What is Toyama?
Toyama is a coastal city located in the Chubu region of Japan, facing the Sea of Japan and surrounded by the dramatic Northern Japan Alps. It is the capital of Toyama Prefecture and serves as an important gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. While less frequented than Kyoto or Tokyo, Toyama offers a peaceful blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and regional cuisine—making it a hidden gem for travelers who want to explore Japan off the beaten path.
Once a prominent castle town during the Edo period, Toyama developed a reputation for its traditional medicine industry, glass craftsmanship, and deep connections to nature. Today, the city continues to charm visitors with its riverside tramways, mountain views, and local friendliness.
Top Things to Do in Toyama
Toyama City Hall Observatory
There is an observation floor in Toyama City Hall. You can go up to 70 meters above sea level with an elevator which is free of charge. From the floor, you can look down the whole city of Toyama, and on a sunny day, you may see the gorgeous scenery of Tateyama Mountain Range. Some mountains are over 3,000 meters and the summits are covered with snow from winter into late spring.
Toyama City Glass Museum
The Toyama City Glass Museum opened in 2015. This is one of the must-see places in the city. The building was designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma. He used a lot of local lumber for the building. Once you enter the building, you will be surprised by the huge atrium surrounded by lumber.
The main exhibitions of the museum are the works of Dale Chihuly, an American glass artist. Even if you are not interested in art, you will most probably enjoy his beautiful installation. There is also an exhibition room of other glass artists from all over the world.
Toyama Castle Park
The Toyama Domain was established in 1639. It became an independent domain when it separated from the Kaga Domain, which was the biggest one after the Tokugawa Shogunate. So the lords of the Toyama Domain were the same relatives of the Maeda Family as the Kaga Domain.
Unfortunately, there are no original buildings left from the feudal time. In 1954, one castle-like building was constructed when an exhibition event was held in Toyama. This building is used as a local history museum. The only structure that remains from the feudal time is Chitose Gate that was constructed in the mid 19th century.
Fugan Unga Kansui Park
A ten-minute walk from Toyama Station, you will find a huge park with a canal. This is Fugan Unga Kansui Park. Local people come here to relax.
There are several facilities in the park. Toyama Prefectural Museum exhibits European and Japanese paintings. If you take a boat at the canal, you can go to Toyama bay passing through the lock gates. On a clear day, you will see Tateyama Mountain Range. One of the best viewpoints of the mountains is from Starbucks in the park.
Ikedaya Yasubei Shop
Toyama is known as a city of medicine. The daimyo (feudal lord) of Toyama developed some good medicines in the 17th century and promoted them all over Japan. Their style was very unique. They didn’t sell their medicines the regular way, but they just installed medicine boxes at each family’s house. They visit the families regularly and if the family used any medicine, they collect money. There are still some pharmaceutical companies that use this method.
This Ikedaya Yasubei Shop is an old drug store that revived the old medicines. In their old-style shop, you can try to make pills using an old machine. The second floor of the shop is a restaurant that serves healthy food using many kinds of herbs.
Toyama Bay Seafood
Famous for its fresh white shrimp (shiroebi), firefly squid (hotaru ika), and yellowtail (buri), Toyama is a haven for seafood lovers. Try local kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) at Toyama Station’s restaurants or the bayfront market.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April – Early June)
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Toyama. Cherry blossoms bloom across the city in early April, with Toyama Castle Park and Matsukawa Riverside being top viewing spots. It’s also the season when the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens (mid-April), offering the chance to walk between towering 20-meter-high snow walls—a rare and unforgettable sight.
What to expect:
- Mild temperatures (10–20°C)
- Blossoming flowers and scenic river walks
- Start of the Alpine Route snow corridor
Summer (June – August)
Summer in Toyama is hot and humid, but it also brings lush green mountains and festive energy. You can enjoy boat rides at Fugan Canal Kansui Park, vibrant festivals like the Toyama Festival, and fresh firefly squid dishes. It’s also a great time for hiking in the Tateyama mountains.
What to expect:
- Temperatures between 25–35°C
- Occasional rain in June (tsuyu, or rainy season)
- Local summer festivals and vibrant nature
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is ideal for those seeking cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The Alpine Route turns into a canvas of red, gold, and orange leaves, especially in October. It’s also a great time for enjoying seasonal seafood, like buri (yellowtail) and crab.
What to expect:
- Clear skies and temperatures around 10–20°C
- Fall foliage in the city and surrounding mountains
- Excellent photography opportunities
Winter (December – February)
Toyama’s winters are cold and snowy, but that brings its own charm—especially for fans of winter scenery and seafood. The snow-capped mountains are stunning, and local winter dishes like hot pots and buri shabu (yellowtail hotpot) are at their peak. Some areas near Toyama also offer skiing and snowshoeing.
What to expect:
- Cold temperatures (0–8°C)
- Heavy snowfall in surrounding areas
- Fresh winter seafood, quiet town atmosphere
How to Get to Toyama
- From Tokyo: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen – around 2 hours
- From Kanazawa: Hokuriku Shinkansen or limited express – about 25 minutes
- From Osaka/Kyoto: Via Kanazawa by Thunderbird Express + Shinkansen – approx. 3.5–4 hours
- Airport Access: Toyama Kitokito Airport has limited domestic and international flights
Toyama Station is the main transportation hub and is well-connected by tram, bus, and local trains.
Guest Experience & Recommended Tours
“Toyama surprised me! It’s not as touristy as Kyoto or Tokyo, which made it feel more personal. I especially loved the Kansui Park area near the station—great views, great coffee, and a quiet place to watch the sunset.”— Lucas, Germany
Recommended Tours
Q&A – Toyama Travel Tips
What is Toyama known for?
Toyama is famous for its seafood, glass art, traditional medicine, and as the starting point for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Is it worth going to Toyama?
Yes—especially for travelers who enjoy nature, quiet cities, and authentic local experiences without large tourist crowds.
What does Toyama mean in Japanese?
“Toyama” (富山) means “rich mountain” or “abundant mountain,” a name reflecting its lush natural surroundings.
Which part of Japan is Toyama?
Toyama is in central Japan, in the Hokuriku region of the Chubu area, along the Sea of Japan.
Visitor Info
- Tourism Center: Toyama Station Tourist Information Center (open daily)
- Museum Hours: Most museums open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Language Support: Basic English signage available; some audio guides at major attractions
- Emergency Info: 24-hour foreign language support available via Japan Visitor Hotline
Last updated: December 2025