Have you already explored Japan’s major cities? If so, why not follow our footsteps to a hidden gem just about two hours by train from Tokyo—Toyama. Here, you can take in the breathtaking 3,000-meter peaks of the Northern Japan Alps, admire the snow-covered landscapes, and feel the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains. Toyama isn’t just a spectacular natural wonder—it’s the perfect surprise destination for your next adventure!
Location of Toyama
Toyama Prefecture is located in the Chūbu region of Japan’s Honshu island and is a popular destination for travelers exploring the Hokuriku area. Here, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Sea of Japan, the majestic Northern Japan Alps including the Tateyama Kurobe region, and fresh seafood delicacies. Toyama is not only perfect for nature lovers but also an excellent place to experience traditional crafts and hot spring culture.
How to get to Toyama？
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- Depart from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport：Take a direct flight to Komatsu Airport, then a bus for about 15 minutes to JR Komatsu Station, and transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen for approximately 30 minutes to JR Toyama Station.
- Depart from Tokyo：It takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to reach JR Toyama Station.
- Depart from Osaka：Take the JR Limited Express Thunderbird for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to Tsuruga, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to JR Toyama Station.
※See this website for more ways to get there.
Must-Visit Spots, Food & Hot Springs in Toyama (Kurobe, Takaoka, Toyama City)
Recommended Spots in Kurobe City (Including the Tateyama Kurobe Area)
1.Snow Valley
image sourse：富山市観光協会
When it comes to the Tateyama Kurobe area, most people think of the spectacular Snow Valley, which can reach up to 18 meters high. Every year, snow removal teams carve out a roughly 500-meter-long path, creating a breathtaking winter landscape. On clear days, the blue sky and towering snow walls form a stunning panorama. The Snow Valley is open from mid-April to mid-June, with the highest and most impressive snow walls early in the season, while warmer temperatures in June also make it a comfortable time to visit.。
- Address：富山県中新川郡立山町芦峅寺室堂
2.Kurobe Dam
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The awe-inspiring Kuroyon Dam—commonly called “Kuroyon” (くろよん)—is not only Japan’s largest arch concrete dam but also one of the tallest dams in the country. Built over approximately seven years, it is located along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and is a famous sightseeing spot. The spectacular flow of water cascading from the dam, especially during flood releases, is truly breathtaking and not to be missed!
- Address：富山縣中新川郡立山町芦峅寺
3.Kurobe Gorge
image sourse：黒部峡谷鉄道株式会社
The Kurobe Gorge stretches approximately 86 kilometers, with an elevation difference of 3,000 meters, carved into a deep V-shaped valley by the Kurobe River. The spring water at the river’s fan-shaped end is listed among Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters.
Riding the Kurobe Gorge Railway (Torokko Train) offers breathtaking views of the gorge. In spring, you can see impressive lingering snow walls; during the rainy season, the valley is shrouded in mystical mist; and in autumn (October to November), the vibrant fall foliage makes it the perfect time for photography.
※ Please refer to the official website for the operating schedule of the Torokko Train.
- Address：富山県黒部市黒部峡谷口11
4.Unazuki Onsen
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Take the train to Unazuki Onsen for a more convenient and comfortable hot spring experience. As the largest hot spring town in Toyama Prefecture, Unazuki Onsen is famous for its clear, skin-beautifying waters. Lined along the mountains, numerous ryokan offer the perfect getaway—whether you want to simply relax in the hot springs, savor fresh local seafood and regional delicacies, or admire the stunning views of the Kurobe Gorge along the way, Unazuki Onsen promises a memorable travel experience.
- Address：富山県黒部市宇奈月温泉
Recommended Spots in Takaoka City
1.Takaoka Daibutsu
image sourse：高岡観光ナビ
This Buddha statue, crafted using Takaoka’s renowned metalwork and exquisite craftsmanship, took 26 years to complete and stands 16 meters tall, making it a symbol of Takaoka. Alongside the Kosugi Daibutsu and Shogawa Daibutsu, it is recognized as one of the Three Great Buddha of Etchu. Its dignified appearance has even earned it the nickname “Japan’s Handsomest Buddha.” Visitors can admire the statue from below and also enter the pedestal’s corridor to view Buddhist murals.
- Address：富山県高岡市大手町11-29
2.Amaharashi Coast
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Amaharashi Coast has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Views and Top 100 Coastal Spots. It is the only place in Japan where you can simultaneously enjoy views of the 3,000-meter Tateyama Mountain Range and Toyama Bay. From the sea, you can see Onna-iwa Island, where the green pines and snow-capped peaks create an unforgettable landscape. The sunset here is especially popular among photographers.
The beach is lined with pine trees, transforming into a safe and comfortable seaside bathing spot during summer. Amaharashi Coast is also listed among Japan’s Top 100 Beaches, Top 100 White Sand & Green Pine Beaches, and Japan’s 88 Official Swimming Beaches, making it a must-visit destination.
- Address：富山県高岡市太田雨晴
3.Traditional Craft: Takaoka Bronze “Nosaku”
With over 400 years of history, Takaoka’s metalworking tradition remains the foremost in Japan. Nosaku, founded in 1916, continues this legacy. You can visit their factory to see the casting process firsthand and experience the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
The on-site shop offers practical yet stylish items made of tin and brass, as well as locally exclusive pieces and collaborations with popular IPs waiting to be discovered!
- Address：富山縣高岡市Office Park 8-1
※This attraction is included with the “Have Fun in Toyama Pass.”
Recommended Spots in Toyama City
1.Shisui Art Museum
This museum is one of the few in Japan dedicated to Japanese swords. Its name, “Shusui”, symbolizes the purity and sharpness of a finely crafted sword. The museum’s collection includes Japanese swords designated as Important Cultural Properties and Important Art Objects, along with related accessories such as tsuba (handguards), fittings, and sheaths. It also features works by painters representing modern Japanese art history, as well as Japanese and Chinese ceramics and calligraphy.
- Address：富山県富山市千石町1-3-6
※This attraction is included with the “Have Fun in Toyama Pass.”
2.Keijusha – Japanese Paper (Washi) Library
Yatsuo City in Toyama Prefecture is renowned for its high-quality washi (Japanese paper), and traditional handcrafted papermaking techniques are still carefully preserved. Keijusha is an important workshop that continues the legacy of Yatsuo washi, which is designated as a traditional craft by the Japanese government.
Each sheet is entirely handmade and treated for water and stain resistance, making it both durable and beautiful. The museum showcases exquisite handcrafted paper art, and the on-site shop offers processed items, allowing visitors to experience the warmth and charm of traditional washi firsthand.
- Address：富山縣富山市八尾町鏡町668-4
※This attraction is included with the “Have Fun in Toyama Pass.”
3. Toyama Prefectural Museum
Toyama Prefectural Museum combines art and design, featuring a collection of modern and contemporary works from around the world. The museum houses international art from the 20th century onward, including pieces by Picasso, as well as works by Japanese and local Toyama artists.
The permanent exhibition also displays design objects such as posters and chairs, and the museum regularly hosts diverse special exhibitions. After exploring, visitors can relax at the on-site restaurant or café.
- Address：富山縣富山市木場町3-20「富山美術館」
※This attraction is included with the “Have Fun in Toyama Pass.”
3F：BiBiBi＆JURULi Restaurant
Located on the 3rd floor of Toyama Prefectural Museum, the restaurant focuses on the fusion of art and cuisine, using local Toyama ingredients to deliver a unique dining experience found only here. You can take a break while enjoying your meal and admire the breathtaking views of Fugan Canal Kansui Park and the Tateyama Mountain Range through the large windows.
- Address：富山県富山市木場町3-20 富山県美術館3F
※This attraction is included with the “Have Fun in Toyama Pass.”
1F：Swallow Cafe
The café on the 1st floor of Toyama Prefectural Museum is a popular bagel specialty shop in Toyama Prefecture, perfect for enjoying a leisurely break. We recommend the luxurious Swallow Plate Set, which includes four soft and fluffy bagels made with Koshihikari rice, served with salad, soup, and a drink, allowing you to savor several of the café’s delicious offerings in one meal.
- Address：富山県富山市木場町3-20 富山県美術館1F
※This attraction is included with the “Have Fun in Toyama Pass.”
Recommended Transportation Passes in Toyama：
JR Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass
image sourse：WEST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
If you want to travel from the Kansai region to Hokuriku, we recommend the JR Kansai & Hokuriku Area Rail Pass. It offers unlimited rides on JR trains within the designated area for 7 days, making it easy to explore both Kansai and Hokuriku!
JR Hokuriku Area Pass
image sourse：WEST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
The JR Hokuriku Area Rail Pass is ideal for short-distance travel. It allows unlimited rides on JR trains within the designated area for 4 consecutive days, making it easy to explore Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, and other parts of Hokuriku!
ShinKurobe ↔ Unazuki Onsen Round-Trip Discount Ticket
This ticket allows unlimited round-trip travel between Shin-Kurobe Station and Unazuki Onsen Station on the Toyama Chihō Railway’s local and limited express trains. Not only does it make getting to Unazuki Onsen more convenient, but you can also enjoy a scenic train ride, taking in views of the snow-capped Tateyama Mountain Range or relaxing at the hot spring resort surrounded by the stunning Kurobe Gorge.
※This attraction is included with the “Have Fun in Toyama Pass.”
Toyama Area City Tram & Bus One-Day Pass
This convenient pass is perfect for traveling within Toyama City, allowing unlimited rides on city trams, certain railway lines, and buses for one day. Whether you’re visiting the Toyama Prefectural Museum, Fugan Canal Kansui Park, Toyama Castle, or enjoying the cherry blossoms along Matsukawa River, this pass makes sightseeing around the city easy and hassle-free.
※This attraction is included with the “Have Fun in Toyama Pass.”
Other Recommended Passes：Have Fun in Toyama Pass
In addition to the transportation passes mentioned above, we also recommend the “Have Fun in Toyama Pass” for an easy and convenient way to explore Toyama. This pass covers popular local attractions, shopping, and transportation, letting you enjoy your Toyama trip with just one ticket—saving both time and money.
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Toyama’s charm goes beyond its majestic mountains and hot spring cuisine—its natural scenery, traditional crafts, and modern art are all equally impressive. From the Snow Valley and Kurobe Dam to Unazuki Onsen, every spot leaves a lasting impression. After reading this, don’t you want to visit this hidden gem of Hokuriku yourself and experience its seasonal beauty and cultural allure?
