Unazuki Hot Spring Toyama Prefecture Complete Guide | Enjoying Hot Springs and Sightseeing at the Gateway to Kuronagi Gorge
Unazuki Hot Spring, located in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, is known as the gateway to Kuronagi Gorge and is the largest hot spring resort in Toyama Prefecture. Situated at an elevation of approximately 200 meters on the river terrace of the Kuronagi River, this hot spring has a history of over 100 years since its opening on November 22, 1923 (Taisho 12), and has been beloved by many literary and artistic figures.
The hot spring water, drawn from Kuronagi Hot Spring in the upper reaches of the Kuronagi River over a distance of approximately 7 kilometers, is known for its abundant volume and exceptional transparency, ranking among the finest in Japan. The soft, weakly alkaline simple hot spring water is cherished as the “beautiful skin bath,” and awaits visitors with healing experiences for both body and mind in an environment surrounded by nature’s beauty throughout the seasons.
History and Background of Unazuki Hot Spring’s Opening
The birth of Unazuki Hot Spring is closely related to the hydroelectric power development of the Kuronagi River. During the Taisho era, as Japan Electric Power (currently Kansai Electric Power) advanced hydroelectric development of the Kuronagi River, hot spring development was planned with the aim of providing recreation for construction workers and promoting regional development.
The project to conduct hot spring water from Kuronagi Hot Spring to Unazuki proved extremely difficult, but in 1923, the water conveyance was successfully completed. Through this groundbreaking long-distance water conveyance for the time, a hot spring resort was born at an ideal location at the entrance to Kuronagi Gorge. From its opening, it developed as a luxury hot spring resort, and by the early Showa period, it had established its reputation as a hot spring resort visited by many cultural figures.
After World War II, it developed alongside the tourism of the Kuronagi Gorge Trolley Train, and is now Toyama Prefecture’s largest hot spring resort with a capacity of approximately 3,500 guests. While modern accommodations line the hot spring town, it also retains the charm of a traditional hot spring resort and is utilized by many travelers as a sightseeing base.
Hot Spring Quality and Therapeutic Effects of Unazuki Hot Spring
A Beautiful Skin Bath with Exceptional Transparency
The greatest characteristic of Unazuki Hot Spring is its high transparency. The hot spring water drawn from Kuronagi Hot Spring cools to an optimal temperature while passing through approximately 7 kilometers of piping, and impurities settle, resulting in remarkably clear water. This transparency is said to be among the finest in Japan, and when bathing, the beauty of being able to see all the way to the bottom of the bath is characteristic.
Details of Hot Spring Quality
- Hot Spring Type: Weakly alkaline simple hot spring (simple spring)
- Source Water Temperature: Approximately 60°C (Kuronagi Hot Spring source)
- pH Value: Weakly alkaline
- Discharge Volume: 2,000 liters or more per minute
Weakly alkaline simple springs are known as “beautiful skin baths” because they have minimal irritation to the skin and soften old dead skin cells. Characterized by their colorless, odorless clarity and smooth feel, the water is reputed to leave skin silky smooth after bathing.
Therapeutic Effects
The therapeutic effects of Unazuki Hot Spring include:
- Rheumatic diseases
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Neuroses
- Fatigue recovery
- Health promotion
- Cold sensitivity
- Muscle and joint pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Sprains and strains
The appropriate temperature of the hot spring is also characteristic, allowing for prolonged soaking and gradual warming from the core of the body.
Attractions and Ways to Enjoy Unazuki Hot Spring Town
Hot Spring Fountain
The hot spring fountain located in front of Unazuki Hot Spring Station is cherished as a symbol of the hot spring town. Hot spring water at approximately 60°C shoots up vigorously, rising in steam—a sight that symbolizes the abundance of Unazuki Hot Spring’s hot water. At night, it is illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
This popular spot, where tourists are constantly drawn to dip their hands and take commemorative photos, is ideal as the starting point for exploring the hot spring town.
Foot Bath Spots
Multiple foot baths are installed throughout the hot spring town, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot springs casually.
- Omoage Foot Bath: Located near Unazuki Hot Spring Station, allowing foot bath enjoyment while viewing Kuronagi Gorge
- Tochi no Yu: A free foot bath facility in the center of the hot spring town
Foot baths are perfect for rest during sightseeing and serve as a place for interaction with locals. Please remember to bring a towel.
Hot Spring Town Strolls
Unazuki Hot Spring Town stretches approximately 500 meters along the Kuronagi River with inns and hotels lining both sides. The hot spring town has promenades, allowing visitors to enjoy walks while experiencing nature’s changing seasons.
- Yamabiko Promenade: A approximately 1-kilometer promenade along the Kuronagi River, particularly beautiful during fresh greenery and autumn foliage seasons
- Soei Bridge: A red bridge spanning the Kuronagi River, an excellent viewpoint for appreciating gorge beauty
- Hot Spring Town Shops: Shops scattered throughout selling local specialties and souvenirs
Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities
There are abundant day-trip bathing facilities for those not staying overnight.
- Unazuki Hot Spring Common Bath Yumedokoro Unazuki: A public bath used by locals, offering authentic hot spring bathing at reasonable rates
- Day-trip bathing at various inns and hotels: Many accommodations offer day-trip bathing plans (reservations required)
Combination with Kuronagi Gorge Trolley Train
The Kuronagi Gorge Trolley Train is the purpose of many tourists visiting Unazuki Hot Spring. Beginning at Unazuki Station, the trolley train winds through the great natural beauty of Kuronagi Gorge and is a representative tourist attraction of Toyama Prefecture.
Attractions of the Trolley Train
- Total Length: Approximately 20.1 kilometers from Unazuki Station to Keyaki-deira Station
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes one way
- Operating Season: Late April through late November (closed in winter)
- Highlights: 41 tunnels and 22 bridges including Shinyamahiko Bridge, Ushiohiki Bridge, and Okukane Bridge
The spectacular scenery of Kuronagi Gorge presents a different appearance in each season—spring greenery, summer coolness, and autumn foliage. Particularly during autumn foliage season from late October to early November, many tourists from across the country visit.
Points for Using the Trolley Train
- Reservations: Advance reservations are recommended during peak periods (internet reservations available)
- Clothing: The open-type cars are windy, so bring winter clothing or jackets
- Photography: Be careful not to drop cameras or smartphones
- Stops Along the Way: Possible to get off at stations like Kuronagi Station and Kane-tsuribashi Station to enjoy walks and hot springs
Staying at Unazuki Hot Spring has the advantage of being able to board the trolley train during early morning off-peak hours.
Tourist Attractions Around Unazuki Hot Spring
Kuronagi River Electric Power Memorial Hall
The Kuronagi River Electric Power Memorial Hall, located approximately a 3-minute walk from Unazuki Hot Spring Station, is a facility where visitors can learn about the history of Kuronagi River power generation. The hardships and technology of dam construction and information about Kuronagi Gorge’s natural environment are presented clearly through video and exhibits. Admission is free, making it ideal for rainy day sightseeing.
Serene Art Museum
The Serene Art Museum, focusing on contemporary Japanese paintings, is located in the center of the hot spring town. Visitors can appreciate works by renowned Japanese painters including Ikuo Hirayama, allowing for a cultural trip combining art and hot springs.
Unazuki Dam
The Unazuki Dam, completed in 2001, is located approximately a 5-minute drive from Unazuki Hot Spring. Visitors can view the beautiful scenery of the dam lake and the impressive sight of the dam itself up close. A promenade is also maintained around the dam for enjoying walks.
Tourist Attractions Within Kurobe City
Unazuki Hot Spring serves as a sightseeing base for Kurobe City with good access to various locations throughout the city.
- Kuronagi Gorge: One of Japan’s three major gorges
- Ikiji Shimizu (Ikiji Spring Water): Known as a town of famous water in the Ikiji district
- Fish Station “Ikiji”: A roadside station offering fresh seafood
- YKK Center Park: A corporate museum for YKK, famous for zippers
Cuisine at Unazuki Hot Spring
Cuisine Making Use of Local Ingredients
A major attraction of Unazuki Hot Spring is the opportunity to enjoy both the mountains’ and sea’s bounty unique to Toyama Prefecture.
Seafood:
- White shrimp, firefly squid, yellowtail, and horn snails from Toyama Bay
- Red snow crab (winter season)
- Winter yellowtail (winter specialty)
Mountain Vegetables and Products:
- Kurobe Koshihikari rice
- Mountain vegetable dishes (spring season)
- River fish (iwana and yamame)
- Local vegetables
Many inns offer kaiseki cuisine using these ingredients, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Toyama’s flavors.
Dining Spots in the Hot Spring Town
- Craft Beer Hall: Craft beer made with Kuronagi Gorge natural water and local cuisine
- Cafes and tea shops: Perfect for rest breaks during hot spring town strolls
- Tastings at souvenir shops: Sample local specialties
Toyama B-Class Gourmet
- Trout Sushi: A representative regional dish of Toyama
- White Shrimp Burger: A popular menu item available at roadside stations
- Toyama Black Ramen: Characterized by rich soy sauce flavor
Access to Unazuki Hot Spring
Train Access
From Tokyo:
- Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama Station or Kurobe-Unazuki Hot Spring Station
- From Toyama Station: Approximately 1 hour via Toyama Local Railway Main Line (approximately 50 minutes with express)
- From Kurobe-Unazuki Hot Spring Station: Approximately 20 minutes via Shinkansen connection bus, or approximately 25 minutes from Shin-Kurobe Station via Toyama Local Railway
From Osaka and Nagoya:
- JR express to Toyama Station, then transfer to Toyama Local Railway
- Or use Hokuriku Shinkansen
Toyama Local Railway:
- Direct service from Toyama Station to Unazuki Hot Spring Station
- The “Alps Express” limited express train is popular as a sightseeing train
By Car
Via Hokuriku Expressway:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Kurobe IC (via Routes 8 and prefectural roads)
- Parking is available at each accommodation
From Nagano Area:
- Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes via Nagano Expressway and Hokuriku Expressway
By Air
Toyama Kenkoku Airport:
- Approximately 20 minutes via airport shuttle bus to Toyama Station
- Then Toyama Local Railway to Unazuki Hot Spring
Transportation Around Unazuki Hot Spring Station
From Unazuki Hot Spring Station to each inn, many accommodations provide shuttle services. It is recommended to confirm with your accommodation in advance. The hot spring town is within walking distance, with the most distant facilities approximately a 15-minute walk from the station.
Unazuki Hot Spring Through the Seasons
Spring (April to June)
Spring at Unazuki Hot Spring is when snow melts and fresh greenery buds. Trolley train operation begins in late April, marking the beginning of the tourist season.
- Fresh Green Trolley Train: Budding greenery colors the gorge
- Mountain Vegetable Cuisine: Enjoy spring flavors
- Snow-Capped Tateyama Range: Visible on clear days
Summer (July to September)
Summer at Unazuki Hot Spring is busy with tourists seeking coolness. Due to the 200-meter elevation and clear Kuronagi River water, it is cooler than the Toyama plain and popular as a summer resort destination.
- Clear Stream and Deep Greenery: The Kuronagi Gorge’s greenery is most vivid
- Summer Festivals: Various events are held in the hot spring town
- Star Watching: Beautiful starry skies can be enjoyed in the clear air
Autumn (October to November)
Autumn is the season when Unazuki Hot Spring shines most brilliantly. The autumn foliage of Kuronagi Gorge is nationally famous, with peak colors from late October to early November.
- Autumn Foliage Trolley Train: The gorge, colored in red and yellow, is spectacular
- Autumn Flavors: Mushroom dishes and new rice
- Peak Season: Early reservations are essential for the autumn foliage season
Winter (December to March)
Winter at Unazuki Hot Spring is a season to enjoy hot springs quietly in a snowy landscape. Though the trolley train is closed, the atmosphere is quieter for fully savoring the hot springs.
- Snow-Viewing Hot Spring Baths: Bathing while viewing the snow-dressed gorge is exceptional
- Winter Flavors: Crab and winter yellowtail, the peak season for Toyama Bay’s winter specialties
- Ski Area Access: Unazuki Hot Spring Ski Resort (approximately 20 minutes by car)
- Quiet Hot Spring Town: Few tourists, allowing for leisurely time
Accommodations at Unazuki Hot Spring
Unazuki Hot Spring has 12 operating inns and hotels with a capacity of approximately 3,500 guests.
Historic Inns
- Enraku: A representative historic inn of Unazuki Hot Spring, famous for its all-hinoki baths
- Unazuki Grand Hotel: Known for its observation bath overlooking Kuronagi Gorge
- Hotel Kurobe: Excellent location along the Kuronagi River
Modern Hotels
- Unazuki International Hotel: A large hotel accommodating group tours
- Unazuki Suginoi Hotel: Operated by a renowned hotel from Kyushu
Intimate Inns
- Entaiji So: A small inn with a homey atmosphere
- Kisen: A hidden gem inn known for its cuisine
Most accommodations have locations with views of Kuronagi Gorge, characterized by excellent vistas. Many inns allow guests to enjoy the gorge scenery from their outdoor baths, allowing visitors to appreciate both the hot springs and landscapes.
Unazuki Hot Spring and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Unazuki Hot Spring is also conveniently located as a base for the world-famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. From spring to fall, direct buses also run from Unazuki Hot Spring toward the Tateyama direction, allowing visitors to plan efficient sightseeing routes.
Recommended Sightseeing Route
3-Day, 2-Night Sample Course:
- Day 1: Arrive at Unazuki Hot Spring, explore hot spring town, stay overnight
- Day 2: Kuronagi Gorge Trolley Train, stay at Unazuki Hot Spring
- Day 3: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route sightseeing
This route allows for comprehensive enjoyment of Kurobe’s mountains, rivers, and hot springs.
Guide to Enjoying Unazuki Hot Spring
Day-Trip Plan
A day-trip plan for those with limited time.
- Morning: Trolley train to Kuronagi Gorge (round trip approximately 3 hours)
- Lunch: Local cuisine at hot spring town restaurants
- Afternoon: Day-trip hot spring bathing, hot spring town exploration, foot bath tours
- Evening: Travel to Toyama City or next destination
1-Night, 2-Day Plan
A standard plan for enjoying Unazuki Hot Spring.
Day 1:
- Afternoon: Arrive at Unazuki Hot Spring, check in
- Hot spring town stroll, foot bath tours
- Dinner: Enjoy Toyama’s mountain and seafood at the inn
- Evening: Hot spring bathing, star watching
Day 2:
- Early Morning: Morning bath
- After breakfast: Explore Kuronagi Gorge by trolley train
- Lunch: In the gorge or at Unazuki
- Afternoon: Visit Kuronagi River Electric Power Memorial Hall, depart
2-Night, 3-Day Plan
A leisurely plan to fully enjoy Kurobe and Unazuki.
Day 1: Arrive at Unazuki Hot Spring, explore hot spring town
Day 2: Kuronagi Gorge Trolley Train (round trip to Keyaki-deira), hot spring
Day 3: Sightseeing in surrounding areas (Unazuki Dam, Ikiji Spring Water, etc.) or travel toward Tateyama
Summary of Unazuki Hot Spring’s Charms
Unazuki Hot Spring, as Toyama Prefecture’s representative hot spring resort, possesses the following charms:
- A Beautiful Skin Bath with Transparency Among Japan’s Finest: Superior hot spring quality of weakly alkaline simple spring
- Gateway to Kuronagi Gorge: A base for exploring great nature by trolley train
- Toyama’s Mountain and Sea Delicacies: Enjoy both Toyama Bay seafood and Kurobe mountain ingredients
- Well-Equipped Hot Spring Town: Foot baths, day-trip hot springs, promenades, and other facilities
- Seasonal Scenery: Fresh greenery, autumn foliage, and snow scenery showcase beauty throughout the year
- Convenient Access: Even more convenient with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen
- Sightseeing Base: A departure point for Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and sightseeing in Kurobe City
As Unazuki Hot Spring marks its 100th anniversary since opening, it continues to preserve tradition while sharing new charm. Soak in crystal-clear beautiful skin baths, be embraced by Kuronagi Gorge’s great nature, and savor Toyama’s fine cuisine. Such luxurious moments await at Unazuki Hot Spring—please visit.
The warm hospitality of hot spring town residents and the unchanging beauty of nature will surely heal you. Showing different faces throughout the seasons, Unazuki Hot Spring is a hot spring resort that Toyama Prefecture is proud of, offering new discoveries and moving experiences with each visit.
