Mysterious Experiences: 10 Things To Do In Toyama Prefecture

1. Sotoshu Chokeiji Temple

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One of the most mysterious places in Toyama is the Sotoshu Chokeiji Temple. The surrounding grounds of this Buddhist temple feature plenty of towering trees and bamboos, which are unmistakably beautiful. Moreover, there’s 500 monk statues lined-up that add to the mystery of the space and the nearby cemetery.

Sotoshu Chokeiji Temple

Address: 1882, Goso, Toyama, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

2. Mt. Kureha Park Observatory

You’ve just arrived in Toyama and have noticed that the city is quite pleasant and the nearby Japanese Alps are absolutely majestic. But there’s only so much you can see from ground level or your hotel room. It’s best to take in all this scenery from a great vantage point, such as the Mt. Kureha Park Observatory that’s within walking distance from the town center and near Kureha Park.

Mt. Kureha Park Observatory

Address: Anyobo, Toyama 930-0103, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Mt. Kureha Park Observatory

3. Botanic Gardens of Toyama

Toyama’s Botanic Gardens are dotted with all sorts of flora and fauna from Japan and around the world. The grounds are incredibly picturesque, but the nearby lakes, restaurant, and road train only make these gardens that bit more alluring. Spend an afternoon or the entire day; you’ll have much to admire and will snap plenty of photos.

Botanic Gardens of Toyama

Address: 42 Fuchumachi Kamikutsuwada, Toyama 939-2713, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Botanic Gardens of Toyama

4. Former Uchiyama Residence

One of Toyama’s hidden gems is the former Uchiyama residence. And there’s a good reason for this since the residence consists of a traditional Japanese home with a well-maintained garden and gorgeous cherry blossoms. The entrance fee is only 200 JPY (1.80 USD), and it’s a great way to spend an hour or two.

Former Uchiyama Residence

Address: 903 Miyao, Toyama 930-2211, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Former Uchiyama Residence

5. Fugan Unga Kansui Park

This spacious and clean park has a stylish Starbucks coffee shop built near the water canal. It’s a great spot for short walks, jogging, relaxing, or to just kick back with a warm cup of coffee. The park usually attracts local crowds and different groups of visitors throughout the day. It’s about a minute walk from the JR Station, so it’s easily accessible to people who have just arrived in Toyama.

Fugan Unga Kansui Park

Address: Minatoirifunecho, Toyama 930-0805, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Fugan Unga Kansui Park (in Japanese)

6. Toyama Glass Art Museum

The Toyama Glass Art Museum is a striking and modern building that’s designed by the famous architect, Kengo Kuma. This museum houses plenty of impressive art pieces made out of glass, and a coffee shop. Visitors are likely to spend 1-2 hours to check out all the exhibitions on display.

Toyama Glass Art Museum

Address: 5-1 Nishicho, Toyama 930−0062, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Toyama Glass Art Museum

7. Toyama Castle

Toyama Castle is one of the most notable attractions in the area, and that’s not surprising considering how beautiful Japanese castles are. One noticeable feature about Toyama Castle is how striking this building is during the day and night when it’s all lit. But you’ll visit it during the day, where you’ll explore its interiors and view thousands of gorgeous cherry blossoms within the castle grounds. Toyama Castle isn’t that large, so visitors can transverse it within an hour.

Toyama Castle

Address: 1-62 Hommaru, Toyama 930-0081, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Toyama Castle (in Japanese)

8. Ushidake Onsen Ski Resort

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Most ski resorts tend to operate during the day, but Ushidake Onsen Ski Resort offers patrons a nighttime ski experience with stunning neon lights. This resort caters to both skiers and snowboarders, and they’ll be getting close and personal with Mt. Yaotome and the surrounding alps. The various ski slopes are fun and cater to skiers of all experience levels, and there’s also some good lookout spots around the resort.

Ushidake Onsen Ski Resort

Address: 2 Yamadakodaninakane, Toyama 930-2116, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

9. Toyama Denki Building

While Toyama is a modern Japanese city, it still prides itself on its rich heritage and properly maintains its older buildings. Just a stone’s throw from Toyama station lays the Toyama Denki Building, which features old classical architecture and houses restaurants and stores. All the original interior fittings are well maintained and just accentuate the building’s classical charm.

Toyama Denki Building

Address: 3-1 Sakurabashidori, Toyama 930-0004, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Toyama Denki Building (in Japanese)

10. Wholesale Merchant Morike

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This Tokugawa-era merchant homestead doesn’t have anything to sell, but it’s well maintained and a point of interest for history buffs. There’s plenty of interesting sculptures, artworks, and artifacts inside the premises. English-language pamphlets are available, which give visitors plenty of information about all the artifacts, the home, and its original owners. The interiors are spacious with some nice-looking tatami mattresses, so there’s plenty of room for visitors to move around in.

Wholesale Merchant Morike

Address: 108 Higashi Iwasemachi, Toyama 931-8358, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Wholesale Merchant Morike

A prefecture with much to see and do

There’s no denying that Toyama prefecture has many excellent natural spots, ancient buildings, and interesting attractions to draw in the curious visitor. These places offer travelers plenty of fun and fascinating things to do and see.