Fodor's Expert Review Kurobe Gorge Railway

Running from spring to fall along the deepest valley in Japan, the open-air Kurobe Gorge Railway takes you on an 80-minute ride past gushing springs and waterfalls. You might even see wild monkeys or a serow, a type of mountain goat. One of the best views is from the 128-foot-high bridge called Atobiki-kyo, while the best time of year is mid-October to early November for the tremendous fall foliage. Bring a windbreaker, even in summer, as it can be a cold and damp ride, or spend an extra ¥530 to upgrade to a more sheltered first-class seat. Kuronagi Onsen, Kanetsuri Onsen, and Meiken Onsen are three of the hot springs along the trolley route. You can get off at any of them and enjoy a soak.