Unazuki Onsen

Unazuki Onsen Soyu Yumedokoro

The town bathhouse in front of Unazuki Onsen Station, gateway to the Kurobe Gorge Railway. A bright white bathroom with tubs of Kurobe granite holds crystal-clear, mildly alkaline water said to be Japan's most transparent. Just ¥510, with a free foot bath, drinking fountain and rooftop terrace. Easy to fit in before or after the gorge train.

Unazuki Onsen Tochi-no-yu

A city-run day bath on the shore of the Unazuki dam lake. From the lakeside open-air bath you can watch the Kurobe Gorge trolley train crawl along the far cliff — a favourite with railway fans. Just ¥510 including shampoo and hairdryers, with silky mildly alkaline water. Open only from late April to early December; closed in winter. Five minutes from Unazuki-Onsen Station by the free 'EMU' shuttle or car.