Guidebook for Toyama-shi
Sightseeing
Toyama
Oyama Jinja
This jinja is of great significance in the spiritual history of Japan.
This amazing journey will take you through the stunning Alps to Nagano prefecture. There are many opportunities for eating and souvenir buying, not to mention photography. You can hike, and also take a boat tour on Kurobe Dam, the biggest in Japan.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
AshikurajiThis amazing journey will take you through the stunning Alps to Nagano prefecture. There are many opportunities for eating and souvenir buying, not to mention photography. You can hike, and also take a boat tour on Kurobe Dam, the biggest in Japan.
Tateyama Center
AshikurajiGreat place to get information on the Alps!
View the traditional carving that Inami is famous for! Walk down the street of craftsmen and see them in action! Finish off with viewing the famous temple, largest wooden building in the prefecture!
Inami
View the traditional carving that Inami is famous for! Walk down the street of craftsmen and see them in action! Finish off with viewing the famous temple, largest wooden building in the prefecture!
This is the location of an annual famous festival held first three days of September. Crowds of people come to watch this traditional dance festival, traditionally praying for the harvest.
However any time you can explore the traditional timber streets.
Later in September is a quieter, less known festival, Moon Viewing - if you aren't into crowds, like me, this one is great!
Yatsuomachi Fukujima
This is the location of an annual famous festival held first three days of September. Crowds of people come to watch this traditional dance festival, traditionally praying for the harvest.
However any time you can explore the traditional timber streets.
Later in September is a quieter, less known festival, Moon Viewing - if you aren't into crowds, like me, this one is great!
This is quite a bridge! Built high enough for ships to pass through! It is so tall that on a clear day I can see it driving down from the mountains! Around the base are fish markets.
Shinminatoo Bridge
This is quite a bridge! Built high enough for ships to pass through! It is so tall that on a clear day I can see it driving down from the mountains! Around the base are fish markets.
Himi is a lovely coastal town! Enjoy the fish markets, local roadside markets, and old streets. If you like animation, it is the famous birthplace of Doraemon! Visit the Doraemon museum and watch the 3-D fountain feature on the hour! There is also a lovely temple/jinja on the hill, surrounded by parks. The Botanical gardens are famous for roses! There are many places for eating, and onsen too!
The kanji for Himi mean "ice views" because on clear days you can see over to the icy peaks of Tateyama!
Himi
Himi is a lovely coastal town! Enjoy the fish markets, local roadside markets, and old streets. If you like animation, it is the famous birthplace of Doraemon! Visit the Doraemon museum and watch the 3-D fountain feature on the hour! There is also a lovely temple/jinja on the hill, surrounded by parks. The Botanical gardens are famous for roses! There are many places for eating, and onsen too!
The kanji for Himi mean "ice views" because on clear days you can see over to the icy peaks of Tateyama!
Enjoy this heritage village of thatched houses. Learn of the culture and the traditional lifestyle in the rugged mountains. Make paper. Eat delicious foods!
Shirakawago
2-chōme-2-180 NishinoisshikimachiEnjoy this heritage village of thatched houses. Learn of the culture and the traditional lifestyle in the rugged mountains. Make paper. Eat delicious foods!
Another great place to learn about past culture and relax in the mountain village, world heritage listed, Eat! Learn about what people did here once! Make paper! Enjoy the rugged mountains!
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gokayama Gassho no Sato
855 SuganumaAnother great place to learn about past culture and relax in the mountain village, world heritage listed, Eat! Learn about what people did here once! Make paper! Enjoy the rugged mountains!
Here you will find a number of traditional mountain onsen, set in beautiful scenery. A great day trip!
Hirayu Spring Ski Area
768-1 Okuhida Onsengō HirayuHere you will find a number of traditional mountain onsen, set in beautiful scenery. A great day trip!
Explore the beautiful traditional timber streets and visit one of the largest timber temples. Most of all make sure you visit the castle - one of my faves! Castles were demolished in Japan following the Meiji Period. All but 13 were spared, though Nagoya burned down later. So most of the lovely castles you see are faithful rebuilds - this was the first one to be recreated.
Once a year this town is famous for dance festivals! Dance all night, but be sure to get accommodation for this way in advance!
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gujo
Explore the beautiful traditional timber streets and visit one of the largest timber temples. Most of all make sure you visit the castle - one of my faves! Castles were demolished in Japan following the Meiji Period. All but 13 were spared, though Nagoya burned down later. So most of the lovely castles you see are faithful rebuilds - this was the first one to be recreated.
Once a year this town is famous for dance festivals! Dance all night, but be sure to get accommodation for this way in advance!
You can explore the famous temple precinct, and stroll all through the hilltop castle parks! Enjoy the morning markets too!
Echizenono Castle
3-109 ShiromachiYou can explore the famous temple precinct, and stroll all through the hilltop castle parks! Enjoy the morning markets too!
Noto peninsular is a fave area! Use this base to gather info and take off exploring the wild coasts and mountain forests! Be sure to find out about the lacquerware history! And the region's connection to the Battle of Oyabe, whose defeated exiles defied the odds to survive this harsh environment and reestablish their house! You will find amazing temples, shrines, onsen, and even breweries here today!
Notohanto Large Sight Seeing Information Center
70-1 MishimachōNoto peninsular is a fave area! Use this base to gather info and take off exploring the wild coasts and mountain forests! Be sure to find out about the lacquerware history! And the region's connection to the Battle of Oyabe, whose defeated exiles defied the odds to survive this harsh environment and reestablish their house! You will find amazing temples, shrines, onsen, and even breweries here today!
Japan's oldest original castle. Set in lovely grounds. If you are into the history of Japan it is a must! You can get food here too!
Maruoka Castle
1-59 丸岡町霞町Japan's oldest original castle. Set in lovely grounds. If you are into the history of Japan it is a must! You can get food here too!
Travel the Alpen Route and experience a slice of the magnificent Northern Alps! Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest! You can take a boat cruise. Eat! Hike!
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kurobe Dam
AshikurajiTravel the Alpen Route and experience a slice of the magnificent Northern Alps! Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest! You can take a boat cruise. Eat! Hike!
Traditional onsen town in the mountains! This is a traditional experience, though don't be shocked that it does have taller buildings - this is traditional though. I like the water there and have spent several weekend retreats there.
Gero Onsen
Traditional onsen town in the mountains! This is a traditional experience, though don't be shocked that it does have taller buildings - this is traditional though. I like the water there and have spent several weekend retreats there.
A significant castle, one of the twelve remaining originals. It is worth the drive through the mountains. Make it a day trip. Cut through Arimine and Hirayu. There are many famous and remote mountain onsen on the way.
And in apple season be sure to try Matsumoto's famous apples!
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castillo de Matsumoto
4-1 MarunouchiA significant castle, one of the twelve remaining originals. It is worth the drive through the mountains. Make it a day trip. Cut through Arimine and Hirayu. There are many famous and remote mountain onsen on the way.
And in apple season be sure to try Matsumoto's famous apples!
Beautiful mountain forest jinja. Be sure to visit all the locations. Also sample the soba!
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Togakushi-Jinja
Chūsha-3506 TogakushiBeautiful mountain forest jinja. Be sure to visit all the locations. Also sample the soba!
Hikone Castle
1-1 KonkichōBeautiful castle, one of the 12!
Traditional old onsen town. Somewhat similar to what I said for Gero. Still peaceful, quiet and traditional. Like Gero too, has a summer fireworks festival. This is the gateway to the famous gorge and Toroko. Enjoy eating, strolling, footbaths, onsen, hiking! Museum! Souvenirs!
Unazukionsen
Traditional old onsen town. Somewhat similar to what I said for Gero. Still peaceful, quiet and traditional. Like Gero too, has a summer fireworks festival. This is the gateway to the famous gorge and Toroko. Enjoy eating, strolling, footbaths, onsen, hiking! Museum! Souvenirs!
Iconic views across Toyama Bay of the mighty Tateyama Range, one of just three areas in the world where mountains of over 3,000m can be seen from the beach!
Amaharashi Coast
Iconic views across Toyama Bay of the mighty Tateyama Range, one of just three areas in the world where mountains of over 3,000m can be seen from the beach!
Shopping
For all your local needs, Omi, where the local train comes into Arimineguchi station, has some small stores and a post office. Being a rural village area, most things are only open in day hours, and even morning only. Truly operates rurally here!
Yamashita General Store provides all foods and household goods. Vegetables are largely locally grown. Most foods available - bread, meat, dairy products, cooking goods etc - locals rely on it daily for meals.
There is a small electrical store that has a range of batteries.
Near the station there is butcher, open until midday.
The fish shop, also open until midday, has a range of seafood.
The post office has an international ATM.
Omi
For all your local needs, Omi, where the local train comes into Arimineguchi station, has some small stores and a post office. Being a rural village area, most things are only open in day hours, and even morning only. Truly operates rurally here!
Yamashita General Store provides all foods and household goods. Vegetables are largely locally grown. Most foods available - bread, meat, dairy products, cooking goods etc - locals rely on it daily for meals.
There is a small electrical store that has a range of batteries.
Near the station there is butcher, open until midday.
The fish shop, also open until midday, has a range of seafood.
The post office has an international ATM.
If you want a shopping day out, this has it all! If you like, link it in with a visit to Zuiruji Temple and the Caslte Park! Dont forget the Big Buddha too!
イオン高岡店
331-1 EjiriIf you want a shopping day out, this has it all! If you like, link it in with a visit to Zuiruji Temple and the Caslte Park! Dont forget the Big Buddha too!
Daiwa Toyama
3-chōme-8-6 SōgawaNice department store close to Toyama station and Castle.
Future City Favore
165-1 Fuchūmachi ShimokutsuwadaAlso includes a cinema!
Parks & Nature
This stunning national park is my neighbour! Hike. Drive. Picnic. Once you are inside, you cannot imagine you are so close to cities.
Chubusangaku-kokuritsukoen
This stunning national park is my neighbour! Hike. Drive. Picnic. Once you are inside, you cannot imagine you are so close to cities.
The entrance to the upper mountains! This is the base for trekking etc. You can purchase foods and souvenirs. Great for starting out on day trips and longer mountain experiences.
Be sure to visit Migurigaike, Japan's highest onsen!
Murodo Ashikuraji
The entrance to the upper mountains! This is the base for trekking etc. You can purchase foods and souvenirs. Great for starting out on day trips and longer mountain experiences.
Be sure to visit Migurigaike, Japan's highest onsen!
Inside the Chubusangoku NP is the gorgeous Arimine Lake. Walk in the surrounding forest. Get info from the visitor's centre on the area's nature. You can also camp here or stay in the lodge. It is so quiet! That's where I go when I need quiet! My place is quiet, but the Lake is much quieter! And stars! WOW! knockout astral view! You may see gorgeous moon-bears too!
Arimine Dam
Inside the Chubusangoku NP is the gorgeous Arimine Lake. Walk in the surrounding forest. Get info from the visitor's centre on the area's nature. You can also camp here or stay in the lodge. It is so quiet! That's where I go when I need quiet! My place is quiet, but the Lake is much quieter! And stars! WOW! knockout astral view! You may see gorgeous moon-bears too!
Enjoy the historic rail route, relic of the mightly erosion and hydro works of Toyama! Along this scenic route, you can take in the gorgeous scenery. Alight at various gorgeous stations, big and small. Hike. Onsen. Even stay overnight for a heavenly peaceful sleep!
Open Spring to late November. Most crowded in Autumn as the leaf colour peaks, late October.
黒部峡谷トロッコ電車
11 KurobekyōkokuguchiEnjoy the historic rail route, relic of the mightly erosion and hydro works of Toyama! Along this scenic route, you can take in the gorgeous scenery. Alight at various gorgeous stations, big and small. Hike. Onsen. Even stay overnight for a heavenly peaceful sleep!
Open Spring to late November. Most crowded in Autumn as the leaf colour peaks, late October.
Make sure you see Japan's tallest waterfall! Spectacular! There is also a nice eatery where you can enjoy a range of typical Japanese cuisines! Note that the road is not open from late November to start June.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shomyo Falls
AshikurajiMake sure you see Japan's tallest waterfall! Spectacular! There is also a nice eatery where you can enjoy a range of typical Japanese cuisines! Note that the road is not open from late November to start June.
Arts & Culture
This area was the base of a major religion for over a thousand years. Come visit Oyama Jinja, the second or midway shrine of the famous Oyama Jinja group. Wander among the tall cedars in tranquillity.
Visit Tateyama Museum and learn about the history of this amazing area, and its natural wonders.
Explore Mandara Yuen, an artistic interpretation of the Heaven and Hell beliefs of the ancient religion.
Relax in the Japanese gardens and rooms of the restored pilgrims' house. Enjoy the artwork, old and new.
If you are into snowboard training, go to Kings, all-year centre!
Ashikuraji
This area was the base of a major religion for over a thousand years. Come visit Oyama Jinja, the second or midway shrine of the famous Oyama Jinja group. Wander among the tall cedars in tranquillity.
Visit Tateyama Museum and learn about the history of this amazing area, and its natural wonders.
Explore Mandara Yuen, an artistic interpretation of the Heaven and Hell beliefs of the ancient religion.
Relax in the Japanese gardens and rooms of the restored pilgrims' house. Enjoy the artwork, old and new.
If you are into snowboard training, go to Kings, all-year centre!
At Iwakuraji you may visit the first base Oyama Jinja, famous in the history of the area. This beautiful shrine and grounds are so peaceful and calming. Imagine pilgrims entering and praying before embarking on the climb to Tateyama.
Take time to visit Yoshimine Green Park, with its lovely onsen, markets and cafe.
Iwakuraji
At Iwakuraji you may visit the first base Oyama Jinja, famous in the history of the area. This beautiful shrine and grounds are so peaceful and calming. Imagine pilgrims entering and praying before embarking on the climb to Tateyama.
Take time to visit Yoshimine Green Park, with its lovely onsen, markets and cafe.
Learn about the history of glass making in Toyama and why it began! Very interesting! Because of Toyama's medicine industry, it was needed to carry the medicines, when the medicine dealers travelled to villages with their stock!
Museo de Arte del Vidrio de Toyama
5-1 NishichōLearn about the history of glass making in Toyama and why it began! Very interesting! Because of Toyama's medicine industry, it was needed to carry the medicines, when the medicine dealers travelled to villages with their stock!
Visit my friend Miki's gorgeous doll and miniature display. You can also have wonderful meals if you book, and coffee, tea and cakes!
花遊庵
420 OmiVisit my friend Miki's gorgeous doll and miniature display. You can also have wonderful meals if you book, and coffee, tea and cakes!
Entertainment & Activities
In this area, not far from Iwakuraji, you can stroll around the beautiful botanical gardens, laid out as gorgeous parklands. There are BBQ and picnic grounds, and you can actually order a food pack for the BBQs!
In spring the area is famous for its varieties of mountain cherry blossoms, in shades of pink through purple!
There are weekend markets, and also a tasty cafe!
吉峰温泉 ゆ～ランド
12 YoshiminenobirakiIn this area, not far from Iwakuraji, you can stroll around the beautiful botanical gardens, laid out as gorgeous parklands. There are BBQ and picnic grounds, and you can actually order a food pack for the BBQs!
In spring the area is famous for its varieties of mountain cherry blossoms, in shades of pink through purple!
There are weekend markets, and also a tasty cafe!
Nice, traditional ski area! Traditionally famous for its onsens! Several free public baths! On my last Shiga trio took my day-off in the (scorching!) baths - was great! had a cold and not too good - cooked the cold out of me!
Awesome apples! Also local beers!
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nozawaonsen
Nice, traditional ski area! Traditionally famous for its onsens! Several free public baths! On my last Shiga trio took my day-off in the (scorching!) baths - was great! had a cold and not too good - cooked the cold out of me!
Awesome apples! Also local beers!
Nice powder snow area! God restaurant. Close onsen lovely after the hard day on the slope!
Charmant Hiuchi
1821 NishihiyamaNice powder snow area! God restaurant. Close onsen lovely after the hard day on the slope!
As with all the ski areas I am recommending, nice all year round with snow sports, onsens and hikes available!
Myoko Kogen
As with all the ski areas I am recommending, nice all year round with snow sports, onsens and hikes available!
How about a really fun time with family or friends playing VR Games! Great selection and lovely environment! Good for groups or individual!
Alpha VR
2-chōme-2-17 TakaramachiHow about a really fun time with family or friends playing VR Games! Great selection and lovely environment! Good for groups or individual!
Lovely onsen open to the public, 700yen entry. You can enjoy set lunches between 11:00-14:00. Souvenirs and snacks on sale too!
Hotel Morinokaze Tateyama
3-6 HaraLovely onsen open to the public, 700yen entry. You can enjoy set lunches between 11:00-14:00. Souvenirs and snacks on sale too!
One of my fave onsens! Enjoy the gorgeous baths! Relax in various resting rooms! Drink tea! Eat meals! Souvenirs! Buy fresh local veges!
楽今日館
26-1 IwaineOne of my fave onsens! Enjoy the gorgeous baths! Relax in various resting rooms! Drink tea! Eat meals! Souvenirs! Buy fresh local veges!
Food Scene
Enjoy delicious foods, vegetarian also! This lovely restaurant is not open during winter though as the roads are closed.
カレー屋 magic-bento
AshikurajiEnjoy delicious foods, vegetarian also! This lovely restaurant is not open during winter though as the roads are closed.
Voted as the most Starbucks' beautiful location in Japan!
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Starbucks
5 MinatoirifunechōVoted as the most Starbucks' beautiful location in Japan!
Fantastic original sandwiches! The best icecream! Family run convenience store! Eat in or take away!
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tateyama Thunder Bird
6-1 YokoeFantastic original sandwiches! The best icecream! Family run convenience store! Eat in or take away!
Everything Else
Well I want to tell you actually about the ski area, and this is the nearest link! Tateyama sanroku ski-jo! Lovely local run just 4km from home! I go there just about every day in winter so why dont you join me! Got lots of details for you!
Tateyama Station
AshikurajiWell I want to tell you actually about the ski area, and this is the nearest link! Tateyama sanroku ski-jo! Lovely local run just 4km from home! I go there just about every day in winter so why dont you join me! Got lots of details for you!
SNOW SPORTS ESSENTIAL!
What can I say? Huge ski runs! Great snow (because it is SOOO cold! Several ski areas and onsen.
Not just for winter though, great hiking too!
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hakuba
SNOW SPORTS ESSENTIAL!
What can I say? Huge ski runs! Great snow (because it is SOOO cold! Several ski areas and onsen.
Not just for winter though, great hiking too!
STELLAR SKI AREA!! I prefer it to Hakuba, only because you can buy one pass for all parks, and travel between all of the 21, but 4, without taking your boots off (says a snowboarder!). Onsens included! Great all-year-round!
On your day off there is so much to enjoy in that area - the snow monkey park, several castle sites and museums! Old, traditional onsen areas, such as Yamanouchi!
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shiga Kogen
7148 HiraoSTELLAR SKI AREA!! I prefer it to Hakuba, only because you can buy one pass for all parks, and travel between all of the 21, but 4, without taking your boots off (says a snowboarder!). Onsens included! Great all-year-round!
On your day off there is so much to enjoy in that area - the snow monkey park, several castle sites and museums! Old, traditional onsen areas, such as Yamanouchi!
Lots to offer here - ninja history, ski areas, onsen, famous soba, jinja!
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Togakushi
Lots to offer here - ninja history, ski areas, onsen, famous soba, jinja!
Lovely beachside town. Castle ruins. Harbour boat cruises. Many historic mountain temples and shrines. Good place to base yourself and explore the area, even by local train!
Obama
Lovely beachside town. Castle ruins. Harbour boat cruises. Many historic mountain temples and shrines. Good place to base yourself and explore the area, even by local train!
Good accommodation if you are staying at Shiga! Nice hotel, well priced and placed for ski on/off enjoyment!
Charade Inn Shiga
7148 HiraoGood accommodation if you are staying at Shiga! Nice hotel, well priced and placed for ski on/off enjoyment!