Things To Do
in Uozu
Uozu is a coastal city in Toyama Prefecture along the Sea of Japan, known for its fishing heritage and scenic waterfront. A short drive from the city center reveals harbor views, markets, and easy access to the natural surroundings of Toyama Bay and the Tateyama-Kurobe corridor. The area centers on fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and relaxed seaside vibes.
Seasonal scenery ranges from snowy coastlines in winter to lush, sunlit promenades in summer.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Noto Airport and take a scenic train ride to Uozu, soaking in the beautiful landscapes along the way. Check into your hotel and freshen up before heading out to explore the local area. Take a leisurely walk along the Uozu coastline, enjoying the salt-air breeze and stunning sea views.
Visit the Uozu Aquarium, where you can witness a diverse range of marine life, including the famous deep-sea creatures unique to the region. After enjoying your time at the aquarium, indulge in a fresh seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants. Spend the remaining hours wandering the nearby Uozu Park, where seasonal flowers add to the beauty of the surroundings.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to a traditional Japanese dinner at a local izakaya, where the lively atmosphere complements the delicious cuisine. Sample local sake and chat with friendly locals to learn more about Uozu's culture. End the night with a relaxing stroll along the beach, under the enchanting starry sky.
Start your day with a visit to the historic Uozu City Museum, which houses artifacts and displays showcasing the region's rich history. Engage with friendly museum staff who can share fascinating stories about Uozu's past. After immersing yourself in the city's heritage, enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby café.
Take a trip to the traditional town of Kamitakarada, known for its picturesque streets and preserved Edo-period buildings. Explore local shops that offer hand-crafted goods and enjoy a delicious lunch. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in a pottery workshop, where you can create your own unique piece.
After a day filled with history and art, dine at a quaint restaurant offering regional specialties such as sushi and seasonal seafood. Join a guided night tour of Uozu to spot some of the area's notable landmarks illuminated under the evening sky. Wind down at a local onsen, soaking in the therapeutic hot springs to relax your body after a busy day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🚶One-way local transit | $2-3 |
| 🍺Beer at bar | $5-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Fresh seafood and coastal scenery
- Relaxed pace and easy access to nature
- Safe and clean urban spaces
- Good value for money compared to larger cities
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Smaller selection of international cuisine
- Weather can be humid in summer and snowy in winter
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "いくらですか" - How much is this?
- "英語を話せますか" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか" - Where is the toilet?
- "おすすめは何ですか" - What do you recommend?
- "写真を撮ってもいいですか" - May I take photos?
Places to Visit in Uozu
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour shots of fishing boats, harbor reflections, and the early light on calm water.
Dramatic sea cliffs and wide horizons along the seafront with mountain silhouettes on clear days.
Colorful markets with boats, nets, and stacks of seafood for action and detail shots.
Reflections and pedestrian bridges offering leading lines for urban-seaside photography.
Snow-dusted coast and quiet shoreline scenes in the colder months.
Food in Uozu
Uozu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pressed trout sushi wrapped in a delicate bamboo leaf; a Toyama-area specialty best enjoyed at markets or riverside eateries.
Must-Try!
Seasonal, tiny squid famed for its glow; served as sashimi, marinated, or lightly boiled during spring sightings along Toyama Bay.
Rice bowl topped with fresh whitebait, a light, coastal dish common near the harbor towns of Toyama.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning market offering catches of the day; perfect for sampling sashimi, grilled seafood skewers, and local snacks.
Casual stalls along the harbor serving grilled seafood, skewers, and seasonal bites with sea breezes and sea view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Japan, people line up neatly and patiently; join the end of the queue and bow slightly when greeted.
Remove shoes in traditional spaces when required; keep public spaces clean and avoid eating while walking in crowded areas.
Use formal language and thank you, please, and apology in daily interactions.
Ask permission if photographing people; avoid blocking traffic on sidewalks and respect private property.
Safety
Tipping in Uozu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; polite service is included in prices. If you wish to show appreciation, a small, discreet tip may be given in some very high-end settings, but it is not expected.
Cash is widely accepted in smaller shops and markets. Major hotels and many restaurants take credit cards. IC cards (like Suica/ICOCA) may be accepted in larger stations and shops; portable payments can be limited in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with high humidity; enjoy sea breezes, water activities, and seafood markets at their liveliest. Sun protection and hydration are key.
Pleasant temperatures and clear skies; great for coastal walks, temple visits, and harvest-season foods.
Cold with snowfall in coastal and inland areas; coastal views are dramatic with snow on cliffs; dress in layers.
Mild days with opportunities to see firefly squid (hotaru-ika) season and blooming coastal flora; plan seafood tastings around the markets.
Uozu at Night
Hiking in Uozu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short coastal hikes and forest trails within a 30-60 minute drive offering sea views and shaded paths.
Steeper day hikes available in the mountains nearby with framed views of the bay and city.
Airports
How to reach Uozu by plane.
Domestic and regional flights; about 50-60 minutes by road from central Uozu. Access via highway and rail connections.
Regional hub offering domestic flights; about 2-3 hours by rail and road from Uozu.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families living in Uozu’s coastal neighborhoods; safe, school-centered communities.
A sizable elderly population; accessible public spaces and services are common.
Several school and college-level facilities; some urban youth culture exists near the waterfront.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime in schools and local leagues; occasional public viewing at sports bars.
Local clubs and youth teams with matches in season; community pitches around the city.
Skiing and snowboarding opportunities not far in the surrounding mountains during winter.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Uozu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can find tempura, tofu dishes, and rice bowls; request no dashi or seafood stock and look for vegetable tempura or yuba-based dishes.