Toyama Prefecture is located on the northwestern coast of Honshu Island, Japan’s main island. The prefecture is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the towering Tateyama Mountain Range, the scenic Kurobe Gorge, and the stunning Sea of Japan coastline. Toyama Prefecture is also home to many cultural and historical landmarks, including traditional folk crafts and festivals that celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
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Getting to Toyama from Tokyo
Getting to Toyama Prefecture from Tokyo is relatively easy. The easiest way is by bullet train, with the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line connecting Tokyo and Toyama in just over two hours. Alternatively, visitors can take a domestic flight from Tokyo to Toyama, which takes approximately one hour.
Best Season to Visit Toyama
The best time to visit Toyama Prefecture is in the spring or autumn. The spring months of March to May are ideal for viewing the region’s famous cherry blossoms, while the autumn months of September to November offer mild weather and colorful foliage.
Must-see places in Toyama
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
This famous tourist route runs through the Northern Alps and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Kurobe Gorge Railway
A scenic train ride through the beautiful Kurobe Gorge, the railway offers panoramic views of the mountains and river below.
Toyama Castle
A historic castle dating back to the 16th century, Toyama Castle is a popular destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
Gokayama
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gokayama is a picturesque village known for its traditional thatched-roof houses and local crafts.
Shomyo Falls
One of Japan’s highest waterfalls, Shomyo Falls is a spectacular sight and a popular spot for hiking.
Kurobe Dam
A massive dam located in the Northern Alps, Kurobe Dam is an impressive feat of engineering and a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing.
Cuisines you can enjoy in Toyama
Himi udon
A type of thick and chewy wheat noodles that is one of the five major udon varieties in Japan. It is usually served with a soy sauce-based broth and various toppings such as tempura, vegetables, or eggs.
Masu no sushi
A traditional dish of pressed sushi with salted trout wrapped in bamboo leaves. It is often eaten during celebrations or festivals.
Shiroebi
A small white shrimp that is a specialty of Toyama Bay. It can be eaten raw as sashimi, cooked as tempura, or dried as a snack.
Hotaru ika
A type of firefly squid that emits blue light. It is caught in spring and can be eaten in various ways, such as boiled, grilled, pickled, or as sushi.
Kanburi
A winter yellowtail that is caught in the cold waters of Himi. It has a rich and fatty taste and can be enjoyed as sashimi, teriyaki, or shabu-shabu.
Toyama black ramen
A local ramen dish with a dark soy sauce-based broth and curly noodles. It is topped with roasted pork, bamboo shoots, green onions, and garlic chips.
Sasazushi
A type of sushi with rice and various ingredients wrapped in bamboo leaves. It is similar to masu no sushi but uses different fish such as mackerel, salmon, or eel.
Kaki no heshiko
A preserved dish of oysters that are salted and fermented in rice bran. It has a strong flavor and can be eaten with rice or sake.
Kanimeshi
A rice dish with crab meat and eggs cooked in a clay pot. It is seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and sake and garnished with green peas and nori seaweed.
Tsuruya
A famous soba restaurant in Toyama city that has been operating since 1879. It serves handmade buckwheat noodles with a rich broth and various toppings such as duck meat, mushrooms, or mountain vegetables.
Recommended Accommodations in Toyama
Entaiji-so
A luxury ryokan located in Kurobe City, near the famous Entaiji Temple. It offers spacious rooms with tatami floors, private open-air baths, and stunning views of the mountains and the river. The cuisine is based on local ingredients, such as Kurobe beef and fresh seafood.
Enraku
Another luxury ryokan in Kurobe City, close to the Unazuki Onsen area. It has elegant rooms with modern amenities, some with private hot spring baths. The guests can enjoy the large communal baths, the sauna, and the massage services. The dinner is a kaiseki course featuring seasonal delicacies.
Tsurugi Koizuki
A stylish hotel in Kamiji Town, surrounded by nature. It has cozy rooms with wooden furniture, some with private outdoor baths. The guests can also use the public baths, the karaoke room, and the library. The breakfast and dinner are buffet-style, with a variety of dishes to choose from.
Hotel Morinokaze Tateyama
A resort hotel in Toyama City, near the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. It has comfortable rooms with mountain views, some with private baths. The guests can relax in the indoor and outdoor hot springs, the spa, and the lounge. The restaurant serves buffet meals with local and international cuisine.
River Retreat Garaku
A high-class hotel in Toyama City, along the Jinzu River. It has spacious rooms with chic decor, some with river views and private baths. The guests can enjoy the art gallery, the library, the terrace, and the garden. The restaurant offers French cuisine with a Japanese twist.
Isohanabi
A traditional ryokan in Takaoka City, facing the Toyama Bay. It has simple rooms with tatami floors and futon beds, some with sea views and private baths. The guests can soak in the indoor and outdoor hot springs, which are said to have healing effects. The dinner is a seafood feast with fresh crab, shrimp, squid, and fish.
Yumetsuzuri
A modern ryokan in Tonami City, near the famous Tonami Tulip Park. It has bright rooms with Western beds and Japanese-style seating areas, some with private baths. The guests can use the public baths, the sauna, and the fitness center. The restaurant serves Japanese cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
Sanrakuen.
A cozy ryokan in Tonami City, surrounded by greenery. It has warm rooms with tatami floors and futon beds, some with private baths. The guests can relax in the indoor and outdoor hot springs, which have different types of water. The dinner is a kaiseki course with local specialties
Conclusion
In conclusion, Toyama Prefecture is a remarkable destination that offers a wealth of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical landmarks. From the majestic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route to the picturesque Kurobe Gorge, visitors can explore a diverse range of landscapes and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or outdoor activities, Toyama Prefecture has something for everyone. With easy transportation options from Tokyo and mild weather in the spring and autumn, it’s a perfect destination for travelers seeking to escape the crowds and discover a more serene side of Japan. I highly recommend a visit to Toyama Prefecture and am confident that it will leave a lasting impression on you.
ピンバック: Chubu – You have a friend in Japan