Unazuki Onsen
Unazuki Onsen Family Hotels: Kurobe Gorge Trolley & Hot Springs
At the gateway to Toyama's Kurobe Gorge, enjoy the Trolley Train and skin-soothing hot springs with kids
Unazuki Onsen is one of Toyama Prefecture's leading hot spring resorts, located in Kurobe City at the entrance to the Kurobe Gorge. The star of any family trip here is the Kurobe Gorge Railway's open-air Trolley Train. Riding through tunnels and over iron bridges in an open carriage, gazing down at the emerald-green Kurobe River and the deep gorge below, is an unforgettable experience for train-loving kids.
A mountain hot spring town might sound daunting with young children, but Unazuki Onsen's appeal is its compact size — the hot spring district sits within walking distance of Unazuki Onsen Station on the Toyama Chiho Railway. The water is a colorless, soft, mildly alkaline "simple" hot spring (a low-mineral spring type known as tanjun-sen); of the 5 hotels featured on this site, 3 carry this simple-spring designation, prized for being gentle on the skin.
When choosing where to stay, Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Yamanoha is popular with families for its baby-friendly facilities and buffet-style dining. The long-established Enraku offers in-room or private-room dining, letting children eat at their own pace without worrying about other guests. Among the 5 hotels featured, 2 offer private-room dining and 2 offer humidifier rental — thoughtful touches for families even in this mountain hot spring town.
The fountain in front of the station is a well-known monument where hot spring water bubbles up, and the hot spring district also has a free foot bath. The Trolley Train typically runs from late April through late November each year, so if riding it is your main goal, be sure to check the season beforehand. The gorge scenery is especially striking during the fresh greenery of spring and the autumn foliage.
Highlights
- checkRide the Kurobe Gorge Railway's Trolley Train — the view of the gorge and tunnels from an open-air carriage makes unforgettable memories for train-loving kids
- checkSoft, mildly alkaline simple hot springs — 3 of the 5 hotels featured here have this gentle, low-irritation spring type the whole family can enjoy
- checkA compact hot spring town within walking distance of the station, with some hotels offering in-room or private-room dining — easy to navigate even with a baby
Family-friendly features in Unazuki Onsen
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Recommended hotels (3)
HOTEL KUROBE
TOGEN Kurobe Unazuki Onsen
Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Yamanoha
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Nearby attractions
Travel tips
The Trolley Train typically operates from late April through late November each year and is closed in winter. The open-style standard carriages let the wind through, so bring an extra layer for kids in spring and fall. Weekends during the autumn foliage season get crowded, so booking tickets in advance is a good idea. The hot spring district has a free foot bath — just the right size for a break after getting off the Trolley Train. Transferring from the Hokuriku Shinkansen's Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station to the Toyama Chiho Railway is also part of the fun for train-loving kids.
Best season
Late spring (May–June) with fresh greenery and fall (October–November) with foliage are the best seasons for the gorge scenery. The Trolley Train typically runs from late April through the end of November; winter brings a quiet, snow-viewing hot spring season.
Getting there
Transfer from the Hokuriku Shinkansen's Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station to the Toyama Chiho Railway; it's about 25 minutes to the last stop, Unazuki Onsen Station, with the hot spring district within walking distance. By car, it's about 20 minutes from the Kurobe IC on the Hokuriku Expressway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids enjoy the Trolley Train?
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The Trolley Train's open-air carriages ride through the gorge and tunnels, and it's especially popular with train-loving kids. It typically runs from late April through late November and is closed in winter, so check the season if riding it is your goal. The carriages let the wind through, so pack an extra layer for spring and fall.
Are there hotels that work well with babies?
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Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Yamanoha has baby-friendly facilities and buffet-style dining, making it popular with families. The long-established Enraku offers in-room or private-room dining, so kids can eat at their own pace. Two hotels also offer humidifier rental, helpful during drier seasons.
Is the hot spring gentle on kids' skin?
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Unazuki Onsen's water is a colorless, soft, mildly alkaline simple hot spring. Simple springs have a lower mineral concentration and are generally considered gentle, making them suitable for children and those with sensitive skin. If you're concerned, rinse off with the shower after bathing and moisturize afterward.
Can we visit without a car?
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Yes. Transfer from the Hokuriku Shinkansen's Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station to the Toyama Chiho Railway, about 25 minutes to the last stop, Unazuki Onsen Station, with the hot spring district within walking distance. The Trolley Train's boarding platform is also within walking distance of the station, making this an easy hot spring town to visit without a car — and the local train transfer itself is part of the fun for train-loving kids.
When is the best season to visit?
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Late spring (May–June) with fresh greenery and fall (October–November) with autumn foliage are when the Kurobe Gorge scenery is at its most beautiful. The Trolley Train is especially popular during the foliage season, so booking tickets in advance is recommended. In winter, when the Trolley Train is closed, you can quietly enjoy an open-air bath with snow views instead.