Kurobe Gorge Autumn Winter 2017
Got the Narnia feels going on here yo. Look at that lamp!
After what happened a few days ago I can't help but to share about this post first because it's just too funny of an experience not to share immediately lol.
My trip this round is all thanks to JR's Takayama Hokuriku Pass that allows me to tour almost all parts of GIFU region that includes a few famous spots like from the movie "Kimi no Nawa" (Your Name) in Hida, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Gero, Toyama, Kyoto and Nagoya! That's a handful of prefectures to visit with the price of only 14,000¥ for the 5 days pass. Pretty worth it for tourists like us who would like to experience various prefectures but have limited time constraint and of course if possible would like to save as well because if you are from Malaysia like me the currency is something that might pinch you abit (not that I mind, take all my money please lol) but it's great news for our neighbors in Singapore because their currency is almost on par with Japan's yen lol. Time for me to find job in Singapore Liao.
When one Google's Toyama prefecture and what to do there, Kurobe gorge suggestion definitely appears because it isn't too far away from Toyama station itself, if you ride on the Shinkansen using the Takayama Hokuriku Pass (it's covered).
I took the Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Kurobe onsen station, one way it already costs be 4000¥ + so both ways easily costs nearly 10,000¥. But take note it only covers along the Hokuriku line under JR, any other private lines you'll have to pay. Upon reaching Kurobe onsen station, walking across we need to take the kintetsu line to reach Kurobe gorge's station (which is the last one- SHIN KUROBE). You can buy a 2 way ticket which saves you abit of money, the ticket costs 1,100¥
Initial plan was to go on an Autumn foliage train tour which Kurobe gorge is known for but guess what, winter came earlier than expected so if you are planning to go over for the sceneric train ride from today onwards, please dress warmly like winter clothing warm.
The tour is still available during this period except instead of beautiful shades of autumn, you'll be greeted with a winter wonderland scene instead.
Full train ride duration: 80 minutes (one way)
Costs: 1710 yen (one way to Keyakidaira) Optional: 370-530 yen for covered seats.
Costs: 1710 yen (one way to Keyakidaira) Optional: 370-530 yen for covered seats.
Silly me was excepting the usual kind of autumn weather really didn't expect the snow fall so I wasn't dress appropriately, almost froze half to death on the way back down because I took the open train carriage to get more clearer shots of the scenery (things we do for photography lol). On the way up wasn't too bad, in fact it was worth paying the extra 530¥ for a covered seating area except if you have people talking inside it, then the windows will fog up faster.
It's so cold to the point I'm trying hard not to fall asleep
And when it snows they don't allow you to walk around so it was a bummer for me as I was looking to hop off on one of the stations and go around to take photos, well for safety reasons since it's a mountain side best not to take any risks. I personally wanted to visit Mannen Yuki
You can check the full list of stations here : https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7575.html
You can check the full list of stations here : https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7575.html
So there you have it for Kurobe gorge's latest viewing update! You have a few more days to go for a ride before it closes for December till April next year!
It wasn't what we came for but notheless the view was mesmerising.
It wasn't what we came for but notheless the view was mesmerising.
It's basically early winter in GIFU region, first snow has been sighted since last week already, so pack your heat tech clothings and knits, heck to fashion and keep warm instead. Advice coming from a person who has to learn it the hard way lol, got some small frost bite patches on my legs because it's was exposed to the cold too long. Not so much of Queen Elsa anymore aren't I?
Biggest regret ever, wearing chiffon dress and no leggings in snow lol, totally wasn't prepared for early winter.
Takayama Hokuriku Pass:
XOXO,
Frostbite?? That's nasty! Beautiful places, and I bet it gonna look more better seeing it by our own experience... To bad...funds are big issue from our side, seeing the prices goes high and so on. Do have fun and stay safe ya :D
ReplyDeleteP/s: you look killing lovely when you fall asleep xD :)