Introduction to Toyama Prefecture
Toyama Prefecture is located in the northern part of Honshu and is a tourist destination rich in nature. Toyama is a place full of attractions such as the majestic Tateyama mountain range, rich seafood from Toyama Bay, and its own unique culture.
Geographic location
Toyama Prefecture is located in the northern part of Honshu, facing the Sea of Japan. It borders Niigata Prefecture to the north, Ishikawa Prefecture to the south, and Gifu Prefecture to the west.
History & culture
Toyama is dotted with many historical buildings and cultural heritage sites that are fascinating to visit.
Tourist attraction
Toyama is home to many tourist attractions and landmarks, which symbolize the charm of the region.
Gokayama Gassho-Zukuri Village
Gokayama is a village where gassho-style houses still remain and the original Japanese landscape is still preserved. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season: fresh greenery in spring, blue skies in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of the most spectacular sightseeing routes in the world, connecting Toyama and Nagano Prefectures. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent nature of the Japanese Alps, including the Kurobe Dam, Murodo, and the Snowy Valley.
Toyama Bay
As one of the world’s three major fishing grounds, fresh seafood is abundant. Firefly squid, white shrimp, yellowtail, crab, and a variety of other seafood dishes can be enjoyed. In addition, the melting snow from the Tateyama mountain range pours into the area, making it extremely transparent, and marine activities such as diving and snorkeling are also popular.
Unazuki hot spring
Located in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, this hot spring resort faces the Sea of Japan. The town has flourished since the Edo period (1603-1867), and is attractive for its emotional townscape. It is also the terminal station of the Kurobe Gorge Trolley Car, a popular tourist spot where visitors can enjoy both the trolley car trip and hot springs.
Food culture
Toyama’s culinary culture is rich in fresh seafood and abundant agricultural products.
White Shrimp from Toyama Bay
Called the “Jewel of Toyama Bay,” this shrimp is characterized by its sweetness and plump texture. It can be enjoyed as tempura, sashimi, or shabu-shabu.
Firefly squid
Toyama Prefecture’s firefly squid is a sweet and rich squid that comes into season in spring. It can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes such as raw, grilled, and simmered.
Toyama Black Ramen
Black ramen is characterized by a pitch-black soup made with large amounts of soy sauce. This soup is said to have originated as a side dish for workers after World War II. Today, it is popular among many tourists as the representative ramen of Toyama Prefecture.
Himi beef
Himi beef from Toyama Prefecture is characterized by its high marbling, sweet fat and tender meat. To enjoy Himi beef, yakiniku and shabu-shabu are recommended.
Activities
Many activities can be enjoyed in Toyama.
Walking in Gokayama
Gokayama is a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where Gassho-zukuri villages remain. Visitors can enjoy nature in all four seasons: fresh greenery in spring, terraced rice paddies in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
Walking along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
This is one of the world’s most popular sightseeing routes, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent nature of the Tateyama Mountain Range. Visitors can enjoy different scenery each season, such as the Kurobe Dam, the spectacular view of Murodou-daira, and the snowy landscape of Midakebara.
Gourmet Seafood from Toyama Bay
In Toyama Bay, you can enjoy fresh seafood grown in the rich sea where cold and warm currents meet. We recommend trout sushi, white shrimp, firefly squid, and yellowtail shabu-shabu. We hope you enjoy the fresh seafood.
Strolling around the hot spring resort of Unazuki Onsen
Unazuki Onsen in Toyama Prefecture is an emotional hot spring resort facing the Sea of Japan. Walking along the cobblestone streets, strolling through old houses, footbaths, souvenir shops, etc. is recommended.
Also popular is the view of the hot spring resort on the Kurobe Gorge Railway’s trolley car.
Seasonal Recommendations
Toyama offers a variety of seasonal attractions.
Spring
- Firefly Squid Fishing in Toyama Bay: Firefly squid caught in Toyama Bay in the spring is characterized by its sweetness and richness. It is caught using a variety of fishing methods, including fixed-net fishing and boat-trap fishing. There are tours where you can observe the fishing process and restaurants where you can taste fresh firefly squid, so be sure to experience it for yourself!
- TONAMI Tulip Festival: The Tonami Tulip Festival is held every year from mid-April to early May in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture. It is known as one of the largest tulip festivals in Japan, with 700 varieties and 3 million tulips in full bloom over a vast area.
Summer
- Kurobe River Rafting: A thrilling experience that takes you down Japan’s fastest rapids. Especially in summer, the river swells with melting snow, making rafting even more thrilling.
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Night Tour: The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route night tour is a fantastic summer night tour in Toyama Prefecture. The lights of the Kurobe Dam and the Tateyama Mountain Range, as well as the starlit sky, will create unforgettable memories.
Autumn
- Autumn Foliage in the Tateyama Mountain Range: The Tateyama Mountain Range is one of the most famous places in Japan for autumn foliage. Because of the large difference in elevation, the colors change from the top to the bottom of the mountains, making it possible to enjoy them for a long period of time. The best time to view the leaves is from late September to early October.
- White Shrimp Fishing in Toyama Bay: The white shrimp fishing in Toyama Bay is a major autumn event in Toyama Prefecture, with fishing taking place from April to November, and visitors can taste fresh white shrimp. You can observe the white shrimp fishing at Shinminato Fishing Port and Iwase Fishing Port.
Winter
- Skiing and snowboarding: Toyama Prefecture has a variety of ski resorts, including the Tateyama Mountain Range and Gokayama. You can enjoy skiing while enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Tateyama mountain range, or skiing while viewing the Gassho-Zukuri villages of Gokayama.
- Buri Shabu: Toyama Prefecture’s winter gourmet recommendation is yellowtail shabu in Toyama Bay. Yellowtail is in season in winter and is fatty and melts in your mouth. When served in shabu-shabu, you can enjoy the full flavor of yellowtail.
Local Culture
Toyama’s culture is expressed in local festivals, traditional crafts, and the art scene.
Festival
- Owara Kaze no Bon Festival: Held every September, this traditional festival prays for a good harvest. Dancers wearing braided hats dance gracefully to the mournful sounds of kokyu (Japanese violin) and shamisen (three-stringed instrument).
- Toyama Festival: Held every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of August, this is the largest festival in Toyama Prefecture. Various events are held, including Yosakoi performances and the Ecchu Owara Bushi National Festival.
Traditional crafts
- Takaoka Bronzes: Bronzes produced in Takaoka City have been a traditional craft since the Edo period. Its various products, such as Buddhist statues, vases, and figurines, are known for their exquisite techniques and beautiful designs.
- Shogawa woodwork of Gokayama: This traditional woodwork has a history of about 400 years. Carefully crafted by hand using wood from the mountains, the various products include bowls, trays, and chests.
Transportation
Toyama is conveniently accessible via the Shinkansen bullet train and air routes.
Airplane
It takes about 1 hour from Haneda Airport to Toyama Airport.
Shinkansen
From Tokyo, it takes about 3 hours by Hokuriku Shinkansen “Hakutaka”. The “KAGAYAKI” (extra service) takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Express Bus
It takes about 7 hours from Tokyo Station to Toyama Station. Late night bus service is also available.
Lastly
Toyama Prefecture is still not well known to foreign tourists, but it is a very attractive tourist destination where you can enjoy nature, food, and culture to the fullest. We encourage you to visit Toyama.