Kurobe Gorge & Unazuki Onsen Day Trip from Kanazawa

Summary

Unazuki’s hot springs, mountain trains and hidden Buddhas in Kurobe Gorge

You’ll walk quiet streets in Unazuki Onsen, ride an old trolley train into Kurobe Gorge with a local guide, soak your feet in real onsen water, and catch glimpses of healing Buddhas and monkey bridges. The day feels both relaxed and quietly surprising — perfect if you want something slower than big city sightseeing.

What’s the experience like?

“You can smell the minerals before you see the water,” our guide grinned as we stepped off the bus in Unazuki Onsen. He was right — there’s this faint, earthy scent that clings to your clothes, especially near the footbaths. The town felt like it hadn’t changed much in decades; wooden facades, a few old men sweeping their doorsteps, steam curling up from vents in the street. We walked a bit of the old hiking route toward Kurobe Dam, past mossy stone lanterns and a woman hanging laundry who nodded but didn’t say much. I liked that — nobody here seemed to be performing for tourists.

Lunch was early and casual (I went for soba; someone else tried curry rice). Our guide pointed out a couple of spots but let us wander. Then came the main event: boarding that tiny trolley train for Kurobe Gorge. It rattled along slowly, windows open to cold air and cedar trees whipping by. At one point we passed a red bridge just for monkeys — apparently they actually use it, though I didn’t spot any. There was this moment when we stopped at Nekomata Station (the end of the line for now because of earthquake repairs) and everyone got quiet, just looking out at the river below. I could hear water moving over stones and some distant bird calls. Funny how silence can feel so full sometimes.

Before heading back to Kanazawa, we had time for one last soak in a public footbath — same hot spring water as the fancy ryokans use, but free and outdoors. My feet still tingled hours later on the bus ride home. Our guide gave us tips for dinner back in town (“try anything with crab if you’re here in winter!”), which I scribbled down but probably spelled wrong. I keep thinking about that train ride through Kurobe Gorge — it’s not long right now with part of the line closed, but it’s enough to make you want to come back when it’s fully open again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen tour

• Travel by bus from Kanazawa to Unazuki Onsen
• Walk old hiking route to Kurobe Dam
• Free time and early lunch in Unazuki Onsen
• Meet at Unazuki Onsen Station for trolley train
• Ride trolley train to Nekomata Station
• See Kurobe Dam, monkey bridge, and Buddha statue
• Shop and visit Healing Buddha in Unazuki
• Relax in footbath with onsen water
• Return by bus to Kanazawa and say goodbyes

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Kanazawa to Kurobe Gorge take?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time between Kanazawa and Unazuki Onsen.

Is lunch included on this Kurobe Gorge tour?

No set lunch is included but your guide will recommend local restaurants during free time in Unazuki Onsen.

How much of the Kurobe Gorge trolley train route is open?

Currently about 60% is open due to earthquake repairs; trains go as far as Nekomata Station.

Is hotel pickup included from Kanazawa?

The tour includes transportation from Kanazawa but not direct hotel pickup.

Are there English-speaking guides on this trip?

Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies your group throughout the day.

Can I use public transport instead of the private bus?

Public transportation options are available nearby but this tour uses private bus transfers.

What should I bring for the trolley train ride?

You can bring snacks or drinks since there are no shops once you board at Unazuki Onsen Station.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day covers all transportation costs from Kanazawa to Unazuki Onsen and back, round-trip tickets for the Kurobe Gorge trolley train up to Nekomata Station with your English-speaking guide leading throughout, plus plenty of free time for lunch or exploring local footbaths before returning home in comfort.