Things To Do
in Toyama
Toyama sits on the Sea of Japan coast in central Honshu, where city life meets alpine landscapes. It is famous for Toyama Bay's seafood, striking glass art, and easy access to the Tateyama Mountains. The city offers a compact, walkable center with scenic parks and riverside promenades.
Visitors should brace for snowy winters and mild summers, with seasonal events heating up the year.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Toyama Castle, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and stroll through the surrounding park. Afterward, head to the Toyama Glass Art Museum to appreciate contemporary glassworks and exhibitions. Don't forget to grab a coffee at a nearby café to fuel your exploration.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Matsukawa River, enjoying the picturesque views of cherry blossoms if it’s the season. Visit the Kurobe River Memorial Park, where you can learn about the region's history and enjoy a scenic viewpoint. End your afternoon at the Toyama Bay Seafood Market, sampling local delicacies and fresh sushi.
As the sun sets, dine at a traditional izakaya, where you can experience Toyama's unique local cuisine, including fresh seafood and regional sake. After your meal, take a stroll through the illuminated streets of the city, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Finally, relax at a local onsen to unwind and rejuvenate after a busy day.
Begin your day with an early trip to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, taking in breathtaking mountain views as you ascend via cable car. Stop by the Murodo Plateau, where you can experience the stunning scenery and possibly even see some snow, depending on the season. Enjoy a packed breakfast while soaking in the panoramic landscapes around you.
In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Oyaru Gorge, known for its beautiful hiking trails and vibrant autumn leaves if you're visiting in fall. You can also visit the Kurobe Dam, one of the tallest dams in Japan, where you can take guided tours and enjoy the views from the observation platform. Capture memorable photographs of the natural beauty surrounding you.
As the day winds down, return to Toyama and indulge in a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant specializing in 'Shiroebi' or white shrimp, a local delicacy. Spend your evening at the Toyama City Family Park, enjoying the serene ambiance and perhaps catching a glimpse of wildlife. Wrap up your day with a peaceful walk along the riverside, reflecting on the stunning sights you experienced.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍜Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-6 |
| 🛏️Hotel per night | $60-150 |
| 🚆Local transportation day pass | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Exceptional seafood from Toyama Bay and renowned local specialties
- Compact, walkable city with easy access to dramatic mountains and alpine routes
- High-quality glass art, cultural venues, and photogenic waterfronts
- Safe, clean, and efficient public transportation with friendly locals
- Winter driving can be challenging due to snow in the mountains
- Nightlife is more low-key compared to larger cities
- Some rural or remote areas require transit planning for access
- Seasonal attractions (like Alpine Route) have limited operation periods
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとう" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "これはいくらですか？" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Toyama
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic grounds with a modern reconstruction, calm water features, and seasonal blossoms—great for wide-angle cityscapes and reflections.
A scenic urban canal with a glass promenade and waterfront views, offering dramatic light at sunrise and sunset.
Contemporary architecture and the neighboring canal provide striking lines and reflections for architectural photography.
Historic streets with a blend of old and new, perfect for candid street photography and night shots with cafe lighting.
Food in Toyama
Toyama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional pressed sushi wrapped in bamboo leaf, famous in Toyama for its delicate flavor and artisanal preparation.
Must-Try!
A rich, dark soy-based ramen with a deep, hearty flavor popular in the city’s ramen scene.
Fresh mackerel sushi from Toyama Bay, often cured lightly and served with vinegared rice.
Seasonal small squid that appears in Toyama Bay; enjoyed lightly boiled or sashimi-style in winter and early spring.
Yellowtail from Toyama Bay prepared as nigiri or sashimi, renowned for its rich, buttery flavor.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning stalls offering fresh seafood, grilled treats, and quick bites—perfect for tasting bay flavors straight from the source.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bow slightly at greetings; use polite language and titles. Remove shoes when entering homes or traditional spaces where requested.
Speak softly on public transit, avoid loud phone conversations, and queue politely. Respect quiet in temples and shrines.
Carry and sort waste; many places do not have public trash cans, so plan ahead and dispose properly at designated stations.
Safety
Tipping in Toyama
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is usually included in the price; simply show appreciation with a polite nod or thank you.
Cash is widely accepted, especially in markets and smaller eateries. Credit cards are increasingly common in hotels, larger restaurants, and many city shops. Have a mix of cash and card for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms and mild days make outdoor strolling pleasant; expect occasional rain showers and rapid temperature shifts.
Warm and humid with plenty of outdoor events; occasional festivals by the bay and riverfront; keep hydrated and seek shade during peak afternoon hours.
Comfortable temperatures and autumn colors in parks and hillside trails—great for photography and outdoor walks.
Snow is common, especially in the surrounding mountains; plan for cold days, clear skies often punctuated by snow flurries, and excellent winter scenery.
Toyama at Night
Hiking in Toyama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A dramatic canyon with scenic trails and viewpoints; accessible via scenic railway and short forest walks.
Mountains with several trails offering panoramic views, alpine scenery, and seasonal scenery such as snow corridors and wildflowers.
A waterfall trail near the Tateyama area, combining scenic forest paths with a striking waterfall destination.
Airports
How to reach Toyama by plane.
Domestic and limited international flights with easy access to central Toyama by train and bus connections.
A regional airport offering broader domestic connections; typically reachable by train and road from Toyama.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, students, and professionals; a noticeable aging population in surrounding towns, with a growing group of international visitors attracted by seafood, nature, and cultural venues.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular summer pastime with local teams and casual league play in city parks.
Local clubs and youth teams, with games occasionally hosted in municipal stadiums.
Proximity to Tateyama and other mountains makes skiing and snowboarding popular in the surrounding region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toyama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can find plant-based dishes in city cafes and izakayas; request dashi-free broth and verify that broths are meat-free. Many places will accommodate with vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, and salads, though some traditional broths may contain fish stock.