Unforgettable Things to do in Toyama: Lesser-Known Gateway to the Alps

Appearing on the New York Times list of underrated places to visit in 2025, just what are the things to do in Toyama Japan? With many unique experiences on offer, I can confirm this area of Japan is one of the most overlooked yet underrated!

During my recent spring visit to Toyama and its neighbouring prefectures, I completely fell in love with this area of the country. So much so, it felt like I’d found my own Heaven on Earth.

While Nagoya is known as the gateway to the Japanese Alps, Toyama is a lesser-known alternative. Reachable in just over two hours from Tokyo, it’s surprising more visitors haven’t caught on — so I recommend visiting sooner rather than later.

Some spots in and around Toyama were absolutely worth visiting, and yet I found others weren’t. If you’d like to learn what to do in Toyama and what to skip over, read on for more!

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Unforgettable Things to Do in Toyama Japan

Toyama is an incredible off the beaten path destination in Japan during mid spring. Located at a higher altitude, Toyama’s cherry blossoms usually bloom around two weeks later than major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

While spring is an ideal time to visit Toyama and avoid crowds elsewhere, it would be beautiful to see year-round with its variety of attractions that stun in every season. 

TIP: I recommend hiring a car from Toyama Station during your visit to reach some of the following locations and to explore neighbouring prefectures as day trips. Read my guide to driving in Japan for foreigners for details.

With that said, let’s take a look at what to do in Toyama and around!

Be awestruck by the Toyama Spring Quartet

Hoping to visit Japan in spring? Skip seeing cherry blossoms in the popular (and overcrowded) locations and head to Toyama’s Spring Quartet instead!

This was the event I planned one of my Japan spring visits around – and it far exceeded my high expectations. As it needs a car to get to and the area is expansive, it doesn’t feel crowded and there are barely any foreign tourists in sight.

Also known as the Asahi Funugawa Spring Quartet, this area about 50 mins drive from central Toyama showcases some of the most breathtaking scenery in the second half of April. 

A layered landscape of four elements featuring tulips, canola flowers and cherry blossoms come together against a backdrop of blue snow-capped mountains. I spent hours soaking in the view and relaxing beside the river beneath cherry trees. I can’t recommend it enough!

TIP: This is a residential area with local garden beds and rice fields in the viewing area. Please remember to “be invisible” by not treading on the flowers or walking off the designated pathways.

TIP: Nearby is also the Tonami Tulip Fair, the largest of its kind in Japan.

Stroll beneath the Matsukawa River Cherry Blossoms

One of the best things to do in Toyama city that shouldn’t be missed during spring is seeing the gorgeous Matsukawa River lined with cherry blossoms. Try floating beneath the sakura on a boat ride, cost: 3,000 yen each.

In spring the blooms are illuminated at night, which makes for a beautiful view. This area would also be lovely during summer.

Visit Toyama Castle Park

Its origins dating back to 1543, Toyama Castle is mostly a reconstruction today housing a museum of its history. Its grounds are still worth the visit, with a lovely Japanese garden and art museum to enjoy.

See the view Toyama City Hall Observation Tower

One of the things to see in Toyama that’s visible on clear days is the Tateyama Mountain Range on the horizon.

Head up to the Toyama City Observation Tower, or book a hotel to see it from the comfort of your room instead.

TIP: If you stay at the same hotel as me down the page, you can skip the tower because you can have this view from your room instead!

Admire creative talent at the Toyama Glass Museum

Housed in a geometric wooden building by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the Glass Museum is one of the top Toyama attractions.

Admire the creativity behind Dale Chihuly’s twisting and vibrant glass masterpieces in the permanent exhibition.

NOTE: The museum is closed on Wednesdays (it was closed during my stay in Toyama, but luckily for me I saw Chihuly’s work in Adelaide, Australia to give you an idea).

Relax in Fugan Canal Kansui Park

North of central Toyama lies spacious Fugan Canal Kansui Park with a unique double-towered bridge. Its scenic canal running through the centre and row of cherry trees against mountain scenery in spring, it’s one of Japan’s top 100 parks.

TIP: When visiting Toyama in spring, yet another spot to see cherry blossoms is nearby at Cape Iwasakinohana Lighthouse.

Wander Shinminato Uchikawa, a Venice of Japan

Did you know Toyama is home to a Little Venice of Japan? About 30 mins drive from central Toyama is a sleepy yet scenic townscape in Imizu called Shinminato Uchikawa. 

Fishing boats line the canals and numerous footbridges arch over the waters as far as the eye can see. The small restaurants here specialise in snow crabs during autumn, or you can try some at Shinminato Kittokito Market.

TIP: See my guide to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter for another Venice of Japan in Okayama Prefecture!

Spot the Shinminato Bridge

A symbol of the city overlooking Toyama Bay, the twin-spire cable Shinminato Bridge is visible from many areas in Toyama.

It feels so high up driving over it, and also seems like the Tateyama Mountains are much closer than they appear!

Docked beneath it permanently is the Kaiwomaru, a sailing ship reminiscent of a time long gone. You can take a closer view of it along the Ainokaze Promenade.

Take a scenic river cruise to Omaki Onsen

Taking the Showgawa Gorge Pleasure Boat to Omaki Onsen is one of the most scenic things to do in Toyama in winter! 

Passing through a valley beneath contrasting red bridges, the snowy winterscape by cruise would be an amazing experience (I ran out of time). In saying that, the surrounding landscape would be breathtaking in all seasons.

At the cruise’s conclusion lies a hidden onsen, its origins dating back over 1100 years. It came into being when a samurai clan retreated into the depths of the forest and settled near this hot spring at the time. Learn more about Omaki onsen here.

Explore historical Takaoka

Having visited all three of Japan’s Great Buddhas, I must say the Takaoka Daibutsu was a little underwhelming. This was probably because it is significantly smaller in height than its two more famous siblings in Nara and Kamakura. While it was still lovely to see, its size is worth noting.

The Takaoka Castle Ruins however were magical during my spring visit. Definitely don’t miss this area during spring in Takaoka!

Exploring the Yamachosuji Historical Preservation District here was reminiscent of Kawagoe near Tokyo, however most of the stores and traditional buildings were closed during my mid-week visit. I’m not sure if it’s like this all the time, but it felt very quiet.

TIP: Venture along the Amaharashi Coast to see rugged little islands in Toyama Bay with a snow-capped mountain backdrop.

Day trips from Toyama

Toyama is a great base to explore further afield into the Japanese Alps. Day trips to alpine villages such as Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Hida Furukawa are around an hour to 1.5 hours’ drive away.

Out of Ainokura, Suganuma and Shirakawa-go farmhouse villages, Ainokura was my favourite. It was the least busy, compact, and had similar scenery to Shirakawa-go but with no crowds. I could actually go into the shops and purchase all kinds of souvenirs without being squeezed amongst dozens of other tourists.

I’ve compared the three UNESCO villages and included more day trip options below.

Shirakawa-go

Having been on my wish list since 2019, I was excited yet apprehensive about visiting Shirakawa-go due to overtourism issues. Unfortunately I wasn’t wrong about this, but don’t worry – in true invisible tourist fashion I have some alternatives down the page if you’d like a similar crowd-free experience!

Anyway, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go is famed for its grasso-thatched farmhouses spanning a remote mountain village. Some farmhouses are over 300 years old, beloved due to their resemblance of two hands coming together in prayer.

The functioning residential village is surrounded by exquisite scenery in every season – from thick coats of snow in winter and cherry blossoms during spring, to lush greenery in summer and red maples in autumn.

NOTE: Shirakawa-go is a popular day trip from Kanazawa or Takayama, with buses coming in by the dozen. If time allows, I recommend spending a night in a guesthouse here instead to fully experience the village once the day tippers have left, and before they arrive the following day.

NOTE: Some tourists queue for two hours to have a photo taken at the lookout, it is that popular. Be prepared for this if you’re keen.

TIP: I don’t recommend a Shirakawa-go day trip from Toyama if it’s raining. Its bus-loads of tourists (many without umbrellas) all crowding the footpaths and small farmhouse awnings is not an ideal experience, take it from me. It’s also quite muddy in some areas. Be sure to have a flexible Toyama itinerary and choose the day with the most favourable weather conditions. 

Ainokura Village, Gokayama

During my April visit, my Australian self was surprised to still see snow covering Ainokura as it wasn’t forecasted – let alone have it actually fall on me whilst I was there!

Despite being unprepared for snow with my small foldable umbrella sneakers, I had never been so grateful to see rental snow boots and large umbrellas at Ainokura! You can bet it was the best 500 yen I’d ever spent to borrow these items to explore the village.

Don’t miss the scenic lookout up the hill over the entire town, although compact it does rival the view at Shirakawa-go. And don’t forget to support the small local businesses here by purchasing some items to take home.

TIP: On-site parking costs 500 yen cash. Staff speak limited English.

TIP: The Japanese Alps are said to have some of Japan’s most delicious sake, due to the local alpine water purity. I bought locally-produced sake at Ainokura Village, some seasonings and cute handicrafts as gifts.

Suganuma Village, Gokayama

It was super quiet at this residential village, making it another nice alternative to Shirakawa-go. Suganuma features one of Toyama’s top photo spots, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

TIP: On-site parking is 500 yen. Take a lift from the carpark into a tunnel that diverges left and right. On the left, pass through the tunnel to Gokayama Gassho no Sato and to the right is Suganama Village.

Hida Furukawa

Known for its scenic canal street with koi fish, parts of Hida Furukawa reminded me of Gujo Hachiman. The koi are transported elsewhere over winter, and usually return in mid-April.

One week after the famous Takayama Spring Festival just 15 mins train ride away, Hida Furukawa holds its own version. Pop into the Festival Hall to see the towering floats year-round and enjoy browsing locally-made handicrafts in the small stores.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route & Kurobe Gorge

Including walls of snow up to 20 meters tall, I’m yet to visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and its surrounding areas. It is only open from mid-April to late November.

I’m yet to experience this route through the Northern Japan Alps using cable cars, buses and ropeways to enjoy dramatic scenery such as Kurobe Dam. More info about the route on the Tateyama Alpen Route website.

Where to stay in Toyama

I stayed at Hotel Vischio Toyama Station. It’s right beside the JR train line and its location was excellent. The view from my room saved me from visiting the Toyama Observation Tower! Here are some tips for staying here.

Pros of Hotel Vischio Toyama:

• Convenience to the station, parking for my rental car and to easy access to walk around central Toyama on foot.
• There are great eateries on Level 4 of Moot, which is in the same building as the hotel entrance.
• Room was modern, clean and tidy. Loved the comfy supplied yukata. There’ also a public bath/onsen for guests.
• Park in the NPC Parking lot, 5 mins walk away from the hotel. It’s only 1000 yen for overnight, the hotel parking is 1300 yen per hour!

Cons of Hotel Vischio Toyama:

• An annoying thing is it’s popular with tour groups so you need to rush to beat large groups of guests to the lifts, hehe.
• Don’t use Google Maps to find the entrance, it will take you around the block where there is no entrance – I learnt this the hard way! Just exit Toyama Station on the bus terminal side, and the hotel entrance is on the right.

How to get to Toyama

Where is Toyama? Located within the Chubu Region in central Japan, Toyama can easily be reached by bullet train from Tokyo or Kyoto.

• From Tokyo – 2 hours from Tokyo Station to Toyama Station on the JR Hokuriku shinkansen (direct train), or 7 hours by Willer highway bus.
• From Kyoto – 2 hours from Kyoto Station to Toyama Station on the JR Tsuruga Thunderbird shinkansen (change at Tsuruga), or 4.5 hours by Willer highway bus.

Concluding these things to do in Toyama Prefecture

That’s a wrap for my guide on things to do in Toyama Prefecture! If you’ve ever wondered, “is Toyama worth visiting?,” the answer from me is an resounding yes — especially during spring.

With unmatched views of springtime blossoms, a Little Venice, old-world charm, fascinating art to discover, and as a gateway to the Japanese Alps and World Heritage listed villages, Toyama isn’t on the mainstream tourist radar (yet)… So if you’re wanting to enjoy these kinds of experiences in Japan, it should be on your list.

What are your thoughts on this Toyama Japan guide? Has it inspired your visit? I’d love to hear! If you have any questions, just ask in the comments below.

More things to do in the Japanese Alps

• 2 Days in Takayama Itinerary: Little Kyoto of Hida
• Hida no Sato Folk Village: Takayama’s Delightful Hidden Gem
• 2 Days in Kanazawa Itinerary: Uncover a Little Kyoto
• 2 Days in Nagano Itinerary: Zen & Snow Monkeys
• One Day Matsumoto Itinerary: Castle & Town
• One Day Gujo Hachiman Itinerary: Hidden Water City
• 2 Days in Gero Onsen Itinerary: Gifu’s Best Hot Springs 
• Take a look at all my Japan travel tips and Japanese etiquette for mistakes to avoid; 
• And for all my itineraries, travel guides and more from over a decade of visiting, check my extensive Japan travel blog!

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Until next time,

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