Racing Through Japan's Number One V-Shaped Gorge: Why the Kurobe Gorge Railway is a Must-Ride Scenic Train (Part 2)
A scenic train racing through Japan's number one V-shaped gorge
A thorough guide to the charms of the Kurobe Gorge Railway (Trolley Train) [Part 2]
Kanetsuri Station: Experiencing the great outdoors unique to a hidden region
After crossing the Hikidani Bridge, the train proceeds deeper into the gorge.
The tracks wind along the rock face.
Tunnels appear one after another.
And the magnificent Kurobe River spreads out every time you cross a bridge.
Just looking out the window makes you lose track of time.
Eventually, you arrive at Kanetsuri Station.
This is one of the most popular spots along the Kurobe Gorge Railway, and many tourists get off here.
A few minutes' walk from the station is the "Kanetsuri Kawara Open-Air Bath."
It is a natural hot spring that bubbles up on the banks of the Kurobe River, and the experience of soaking in the water while surrounded by steep rock walls is truly a hidden gem.
A luxurious time flows where you can become one with nature.
Furthermore, in this area, you can also see the Kurobe Eternal Snow.
The snow valley that remains unmelted even in summer is a surprising sight for first-time visitors.
"There is still snow even though it's midsummer."
Such a mysterious landscape is also a unique charm of the Kurobe Gorge.
In autumn, the surrounding trees turn red and yellow, creating a spectacular view known as "Kinshukan."
The red bridge, the autumn leaves, and the emerald green Kurobe River.
A beautiful scene spreads out before your eyes that will make you unable to stop pressing the shutter button.
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To the terminus, Keyakidaira Station: The entrance to the hidden region
Departing from Kanetsuri Station, the train finally heads for the terminus, Keyakidaira Station.
At an altitude of about 600 meters.
Located deep in the Kurobe Gorge, this station is truly the "gateway to the hidden region."
When you get off the train, the air feels a little cool, and the scent of the forest envelops your whole body.
From here on, there are many scenic spots that can be enjoyed on foot.
The first place you want to visit is the Okukane Bridge.
The Kurobe River looking down from the bright vermilion suspension bridge is an emerald green so clear it feels like you could be sucked into it.
The view surrounded by mountains in all 360 degrees is truly worthy of the word spectacular.
Crossing the bridge, you will find the "Hitokui-iwa" (Man-Eating Rock).
It is a promenade carved out of a huge bedrock, and the unique landscape where the rock covers your head is very impressive.
It is also a place where the power of nature and human civil engineering are perfectly fused.
As you walk further, you will find Sarutobi Gorge, a famous scenic spot representing the Kurobe Gorge.
It is the narrowest point of the Kurobe River, and as the name suggests, there is a legend that it is "so narrow that even a monkey can jump across it."
The landscape woven by polished granite and a highly transparent clear stream is something you will never get tired of watching for hours.
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Kurobe Gorge where you can also enjoy hidden hot springs
In the Keyakidaira area, there are also hot springs that represent the Kurobe Gorge.
Meiken Onsen is a hidden hot spring popular for its open-air bath overlooking the gorge.
The open-air bath surrounded by rock walls is full of openness and will slowly heal your daily fatigue.
For those who have extra energy, we also recommend extending your trip to Babadani Onsen.
It is about a one-hour walk, but beyond that, a hot spring with an abundant amount of water that you wouldn't expect to find deep in the mountains awaits you.
A hot spring that you cannot reach by car and can only reach by riding the trolley train.
Such a sense of exclusivity is one of the reasons why it fascinates so many people.
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A journey you can only experience with a trolley train
The charm of the Kurobe Gorge Railway is not just the scenery.
The train itself is the star of the journey.
Many of the passenger cars are open-air types without windows.
The cool breeze blowing up from the valley.
The sound of the river flowing.
The chirping of birds.
The scent of the forest.
A "journey to feel nature" that you can never experience on an ordinary train awaits you.
The average speed is about 15 km/h.
Because it moves slowly, you can enjoy the scenery in front of you thoroughly.
New scenery that spreads out every time you pass through a tunnel.
The thrill of crossing a railway bridge.
The powerful engine sound of the locomotive.
All of that becomes a memory of the trip.
As you look out the window while listening to the sightseeing announcements, you will feel as if you have entered the story of the Kurobe Gorge.
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A gorge that shows completely different expressions throughout the four seasons
The charm of the Kurobe Gorge is that the scenery changes significantly throughout the year.
Spring
With the melting snow, fresh green leaves sprout, and the mountain surface is full of vitality.
The contrast between the remaining snow and the young leaves is a special landscape unique to this time of year.
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Summer
The gorge, wrapped in deep green, is a natural summer resort.
The temperature is lower than in the city, and the breeze blowing into the trolley train is very refreshing.
During the summer vacation, there are many families, and events that children can enjoy, such as nature observation and stamp rallies, are held.
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Autumn
This is the season when the Kurobe Gorge shines the most.
Mountains dyed in red, yellow, and orange wrap the entire gorge, and tourists from all over the country visit as one of Japan's leading autumn leaf spots.
The autumn leaves spreading across the train windows are as beautiful as if you were running inside a painting.
During the autumn leaf season, seat reservation tickets often sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.
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Winter
In winter, the gorge is covered in several meters of snow, and the trolley train service is suspended.
Amidst the harsh natural environment, staff continue maintenance and inspections in preparation for the resumption of service in the spring.
That is precisely why a journey on the trolley train, which can only be enjoyed from spring to autumn, holds such special value.
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Why are so many people captivated?
The reason the Kurobe Gorge Railway has been loved for so many years is not just the scenery.
It holds a story where human technology and the great outdoors are in perfect harmony.
It began with the grand project of building a power plant, and has since been reborn as a tourist railway that delivers excitement to many people today.
Whether you are a train enthusiast, a nature lover, a photography buff, or a fan of hot springs.
It is a place where anyone who visits can find their own way to enjoy it.
That is surely the reason why those who visit once feel like they want to come back in a different season.
(Continues to Part 3)