Things To Do
in Toyama
Toyama is a coastal city located in central Japan, known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. Toyama is also home to traditional crafts such as glassware and pottery, with a rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood from the Toyama Bay and explore historic temples and shrines throughout the city.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a visit to Toyama Castle, a historical site that offers beautiful gardens and stunning views. Take a leisurely stroll around the castle grounds to enjoy the scenery.
In the afternoon, head to the Toyama Glass Art Museum to appreciate contemporary glass artworks. This unique museum also has a cafe where you can relax and enjoy some refreshments.
For dinner, try the local dish of Toyama Bay sushi, fresh from the sea. Consider ending your evening with a walk along the riverfront to see the illuminated city.
Spend your morning hiking in the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. Don’t forget to take in the impressive snow walls if visiting in spring!
After lunch, explore the Kurobe Dam, one of Japan's largest dams, and enjoy the scenic views from the observation deck. Capture stunning photos of the dam and the azure lake it forms.
Return to Toyama and unwind with a soak in a local onsen (hot spring). Savor a traditional Japanese dinner at a ryokan or inn nearby.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and coastline.
- Rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals and local crafts.
- Access to fresh seafood and local cuisine, particularly famous for its sake.
- Friendly and welcoming community with a slower pace of life.
- Good public transportation options making it easy to explore the area.
- Limited access to international flights and long-distance travel options.
- Smaller city may lack some urban amenities found in larger cities.
- Potential language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
- Limited job opportunities outside of tourism and traditional industries.
- Severe weather conditions during winter months, including heavy snowfall.
Best Activities in Toyama
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful mountains and picturesque landscapes while trekking in the Northern Alps of Toyama.
Enjoy a scenic train ride through the stunning Kurobe Gorge, offering breathtaking views of the rugged nature.
Experience the panoramic sights of Toyama and the Tateyama mountain range while traversing this renowned alpine route.
Tours
Uncover the best of Toyama with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Toyama
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the Kurobe River and forested mountains, especially during the autumn foliage season.
Provides panoramic views of the Tateyama mountain range and access to the iconic Snow Wall in the spring.
Showcases Japan's tallest waterfall surrounded by picturesque natural scenery.
Allows for aerial views of the Tateyama mountain range and the surrounding landscape.
Food in Toyama
Toyama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional dish of pressed sushi with vinegared rice, fresh fish like trout or salmon, and pickled ginger. It can be found at local sushi restaurants and specialty shops like Owara Kaiseki in the city.
Must-Try!
Toyama Bay is famous for its shiro-ebi, or white shrimp, which is a local delicacy often served as tempura or sashimi. Head to waterfront restaurants in areas like Himi and Shinminato for the best shiro-ebi dishes.
This regional style of ramen features a rich and savory soy sauce-based broth with thick, flat noodles. One of the best places to sample this is at renowned ramen shops like Aizen or Ichi Ban Kan in Toyama City.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Toyama better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located near Toyama Station, this bustling market offers a wide range of fresh seafood, local produce, and ready-to-eat street snacks like grilled shrimp skewers and Takikomi Gohan (seasoned rice with fish and vegetables).
While exploring the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, don't miss the opportunity to savor local street food such as oyaki (stuffed dumplings), grilled river fish, and Hokuriku sweet black soybean soft serve ice cream.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Toyama, Japan, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and showing deference in social situations.
It is considered respectful to maintain proper etiquette in public spaces, such as keeping quiet on public transportation and refraining from loud or disruptive behavior.
In Toyama, gift-giving is an important part of social interaction and it is important to understand the customs and etiquette surrounding the giving and receiving of gifts.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Toyama with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Toyama
Ensure a smooth experience
In Toyama, Japan, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. It's considered polite to provide excellent service without the expectation of an additional tip.
In Toyama, Japan, cash is still widely used for transactions, although credit and debit cards are becoming increasingly accepted, especially in larger stores and restaurants. It's always advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Toyama.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is one of the best times to visit Toyama, Japan. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating beautiful scenery throughout the city. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summer in Toyama can be hot and humid, but it's a great time to explore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and enjoy outdoor festivals and events. The mountains and alpine scenery are at their best during this time.
Autumn is another fantastic time to visit Toyama. The foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating stunning landscapes. The weather is also cool and comfortable, perfect for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Winter brings snow to Toyama, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is also popular during this time, offering breathtaking snow-capped landscapes. It's a magical time to visit for those who enjoy winter activities and unique snowy scenery.
Toyama at Night
Hiking in Toyama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning mountain range with various trails offering breathtaking views, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Known for its scenic train ride, Kurobe Gorge features several hiking trails along the river with beautiful landscapes and hot springs.
A popular hiking destination that provides a leisurely hike with panoramic views of Toyama Bay and the surrounding area.
Japan's tallest waterfall, accessible by hiking trails that offer stunning views of the falls and the surrounding nature.
A serene hiking spot that offers a range of trails through lush forests, ideal for nature walks and enjoying local flora.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Toyama through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Toyama by plane.
The nearest airport serving the Toyama region, primarily providing domestic flights.
Located approximately 200 km from Toyama, this is a major international airport that serves the Nagoya region and offers a wide range of international flights.
Situated about 300 km from Toyama, Kansai International Airport is one of Japan's major international gateways serving the Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe metropolitan areas.
Located around 350 km from Toyama, Tokyo's Haneda Airport is one of the busiest airports in Japan, offering numerous international flights.
Located approximately 400 km from Toyama, Narita serves as an international gateway to Tokyo and provides a vast number of global routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, comprising local residents and their descendants.
Includes a significant number of foreign nationals working in industries such as manufacturing and construction.
Families consisting of Japanese and foreign spouses, contributing to cultural diversity.
Domestic and international students attending universities and colleges in Toyama.
A growing demographic of elderly citizens, reflective of Japan's aging population.
The Soul of Toyama
Discover the essence of Toyama through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is a popular sport in Toyama, with various local clubs and schools participating in regional competitions.
Baseball enjoys a strong following in Toyama, with many local teams and a rich tradition in high school tournaments.
Kendo, the Japanese martial art of sword fighting, is widely practiced in Toyama, with many dojos and competitions.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Toyama, particularly among youth, with several school teams and local leagues.
Volleyball is a common sport played in schools and community centers across Toyama, fostering teamwork and physical fitness.
In the winter months, Toyama's mountainous regions offer opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, attracting both locals and tourists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toyama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditionally Toyama's cuisine is seafood-centric, several restaurants in the region offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and locally grown vegetable-centric preparations.
Some establishments provide gluten-free alternatives, including rice-based dishes, fresh sashimi, and customized noodle options using gluten-free ingredients. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly to ensure a pleasant dining experience.