Kurobe Gorge

What?
The Kurobe Gorge (黒部峡谷) is a ravine in the Northern Japan Alps cut out by the Kurobe River. Leading up to the gorge is a small train (黒部峡谷トロッコ電車) that used to transport workers for the construction of the Kurobe Dam (黒部ダム). The end station is Keyakidaira (欅平) from which their are several hiking courses. One leads to the Babadani Hotspring (祖母谷温泉) while another leads to the Sarutobi Ravine (猿飛峡), where if you're lucky you can see some monkeys lurking around.
Where?
The gorge can only by reached by the Kurobe Torokko Train. I strongly advise reserving a ticket online so you can choose which car to get in and avoid the waiting lines. The starting station lies right next to the JR Unazuki Station (宇奈月駅). There are several stops along the way, but if you want to see the Babadani Hotspring or Sarutobi Ravine you have to get off at the end station Keyakidaira.
URL
Japan Guide Outline Kurobe Railway

Just when you think you’ve seen the most interesting things of a place, it hits you in the face with another one.
Really, I just wanted to ride the little train - “torokko”. The ride was just pure fun. I was lucky with the very good weather and nice foliage, but when you go, it might be good not to depart at noon as it was sometimes too bright to see anything. Also make sure you sit on the right side when departing from Unazuki, as the left is not more than concrete for most of the trail. If you’re lucky like me, you have a bench for yourself and you can shift places whenever you want.

The real treat came with the hikes in Keyakidaira. They are not hard, but can take some time if you want to fully enjoy them.
I first took off for the Babadani hotspring. It is a trail that follows the river with a terrific view on the gorge. Three times you walk through a tunnel. The first two are short and pose no problem for anyone. The last one is 300 meters, so I was afraid that not bringing a torch was a big mistake, but as it is well lit this surely shouldn’t hinder you going it all the way through.
Exiting the tunnel you see the onsen on your right. You can reach it by passing 2 bridges, but the most interesting part of the hike is when you turn right once the bridges are crossed. Natural hot water makes the environment steam and look like an ungodly place. But godly to look at.

Riding the torokko train.

View of the Kurobe Gorge.

I trailed back to the Keyakidaira station to walk in the opposite direction towards Sarutobi-kyo ravine. The path is more rugged but still quite easy. Except maybe for the various small tunnels which may not be for people with claustrophobia. Also, only very little light finds its way through the small windows, so when evening comes tunnels are only dimly lit. I find this very charming and think that it builds up the suspense. And once arriving at Sarutobi the view is absolutely breathtaking. I did not spot any monkeys but that could have been because I was too impressed by the beauty of the ravine/gorge.
One important factor was that especially on the second hike I was most of the time alone. This of course lets you sink deeper into your surroundings. I did it all in little less than 3 hours, but I would have preferred 4. Thus I suggest to leave early if you want to go to this place of natural beauty.