Fall Travel in Kurobe, Toyama: Fall Leaves, Luxurious Onsen, and the Classic Torokko Train
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This train trip along the Kurobe Gorge is even more beautiful in the autumn, and a must-see “koyo” experience.
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Add Kurobe’s Torokko Train Line to Your Fall Travel Plans
The Kurobe area of Toyama Prefecture is known for immense snowfall high in the mountains, and the deep gorge carved away by the Kurobe River, now host to nature-based sightseeing and the construction of some massive dams. During the spring two years ago, the Japankuru team took a trip to the Unazuki Onsen area of Kurobe to explore the area’s great views, steamy onsen, and famously fun torokko train, which runs along the edge of the Kurobe Gorge.
Last autumn, we returned to the area to see how the changing of the seasons had transformed Kurobe’s spectacular landscapes, so now we’re reporting back to you on our “koyo” (紅葉, fall foliage) trip to Unazuki Onsen!
*Due to damage from the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, a portion of the Torokko Train route is currently out of service. While the railway works to restore service, passengers can still enjoy the ride from Unazuki Station as far as Nekomata Station.
Enjoy Japan’s Autumn Leaves Along the Torokko Train Line
Striking out into the great outdoors (or even a neighborhood park) to see the changing of the leaves each fall is a treasured tradition in Japan, called koyo, and there’s no doubt that Kurobe is a koyo hotspot. When we took the Kurobe Gorge Railway torokko train along the cliff face last spring, we were blown away by the verdant green rising up from both sides of the river, all throughout the gorge. In fall, that same foliage turns all shades of red, orange, and yellow, transforming into a perfect koyo mosaic.
Colorful mountainsides jut into Lake Unazuki, and the fall weather somehow adds to the atmosphere of Shin-Yanagawara Power Plant (a uniquely-shaped power station that resembles something from medieval Europe), which almost looks like it could be a castle on a Scottish loch.
In spring, sites like Atobiki Bridge are crowded by beautiful bright green leaves…
▶ More views of Kurobe in spring.
…But in fall, the trees are painted in a gradient of colors, creating a warm background for spots like the Shin-Yamabiko Bridge, the first bridge crossed after leaving Unazuki Station.
The new coloring along the mountainsides set off each of the Kurobe spots we visited last year in new ways, and it’s hard to say whether a visit in spring or autumn is betterーreally, we recommend both.
Kurobe Gorge Railway ・ Torokko Train
Official Website (en)
Autumn Onsen Experiences in Japan
While our springtime trip to Kurobe included the hike from Kuronagi Station and a climb down well over 200 stone steps to see Kuronagi Onsen, we didn’t get to stay long. This time, we had a chance to spend a moment at this outdoor mixed bath placed just steps from the banks of the river, enjoying the sounds of the rushing water while steaming away in the hot onsen water. The same fantastic canyon walls that we saw in spring had changed colors, making this soak at Kuronagi Onsen a uniquely relaxing autumn experience.
Kuronagi Onsen
Official Website (jp)
The Kanetsuri Kawara area is sometimes closed to visitors when the river is too high, but in fall, we were fortunate enough to have good weather and calm waters, so we could enoy this totally unique Kurobe spot. If you pick your way through the stony river bank and settle down at the pools created right by the water’s edge, you’ll find that they’re actually steaming hot! That’s because this area is full of riverside open-air onsen, where the hot spring water bubbles up from the ground in the riverbanks, and then flows in to join the river water!
Some of the pools of onsen water are deeper, but this place is extremely popular for ashiyu (足湯), or footbaths! Find a comfortable rock to settle down on, pull off your shoes and socks, and arrange the pebbles and stones so that the onsen water flows just rightーit’s a heavenly experience, especially surrounded by the amazing fall foliage.
Kanetsuri Kawara Riverside Onsen
*Use restricted after 4 pm.
If you’re short on time during your visit to Kurobe but still want to experience local onsen, or if you just want to fit one more hot spring in before leaving the area, don’t miss the convenient little footbath right at Unazuki Onsen Station!
Toyama Travel: Enjoy Kurobe Throughout the Seasons
Taking a trip on the torokko train in the autumn, the Japankuru team was wowed by views of Kurobe Gorge covered in a riot of reds and yellow, and we exulted in the joys of outdoor baths surrounded by the season’s cool breezes. But the charms of a trip on this unique Kurobe Gorge train aren’t limited to this one seasonーwe’re looking forward to what we find on our next trip to Kurobe!
▶ Interested in visiting? Read more about our spring trip to Kurobe!
For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!
This article was originally published on March 1, 2021.
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NAME:Kurobe, Toyama (富山県黒部)
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HIROSHIMA
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Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
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SHIKOKU
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On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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