Arimine Gorge
Experience Japan's dramatic natural beauty on the Kurobe Gorge Railway, winding through stunning gorges with waterfalls and vibrant autumn colors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors
Arimine Gorge
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Japan's dramatic natural beauty on the Kurobe Gorge Railway, winding through stunning gorges with waterfalls and vibrant autumn colors.
"One of the beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life, worth the journey and the cost!"
🎯 Sit Smart on the Train
Sit on the right when departing, left when returning for best views. Some tunnels mean you'll miss scenery briefly.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Open-air train means you're exposed. Layers are key! Check forecasts. Consider closed car if wary of bugs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kurobe Gorge Railway Journey
Arimine Gorge
Ride an open-air train through stunning gorges, past waterfalls and lush forests. A truly scenic adventure.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Various points along the railway
Breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and a gracefully flowing river below. Perfect for nature lovers.
Tunnel & Scenic Contrasts
Kurobe Gorge Railway
Experience the thrill of traveling through tunnels, then emerging to spectacular, open-air natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Autumn Colors
Open-Air Train Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sit Smart on the Train
Sit on the right when departing, left when returning for best views. Some tunnels mean you'll miss scenery briefly.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Open-air train means you're exposed. Layers are key! Check forecasts. Consider closed car if wary of bugs.
Kurobe Gorge Railway - how to see each station
💰 Cash for Local Trains
The local Toyama Chihou Railway often only accepts cash. Be prepared!
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are stunning! Keep your camera ready for the dramatic contrasts between tunnels and open vistas.
Is the town of Kurobe still worth visiting if the rail to the gorge is not open?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sit Smart on the Train
Sit on the right when departing, left when returning for best views. Some tunnels mean you'll miss scenery briefly.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Open-air train means you're exposed. Layers are key! Check forecasts. Consider closed car if wary of bugs.
💰 Cash for Local Trains
The local Toyama Chihou Railway often only accepts cash. Be prepared!
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are stunning! Keep your camera ready for the dramatic contrasts between tunnels and open vistas.
⏳ Limited Time at Stops
At the last stop, you have about 20 mins. It's mainly for restrooms; the train itself offers the best experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of Arimine Gorge, particularly the scenic Kurobe Gorge Railway journey. The stunning natural landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant autumn colors are frequently highlighted as unforgettable experiences. While some note the extensive tunnel sections, the overall consensus is that the trip is well worth the cost and effort for its unique charm and immersive natural beauty.
"We went for fall foliage. It was beautiful. We didn't reserve the tickets. In order to reserve tickets, you should do at least 2 days in advance. We chose to ride the open-air car since we want to take pictures without the glare of glass on windows in the enclosed cars. Everything was well organized and ran smoothly. Remember to bring a jacket, it's cold. Because there is no reserve seats, if you want to have the view fully, choose seat on the right side. Because of the damage caused by the earthquake in 2024, the railway only runs between Unazukionsen Station and Nekomata Station. It stops at Nekomata Station for 20 minutes. There is not much to do in Nekomata Station though. I just wish the train ran at a bit slower speed at major attractions. It wasn't fast, but I wanted to be able to "feel" rather than just passing by."
Kim Le
"20251107 gorgeous views of the autumn leaves!
I like the open car way more, although we booked the close window ("relax car"). To feel the breeze and the smell of the forests. Beware of stinky bugs and loud noise thou (my friend is afraid of the bugs, but they fly away soon if you keep on moving, taking pictures)."
E. Li
"Great views, very brisk for fall, so bring a coat. I would recommend concert ear plugs if riding in the open seat cars as the rails can be piercingly loud."
N Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors start from Toyama Station. Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Kurobe Station, then transfer to the Toyama Chihou Railway (a local train that often requires cash payment) to Unazuki Onsen Station, the departure point for the Kurobe Gorge Railway.
While the Kurobe Gorge Railway is the primary access, driving to Unazuki Onsen is possible. However, parking can be limited, and the railway is the recommended way to experience the gorge itself.
From Tokyo or Osaka, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama Station. From there, follow the steps mentioned above to reach Unazuki Onsen. Plan for a significant travel time.
Information on dedicated shuttle services directly to the railway's starting point is limited. Public transport via train is the most common and reliable method.
The Toyama Chihou Railway journey from Shin-Kurobe to Unazuki Onsen typically takes around 25-30 minutes. Factor in transfer times from the Shinkansen.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the destination and type of car (open-air or closed). It's advisable to check the official Kurobe Gorge Railway website for the most current pricing. Expect it to be worth the cost for the views.
Advance ticket purchase is recommended, especially during peak seasons like autumn foliage. However, some visitors have found it possible to purchase on-the-day tickets on weekdays without long queues.
Operating hours vary seasonally. The railway typically runs from late April to late November. It's essential to check the official schedule for your planned travel dates, as hours can change.
Yes, you can choose between open-air cars for a more immersive experience or closed cars for protection from weather and bugs. The open-air cars are popular for the thrill.
Arimine Gorge is a natural area, and access to the scenic points is primarily gained through the Kurobe Gorge Railway. The railway ticket covers your passage through the gorge.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Kurobe Gorge Railway journey offers incredible photo opportunities. Keep your camera ready as you emerge from tunnels to capture the dramatic landscapes. The views from the train itself are often the most iconic.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. Consider a lightweight setup for easy handling on the train.
While there are stations along the way, getting off is risky as there's no guarantee you'll get on the next train. It's best to capture photos from the train itself or at the designated stops.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful, while afternoon light can create dramatic shadows. The gorge can also be shaded due to its depth. Consider shooting during the 'golden hours' if possible, though this might be challenging with train schedules.
The train itself acts as a moving viewpoint. Specific bridges and curves in the gorge offer particularly striking scenes. The area around the final station also provides some vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the scale of the landscape and the unique perspective from the train. Experiment with different angles as you move through tunnels and emerge into open vistas. 🚶 Nature Lovers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kurobe Gorge Railway Experience
Travelers often highlight the contrast between the dark tunnels and the sudden bursts of breathtaking scenery. It's a journey that blends thrilling engineering with raw natural beauty. The railway operates seasonally, typically from late April to late November, with the autumn foliage period being particularly popular.
Pro-tip: While the views are spectacular, be prepared for the elements. Dressing in layers is essential, and some visitors opt for closed cars if they are sensitive to weather or insects.
Autumn Foliage at Arimine Gorge
However, it's important to note that the peak foliage can be fleeting. Some travelers have found that by late November, the leaves may have already fallen. Therefore, checking local foliage reports and planning your visit accordingly is highly recommended to ensure you catch the most vibrant displays.
Even outside of peak foliage, the gorge offers beautiful scenery. The evergreen trees provide a lush backdrop, and the dramatic geological formations are impressive year-round.
Practicalities of the Journey
Once at Unazuki Onsen, you can purchase your railway tickets. While on-the-day tickets are sometimes available, especially on weekdays, booking in advance is a safer bet during peak seasons to avoid disappointment.
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