Discover Unazuki: Four unique experiences in a hidden corner of Toyama Prefecture

Introduction

Are you unsure of your next travel destination? If you've already visited popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, we recommend the Unazuki area of Toyama Prefecture.

Known as the gateway to the Kurobe Gorge, this area is a hidden gem of Japan known only to those in the know, where the beautiful nature of the four seasons, the magnificent history that supported Japan's electricity, and the warm-hearted lives of the people of the hot spring town coexist.

In this article, we'll introduce four "experience-based trips" that go beyond sightseeing and can be enjoyed in the Unazuki area. Meet a local guide, ride a trolley train, enjoy the starry sky, hot springs, and experience the local food culture. We're sure you'll have a memorable experience that will stay with you for a long time.

If you're looking for a trip that's a little different from the ones you've experienced before, Unazuki might be the answer.

What is the appeal of the Unazuki area in Toyama Prefecture?

Located in the eastern part of Toyama Prefecture at the foot of the Northern Alps, the Unazuki area is a special place where nature, history, and culture intersect. This area is known as the entrance to Kurobe Gorge, one of Japan's most famous V-shaped gorges, and visitors are captivated by the spectacular views of the gorge carved out by the crystal-clear Kurobe River and the changing faces of the mountains throughout the seasons.

It also played an important role as a base for power generation development in the past, and even today dams and power plants quietly tell the story of that history. The Gorge Railway, on which the trolley train runs, is an industrial heritage site that was once used to transport materials. Today, it operates as a tourist train, bringing the beauty of the gorge and the romance of railways to visitors.

Furthermore, at Unazuki Onsen, which opened over 100 years ago, you can enjoy not only the high-quality hot springs, but also the nostalgic atmosphere of the hot spring town, local cuisine, and interactions with warm-hearted people.

Untouched nature, storied history, and human connections - Unazuki is a place where you can quietly but firmly experience the "real Japan."

Four special tours to enjoy the hidden gem of Unazuki

Tour 1 | A premium night tour surrounded by stars and lights at a remote station at night

The Kurobe Gorge Railway's first night tour is about to begin, inviting you into a world of tranquility and fantasy. The setting is Nekomata Station, the only remote station in Japan with the character for "cat" in its name. Opportunities to visit this station even during the day are limited, so stopping off at night is a truly "premium" experience.

As you disembark from the train, you'll be greeted by illuminations that gently envelop the gorge, and the station building and trees floating in the dark night will make you feel like you're in a picture book. Led by a specialist guide, you will embark on a fantastical stroll while learning about the nature of Kurobe Gorge and the history of the railway.

In the second half, all the lights are turned off and it's time to observe the stars.

The starry sky above the crystal clear canyon is a breathtaking beauty you'll never experience in your everyday life. Take commemorative photos in special photo frames and illuminated spots, perfect for posting on social media. Be sure to capture this extraordinary night in your photos and memories.

Tour 2 | Unazuki Onsen Town x Trolley Train Food Walking Plan

When traveling, you want to enjoy local delicacies and a leisurely stroll around the town. This plan is an experiential tour that combines the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet stroll around the retro-styled Unazuki Onsen town and a ride on the Kurobe Gorge trolley train.

First, with your "Food Walking Ticket" in hand, enjoy the gourmet food of the hot spring town. You can freely stroll around the atmospheric townscape while sampling the local specialties of Toyama, such as hot spring buns, mountain vegetable oyaki, soft serve ice cream, and craft beer.

Furthermore, for the second half of the trip, you can take a trolley train to Nekomata Station, a remote station. You can take a special stroll around the station grounds, which are normally off-limits, and experience the magnificent nature of Kurobe Gorge and the history of power generation.

There is also an option to rent a kimono, so you can enjoy a luxurious trip while dining on the gorge railway in a kimono. There are also many photogenic spots, making it perfect for posting on social media or recording your trip.

It goes beyond just sightseeing; it's a warm time where the hot spring town and the railway intersect. Walk, eat, ride, and feel - this experience is packed with all the charm of Unazuki.

Tour 3 | A special tour of the Nekomata area, walking through the story of the dam and the memories of the railway

This tour is a special experience that allows you to experience the historical background of Kurobe Gorge while visiting Nekomata Station and its surrounding area, which are normally off-limits to the public.

Your guides will be employees of the Kurobe Gorge Railway. They will share stories that you won't find in textbooks, such as behind-the-scenes stories about the construction of Kurobe Dam, the mission of the Gorge Railway, and the background to its creation, all of which can only be told by people who know the area, making your trip even more in-depth and real.

Taking commemorative photos using original photo frames is also a popular activity.

A quiet station, vibrant nature, and stories of industrial memory. Transform Kurobe from a "trip to see" to a "trip to learn." This is an experiential tour for adults that will ignite your intellectual curiosity.

Tour 4 | Beer included! Nekomata Station round-trip guided tour

A treat for adults, enjoying a spectacular view on the trolley and a toast.

Feel the refreshing breeze of Kurobe Gorge as you ride the windowless trolley train to Nekomata Station. This special tour adds a little extravagant "toast time" to a train journey that allows you to become one with the majestic nature.

After arriving, take a short stroll around Nekomata Station, the only remote station in Japan with the character "neko" (cat) in its name. If the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by a magnificent panoramic view of the gorge. This is a great spot for taking photos, so you can capture a memorable moment.

On the return journey, you'll have the chance to toast with a local beer or soft drink. It's an exceptional experience to bask in the afterglow of your journey as the train sways through nature. Enjoy it with friends, your significant other, or as a treat for yourself. You'll surely find yourself saying, "I never knew there was a way to enjoy a train like this!"

It's a short, casual trip that can be enjoyed in a short space of time, but is packed with content. It's a short trip for adults that offers a good balance of extraordinary experiences and relaxation.

Summary: Not a tourist spot, but a place for experiences. A special journey you'll experience in Unazuki.

The Unazuki area of Toyama Prefecture offers a profound journey that goes beyond simply "seeing" or "visiting"; it is a place where people and nature, history and experiences intersect.

Enjoy a quiet moment gazing up at the stars in the canyon at night. Spend an afternoon swaying on a trolley train while sampling gourmet food in the hot spring town. Experience the story of industrial heritage and take photos at the intersection of railways and nature. And then, enjoy the ultimate reward of toasting to the great outdoors from the train.

All of these are forms of travel that can only be experienced here in Unazuki. Get away from your everyday life for a little while and experience things that you can feel with all your senses. It is a journey that becomes your own story, and the word "tourism" is insufficient.

On your next vacation, why not try to find a relaxing experience in Unazuki?