The Best Of An Onsen City: 10 Things To Do In Kurobe, Toyama

1. Kurobe Yoshida Science Museum

While this science museum opened in the mid-80s, it features plenty of valuable facilities such as a planetarium, astronomy class, computer class, workshops, exhibitions, and 3D projection screens. Both kids and adults will learn about the birth of the universe in a fun and well-equipped environment.

Kurobe Yoshida Science Museum

Address: 574-1, Yoshida, Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Kurobe Yoshida Science Museum

2. Kurobegawa River Electricity Memorial

Since Kurobe is home to a massive gorge dam, it’s not surprising that the city produces its own electricity with its hydroelectric stations located around this massive body of water. To commemorate its rich heritage of generating energy in this manner, the Kurobegawa River Electricity Memorial is open to all interested parties. This rustic building is located next to the train station, and exhibits equipment found in a hydroelectric plant with information on how these work.

Kurobegawa River Electricity Memorial

Address: 11, Kurobe Kyokok GuchI, Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

3. Babadani Jigoku

Babadani Jigoku is an open-air onsen that’s situated within the Kurobe Valley and accessed via the Roh Corridor. The area’s hot springs supply the separated male and female baths, while the onsen’s main facilities are inside a cabin-like building. Visitors can enjoy relaxing baths while viewing those picturesque Northern Alps.

Babadani Jigoku

Address: Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe 938-0282, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

4. Fish Station Ikuji

Fish Station Ikuji is right next to Toyama Bay and welcomes both locals and visitors to enjoy some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in Kurobe. In fact, some of the fish are so fresh that they’re still kept alive inside fish tanks. Spend a couple of hours rubbing shoulders with the locals and sampling a variety of Japanese seafood that you won’t find elsewhere.

Fish Station Ikuji

Address: 265 Ikuji-Nakaku, Kurobe 938-0072, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Fish Station Ikuji

5. YKK Center Park

Kurobe isn’t just home to relaxing onsen’s and stunning scenery, it’s also home to a famous manufacturing company that makes zips, namely YKK. The company has a modern center that holds tours, whereby visitors learn how YKK’s zips and other products are designed and manufactured. Visitors then put together their own zips by hand, and when that’s over, they can enjoy coffee and biscuits at the company’s café.

YKK Center Park

Address: 200 Yoshida, Kurobe 938-0005, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: YKK Center Park (in Japan)

6. Okukane-Kyo Bridge

The Okukane-Kyo Bridge overlooks a beautiful gorge next to the Keyakidaira forest. The best way to access this bridge is to take a trolley train from the Unazukionsen station, which has many facilities such as an eatery, gift shop, and restrooms. Once the train reaches the bridge, travelers disembark and walk across the bridge while taking photos of the lovely scenery. Hikers may want to explore the nearby forest and discover all the secrets of this natural wonderland.

Okukane-Kyo Bridge

Address: Kurobe Okuyama National Forest Keyakidaira, Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

7. Onsen Funsui Fountain

Visitors to Kurobe can get an early taste of the city’s onsen culture when they arrive at the Unazukionsen train station. Immediately noticeable is the charming fountain, bronze statue, and hot foot bath located next to the steps of the train station. One thing that many visitors love to do when discovering this fountain is take tons of cool and funny photos. Other travelers even make use of the foot bath, which might just be the right thing to do before exploring Kurobe.

Onsen Funsui Fountain

Address: Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

8. Kurobe Gorge

Visitors shouldn’t limit themselves to just visiting the Okukane-Kyo Bridge, as taking a train ride to the Kurobe Gorge is absolutely awe-inspiring. This trip takes visitors through the stunningly beautiful Unazui region and areas where dam constructions have taken place. If you take this trip during the autumn season, you’ll admire the multi-colored leaves from all the surrounding trees. There are a few short stops until you reach the gorge, where you’ll disembark for a short while and view the serene waters.

Kurobe Gorge

Address: Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Kurobe Gorge (in Japan)

9. Kanetsuri Hot Spring

After passing by the Kurobe Gorge, visitors can disembark the train and walk down the hill to access the Kanetsuri Hot Spring. These springs, river side, and surrounding areas are stunning and among the most picturesque places in Kurobe. The hot springs are enticing but sharp stones surround them, so it’s wise to tread carefully before stepping into its warm waters.

Kanetsuri Hot Spring

Address: Kanetsuri, Kurobeokuyamakokuyurin, Kurobe 938-0200, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

10. Selene Museum of Arts

The Selene Museum of Arts doubles up as a conference hall, and thus, attracts a wide variety of crowds throughout the year. This building consists of a large main hall and various smaller rooms, where conferences and seminars usually take place. Furthermore, visitors can spend approximately 3 hours checking out Japanese paintings, and local arts and crafts, and later relax with a warm cup of coffee or tea at the in-house café.

Selene Museum of Arts

Address: 6-3 Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe 938-0282, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Selene Museum of Arts (in Japan)

Kurobe is a gift to nature lovers

With so many natural hotspots, Kurobe is the right destination for anyone that appreciates the beauty of Mother Nature. And the wide proliferation of onsens just makes this city that bit more special and will give visitors plenty of reasons to return.