1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen
Period
May to November
Time
08:00 - 17:30
Meeting Place
Kanazawa Station
Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station
Price
Adult (13+) | 30,000 / 24,000 | JPY |
Child (6-12) | 24,000 / 21,000 | JPY |
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen
In the Northern Japanese Alps lies a small beautiful onsen town sitting at the entrance of an even more amazing sight, Kurobe Gorge, Japan’s deepest V-shaped gorge. On this tour you can experience the great natural beauty of Japan and the small town feel of a popular onsen resort. Your local guide will show you foot baths and healing buddhas, ride on the trolley train across spectacular gorges and, finally, stroll through nature with unusual onsen water rivers. City and scenery, bridges and buddhas, trolley trains and quaint walks, fully enjoy a lesser traveled part of Japan in Unazuki Onsen and the Kurobe Gorge!
![kurobe-gorge-railway](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1318016_m.jpg)
Highlights
- Experience one of Japan’s most scenic areas – Kurobe Gorge!
- Enjoy walking through the onsen town of Unazuki Onsen.
- Ride the trolley car through the stunning gorges as you go deeper and deeper into the mountains.
*For those looking to join the tour from Toyama, Nagano and Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below
NOTE: Due to the January 1st Noto Earthquake there was damage to one of the bridges that leads to the final station. For that reason, this tour will be a slightly modified version until the full railway is repaired. Right now the time for it to be fully repaired is sometime next year. There is still about 60% of the railway that you can enjoy, including the deepest part of the gorge.
Description
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/222124402_m.jpg)
This tour has tour starting points, the first being Kanazawa Station. Your guide will meet you in front of the Information Center near the Shinkansen Ticket Gates. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station as well if you feel the need. From there we will hop on the shinkansen to the second starting point of the tour.
![kurobe-unazukionsen-station-banner-edit](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/kurobe-unazukionsen-station-banner-edit.jpg)
The tour’s second start point is Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station, where your guide will meet you in front of the Shinkansen Ticket Gates at 9:00 am. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker if you need. Once we have left the inside of the station building, we will walk to Shin-Kurobe Station which takes about 3 minutes.
![chiho-railway-unazuki-onsen](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/5200428_m.jpg)
Next we will hop on the local train to Unazuki Onsen Station. It’s a short ride so enjoy the Japanese countryside as we make our way into the mountains.
![unazuki-onsen](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1574558_m.jpg)
![unazuki-onsen-station](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ca98d676d1e0cdc2ab727b7016944a852_32858393_200918_5.jpg)
Finally, we arrived at Unazuki Onsen proper. This onsen area was founded just over a hundred years ago and even today it is recognized as having the clearest onsen spring water in all of Japan. The architecture of the town reflects its time period, which was the 1920’s in the Taisho period. This was a time of significant mixing of western and Japanese styles so the buildings give a kind of modern retro feel to them.
![unazuki-onsen-town-walk](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/901392_m.jpg)
Right after coming off the train, we will head on a walk out of the town to get some nice views of the town itself, one of the red bridges and the beautiful valley. There is a small 20-30 minute walk where we will see the stunning valley from all different angles. There is also certain times when the train runs across the bridge and we will wait at one of the observation decks to get the picture!
When we get back to the town center it’ll be time to prepare for lunch. There isn’t a designated lunch time for this tour so please eat before the train in town. There are plenty of options in and around the station so feel free to ask your guide for recommendations.
![kurobe-gorge-railway](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1318057_m.jpg)
![kurobe-gorge-railway](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ca98d676d1e0cdc2ab727b7016944a852_23591807_200702_0032.jpg)
We will hop on the trolley train to deep inner parts of Kurobe Gorge next. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you feel the air rush through the train car. This is a long ride so make sure to dress for the weather. There is a roof on the carriage, but it is not 100% effective at keeping all the rain out. The train will take about an hour and forty minutes in total, including one stop where you can get off and walk around the station area shortly. The train is on a shortened version currently, running between only Unazuki and Nekomata Station. Even now you can still see the deepest gorge in Japan, beautiful waterfalls and lakes and other interesting sights throughout.
![kurobe-gorge-banner-edit](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/kurobe-gorge-banner-edit.jpg)
The long spectacular train ride will eventually come to an end and next we will walk around the town. There is time for you to explore and get a feel for the onsen water’s quality with one of the town’s covered foot baths. A Buddha statue where you pour onsen water over the part of him that you want to be “healed” is also a fun activity to try out. At the far end of Unazuki Onsen is the Omokage Observation Deck , an unusually shaped lookout. You can see the town and valley from a different angle with the nice river running right below.
![unazuki-onsen-town](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/25839201_m.jpg)
![unazuki-onsen-town](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/27661953_m.jpg)
It is finally time to go home so we will head over to Unazuki Onsen Station, hop on a train to Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station. This is the official end of the tour so we will say our goodbyes and get ready for our trips back.
ITINERARY
08:00 | If you choose to start the tour from Kanazawa Station then your meet-up is at 8 am! We will gather together and get ready to get on the shinkansen to Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station. |
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09:00 | For everyone else, start your tour at Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Shinkansen Station. Here you can put your luggage into coin lockers or go to the bathroom before we get on the train to Unazuki Onsen. We have to cross the street to get to Shin-Kurobe Station to take that train. |
9:40 | Arrive at Unazuki Onsen Station. This town's architecture is similar to how it was when it was started as an onsen resort town 100 years ago. We will head out for a short walk to get views of the town, bridges and gorge in the area. Some of those amazing pictures were taken on this very walking route. |
11:30 | Time for lunch in the town. Make sure to ask your guide for recommendations. |
12:50 | The trolley train departs the station. As we head deeper into the mountains, the picturesque gorges, bridges and lakes will be everywhere. Relax, eat and enjoy the beautiful scenery as the train winds its way across ravines, valleys and ponds. On the way back there is a station where you can get off shortly and take pictures. |
14:30 | You are now back at Unazuki Onsen. After that ride explore some of the more interesting spots like the healing Buddha, footbaths, interesting shops, cafes and another observation deck that you didn't go to before! |
16:00 | It is time to start the journey back by hopping on the train back to Shin-Kurobe station and then the Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen shinkansen stop. Have a safe trip back to your hotel! For the rest of the group, we will catch the next train to Kanazawa. |
17:20 | The shinkansen arrives at Kanazawa Station. This is the final goodbye of the day. If you need any recommendations for your time in Kanazawa, feel free to ask your guide! |
TOUR MEETUP POINT
1 / KANAZAWA STATION @ 08:00 A.M.
![Kanazawa-Meeting-spot](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/800-Kanazawa-Meet-white-1.jpg)
The meetup point is outside of the Shinkansen ticket gates, in front of the information center. If you are heading out from the gates, look forward and to the right and you will see a four large sumo wrestlers lined up. This is where we will be meeting. For those coming from outside the station, you will find this sign immediately inside of the East Entrance of Kanazawa Station. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 8:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag.
2 / KUROBE-UNAZUKI ONSEN STATION @ 09:00 A.M.
![Kurobe-unazuki-onsen-station-shinkansen-meeting-point](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/900-Kurobe-Unazuki-Onsen.jpg)
The meetup point is outside of the Shinkansen ticket gates. When you exit from the gates head towards the East Gate and wait inside near the doors. Please wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag.
NOTES
Included
- English speaking guide throughout the tour
- Shinkansen train tickets from Kanazawa Station to Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station (For Kanazawa Start)
- Train tickets to and from Shin-Kurobe Station to Unazuki Onsen Station
- Trolley train tickets to and from Unazuki Onsen Station and Nekomata Station
Excluded
- Lunch (bento)
- Accommodation
- Transportation to chosen start point
Other Information
- This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or rain coat if necessary.
- In winter the temperatures will be below 10℃ at the high , and in the morning and evening may be close to or below 0℃. Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for snowy and cold conditions. There may also be snow and ice on the road/sidewalk, and so you should take care to not slip by preparing the correct shoes for such conditions.
- There will be free time along the way for guests to enjoy the locations at their own pace. However, please make sure that you are at the respective meetup points at the time stated by your guide. If you get lost or need assistance, feel free to call the number which is listed on your tour pass, and our staff will assist you immediately.
- If you have special dietary needs, it is advised that you either bring a bento from your hotel or buy one ahead of time. The area around Unazuki Onsen Station may not have the specifics of what you require. There is a convenience store in the town, though.
FAQs
- I’d like to join this tour from Toyama. Is that possible?
- Yes, it is possible to do so!
For those leaving from Toyama, you can catch the shinkansen from Toyama Station at 8:41 A.M.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information.
- I’d like to join this tour from Tokyo/Nagano. Is that possible?
- Yes, it is possible to do so!
For those coming from Tokyo, please ride the shinkansen departing Tokyo Station at 6:28 A.M., to arrive in Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station at 8:55.
For those leaving from Nagano, you can catch the same Shinkansen from Nagano Station at 8:05 A.M.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information.
- Can I choose to end the tour in the Unazuki Onsen town?
- Yes, you may end the tour in Unazuki Onsen.
If you have an accommodation at Unazuki Onsen, feel free to end the tour there
- What should I wear/bring?
- Please wear clothing appropriate to the season in which you are taking the tour, and check the weather forecast ahead of time. Guests may wish to bring rain coats or umbrellas on rainy days, or sunscreen to avoid sunburn during the summer months. In the winter months, the air temperatures will be cold (10 to -5 ℃ on average), and so gloves, winter boots, warm hats, and hand warmers are recommended. Otherwise, please feel free to bring any other items, such as water or a snack, which you would normally carry when walking in the outdoors.
- Can I add accommodation to my tour booking?
- Yes. We can help book accommodation for guests who will be spending the night in Kanazawa, Toyama, Nagano or nearby areas. Please send us an inquiry if you would like to request help.
- Is this tour wheelchair accessible/appropriate for guests with limited mobility?
- The nature of this tour means it is not wheelchair accessible and may not be appropriate for guests with limited mobility, given the amount of walking involved. Should this be of concern, contact us prior to booking to discuss options.
- Is lunch included on this tour?
- No. This tour does not include lunch however there will be opportunities to purchase food and drinks during the tour. If you prefer to, please also feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you.
Also, if you have special dietary needs, it is advised that you either bring a bento from your hotel or buy one ahead of time. The area around Unazuki Onsen Station may not have you need but there is a convenience store in town.
(Travel Agency License No: Nagano 2-562)
Snow Monkey Resorts Tours
2159 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-0921 Japan
Tel: (+81)26-219-6256
Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association
Travel Service Supervisor: Azusa Fukuhara
Period
May to November
Time
08:00 - 17:30
Meeting Place
Kanazawa Station
Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station
Price
Adult (13+) | 30,000 / 24,000 | JPY |
Child (6-12) | 24,000 / 21,000 | JPY |