The Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route is set to open this autumn (2024) and will be a game changer for tourism in the Japan Alps.
This new route will connect the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route with the Kurobe Gorge Railway, offering travelers an opportunity to explore these iconic attractions in a single trip.
The Kurobe Gorge Railway and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Kurobe Dam, located in the steep and narrow Kurobe Gorge, is the tallest dam in Japan. Since 1951, the Kurobe Gorge Railway has been offering tourists scenic journeys through the gorge’s stunning natural landscapes. Also, since 1971, visitors have been able to access the dam's impressive architecture via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which features tunnels and cable cars amidst the rugged terrain surrounding the dam.
The Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route
However, accessing both routes in a single trip has been a logistical challenge, with travelers facing obstacles due to differing access points and the lack of a direct link between them. The forthcoming opening of the Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route is set to change that narrative.
Originally scheduled to open on June 30, 2024, this eagerly awaited route faced a setback when a bridge along the Kurobe Gorge Railway was damaged by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Consequently, the opening date was pushed back to October 1, 2024.
Furthermore, the Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route won't be open for free exploration by individual tourists due to capacity and safety concerns. Instead, travelers will be required to sign up for organized travel packages, which are estimated to cost around ¥130,000 per person. These packages are set to go on sale in early July.
