Top 32 Things To Do In Toyama, Japan

1. Try on authentic samurai armor at Toyama Castle

This experience begins with a brief history lesson on the samurai and their armor before allowing visitors to choose an armor set to rent. The armor comes in different styles and sizes, allowing adults and children to participate.

Once fully dressed, visitors can take pictures around the castle grounds and feel like a true samurai warrior. The armor is also surprisingly comfortable, despite its weight and bulk. The tour is a great way to learn about Japanese history while having fun and creating unforgettable memories.

Visitors can also explore Toyama Castle, built in the 16th century and features a unique architectural style combining Japanese and Western influences.

Samurai Armor Experience in Toyama Castle - Klook

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2. Enjoy flora and fauna at the Botanic Gardens of Toyama

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The Botanic Gardens of Toyama covers an expansive 24 hectares (59.31 acres) and is home to over 5,000 species of plants from all over the world. The garden is divided into different areas, each with its unique theme and set of plants. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the many flowers and plants, such as orchids, cherry blossoms, Japanese maples, and bonsai trees.

One of the main attractions of the Botanic Gardens is the Tropical Greenhouse which features a vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants, including rare and exotic species. The greenhouse is divided into different sections, each with a specific climate and plant life, allowing visitors to explore the various ecosystems of the tropics.

Botanic Gardens of Toyama

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

Website: Botanic Gardens of Toyama

Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9am - 5pm (closed on Thu)

3. Splash about in the stunning waves along Amaharashi Beach

Part of the coast designated as “One of Japan’s best 100 Beaches”, the scenic Amaharashi Coast in Takaoka, on clear summer and winter days, offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan and the tall mountain peaks of the Tateyama Mountain Range. Translating to “rain clearing”, Amaharashi Beach is part of the picturesque Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park and is one of the things Toyama is famous for. Take in the beautiful blue waters on the waves at Amaharashi Beach while catching views of the jaw-dropping Yoshitsune’s Rock, the gorgeous rock formations, and the high horizons of the Sea of Japan.

Amaharashi Beach

Address: Takaoka, Toyama 933-0135

Website: Amaharashi Beach

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Go sightseeing in Kaiwomaru Park

Located right next to the Toyama Bay just 10 minutes away from Kaiomaru Railway Station is the very popular Kaiwomaru Park, a sightseeing and fun picnic spot that’s perfect for families as well as those looking to explore Toyama. The central attraction of Kaiwomaru Park is the majestic, pure white sailing ship of Kaiwo Maru, which means “Lady of the Sea”. The ship is a sight to behold, especially when she is decked out in all her glory with all of her 29 sails raised. What’s more, the sailing ship also houses a naval history museum within it. Kaiwomaru Park also has many other events such as barbeques and picnics for everyone to enjoy on their day out after exploring Toyama.

Kaiwomaru Park

Address: 8, Kaiwo Town, Imizu City, Toyama

Website: Kaiwomaru Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Check out the flora and fauna of Takaoka Kojo Park

There’s no better time to visit Toyama than in April when hundreds of white, purple, and pink Cherry Blossom trees stand beside rolling greens and a beautiful water moat in Takaoka Kojo Park. Literally meaning “Old Castle Park”, Takaoka Kojo Park is a heavily wooded and green area in the heart of the city. It features a beautifully paved footpath, the Imizu Shrine, the Takaoka Art Museum, and the ruins of the eponymous castle after which this tourist attraction in Toyama takes its name. Visit Takaoka Kojo in the first half of April, when a brilliant Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival is held, which sees the blooming of almost 2,700 cherry trees.

Takaoka Kojo Park

Address: 1-1-9 Kojo, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0044

Website:

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Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Tour the majestic Great Buddha Of Takaoka

The Great Buddha of Takaoka, a.k.a. the Takaoka Daibutsu is one of the Three Great Buddha Statues of Japan. Considered as a symbol of the humble city, the Takaoka Daibutsu was built after three decades of work in 1933. The original statue which was made of wood, however, dates back to 1745, and was gilded in gold leaf but was destroyed on many occasions. It was subsequently rebuilt in its original form by skilled artists and craftsmen from the Takaoka community. Walk on the pathway beneath the base of the Great Buddha for a completely fulfilling and fascinating experience.

The Great Buddha Of Takaoka

Address: 11-29 Otemachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0039

Website: The Great Buddha Of Takaoka

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

7. Relax in the meditative calm of Zuiryuji Temple

The serene calmness of the Buddhist Soto Zuiryuji Temple in Takaoka, Toyama stays with you long after you’ve left the place, etched forever in your consciousness. The wooden Zuiryuji Temple is not only one of Japan’s national treasures but it is also one of the most calming temples ever, built more than 500 years ago during the Maeda Era. This tourist spot in Toyama features stunning wooden architecture typical of the Edo era, with an intricately designed colossal roof made of lead. Soak in the calmness of the relaxing, zen-like atmosphere of the Zuiryuji Temple - and don’t forget to make a wish.

Zuiryuji Temple

Address: 35 Sekihonmachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0863

Website: Zuiryuji Temple

Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (summer, daily); 9am - 4pm (winter, daily)

8. Snap photos with adorable Doraemon at Takaoka Otogi No Mori Park

If your kids love Doraemon, then you must head to Otogi No Mori Park in Takaoka. The spacious nature park features statues of the characters from Doraemon, the manga created and written by Fujiko Fujio, who happens to be from Takaoka. Snap pictures with the characters in all sorts of funny poses! Otogi No Mori Park also features a verdant multipurpose area for events and activities, a playground, a river-based water play area beside the Senbo River which runs through the park, and even a mini-forest.

Takaoka Otogi No Mori Park

Address:１３４２ Sano, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0826

Website: Takaoka Otogi No Mori Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Enjoy sweeping alpine views atop Crossland Tower

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At 118 meters (387 feet) tall, the Crossland Tower at the multi-purpose Crossland Oyabe Park is one of the best places to visit in Toyama. It is where tourists can catch gorgeous views of the city’s landscape. Crossland Oyabe, where the tower stands, is built in the shape of a cross as a symbol of “intersection of region exchange" of Takaoka and Oyabe. The landmark of Crossland Oyabe is the Crossland Tower, with its observation deck at a height of 100 meters (328 feet) above the ground. On clear days, one can catch sweeping views of the stunning Toyama Bay, the Hakusan Mountain Range, and the imposing Tateyama Mountain Range.

Crossland Tower

Address: 10 Washigashima, Oyabe, Toyama 932-082

Website: Crossland Tower

Opening hours: 9am - 10:30pm (daily)

10. Gaze out over golden rice paddies from Sankyoson Observatory

For the perfect view of the Toyama prefecture, head to the Sankyoson Observatory atop Mount Machibuse, a whopping 433 meters (1,421 feet) off the ground. The designated “lookout point” and “best hometown views” in the Toyama prefecture, the Sankyoson Observatory offers stunning views of the settlements and villages in the Tonami plains, the “Kainyo” tree groves, the only one of their kind in the world, and the beautiful verdant rice paddies glistening golden under the Japanese sun. Try and catch these views at sunset when the last rays of the setting sun cast an orange hue over the plains, lighting up everything in view. Moonlit nights are popular for catching nighttime views.

Sankyoson Observatory

Address: 160 Gotani, Tonami, Toyama 939-1428, Japan

Website: Sankyoson Observatory

11. Get lost in colorful tulips at the Tonami Tulip Park

Tonami, a lovely town near Toyama Bay, is home to the botanical Tulip Park, a lovely verdant space with tulips blooming throughout the year, complete with a small river running through it. Every year, in spring, the city hosts a festival displaying around 2.5 million tulips in a grand show of floral abundance. The official flower of the Toyama prefecture, the tulip, is also the nucleus of the theatrical Yokata festival held in Tonami Tulip Park in June. This is when the tulips wither and the colorful night festival is held to pray for the good rice harvest.

Tonami Tulip Park

Address: 1-３２ Hanazonomachi, Tonami, Toyama 939-1382

Website: Tonami Tulip Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

12. Dine on barbecued sweetfish at Ayu no Sato

Dig into delicious salmon dishes at Ayu Ryori No Mise Ayu No Sato, a Japanese restaurant in the city of Tonamo on the banks of the clear Sho River, a clear stream flowing from the Hida Mountains. Caught from the Toyama Bay, the restaurant is known for its charcoal barbecued Ayu (sweetfish), where rows of fish skewers being charred to a delectable crisp are an absolute sight to behold. With the only seasoning being salt, patrons can eat the entire fish here, perfectly paired with soft Japanese rice. Head to this place hungry!

Ayu Ryori No Mise Ayu No Sato

Address: 2131-6 Shōgawamachi Kanaya, Tonami, Toyama 932-0305, Japan

Website: Ayu Ryori No Mise Ayu No Sato

Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)

13. Visit the secluded hot springs of Omaki Spa Kanko Ryokan

Hop onto the Shogawa Yuransan ferry and enjoy a 30-minute scenic ferry ride along the Sho River upstream to the remote, luxurious Omaki Spa, a 28-room hot spring ryokan onsen (traditional Japanese spa hotel) on the edge of the river. Accessible only via the ferry, the stunningly picturesque indoor and outdoor hot springs in the hotel overlook the Sho River as well as the mountains and the forest around. The surroundings are a wonderland in the winter and a verdant forest in the summer, with the sun streaming between the trees.

Omaki Spa Kanko Ryokan

Address: 44 Togamura Omaki, Nanto-shi, Toyama

Website: [Omaki Spa Kanko Ryokan(http://www.oomaki.jp/)

14. Go sightseeing in Ainokura and Kaminashi

The idyllic, verdant countryside of Ainokura and Kaminashi is a remote, traditional region in Nanto, Toyama, with the village of Ainokura even having been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out local artisans making Washi paper and try your hand at the art. Explore the folk museums depicting the region’s history. Catch sweeping views of the countryside from the Ainokura viewpoint, and experience a unique cultural show with local folk songs and music at Murakami-ke House, a farmhouse-turned-museum that is known for its owner who gives tours of the house, which end with performances of local folk songs accompanied by regional instruments.

Ainokura and Kaminashi

Address: Nanto, Toyama, Japan

15. Experience the local culture at Yatsuo's Owara Kaze no Bon Festival

Yatsuo, a quaint, rustic district in southern Toyama City, is the center stage for the lively Owara Kaze no Bon festival held annually on the first three days of September. Literally meaning “Bon Dance of the Wind”, the festival originated more than three centuries ago to appease the winds and pray for respite from natural disasters and calamities like floods and typhoons that so often ravaged the island. The unique nighttime festival sees the streets decorated with paper lanterns as people perform elegant traditional dances to rather mournful music that’s unique to this region. The festival also hosts games, and shops selling food, trinkets, and souvenirs.

Owara Kaze no Bon Festival

Address: Yatsuo, Toyama, Japan

16. Take a scenic canal cruise in Kansui Park

How would you like to enjoy a canal cruise down a waterway beside a park? The historic Fugan Canal in the heart of Kansui Park in Toyoma sees the “Fugan Suijo Line”, a leisurely one-hour canal cruise running from Kansui Park to the port town of Iwase via Nakajima Lock. Enjoy sweeping views of the stunning scenery as the onboard guide narrates the history of the Fugan Canal. What’s more, you can experience the unusual and interesting water elevator at Nakajima Lock. After a relaxing boat ride, explore the vast green environs of Kansui Park, which has a playground, a square with a waterfall and a spring, and the Tenmon-kyo Bridge, the symbol of Kansui Park.

Kansui Park

Address: 1, 湊入船町 Toyama, 930-0805

Website: Kansui Park

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

17. Sightsee Toyama's attractions aboard a tram

Why not see Toyama in an interesting hop-on, hop-off tram tour? The Shiden, as Toyama’s tram is fondly known as, has three routes in total. See the Toyama city center on the first route running from Minami-Toyama to Toyama Ekimae. Explore the other side of the Jinzu River on Route Two which runs between Minami-Toyama and the Daigakumae station (Toyama University). Check out Toyama Glass Art Museum, Toyama City Museum, etc on the third line, which is a loop between Toyama Station and the Grand Plaza.

Toyama Chihou Railway, Shiden

Address: Toyama, Japan

Website: Toyama Shiden

18. View mesmerizing glass works at Toyama Glass Art Museum

Feel like Alice in Wonderland as you step into Toyama’s Glass Art Museum, which is housed in a modern structure designed by famous architect Kengo Kuma. The Toyama Glass Art Museum is home to some pretty impressive traditional and contemporary pieces of art made out of glass, and it is a delight for potters, ceramists, artists, architects, and interested travelers alike! A must-see section of the massive, six-story is the “Glass Art Garden” with colorful, striking modern glass sculptures arranged to look like a wonderful, surreal garden. The museum houses glass art passages, abstract pieces, and other temporary exhibits too.

Toyama Glass Art Museum

Address: 5-1, Nishi Town, Toyama City, Toyama

Website: Toyama Glass Art Museum

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9:30am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 9:30am - 8pm

19. Learn about the glow-in-the-dark firefly squid at the Hotaruika Museum

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Have you seen the water off the Toyama Bay glow in a strange blue color? That is the work of the Watasenia scintillans, or the unique Firefly Squids of Toyama, which have a museum dedicated to them on the Toyama Bay coast in Namerikawa. The visitors can not only touch this amazing and interesting deep-sea creature but also learn all about them and why they come up to the ocean’s surface only during spring. Do check out the firefly squid light show, where you can see the blue-white bioluminescent glow they give off as they swim in dark waters. What’s more, you can try various styles of cooking this creature, which is a delicacy in the Toyama prefecture.

Hotaruika Museum

Address: 410 Nakagawara, Namerikawa, Toyama 936-0021

Website: Hotaruika Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue)

20. Ride the giant Ferris wheel at Uozu's Mirage Land

Imagine a Ferris wheel from whose top you can see the ocean? As you ride the Giant Ferris wheel at Uozu’s Mirage Land, you can spy sweeping and panoramic views of the Hayatsuki River, the Toyama Bay, and the Sea of Japan. The family-friendly Uozu Mirage Land also has many other rides including a large, three-dimensional maze of five layers and the Merry-Go-Round. While the park has no entrance fee, the rides require tickets.

Uozu's Mirage Land

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

Website: Uozu’s Mirage Land

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

21. Visit exotic sea creatures at the Uozu Aquarium

With a theme devoted to the depths of the Sea of Japan and the mountain streams of the Japanese Alps, Uozu Aquarium is the Toyama prefecture’s only aquarium and also Japan’s oldest. The aquarium is home to many exotic and interesting sea creatures and fishes, featuring advanced research on the ecology of the firefly squid, penguin and seal feeding time in the outdoor pool, a fish show featuring a dive with striped beakfish, as well as feeding and storytimes in the Toyama Bay tank.

Uozu Aquarium

Address: 1390 Sanga, Uozu, Toyama 937-0857

Website: Uozu Aquarium

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

22. Snack on firefly squid and white shrimp at Toyama Bay

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Toyama Bay is popularly known as a “natural fish tank”, with luminous firefly squid in spring and white shrimp in summer being absolute specialties. Popular dishes of the Firefly Squid are lightly roasted ones and Sashimi. Eat a special variety of Firefly Squid dressed with Miso and Vinegar at the Daito izakaya near Toyama Station. White shrimp, on the other hand, tells the coming of the summer and are the “white jewel” of Toyama Bay. White Shrimp are eaten as part of rice bowls/sashimi: try them at Shiroebitei inside Toyama Station.

Toyama Bay

Address: Toyama, Japan

Website: Toyama Bay

23. Have fun in Tofukujino Natural Park

Located just outside the confines of the city of Namerikawa, Tofukujino Natural Park is a sprawling nature-rich park which is spread on a plateau and is located at an altitude of 300 meters (984 feet). The park is home to an imposing clock tower, a park golf course, a fluffy dome, a large compound with playground equipment, a large lawn open space, and even a barbecue plaza, where you can enjoy a family barbeque and enjoy a day out with family and friends.

Tofukujino Natural Park

Address: 41 Tōfukujino, Namerikawa, Toyama 936-0823, Japan

Website: Tofukujino Natural Park

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

24. Experience zipper-making at YKK Center Park

Explore the world of zipper-making at the YKK Center Park, where you’ll be able to learn all about the technology and history of manufacturing zippers by YKK, as well as the company’s ideologies and the life of its esteemed founder - Tadao Yoshida. Visitors will also be able to sip on homemade roasted coffee, buy zipper-decorated souvenirs, visit the hometown forest of Furusato-no-Mori, as well as enjoy the hour-long “Zipper making and guided exhibition hall tour”.

YKK Center Park

Address: 200 Yoshida, Kurobe, Toyama 938-0005

Website: YKK Center Park

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4:30am (closed on Mon)

25. Hunt for precious jade stones at Miyazaki-Sakai Beach

Take a break from all the exploring and have a laid-back day in the beautiful pebble beach of Miyazaki-Sakai. The 4-km-long (2.5-mile) beach on the Jade Coast in the town of Miyazaki is aptly nicknamed “Jade Beach” due to the jade stones which are washed onto the shore by strong waves from the Sea of Japan. Enjoy views of the steep mountains as you collect precious jade pebbles, before heading to the beach restaurants for the local treat of cod soup, a local treat.

Miyazaki-Sakai Beach

Address: Miyazaki and Sakai, Asahi, Shimoniikawa Distric, Toyama Prefecture 939-0703

Website: Miyazaki-Sakai Beach

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

26. Take a scenic train ride through the rugged Kurobe Gorge

Listed as one of Japan’s three great gorges and one of Japan’s top 100 hidden scenic spots, Kurobe Gorge on the upper Kurobe River is made doubly special when you ride the Torokko train through its heartland. Running between Unazaki and Keyakidaira stations, the train, which has cars with and without glass windows, passes through a gorgeous red bridge, the blue-green Unazaki Lake, a huge dam, verdant greenery, the Hotoke-ishi natural boulder resembling the Buddha, and the modern Nekomata Station power plant.

Kurobe Gorge Railway

Website: Kurobe Gorge Railway

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily train departures) (closed from Dec - mid Apr)

27. Fly over the spectacular Kurobe Dam on a cable car

The Tateyama Ropeway is your very own birds-eye-view ride over the spectacular Kurobe Dam, which spans over the stunning Kurobe Lake in an arc. This 1.7-km-long (1-mile) ropeway is Japan’s longest one-span ropeway, with a one-way trip being seven minutes long. While the Kurobe Dam is at a height of 186 meters (610 feet), the Tateyama Ropeway sits at a whopping height of 488 meters (1,601 feet) over the ground level, allowing travelers to see for miles and miles around.

Tateyama Ropeway

Address: Ashikuraji Tateyama, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama 930-1406

Website: Tateyama Ropeway

28. Trek along the pristine Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Trek along the pristine, spectacular 90-km-long (56 miles) Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Open between April and November, the spectacular route connects Shinano-Omachi (the starting point) with Tateyama, going through Ogizawa, Kurobe Dam, Kurobedaira, Daikanbo, Murodo, and Bijodaira. The nine-section route, with different distances and transport modes, is all about fresh mountain air, hot springs, tall peaks, great tunnels, green forests, a verdant wilderness, and sacred mountains.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Address: Tateyama, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama 930-1406

Website: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

29. Visit the dazzling Snow Corridor of Tateyama

The jaw-dropping 500-meter-long (1,640-foot) wall of snow that is the Snow Corridor is a sign of spring on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route! Located near Murodo Terminal, the snow wall, sometimes more than 20 meters (66 feet) high, is created by clearing snow from the road and is popular among tourists who take a walk down the road, briefly imagining themselves encased in a pure white world.

Snow Corridor of Tateyama

Address: 930-1414, Toyama, Nakaniikawa District, Tateyama, Ashikuraji, Bunazaka-Murododaira

Website: Snow Corridor of Tateyama

Opening hours: 9:30am - 3:15pm (daily in spring)

30. Visit the majestic Shomyo Falls

Japan’s longest waterfall at 350 meters (1,148 feet), Shomyo Falls is a glistening white cascade that you cannot stop staring at. When the snow melts in spring, a second Hannoki waterfall appears beside it, transforming them into Twin Falls. A rare sight is a third one, Somen Waterfall, appearing next to them. On the way back from the falls, try some amazing lavender ice-cream, which is one of the best regional specialties of Japan.

Shomyo Falls

Address: 930-1406 Toyama, Nakaniikawa District, Tateyama, Ashikuraji

Website: Shomyo Falls

Opening hours: Dependant on weather (closed in winter)

31. Experience heaven and hell at Tateyama Museum

Step into heaven and hell at the Mandala Yuen Park at Tateyama Museum of Toyama, which recreates an immersive experience depicting the world via Tateyama’s historical mandalas through smells, lighting, sound effects, and art. The Mandala Park is divided into four areas - Chi-kai (Hell), Hi-no-Michi (Path to Mount Tateyama’s peak), Ten-kai (Buddhist Paradise), and Yami-no-Michi (the Nunobashi Kanjō-e Cloth Bridge Purification Ceremony for being reborn in paradise).

Tateyama Museum of Toyama

Address: 93-1 Ashikuraji, Tateyama-machi, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama-ken 930-1406

Website: Tateyama Museum of Toyama

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)

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An amazing experience in Toyama

From serene, verdant countryside views to lively festivals by the sea, Toyama is a living, breathing instance of Japanese heritage, culture, and persona. Head to Toyama and explore these amazing things to do on your next trip to Japan.