A sightseeing railway that runs through a scenic gorge in Toyama Prefecture, central Japan, has partially reopened for the season.



Services on the Kurobe Gorge Railway are limited to certain sections as a bridge was damaged in the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024. Operations are suspended every winter because of heavy snow.



The first train carrying tourists left Unazuki station after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday.



The passengers enjoyed viewing the scenery that included cherry blossoms in full bloom.



A woman from Tokyo said this is her first visit and she is impressed by the beautiful green leaves. She said she wants to come back when services are fully resumed.



Tanimoto Satoru, an official of the Kurobe Gorge Railway, noted that more than 500,000 people used the line last year despite the partial operations.



He said he realized the potential of the sightseeing train and hopes to improve hospitality to meet visitors' expectations.