Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for the Limited Express Train "KUROBE"

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Toyama Chihō Railway's "KUROBE" limited express train, which connects Shin-Uozu Station and Unazuki Onsen Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. If traveling from Dentetsu Toyama Station to Unazuki Onsen Station, please check the timetable including ordinary trains or other limited express trains.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the Toyama Chihō Railway official website before using the service.
"KUROBE" is a limited express train on the Toyama Chihō Railway Main Line connecting Shin-Uozu Station and Unazuki Onsen Station. In the timetable revised on March 14, 2026, it is set up as a train that operates from Shin-Uozu Station to Unazuki Onsen Station, rather than starting from Dentetsu Toyama Station. If using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the transfer station is Shin-Kurobe Station, and if using the Ainokaze Toyama Railway, the transfer station is Shin-Uozu Station, which is adjacent to Uozu Station.

What is "KUROBE"?

"KUROBE" is a limited express train operated by Toyama Chihō Railway, providing access to the Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen area. As of the March 14, 2026 timetable revision, it operates as a train that goes from Shin-Uozu Station to Unazuki Onsen Station via Shin-Kurobe Station. Not all limited express trains that go from Dentetsu Toyama Station to Unazuki Onsen Station without transfers are named "KUROBE," so please check the train name and departure station before using the service.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "KUROBE" train lies in the fact that you can travel from Toyama city center to Unazuki Onsen without changing trains. Unazuki Onsen is a hot spring resort that has developed along the Kurobe River gorge and is known for its colorless, transparent, and mildly alkaline hot spring water that is gentle on the skin. There is a hot spring fountain in front of Unazuki Onsen Station, welcoming arriving travelers with rising steam. From the train window, on a clear day, the peaks of the Tateyama mountain range come into view up close, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery. Uozu City along the line is known for the mirages that can be seen in early spring and the schools of firefly squid that inhabit the deep sea of ​​the Sea of ​​Japan. The Kurobe Gorge Railway's trolley train runs for about 20 kilometers from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the cliffs. There are also many sights in the Kurobe River basin that tell the history of Japanese civil engineering, such as the Kurobe Dam and the Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route. The Toyama Chihō Railway is a popular line among railway enthusiasts, partly because it operates trains that were formerly used by the Keihan Electric Railway and Seibu Railway. The Unazuki Onsen hot spring resort area has facilities and public baths where you can enjoy a day trip to the hot springs, making it a convenient stop during transfer waiting times. The Kurobe Gorge Railway's trolley train consists of open-air passenger cars without windows, as well as relaxation cars and special passenger cars with windows. Around Keyakidaira Station, located deep in the gorge, there are open-air baths by the river and walking paths along the cliffs. In Kurobe City along the line, there is the Kurobe River Alluvial Fan Spring Water Group, selected as one of Japan's 100 best waters, and you can find pure spring water all over the town.

"KUROBE" Timetable

Downbound (towards Unazuki Onsen Station) Timetable

Timetable for Upbound Trains (towards Dentetsu Toyama Station)

The operating times and frequency of the "KUROBE" train may change depending on timetable revisions and seasons. As of the timetable revised on March 14, 2026, it is scheduled to depart from Shin-Uozu Station and go to Unazuki Onsen Station. If you are traveling from Dentetsu Toyama Station, please search for routes including a transfer at Shin-Uozu Station.

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Days When the Service is Suspended.

The number of "KUROBE" trains operating may vary depending on the season and day of the week. During winter, delays or service suspensions may occur due to snowfall unique to the Sea of ​​Japan coast. The Kurobe Gorge Railway beyond Unazuki Onsen is closed during the winter (generally from December to mid-April), so if you plan to transfer to the trolley train, you need to check the operating period.

"KUROBE" Operating Section

Main Sections

• Shin-Uozu Station to Dentetsu Kurobe Station (Toyama Chihō Railway Main Line)
• Dentetsu Kurobe Station to Shin-Kurobe Station (Toyama Chihō Railway Main Line)
• Shin-Kurobe Station to Unazuki Onsen Station (Toyama Chihō Railway Main Line)

Unazuki Onsen Station is the gateway to sightseeing in the Kurobe Gorge. Immediately upon exiting the station, you'll find yourself in a hot spring town with inns overlooking the Kurobe River gorge. The Shin-Yamahiko Bridge, a symbol of Unazuki Onsen, is a popular spot for photographing the red trolley train crossing the gorge. From the observation deck beyond the bridge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of both the trolley train and the Kurobe River. Around Dentetsu Kurobe Station, there are a group of springs known as Ikuji no Shozu, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of Kurobe, a town renowned for its pure water. Uozu Aquarium in Uozu City is known as Japan's oldest existing aquarium and boasts an extensive collection of deep-sea creatures from Toyama Bay. Oiwayama Nisseki-ji Temple in Kamiichi Town features a rock-carved statue of Fudo Myoo, a beloved place of worship nestled in the quiet mountains. The Unazuki Onsen hot spring town is small enough to explore on foot, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll while visiting footbaths and souvenir shops. At the Kurobe River Electric Memorial Museum, you can see records of the people involved in the construction of the Kurobe Dam and exhibits of tools used at the time. Around Dentetsu Toyama Station, you can find Toyama Castle Park and the Glass Museum, making it a great place to spend time before or after your train ride. Toyama City has a tram system, allowing you to combine sightseeing with train travel.

Stations Served by "KUROBE"

Main Stations Served

• Shin-Uozu Station
• Dentetsu Kurobe Station
• Shin-Kurobe Station
• Unazuki Onsen Station

Fares for "KUROBE"

Representative Section Fare

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "KUROBE" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. Toyama Chihō Railway's limited express surcharges are set lower than JR's limited express surcharges and are based on a nearly uniform system regardless of the distance traveled. If you use an unreserved seat, you do not need to reserve a seat if you purchase a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket. The fare is calculated at the time of ticket purchase according to the distance of the travel section. Limited express tickets are generally purchased together with the basic fare ticket. Child fares are set at approximately half the adult fare. Private railway limited express surcharges are set according to the distance traveled and do not fluctuate with high season and off-season like JR. The fare is divided into the "basic fare ticket" for the journey to the destination itself and the "limited express surcharge" for riding the limited express train. Note that you cannot ride the limited express with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

Toyama Chihō Railway Free Pass

Toyama Chihō Railway offers various free passes that allow unlimited rides on its railway lines. Even when using a free pass, an additional limited express fare may be required when riding limited express trains. Special tickets combining travel with the Kurobe Gorge Railway's trolley train are sometimes available and are popular with travelers venturing deep into the gorge from Unazuki Onsen. If you arrive at Toyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Dentetsu Toyama Station is adjacent to Toyama Station, making it possible to transfer on foot.

How to Buy Tickets for "KUROBE"

Purchase at Station Ticket Offices or Ticket Machines

Limited express tickets for the "KUROBE" train can be purchased at the ticket offices of major Toyama Chihō Railway stations. They are typically purchased together with the basic fare ticket, and online advance reservations for limited express tickets are limited. When making a reservation, you specify the date of travel, travel section, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. Payment can be made by credit card, and cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after booking are subject to certain conditions and fees.

 

 

Purchase On Board

If the station ticket office is closed or you are boarding from an unmanned station, you may be able to purchase your limited express ticket on board. Checking whether the ticket office is open before boarding will ensure a smoother journey. Ticket machines are often multilingual, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during high season, so it's best to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies may offer travel packages that combine accommodation in Unazuki Onsen with a ride on the Toyama Chihō Railway.

How to Purchase for International Visitors

The "KUROBE" train is operated by the Toyama Chihō Railway and is therefore not covered by the JR Pass. If you are coming from the Hokuriku Shinkansen, transfer at Shin-Kurobe Station. If you are coming from the Ainokaze Toyama Railway, transfer at Uozu Station or Shin-Uozu Station and purchase a separate ticket for the Toyama Chihō Railway's basic fare and limited express fare.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Toyama Chihō Railway's limited express tickets are primarily paper tickets purchased at station ticket offices or on board the train. Ticketless service, which allows boarding by simply showing your smartphone screen, is limited, so you need to have your ticket ready before boarding. If you are receiving a paper ticket, it is best to pick it up with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

On Toyama Chihō Railway lines, the usable area for transportation IC cards is limited. Since there are stations and sections where nationwide interoperable transportation IC cards cannot be used, it's best to be prepared to purchase tickets with cash or from a ticket vending machine. While transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within the service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

Seating Information for "KUROBE"

Seat Types

The "KUROBE" train operates primarily with unreserved seating, although some services offer reserved seating. When booking, you may be able to choose between window and aisle seats. If you wish to sit together with a companion, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The trains used for the "KUROBE" service include vehicles acquired from other companies, and are characterized by their calm and relaxing interiors. Large windows are provided to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery outside, making it ideal for traveling while admiring the Tateyama mountain range and rural landscapes. Most seats have reclining functions, ensuring a comfortable journey even for trips of around 1.5 hours. Amenities vary depending on the train set and car, so the availability of power outlets and Wi-Fi differs from car to car. The interior is decorated in calming colors, quietly enhancing the feeling of a journey to a hot spring resort. If you avoid peak hours, you can enjoy a relaxing time with the scenery all to yourself. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check the seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Designated space for large luggage is limited. Large items such as suitcases will need to be placed in the space at the foot of the seats or at the ends of the train car.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Some stations may have steps between the platform and the train. If you are using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact Toyama Chihō Railway in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

 

 

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on the "KUROBE" Train.

There is no onboard sales service on the "KUROBE" train. It is recommended to purchase food and drinks around Toyama Station before boarding. Around Toyama Station, there are plenty of shops selling Toyama specialties such as Masu-no-sushi (trout sushi). Masu-no-sushi is a famous Toyama specialty known nationwide as pressed sushi wrapped in bamboo leaves. Around Unazuki Onsen Station, there are souvenir shops selling hot spring manju (steamed buns) and local sweets. Toyama Bay is known as a "natural fish farm" and is blessed with seasonal seafood such as white shrimp, firefly squid, and yellowtail. White shrimp tempura and sashimi are specialties that you should definitely try when visiting Toyama. If you eat or drink on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "KUROBE"

When using the "KUROBE" train, please pay attention to the operating period of the Kurobe Gorge Railway beyond Unazuki Onsen. The trolley train is suspended during the winter, so if your purpose is to sightsee in the gorge, plan your visit to be within the operating period. Also, some Kurobe Gorge Railway trains have all-reserved seating, so advance reservations are recommended during high season. If you are transferring from the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Toyama Station and Dentetsu Toyama Station are separate station buildings, so it is best to allow ample time for transfers. In winter, travel time may be extended due to snow. Before boarding, please check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since there is no onboard service, be sure to prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. Because the number of trains is limited, checking the return train schedule will make it easier to plan your itinerary. Checking the train status on a site like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

"KUROBE" is a limited express train operated by Toyama Chihō Railway, running from Shin-Uozu Station to Unazuki Onsen Station via Shin-Kurobe Station. Since it does not originate at Dentetsu Toyama Station, please check the route including transfers if you are traveling from Toyama City. When heading to Kurobe Gorge, also check the operating days of the trolley train after arriving at Unazuki Onsen Station.

Enjoy a journey through Toyama's mountains and hot springs, starting in "KUROBE," the gateway to the Kurobe Gorge.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.