A short shinkansen ride away from central Tokyo, Toyama Prefecture offers a beautiful mix of nature and cultural experiences. Nestled on the northern coast of Japan’s main island and looking out into Toyama Bay and the Sea of Japan, let’s look at some of the great things you can do in this prefecture!
Experience Gokayama
Gokayama, located in the Shogawa River Valley, is an essential spot for those looking for a perfect spot to step back in time. Comprising two small towns called Ainokura and Suganuma, this is one of the few places in the country where you can see Gassho-Zukuri, an architectural style that resembles a pair of hands. Many of the houses are hundreds of years old, dating back to the Edo Period. You can visit the area to wander around the historic houses, as some of them have been converted into museums or eateries. Check out the Iwase Residence, a 5 storey tall house that is the largest example of Gassho-Zukuri in Japan. You can even stay the night in the town, getting the full experience of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In summer you can enjoy the warm weather and wonder at the intricate architecture of the houses, while in winter you can weave through high snow and marvel at illumination events.
Hike The Tateyama Mountains
Easily seen from Toyama City and the coast of Toyama Bay, the spectacular Tateyama Mountains offer an abundance of outdoor activities, and views from the city. Within Toyama and its neighbouring cities, you can find some magical views of the mountain range, including Mt. Tsurugi. Framed with the city houses and buildings, or the Shinminato Bridge that crosses the bay, all the views that you have of the mountain are not to be missed. For those who want to venture into the mountains, you can take the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route that winds through the mountains, taking you through towering snow walls and alpine lakes. Tateyama is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in the country, and also has a dedicated shrine, Oyama Shrine, up at the summit, although the shrine does not have a main shrine building.
See The Flowers
Another peak feature that one should check out in Toyama Prefecture are the flowers. Most famous for tulips and the large tulip festival that occurs every year in Tonami, there are also fields of flowers that bloom in the autumn. Check out the Yumenotaira field and its massive amount of pink and white Cosmos flowers. Filled to the brim with local cuisine such as soba noodles and even a chairlift to give even better views of the field, you can explore this spot in October before it becomes a ski area. The Tonami Tulip Fair is a spectacle that involves more than 2 million tulips, including arrangements into various shapes and an observation platform that lets people see the entirety of the park.
However you cannot forget about the everpresent mountains, even when all the flowers are out. In the town of Asahi, you can find what is called the ‘Spring Quartet’, a combination of the changing seasons. Frame your photo correctly and you can get tulips, nanohana, cherry blossoms, and snow capped mountains all in the same picture. The cherry blossoms are also lit up at night by torches, giving a chance to experience the beauty of spring at night.
Pick up Some Amulets at Toyama Shrines and Temples
When you visit a shrine or a temple in Japan, you are able to walk away with a variety of souvenirs and other trinkets. Omamoris are just some of the memorable pieces that you can get at shrines. They are usually small packets with a variety of designs on them for different types of wishes. You can find one that helps for good luck, traffic safety, or health for your pet. At Niikawa Shrine, you can also find an omamori for mountain climbing, a perfect accompaniment for hiking and climbing around the Tateyama mountains!
There is also Oiwasan Nisseki-Ji, nestled in the foothills of the Tateyama mountains. Dating back to the 8th century, one of the main features of this temple complex is a large relief of Fudo Myoo, one of the Japanese Buddhist deities. At the temple you can also participate in waterfall purification rituals if you are keen to brave the cold water and hone your mind under running water. On the way to the grounds you can also enjoy somen noodles, a very thinly cut noodle variety.
You can also visit Oyama Shrine, located at the top of the Tateyama mountains, more than 3000 metres up. While there is not a large physical main shrine building at the peak of the mountains, there are three sub-shrines located lower down that one can visit. Namely the Mine Honsha (on the summit), the Kiganden, and Maedate Shaden, you can experience some of the mountain worship, or Shugendo culture within Japan.
Wonder At Shomyo Falls
Have you ever wondered where the highest waterfall in Japan is? Well it’s in Toyama Prefecture! Shomyo Falls towers at 350 metres tall, with a secondary waterfall entitled Hannoki Falls that appears when snowmelt causes an increase in water flow. While usually inaccessible during the winter time, the falls open up during the spring for people who are keen to see in-person this massive natural spectacle. Autumn brings a time where the waterfall is framed by the fiery colours of the changing leaves, make sure to take your time when visiting, as there are also places to eat and relax along the way.
Visit Takaoka
The city of Takaoka, west of the capital, is another city that is more than worth a visit while in Toyama Prefecture. Rich in history, culture, and crafts, you can start by visiting the 17th century temple Zuiryuji. Built by the Maeda Clan, a powerful samurai clan that ruled the area when it was known as the Kaga Domain, this temple took 20 years to be fully constructed. Accessed through two magnificent gates, Zuiryuji was also designated a national treasure in 1997.
There is also the Takaoka Daibutsu, standing 16 metres tall, located between Takaoka Station and Takaoka Castle Park. The original statue was built back in the 13th century and was rebuilt to its current form in the 1930s. You can enter the pedestal that the Buddha sits on and view some Buddhist artwork and historical artefacts.
Takaoka Castle Park is another beautiful area worth a visit, the site of the former castle of the city. Little remains of the original buildings, however you can wander the grounds for a relaxing walk. There is also a yearly cherry blossom festival held in April where all the trees light up in beautiful pink. If you are still looking for more shrines to visit, you can also see Imizu Shrine, located within the grounds of the park.
Relax At The Sugisawa Cedars
Heading out slightly to the east, you can find the Sugisawa Cedars. A collection of Japanese cedar trees in an idyllic grove, it is a perfect way to have a short retreat from a busy life. Located in Nyuzen City, this grove of marshland cedar trees has a winding walking path through its dense growth. The path takes you by peaceful streams and ponds, giving you a peaceful experience in a prefecture known for its natural beauty. You may be able to even experience the sunlight as it beams its way through the forest canopy, known as ‘komorebi’ in Japanese.
Learn At The Wakatsuru Saburomaru Distillery
Another highlight that one can visit while in Toyama Prefecture is the Wakatsuru Saburomaru Distillery. Japan is world famous for its whiskey, and at this distillery, you can get a first hand experience and opportunity to view the whiskey distillation and creation process. You can schedule both tours and tastings at the distillery, in addition to being able to buy souvenirs and the eponymous whiskey as well. The distillery creates a wide range of high quality blends, and regional materials were also used in the construction of the distillery’s stills and fermenters. A visit to this distillery will leave you wowed by the skill and technique used in the distillation process, and cap off a wonderful time in the Toyama area.
Toyama Prefecture has nearly everything that one could want from a trip. From stunning mountainscapes and delicious food and drink, and rich and deep cultural experiences, it is not to be missed. So make sure to hop in a train, plane, or car, and explore the Hokuriku region!
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