New 'Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route' Launches with Opening of 'Keyakidaira Lounge' as Tourist Hub

JTB Corporation will plan, sell, and operate travel packages for the 'Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route,' which is scheduled to open to the public and become commercially available as a travel product on Friday, October 2, 2026. Due to delays in the full reopening of the Kurobe Gorge Railway caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the previously undecided start date for tour sales has now been confirmed as Thursday, July 23, 2024.

Additionally, JTB will open the symbolic 'Keyakidaira Lounge' on October 1 as a departure and arrival point for canyon route tours. The lounge will enhance visitors’ experience and serve as a hub for attracting and engaging tourists, allowing guests to enjoy comfortable and relaxing time.

For more details about the 'Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route' and related travel packages, please refer to the following:

Domestic Travel Special Feature: Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route [JTB]

Background of the Initiative

Tourism resources in Toyama Prefecture, such as the 'Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route' and the 'Kurobe Gorge Railway,' have traditionally centered on transit and sightseeing tourism. This has limited economic ripple effects on surrounding accommodations, resulting in stagnant growth in regional spending—a long-standing challenge. To address this issue and revitalize the local economy, the general opening and commercialization of the 'Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route' has now been realized. This route will contribute to transforming regional tourism into a stay-based, circular model and expanding tourism spending.

Keyakidaira Lounge

The 'Keyakidaira Lounge' will be established in a section of the second-floor cafeteria at Keyakidaira Station (approximately 88㎡), which connects the Kurobe Gorge Railway and the Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route. The lounge will provide security checks for tour participants, distribute and collect helmets, and offer drinks and lunch (on select courses). The 'Keyakidaira Lounge' will deliver services designed to ensure participants begin their journey safely and enjoy a fulfilling and comfortable stay.

Inaugural Tour on October 1: First Departure of the Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route

Ahead of the official tour sales launch, the inaugural tour will be conducted on October 1. This tour will be exclusively for members of JTB Premium Stage, departing from Unazuki Station on the Kurobe Gorge Railway. If applications exceed capacity, winners will be selected by lottery. For details, please refer to our email newsletter or contact your nearest JTB branch.

Future Outlook

Going forward, the 'Keyakidaira Lounge' will serve as a tourist engagement hub, contributing to enhanced customer satisfaction and increased value of the 'Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route,' thereby maximizing tourism spending.

Furthermore, we will promote the creation of a sustainable tourism region by expanding collaboration with local tourist sites and businesses and continuously updating content.