The Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route is a new sightseeing route that connects the Kurobe Gorge Railway with the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, allowing travelers to cross the Japanese Alps in a single journey.
Previously used exclusively by the Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) for maintaining the Kurobe Dam, this route is scheduled to open to the public in 2026, giving visitors access to infrastructure that has never before been available to tourists.
What Is the Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route?
The Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route is a new travel route linking two of Toyama Prefecture's most popular attractions:
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Torokko Train)
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
What makes this route truly unique is that part of the journey passes through KEPCO's operational infrastructure, which had previously been closed to the public. Visitors will travel through underground tunnels, ride special electric trains, and use a vertical elevator built inside the mountain.
Why Is This Route So Special?
The Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route is expected to become one of Japan's most exciting new attractions for several reasons:
- Connects the Kurobe Gorge Railway and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in one seamless journey.
- Provides access to exclusive routes that were previously reserved for KEPCO personnel.
- Features several unique modes of transportation rarely experienced elsewhere.
- Combines spectacular views of the Kurobe Gorge, the Japanese Alps, and the iconic Kurobe Dam.
- Daily visitor numbers are limited, offering a quieter and more exclusive sightseeing experience.
Journey Through the Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route
Travelers will experience multiple modes of transportation throughout the route.
| Route Segment | Transportation |
|---|---|
| Unazuki Onsen → Keyakidaira | Kurobe Gorge Railway (Torokko Train) |
| Keyakidaira → KEPCO Area | Underground electric train |
| KEPCO Area | Vertical elevator |
| KEPCO Tunnel | Walking and operational shuttle vehicle |
| Kurobeko | Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route |
From Kurobeko, travelers can continue their journey toward Toyama or Omachi (Nagano) via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Highlights You Won't Find Anywhere Else
The Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route offers experiences unlike any other sightseeing route in Japan.
KEPCO Infrastructure
Visitors can travel through the operational facilities originally built to support the construction and maintenance of the Kurobe Dam—areas that remained off-limits to the public for decades.
Vertical Elevator Inside the Mountain
One of the route's most remarkable features is a vertical elevator that travels approximately 200 meters (656 feet) inside the mountain, providing a truly one-of-a-kind transportation experience.
Kurobe Dam
The route concludes near Kurobe Dam, the tallest dam in Japan and one of the most famous landmarks in the Japanese Alps. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, it is one of the highlights of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
When Will the Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route Open?
The Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route is scheduled to open to the public on October 2, 2026.
From that date, visitors will be able to travel through sections of the route that were previously accessible only to Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of the Kurobe Dam.
The opening of this long-awaited route will create an entirely new way to explore the Japanese Alps, connecting two of Toyama Prefecture's most iconic sightseeing destinations in a single unforgettable journey.
