Toyama Travel Guide

Explore Toyama's culturally significant attractions and natural wonders, discover the best restaurants and accommodations, learn about local customs, and plan your trip using our detailed itinerary and transportation options.


Introduction to Toyama

Located in the Chubu region of Japan, Toyama is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s a hidden gem that offers an authentic Japanese experience. The area is famous for its natural beauty, traditional crafts, and delicious cuisine. The prefecture is home to majestic mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The city of Toyama itself is a modern and bustling metropolis, with a great transport system and plenty of accommodation options for travelers of all budgets.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Toyama, highlighting the city’s most exciting attractions, cultural experiences, and natural wonders.

List of Places to Visit in Toyama

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Toyama. Here’s a list of places you won’t want to miss during your visit.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

1. Toyama Castle

Also known as Azumi Castle, Toyama Castle is a reconstruction of a 16th-century fortress that was originally built by Maeda Toshiie. The castle features a unique design and a beautiful surrounding park.

2. Toyama Municipal Museum of Art

The museum features collections of contemporary art and traditional Japanese crafts, with works by local and international artists alike.

3. Zuiryuji Temple

Zuiryuji Temple is a beautiful Zen temple located in the foothills of the Japanese Alps. The temple is known for its peaceful gardens and stunning architecture.

Natural Attractions of Toyama: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

1. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

The Alpine Route is a mountain sightseeing route that runs through the Northern Japan Alps. The route offers stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and fields.

2. Kurobe Gorge

A picturesque canyon with a river running through it. Visitors can take a scenic railway along the gorge or hike along the river.

3. Mikurigaike Pond

Located at the foot of the Tateyama mountains, Mikurigaike Pond is a stunning blue-green lake surrounded by mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Toyama

Toyama offers incredible hikes and biking routes with scenic views of the Japanese Alps. Here are a few of the best routes:

  • Mt. Tateyama – A challenging but rewarding hike with views of the Alpine mountains
  • Gokayama – A UNESCO World Heritage site with traditional thatched-roof houses and stunning natural scenery
  • Jinzu River – A popular biking route with beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Toyama: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Toyama. Here are our top picks:

  • Visit the local hot springs or onsen for a relaxing soak
  • Take a traditional craft workshop and try your hand at pottery or silk dyeing
  • Go skiing or snowboarding in the winter months
  • Join a sake brewery tour and taste the local brews.

Week-Long Itinerary for Toyama

If you’re planning to spend a week in Toyama, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Explore Toyama City, visit the castle and museum

Day 2-3: Explore the Alpine Route, hike Mt. Tateyama, and visit Kurobe Gorge

Day 4: Take a day trip to Gokayama and visit the traditional houses

Day 5: Explore the Mikurigaike Pond and the Jinzu River

Day 6-7: Take a sake brewery tour, attend a traditional craft workshop, and relax in a local onsen.

Food and Drink Scene of Toyama

The food scene in Toyama is diverse and delicious, thanks to its location near the sea and mountains. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sushi - Toyama is known for its fresh, quality sushi
  • Black ramen - A unique dish with squid ink broth and black garlic oil
  • Shiroebi - A local delicacy, small but sweet shrimp that are eaten raw, boiled, or baked.

Local Beverages

  • Sake - Toyama is home to many sake breweries, with many offering tastings and tours
  • Himi Umenoyado Umeshu - A famous plum wine produced in Toyama that is sweet and refreshing
  • Shirogane Oolong - A tea produced in Toyama that is famous for its flavor and health benefits.

Where to Stay in Toyama: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Toyama offers a range of accommodations for all budgets. Here are some recommendations to suit different preferences:

  • Dormy Inn Toyama - A popular hotel chain with comfortable rooms and onsen facilities
  • Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu - A modern hotel located in the heart of the city
  • J-Hoppers Toyama Guesthouse - A budget-friendly option with shared rooms and kitchen facilities
  • Ryokan Kawai - A traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms and a hot spring onsen.

What to Buy in Toyama: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Toyama is famous for its traditional handicrafts, such as glassware, pottery, and silk. Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Glassware - Toyama is home to some of the best glassware craftsmen in Japan, producing high-quality glass artwork and tableware
  • Oyaki - A local dumpling filled with vegetables and sometimes meat, a popular snack that is also a great gift item
  • Imizu Salty Soft Candy - A soft and chewy candy made with saltwater from the nearby Mikuni Sea.

Local Culture and Customs of Toyama

Toyama is known for its long history of traditional art and crafts. Many people still observe old customs and festivals, so it’s important to respect these traditions. Also, always be mindful of where you throw away your trash, and try to recycle as much as possible.

Best Time to Visit Toyama

The best time to visit Toyama is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and the fall foliage or cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Toyama

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Toyama:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Visit the local hot springs or onsen
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public areas
  • Speak loudly or disturb the peace
  • Forget to separate your trash for recycling.

Safety and Health

Safety in Toyama

Toyama is a relatively safe destination, with low crime rates. However, it’s always advised to be careful while walking alone at night and to take care of your belongings. Also, be aware of your surroundings while hiking and obey warning signs.

Health in Toyama

Tap water in Toyama is safe to drink, and there are several hospitals and clinics available in case of emergencies.

Getting to Toyama: Transportation Options and Logistics

Toyama is easily accessible by both air and ground transportation. Here are some options to consider:

Airports Near Toyama

Toyama is serviced by Toyama Airport, which offers flights from major Japanese cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka.

Bus Stations Near Toyama

Toyama is also accessible by bus, with several major bus companies operating routes to and from the city.

Other Options

If you prefer to travel by train, the Hokuriku Shinkansen stops at Toyama Station, making it easy to reach from major cities, such as Tokyo and Kyoto. There are also several expressways and highways that connect Toyama to other parts of Japan.

How to Get Around in Toyama

Toyama’s public transportation system is efficient and reliable, with buses and trains covering most areas. You can purchase a rechargeable IC card, called the ‘Sugoca’ or ‘ICOCA’, to make travel easier and more convenient.

Where to Go Next from Toyama: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore nearby destinations, here are some places worth considering:

  • Kanazawa - A historic city with a beautiful castle and traditional teahouses
  • Shirakawa-go - A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its traditional farmhouses with thatched roofs
  • Takayama - A charming town with a beautifully preserved old town and a relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion

Toyama is a fascinating destination that offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional culture. With its stunning natural scenery, delicious food, and friendly locals, it’s the perfect place to experience an authentic Japanese holiday. Use this guide to plan your visit and discover all the hidden gems that Toyama has to offer.

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