Full-line service between Unazuki and Keyakidaira resumed on October 1, 2026. Travelers can once again ride through the full gorge, but Keyakidaira access remains restricted, capacity is controlled and the reservation procedure requires advance attention.
Updated October 2, 2026 · Check the railway again before travel
The reopening is especially timely for travelers planning autumn trips through Toyama, Kanazawa and the Japanese Alps. It also means that older articles and videos describing the railway as operating only to Nekomata may no longer reflect the current route.
Conditions, reservations and access limitations may still change. Check the official Kurobe Gorge Railway website before making a special journey.
What Reopened on October 1, 2026?
Full-line service restarted between Unazuki Station and Keyakidaira Station from the first departure on October 1, 2026.
The October route includes Unazuki, Kuronagi, Kanetsuri and Keyakidaira as boarding and alighting stations.
After the full-line reopening, passengers can no longer board or leave the train at Nekomata Station.
The railway had previously operated a limited shuttle route. The October reopening restores the journey deeper into the gorge, but reconstruction and safety work continue in some areas.
Read the railway’s official full-line reopening announcement for the operator’s latest restrictions and recovery information.
Important Keyakidaira Restrictions
Reaching Keyakidaira Station does not mean every former sightseeing route around the station is open. Restoration work continues around slopes, retaining walls and other damaged areas.
- Do not assume that older walking routes near Keyakidaira are accessible.
- Follow barriers, staff directions and posted restricted-area information.
- Do not build the day around a specific bridge, trail or viewpoint without confirming that it is open.
- Allow enough time to return on the reserved or intended train.
- Check again after severe rain because mountain operations may change.
The train journey itself remains the principal experience. Travelers primarily interested in extended walks around Keyakidaira should review the restrictions carefully before purchasing tickets.
Kurobe Gorge Railway Route in Late 2026
Official October timetables show a typical Unazuki-to-Keyakidaira journey of approximately 76–78 minutes, depending on the departure. Travelers should use the timetable applying to their exact date.
The standard open carriage provides the classic trolley-train experience but exposes passengers more directly to cold air and possible rain. First Class coaches have windows and are available for an additional charge on specified services.
Kurobe Gorge Railway Tickets and Fares
| Route | Adult one-way fare | Child one-way fare | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unazuki–Kuronagi | ¥830 | ¥420 | Shorter journey for travelers not continuing through the full gorge. |
| Unazuki–Kanetsuri | ¥1,780 | ¥890 | Confirm current access and sightseeing conditions around Kanetsuri. |
| Unazuki–Keyakidaira | ¥2,480 | ¥1,240 | Capacity and sightseeing access are limited. |
| First Class upgrade | ¥600 | No child discount on upgrade | Available on designated trains and provides window protection. |
These fares are shown by the operator for October 1 through November 30, 2026. A round trip therefore requires both outbound and return fares. The official site states that round-trip tickets are valid for two days from the boarding date.
Reservations are generally accepted from three months before travel. Because the operator has introduced special arrangements for Keyakidaira, travelers should follow the current instructions shown on the railway’s official reservation section rather than relying on an older booking tutorial.
Confirm the latest timetable and fares on the official Kurobe Gorge Railway timetable page .
Kurobe Gorge Autumn Leaves in 2026
Kurobe Gorge is especially attractive because autumn colour progresses through different elevations. The exact timing varies with temperature, altitude and weather, so the full railway route may display different stages of colour during the same journey.
Travelers visiting Japan too early for Tokyo or Kyoto foliage can use Toyama and other alpine destinations to find earlier seasonal colour. However, the railway experience should not be treated as a guaranteed peak-foliage product.
- Check current foliage reports shortly before travel.
- Reserve transport before autumn weekends become full.
- Prepare for lower temperatures inside the gorge.
- Do not rely on one exact forecast date for the entire route.
- Keep rain and poor-visibility alternatives in the itinerary.
For current dates across Japan, see Jatravi’s Japan autumn leaves forecast for 2026 .
How to Include Kurobe Gorge in a Japan Itinerary
From Toyama
Toyama is the most practical regional base for combining the gorge with city accommodation and onward rail travel. Allow sufficient transfer time between Toyama Chiho Railway and the trolley train.
From Kanazawa
A long day may be possible, but the itinerary must account for travel to Toyama, the local railway connection, pre-boarding procedures and the return journey.
As part of an alpine route
Kurobe Gorge can complement Toyama, Kanazawa, Takayama or Nagano, but it is separate from the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and should not be treated as the same attraction.
With an onsen stay
Staying around Unazuki can reduce same-day travel pressure and create more flexibility for an early train, autumn weather or a slower regional itinerary.
What to Prepare Before Boarding
- Confirm the operating timetable for the exact date.
- Reserve early, especially for Keyakidaira and autumn weekends.
- Check which carriage type is included in the booking.
- Bring warm, wind-resistant clothing for open carriages.
- Protect phones, cameras and important documents from rain.
- Carry only luggage that is practical for the train and transfers.
- Review the final return service before leaving Unazuki.
- Follow current restrictions at Kanetsuri and Keyakidaira.
Continue Planning Your Autumn Japan Trip
Send Jatravi your travel dates, group size and preferred destinations. We can prepare an initial itinerary proposal connecting Kurobe Gorge with Toyama, Kanazawa, the Japanese Alps or other autumn destinations. Completing the form does not require immediate payment or confirm a booking.
Request Your Free Trip ProposalFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Kurobe Gorge Railway fully open in 2026?
Train service between Unazuki and Keyakidaira resumed on October 1, 2026. However, parts of the sightseeing area around Keyakidaira remain restricted.
Can passengers get off at Nekomata Station?
No. After the October 1 full-line reopening, passengers can no longer board or leave the train at Nekomata Station.
How much is the train from Unazuki to Keyakidaira?
The listed one-way fare for October 1 through November 30, 2026 is ¥2,480 for an adult and ¥1,240 for a child. Recheck the official fare before purchasing.
How long does the journey to Keyakidaira take?
Official October timetables show a typical journey of approximately 76–78 minutes from Unazuki to Keyakidaira, depending on the departure.
Do I need to reserve the Kurobe Gorge Railway?
Advance reservation is strongly recommended because trains are capacity controlled and the number of travelers accepted for Keyakidaira is limited.
Is Kurobe Gorge the same as the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
No. They are separate attractions with different access points, transport systems and operating conditions.
When can I see autumn leaves in Kurobe Gorge?
Autumn colour generally develops through October and November, but timing varies by elevation and annual weather. Check current local conditions before travel.
Railway operations, reservations, fares, access restrictions and foliage conditions may change. Information was checked against the official Kurobe Gorge Railway website on October 2, 2026.
