Toyama, nestled amidst the majestic Japanese Alps and the calming shores of the Sea of Japan, beckons travelers with its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and delectable cuisine. From the UNESCO World Heritage-listed gassho-style farmhouses of Gokayama to the serene beauty of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Toyama offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it an unforgettable destination for all types of explorers. This blog will introduce where you can go, what you can do, and what you can eat at Toyama.
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A Quick Jump To…
- Immerse Yourself in History and Culture
- Embrace the Beauty of Nature
- Indulge in Culinary Delights
- Planning Your Trip
- Our Video on Toyama
Immerse Yourself in History and Culture
合掌村 Gassho-style farmhouses
Step back in time and wander through the charming villages of Ainokura, Gokayama, and Suganuma. The iconic gassho-style farmhouses, with their distinctive thatched roofs resembling praying hands, stand as testaments to the region’s rich heritage. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these villages offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the region’s inhabitants.
If you go to Gokayama, you can also experience living in one of those houses as well as experiencing traditional activities. Check the details here.
相倉 Ainokura
- Opening Hours: 8:30～17:00
- Tel: 0763-66-2123
- Location: 富山県南砺市相倉
- Parking Available
菅沼 Suganuma
- Opening Hours: 4月～11月 8:00～17:00 | 12月～3月 9:00～16:00
- Tel: 0763-67-3008
- Location: 富山県南砺市菅沼
- Parking Available
五箇山 Gokayama
- Tel: 0763-67-3300
- Location: 山県南砺市菅沼855
- Parking Available
For more about Gassho-style farmhouses, click here.
高岡 Takaoka City
Delve into the captivating history of Takaoka City, renowned for its well-preserved samurai districts and Edo-period architecture. Explore the Zuodu Park, a haven of serene gardens and traditional wooden buildings, and admire the intricate craftsmanship of Takaoka copperware, a designated national treasure.
Embrace the Beauty of Nature
館山黒部アルペンルート Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Embark on a thrilling journey through the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride the cable cars and buses that navigate through the majestic Tateyama mountain range, marveling at the breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and crystal-clear lakes.
- Location for 立山駅: 富山県中新川郡立山町千寿ヶ原
- Location for 扇沢: 長野県大町市
- Fees
- Reserve Ticket Online
雨晴海岸 Amaharashi Coast
Witness the raw power of nature at the Amaharashi Coast, known for its dramatic rock formations sculpted by the relentless waves of the Sea of Japan. Take a walk along the scenic trails, feel the spray of the ocean on your face, and be mesmerized by the mesmerizing sunsets.
- Tel: 0766-20-1547
- Location: 富山県高岡市太田雨晴
- Parking Available
庄川遊覧船 Shogawa River Gorge Cruise
Imagine gently gliding through a tranquil canyon surrounded by lush greenery and towering rock formations. The Shogawa River Gorge Cruise offers exactly this – a chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Toyama’s natural landscape. More than just a scenic ride, the cruise unveils a captivating glimpse into the region’s history and cultural heritage.
- Location: 富山県砺波市庄川町小牧73番地5
- Tel: 0763-82-0220
- Fees: 1200 yen ~ (depends on the course)
- Parking Available
The cruise offers two distinct routes, catering to different preferences:
- 大牧温泉コース Omaki Spa Course: This one-hour round trip takes you to the idyllic Omaki Onsen, a tranquil hot spring resort accessible only by boat. Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating waters while surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
- 長崎橋周遊コース Nagasaki Bridge Course: This 25-minute cruise offers a shorter exploration of the Shogawa Gorge’s beauty. Witness the towering rock formations, lush forests, and traditional gassho-style farmhouses perched on the riverbanks.
宮崎・境海岸 Miyazaki-Sakai Beach
Also known as Jade Beach, stretches for 4 kilometers along the coastline. While it’s a popular summer destination for swimming and sunbathing, its true allure lies in its unique “treasure hunt” opportunity. After a day of strong waves, the shoreline is often dotted with smooth, colorful pebbles, some of which might be precious jade stones! Keep your eyes peeled, and you might just discover a piece of Japan’s natural heritage.
- Location: 富山県下新川郡朝日町宮崎・境
- Tel: 0765-83-2780
- Parking Available
Indulge in Culinary Delights
Toyama Bay Seafood
Savor the freshest seafood dishes prepared with local ingredients caught in the Sea of Japan. Relish the melt-in-your-mouth sushi, succulent 螃蟹 (kani) or king crab, and the delicate 富山湾白エビ (hotaru ika) or firefly squid, a Toyama specialty.
富山湾鮨
新湊かに小屋
- Opening Hours: Crab Season (September ～ May) 11：30～15：00 | Weds and Sun Closed
- Location: 富山県射水市八幡町1-1100
- Tel: 0766-84-8051
- Parking Available
入善 牡蠣ノ星
- Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00～17:00 | Weekends 10:00～20:00
- Location: 富山県下新川郡入善町下飯野 251-1 海洋深層水パーク内
- Tel: 0765-76-0065
- Reserved By Phone
Planning Your Trip
Toyama is easily accessible by bullet train from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The best time to visit depends on your preference: spring for vibrant cherry blossoms, summer for outdoor adventures, autumn for stunning foliage, or winter for the magical snowscape.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture buff, or a foodie, Toyama offers something for everyone. So, ditch the crowds and embark on an unforgettable journey to this hidden gem, where tradition meets innovation and nature’s beauty takes center stage.
Bonus Tip: Consider purchasing the Toyama Teiki Free Pass for discounted travel on local trains and buses throughout the prefecture.
Check out our Video on Toyama
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