Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture is one of the most famous V-shaped gorges listed in the "Three Great Valleys" and the "100 Best Unexplored Areas" in Japan. It spans a total length of 86 km and an elevation difference of about 3,000 m from top to bottom. The "Kurobe Gorge Torokko (Trolley) Train" is a popular attraction that ferries visitors through the magnificent canyon carved by nature while enjoying a comfortable swaying sensation. The train offers different scenery throughout each of the four seasons, making it a place you will want to visit time and time again.

Kurobe Gorge is the deepest and vastest gorge in Japan, formed throughout the eons by Kurobe River, which flows between the Tateyama and Gotateyama mountain ranges. The gorge was an unexplored region that did not attract people until Japan's Taisho Period (1912-1926). During this time, the development of the Kurobe Gorge was promoted when construction work began on a power plant to utilize Kurobe River, a steep river with high rainfall, for hydroelectric power generation.
The "Kurobe Gorge Torokko Train," now popular among tourists, was originally built to transport materials used in the construction of the power plant and was also a means of transportation for local residents. Over time, visitors to the region began to utilize the train, and in 1953 it was converted to better accommodate passengers. Since then, it has supported tourism in the Kurobe Gorge to this day.

In the Kurobe Gorge, you can take the trolley train to take in numerous spectacular views and beautiful scenes of nature. The "Shin Yamabiko Bridge" is a beautiful red steel bridge that you cross immediately after boarding the trolley train from Unazuki Station. The bridge stands a staggering 40 meters above the mountain stream, and if you are brave enough to look down from the window, you may find yourself holding your breath. Later, as the train continues on, the emerald green surface of Lake Unazuki comes into view, and the bright red of the bridge on the surface of the lake is an enchanting sight to capture in a photograph. The "Monkey Suspension Bridge" was built so that the monkeys that live in the mountains could cross to the other side of the river after the dam was built. If you are lucky, you can get a glimpse of them crossing the bridge in groups.

After departing Kuronagi Station, the first station on the trolley train line, you will arrive at a very thrilling spot. "Gobiki Bridge," which spans the deepest and steepest valley along the line, stands about 60 meters above the riverbed and is a spectacular sight to take in from the train window. The bridge was named after a mountain climber who fell back due to the sheer depth of the valley, and a breathtaking view is yours to behold from this vantage point.

After savoring the view from the trolley, visitors can alight and explore the rugged terrain on foot. Kanetsuri Station lies in close proximity to many unexplored spots such as "Kurobe Mannen Yuki" where you can see firn (compacted snow that lasts all year round), while Keyakidaira Station offers "Sarutobikyo," a signature spot of Kurobe Gorge selected as both a special national natural monument and a special scenic beauty spot.