Explore A World Of Castles And Forests: 10 Things To Do In Uozu, Japan

1. Uozu Ekimae Tourist Information Center

It’s always a smart move to visit the nearest information center when arriving at a new town or city if there’s one available. Fortunately, Uozu has an inviting tourist information center that even has its own cute character mascot – Miratan. The center is quite small, but there’s a wealth of information inside thanks to the range of brochures covering all the major attractions in Uozu.

Uozu Ekimae Tourist Information Center

Address: 1-1-2 Shakado, Uozu Station East Entrance Rotary, Uozu 937-0067, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Uozu Ekimae Tourist Information Center (in Japanese)

2. Matsukura Castle Ruins

One of Uozu’s most important heritage sites is the Matsukura Castle Ruins. There are three mountain castle ruins on these grounds, and there are signs and miniature models to explain their positions and relationships to each other. It’s best to visit during a clear and sunny day so that you can enjoy the amazing views of Ariisoumi, the Shinkawa Plains, and the Noto Peninsula.

Matsukura Castle Ruins

Address: Kakuma ShIroyama, Uozu, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

3. Kosuganuma Yaginomori

After visiting the Matsukura Castle Ruins, make your way back on the winding road and discover the interesting patch of land that features quirky goat art. Kosuganuma Yaginomori is a picturesque location that’s brimming with green crops and fresh mountain air. Relax here for a while and take plenty of snapshots of that goat art to show family and friends back home.

Kosuganuma Yaginomori

Address: Kosuganuma, Uozu 937-0833, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Kosuganuma Yaginomori (in Japanese)

4. Ariso Dome

Ariso Dome is a modern sports center that’s often used for sporting events and by folks that want to keep physically active. There’s changing rooms with lockers, a gymnasium, a running course, and a table tennis arena. It’s also a good venue for families who enjoy partaking in physical activities together.

Ariso Dome

Address: 2898-3 Kitaonie, Uozu 937-0066, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Ariso Dome

5. Mirage Land

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The large ferris wheel is the first thing one notices upon arrival at Mirage Land. This amusement park is ideally suited for couples, families, and kids as there are plenty of fun activities aimed at them. While there’s no entrance fee, tickets must be purchased for each of the rides at the park. And the ferris wheel is one of the most popular attractions because one can see the Sea of Japan from such a high position.

Mirage Land

Address: 1181-1 Sanga, Uozu 937-0857, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Mirage Land (in Japanese)

6. Uozu Aquarium

Japan has rich sea life, so it makes perfect sense to visit at least one of its many aquariums. And if you’re in Uozu, then a visit to the Uozu Aquarium should be on your to-do list. If you’re traveling with kids, then they’ll be fascinated and entertained by the variety of fish, seals, and penguins found here. This aquarium is fairly small and it will take around an hour to view all the species.

Uozu Aquarium

Address: 1390 Sanga, Uozu 937-0857, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Uozu Aquarium

7. Omachi Kaigan Park

While Japan is a prosperous country with an advanced economy, things weren’t always this way. The country faced socioeconomic and poverty issues, which led to the “rice riots” by laborers in this region. At Omachi Kaigan Park there’s a monument that commemorates these events. It’s also a good place for a bit of relaxation and to enjoy the awesome views of the Ariisoumi Sea.

Omachi Kaigan Park

Address: 1-5 Hommachi, Uozu 937-0866, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

8. Uozu Buried Forest Museum

Uozu has some amazing forests and natural sites, and the best past is; there’s a museum dedicated to cedar forest trees, which are 2,000 years old. Visitors have an opportunity to get close and personal with these ancient trees, yet some of their roots and branches are submerged under water, but still visible. High definition videos and interactive installations help to educate visitors about Uozu’s forests, archipelago, and mirage.

Uozu Buried Forest Museum

Address: 814, Shakado, Uozu, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Uozu Buried Forest Museum (in Japanese)

9. Ogawayama-Senkoji Temple

Need a spiritual getaway where you can get away from it all and go deeper into your inner world? Then this sacred temple of the Shingon sect might just be calling you. The well-maintained temple has an embellished image of the Deva King near the main gate and is surrounded by tall forest trees.

Ogawayama-Senkoji Temple

Address: 2934, OgawajI, Uozu, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

10. Umi no Eki Shinkirou

Japanese fish markets are a lot of fun because one gets to interact with the local traders and community while sampling a range of delicious fish. Uozu’s morning fish market operates twice a month on Sundays and the type of fish available ranges from crabs, squid, whelks right through to cod fish.

Umi no Eki Shinkirou

Address: 2500-2 Murakimachi, Uozu 937-0053, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Website: Umi no Eki Shinkirou (in Japanese)

Uozu welcomes all

Uozu is a small and welcoming city that will fascinate all types of visitors. Nature lovers will love the forests and mountains, history buffs will love the castles and temples, while kids will love the aquarium and amusement park. Visiting Uozo will make your trip to Japan that bit more memorable!