo) 🚗 The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route can be taken from Nagoya. 💡 Opening period is limited, remember to check the schedule beforehand. #JapanTravel #TateyamaKurobe #Ropeway #SeaofClouds #JapanScenery #Alps #Kurobe #Hokuriku #JapanTravel #JanuaryDestinations2026

#January Destinations 2026 The Kurobe Dam, located in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, is a key attraction on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and one of Japan's most famous dams. This spectacular arched dam, standing 186 meters tall, was built during the Taisho era and is surrounded by the majestic Tateyama mountain range. Open to the public every summer, visitors can enjoy a close-up view of its powerful flood discharge. Besides the dam's grandeur, the area around the Kurobe Dam offers hiking trails, observation decks, and stunning natural scenery of the Tateyama mountain range. The snow wall season, especially from July to August, is the most spectacular, attracting numerous tourists for photos. Combining engineering marvel with natural beauty, this is a must-see destination in Japan.

#January Destinations 2026 Lake Kurobe, located in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, is an artificial lake formed upstream of the Kurobe Dam and a key attraction on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. The lake's clear, azure waters are surrounded by the magnificent Tateyama mountain range. In summer, the water shimmers mesmerizingly under the sunlight; in autumn, it reflects the vibrant reds of autumn leaves, creating a picturesque scene. Visitors can enjoy the lake and mountain scenery by cable car, sightseeing boat, or walking trails, experiencing tranquility and natural beauty. Lake Kurobe combines engineering marvels with natural beauty, making it a must-visit for photography and travel enthusiasts.

#January Destinations 2026 Kurobe Gorge, located in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, is a natural wonder on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The gorge features steep cliffs on both sides, with clear, winding streams that offer different scenery in each season: wildflowers bloom in spring, the streams rush and cool in summer, autumn paints the valley red with maple leaves, and winter presents a magnificent, snow-covered landscape. Visitors can explore the gorge by mountain tram or along hiking trails, experiencing the grandeur and tranquility of nature up close. Combining stunning landscapes with rich ecology, Kurobe Gorge is an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

#January Destinations 2026 The hot spring town of Unazuki Onsen lights up as evening falls ✨ Streetlights reflect the steam and shadows of people 🌫️ Footsteps echo gently on the stone slabs 👣 The air is filled with the aroma of hot springs and grilled food 🍢 I listened to the distant roar of the stream 🌊 and was drawn along by the lively atmosphere of the street 😌 The restaurants are clustered together like a food map 🍜🍣 The aroma of ramen broth, the fragrance of set meals, and the creamy scent of desserts all entice me 🤤 I imagined returning to the restaurant after a soak in the hot springs, and the moment I tasted the hot food... Melting away the chill 🔥 That luxurious feeling of being treated isn't about extravagance, but about sincerity and warmth 🛏️♨️ Tourist information is also convenient 📍 Street vendors and travelers chatter together 💬 When I asked for directions, the person smiled and pointed towards the mountains ⛰️ That moment felt like receiving a local code 🔍 The hot spring town isn't just a supply station; it's like an entrance connecting the nature and hot spring culture of the Kurobe region 🚶 I've already decided to walk through it again tomorrow, to explore even deeper into the scenery 🌙💫

#January Destinations 2026 I boarded that little orange train 🚋 The train body shone like a tiny sun 🌞 As soon as it started moving, the rhythmic clanging of the tracks 🎶 sounded like a gong announcing the start of the journey. A chilly mountain wind brushed my cheek ❄️ I reached my hand out the window, my fingertips instantly awakened by the clear air of the canyon ✨ The train weaved between mountain walls and valleys ⛰️🌊 One moment it plunged into a tunnel, darkness swallowing me like the throat of history 😮💨 The next, it burst into light 🌤️ The sea of ​​trees spread out like green waves 🍃 Rocks stood like the silhouettes of ancient warriors 🪨 I heard the roar of water, and my heart pounded even harder 💓 Each turn was like turning a new page 📖 Bridges swept across the deep valleys 🌉 I looked down and saw the turquoise water shattered into countless points of silver light ✨ The grandeur made me want to fall silent 🙏 Yet I couldn't help but want to bring this awe back to the city 🏙️ So that on some weary night, I could recall this fleeting moment 🌙 and let myself shine again 💫

#January Destinations 2026 The moment I stepped into the Kurobe Gorge 🍃 the mountains seemed to converge like ancient city walls ⛰️ the stream rushed through the valley floor 🌊 its sound clear yet resolute 🎶 a cold wind brushed against my fingertips ❄️ but I felt my chest open, as if listening to a sleeping history awaken ⏳ The Red Bridge spans the valley 🌉 its red color like a stroke of hot blood written on the rock face 🔥 I stood in the middle of the bridge looking down 🧭 the water was a translucent blue 💎 the sounds of cars faded into the distance, leaving only the harmony of wind and water. 🎧In that instant, the hustle and bustle of the modern city suddenly felt incredibly distant.🏙️ Looking further ahead, the lake🌊 was as smooth as a mirror🪞, reflecting the clouds and mountain ridges.☁️⛰️A ray of sunlight✨ gently rippled away my weariness.😌I thought that if I stayed at a nearby hot spring inn🛏️, soaking in the hot spring at night listening to the valley breeze🌙, and then ending the trip with a bowl of steaming local cuisine🍜, this journey would be like the lake, bright and unforgettable.💫

#January Destinations 2026 Walking into Kurobe Unazuki Park 🍁 The mountain scenery seemed washed clean, layer upon layer lifting the sky higher 🌤️ The roaring sound of the stream echoed through the valley 🌊 Like ancient drumbeats urging me forward, the wind brushed my cheeks with a cool breeze ❄️ I stood by the railing, gazing at the shimmering river ✨ A deeper longing for the distance suddenly rose in my heart 🚶 Along the way to Unazuki Shrine ⛩️ The scent of wood mingled with the fragrance of moss 🍃 Birdsong lingered intermittently in the forest 🎶 Like whispers of prayer for travelers. Touching the cold, hard stone lantern 🪨 felt like stepping into ancient time ⏳ I whispered a wish 🙏 hoping to bring the tranquility and power of this city back to everyday life 💭 Back on the street 🏙️ the lights of the hot spring inn ✨ had a luxurious yet understated gentleness 🛏️ I browsed the shops picking out souvenirs 🛍️ and finished off with hot desserts and sake 🍡🍶 both my stomach and heart were soothed 😌 the night in Kurobe deepened 🌌 I know I will come back again.

#JanuaryDestinations2026 Standing atop a high point overlooking Unazuki Onsen, layers of mountains unfold, the Kurobe River flowing like a silver ribbon through the valley. Morning light filters through, a light mist swirls around the mountainsides, the entire onsen town seems gently nestled in nature's embrace, tranquil and serene 🌫️🏞️ The view extends with the mountainside, hotel rooftops and bridges dotting the landscape, modern architecture blending seamlessly, as if bowing to nature. The faint sound of a train echoes in the distance, mingling with the wind and water, conveying the unique rhythm of life in the valley 🚞🍃 This vista is more than just scenery; it evokes a longing. Between ancient mountains and warm springs, I see the answer to the coexistence of humanity and nature, and I see my own heart yearning to slow down and be healed by the mountains and sea 💙♨️

#JanuaryDestinations2026 Stepping into Unazuki Onsen, the sound of the Kurobe River greets me first. The valley is embraced by mountains, morning mist drifts slowly in the air, and the onsen town is quiet and restrained, with only the soft clatter of wooden clogs and the whisper of the wind through the forest 🌫️🌿 Immersing myself in the warm spring water, the heat slowly spreads along my skin, melting away fatigue layer by layer. Looking up at the distant mountains, the rock walls and streams intertwine in primal lines, evoking images of ancient travelers following the water—nature and history quietly overlap here ♨️🏔️ As night falls, lights reflect on the river, and the onsen ryokan exudes a gentle atmosphere. Holding a cup of hot tea, I experience the beauty of modern comfort and traditional healing coexisting. Unazuki is not just a place to rest, but a gentle journey for body and mind to return to the essence of mountains and sea ✨🍵

#japantrip Location & Definition: The Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train is a scenic railway running through Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. Originally built for hydroelectric construction, the open-air train now carries visitors deep into one of Japan’s most dramatic gorges. Along the route, passengers enjoy breathtaking views of steep cliffs, emerald rivers, forests, and seasonal colors, especially vibrant autumn foliage. Travel Tip: Autumn is the most popular season, so book tickets in advance. Bring a jacket, as temperatures drop inside the gorge, and choose an open carriage for the most immersive views.

#japantrip Location & Definition: Man-Eating Rock, known as Hitokui-iwa (人喰岩), is a dramatic coastal rock formation in Japan, named after local legends and folklore rather than real events. Shaped by powerful waves and erosion over centuries, the rock’s sharp, imposing form inspired stories that were passed down through generations. Today, it stands as a striking natural landmark, blending rugged coastal scenery with a sense of mystery and history. Travel Tip: Visit during low tide for safer access and clearer views of the rock’s shape. Wear sturdy shoes, keep a safe distance from the waves, and check local conditions, as coastal weather can change quickly.

#japantrip Location & Definition: Sarutobi Canyon is a striking natural gorge located in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, carved by fast-flowing mountain streams over time. Known for its narrow rock formations, clear rushing water, and lush forest surroundings, the canyon showcases the raw beauty of Japan’s alpine landscapes. The name “Sarutobi,” meaning “monkey jump,” comes from legends suggesting monkeys once leapt across the steep cliffs. Travel Tip: Visit during late spring to early autumn for safer trails and vibrant greenery. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, check weather conditions before going, and allow time to enjoy the scenic walking paths and viewpoints.