Unazuki Onsen

Unazuki Onsenhot springryokanKurobe Gorgerotenburo

Toyama · Kurobe

36.7969°N, 137.5783°E

Unazuki Onsen (宇奈月温泉) is Toyama's premier hot spring resort town, nestled at the entrance to Kurobe Gorge where the Kurobe River emerges from the mountains. The town's onsen waters are piped 7km from Kuronagi Hot Spring deep within the gorge, maintaining a temperature of 90°C upon arrival — making Unazuki one of Japan's hottest source springs. The alkaline waters are renowned for skin-smoothing properties and are diluted to bathable 40–42°C at each ryokan.

The town stretches along the Kurobe River with traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) lining the riverbanks, many featuring outdoor rotenburo (露天風呂, open-air baths) with views of the gorge and mountains. Unazuki serves as the departure point for the Kurobe Gorge Railway, making it a convenient base for gorge exploration combined with onsen relaxation.

Unazuki's atmospheric riverside setting, quality hot springs, and proximity to Kurobe Gorge make it Toyama's top onsen destination. The town also features free public footbaths (ashiyu, 足湯) along the river, a riverside walking trail, and seasonal illuminations in winter.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Public bath (Unazuki Onsen Sousaku): 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Footbaths along promenade: open 24 hrs | Ryokan check-in: 3:00 PM

Closed: No regular closures (public bath open daily)

Entrance Fee

Public bath: ¥700 | Footbaths: free | Ryokan overnight: ¥15,000–35,000/person (includes 2 meals)

Best Season

October–November (autumn foliage along Kurobe Gorge) | Winter (snow scenery with warm baths) | Year-round

Visit Duration

Half day (day-use onsen + promenade walk) | Overnight stay recommended for full experience

Getting There

Access Information

Unazuki Onsen Station: a train from Toyama Station (Toyama Chiho Railway, ¥1,290). Ryokan rates: ¥15,000–35,000 per person (includes two meals and private onsen access). Day-use onsen: Unazuki Onsen Sousaku (宇奈月温泉総湯, public bath, ¥700, 7:00–22:00). Free footbaths: along Yamabiko Promenade (やまびこ遊歩道).

Insider Guide

Premium

**Ryokan selection:** Unazuki's top ryokan include Enraku (延楽, luxury riverside property, ¥25,000–40,000/person, stunning gorge views and private rotenburo rooms) and Kurobe Kanko Hotel (黒部観光ホテル, mid-range, ¥18,000–28,000/person, excellent kaiseki meals and riverside location). Budget option: Unazuki Kokusai Hotel (宇奈月国際ホテル, ¥12,000–18,000/person, quality onsen at lower price). Book 1–2 months ahead for autumn foliage season (October–November) and weekends. **Day-use onsen:** For non-overnight visitors, Unazuki Onsen Sousaku (宇奈月温泉総湯, ¥700) is the public bathhouse offering full access to Unazuki's hot spring source. The facility has indoor and outdoor baths with river views. Bring towel and toiletries (rentals available ¥300). Combine with Kurobe Gorge Railway — bathe before or after the gorge train journey. **Yamabiko Promenade:** A 1.5km riverside walking trail (やまびこ遊歩道) follows the Kurobe River from Unazuki Onsen Station through town. The path features free footbaths (ashiyu) at multiple points, suspension bridges, and gorge views. The walk takes 30 minutes one-way and is especially scenic during autumn foliage (late October–early November). The promenade connects Unazuki Onsen Sousaku (public bath) with Kurobe Gorge Railway station. **Winter illumination:** Unazuki holds winter illumination events (December–February) featuring lights along the riverside and bridges. The cold mountain air contrasts with warm footbaths, creating atmospheric onsen town experience. The illuminations are modest compared to major cities but provide romantic, peaceful evening ambiance. Combine with ryokan stay for ultimate winter relaxation. **Combination with Kurobe Gorge Railway:** Most visitors combine Unazuki Onsen with the Kurobe Gorge Railway, which departs from Unazuki Onsen Station. Ideal itinerary: Take morning gorge train (depart 8:00–9:00), return by afternoon (15:00–16:00), then soak in onsen. Alternatively, stay overnight and take the train the next morning. Ryokan will hold luggage during the train journey.

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