K u r o b e G o r g e

We did not plan to travel in June this year, as we wanted to save up for a better trip in December. Then a week ago, we saw the offer from SQ that we could not resist. So here we are, our first time to Japan in June. It being a last minute decision, I did not plan the itinerary like I always do. I shortlisted a couple of places that are highly recommended to visit in Summer and leave the remaining days of our trip to gut feel. It's a free and easy afterall....

One of the new places that we visited is Toyama. It is a long journey from Tokyo, and is impossible to do a day trip. We spent 2 days there instead. We visited the Kurobe Gorge on Day 1 and did the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route up in the Japanese Alps on the 2nd day. 

This is the trolley-like train that we took to tour the gorge. There are different coaches and obviously, we sat the one with open carriage. It give us a better view of the gorge. However in winter, the covered coach would be a popular choice, providing protection from the cold.

The weather in Summer is excellent, with lots of green and blooming flowers. The ideal time to visit is actually in Autumn, where the mountains turn to red and gold.

Engineers checking the system and we are all ready to go.

Since it is not peak period, we have the whole coach to ourselves. Photo taken by a friendly train inspector.

The open carriage offers unobstructed view along the 86km gorge. It is also the cheapest fare coach.

One of the many red steel bridges that we see.

This one needs a repainting soon.

Could not get a good reflection shot of this bridge.

This used to be a aqueduct that carried water from the mountains.

Standing up to get a better shot.

The train moved quite fast, so I would suggest to sit tight to avoid falling off.

Breathtaking view

Lots of greenery. 

The gorge is most visited in Autumn. Imagine riding the train though red and golden foliage.

Passing each other by.

Konnichi-wa! 

Suspension bridge built for monkeys apparently.

At certain stretch, the train passes as low the level as the stream.

A small dam in the gorge. 

Cat station? Didn't see any though.

Are we there yet? We were getting bored by the immense green mountains after a while.

Pulling up into the last station.

Arriving at our stop after about 50 minutes....

....to Keyakidaira.

Crossing the red bridge by foot.

We can get to the stream through a flight of stairs. 

We decided to admire the view from the top.

Rapids.

'S' curve.

Track built into the hills.

The sign warned of falling rocks and advise visitors to put on safety helmet. No one did.

No longer snow capped but snow could still be seen.

The remnant that probably would not melt away even in Summer.

Queue track.

Back at the starting station of Unazuki.

We spent the whole day taking trains. To get to the gorge, we took subways, Shinkansen, local train and the trolley train. Although it was tiring and expensive, we did something different and refreshing. Like I have said earlier, it is best to visit Kurobe Gorge in Autumn. The weather is less hot, with the sight of yellow, gold and red appearing on the mountains at each turn of the train will be awesome. Although the view is still spectacular in Summer, the greenery can get monotonous. 
That said, the place will be packed with visitors in Autumn. We might not get onto the train, and even if we could, the view might not be that open. Photo taking without human presence will be a challenge. Will I come back and perhaps in Autumn? The attraction is there. Hmmm....


And another travel trip awaiting....