Explore Toyama: 22 Popular Sightseeing Spots

The Takaoka Great Buddha is one of Japan's three great Buddhas, following Nara and Kamakura. It is said to have been initiated around 800 years ago by Minamoto no Yoshikatsu, who constructed a wooden Buddha. Currently, this is the third generation. Standing at a height of 15.85 meters and weighing 65 tons, its impressive scale is a testament to the local copper manufacturing techniques and took approximately 30 years to complete. It is beloved as a symbol of the region and is known as the most beautiful man in Japan.

The 'Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train' runs through Japan's deepest V-shaped gorge, Kurobe Gorge, spanning 20.1 kilometers from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station. The regular passenger cars have no windows, providing an exceptional experience of nature as you feel the wind. Along the route, there are numerous attractions including Unazuki Onsen, Grandma Valley Onsen only accessible by trolley, and the scenic Saiho Canyon, which is designated as a special scenic spot and a natural monument. It’s a location where both adults and children can enjoy becoming one with nature!

Toyama Castle, originally the residence of the powerful Sasaki clan during the Sengoku period and later the Maeda clan in the Edo period, is surrounded by a lush park. Located in the city center, it features the Toyama Castle Museum and the Sato Memorial Art Museum within the restored castle keep from 1954, offering insights into Toyama's history and culture. In spring, the cherry blossoms reflect beautifully on the surface of the moat, making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The stone walls and moats showcase the grandeur of the era.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which traverses the Northern Alps with peaks reaching over 3,000 meters, is one of the world's premier mountain tourism routes. It is easily accessible by transferring between cable cars, ropeways, and trolley buses from 'Tateyama' station in Toyama Prefecture to 'Ogizawa' station in Nagano Prefecture. Visitors can explore numerous scenic spots and experience the grandeur of nature and a world above the clouds. A leisurely trekking course is also recommended!

Toyama Kansui Park, surrounded by the Fugan Canal, features a sprawling lawn and lush greenery. It is home to the 'Starbucks Coffee Toyama Kansui Park', known as the most beautiful in the world. The building's simple design blends into the scenery, and from large windows, visitors can enjoy views of 'Tenmon Bridge', the symbol of the park, from any seat. It's a perfect break time during your Toyama sightseeing to relax and appreciate the stunning landscape.

Tonan Tulip Park is dedicated to the tulip, which is a specialty and the city flower of Tonan City in Toyama Prefecture. In spring, approximately 3 million tulips of 300 varieties bloom spectacularly. The large flower bed features a ground design made of tulips, and breathtaking views can be enjoyed from the Panorama Terrace and Tulip Tower. The 'Tulip Shikisai-kan' offers insights into the history of tulip introduction, the structure of bulbs, and cultivation methods. A stroll to the largest five waterwheels in Japan is also highly recommended. One of the popular spots in the park, 'Flower's Ootani,' is perfect for photo opportunities!

The gassho-zukuri (thatched roof) villages in Gokayama, located in a serene mountainous area, have been designated as a World Heritage Site along with Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, representing Japan's original landscape. The two villages consist of 'Aikura', which has 23 preserved gassho-zukuri houses built from the late Edo period to the Meiji period, and 'Suganuma', which features nine gassho-zukuri houses and the Gokayama Folklore Museum. Staying in a gassho-zukuri house and experiencing traditional washi paper making are also attractive activities!

Experience the tradition and craftsmanship of Toyama's 300-year-old flavor, 'Masu-no-Sushi.' The museum focuses on seeing, tasting, and buying, allowing visitors to observe artisans filleting cherry salmon and the production process. A reservation-based experience for making Masu-no-Sushi is also available. The restaurant offers freshly made Masu-no-Sushi, and there’s a popular souvenir corner featuring local specialties, including limited edition Masu-no-Sushi.

Zuiryuji Temple is a renowned Soto Zen temple known as the temple dedicated to Toshiie Maeda, the founder of Takaoka. Built by Toshiie Maeda's son, Toshiie Maeda, the temple showcases the immense wealth of the Kaga Domain through its grand architectural layout. The Sanmon gate, Hōden (Buddhist hall), and Hōdō (law hall) are masterpieces of early modern temple architecture and are the only structures designated as National Treasures in Toyama Prefecture. Additionally, the main gate, Zen hall, large kitchen, large tea room, and three corridor buildings are designated as Important Cultural Properties. The temple is famous for its grand layout designated as a National Treasure.

Amanoharashi Coast, located in the northern part of Takaoka City within Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park, is known for its rocky shores and beautiful white sands and green pines. On clear days, you can see the 3,000-meter Tateyama mountain range across Toyama Bay, and in winter, many photographers gather to capture the 'ke-arashi' steam in the Sea of Japan. Near Amanoharashi Station, there is Yoritomo Rock, which is linked to the legend of Yoritomo and the origin of the name 'waiting for the rain to clear.' It has been selected as one of the '100 Best White Sand and Green Pine Beaches in Japan' and '100 Best Beaches in Japan.'

With a drop of about 350 meters and consisting of four tiers, Shomyo Falls is the tallest waterfall in Japan. It is designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument, and during peak flow, the water volume is said to exceed 100 tons per second. Especially in spring, as the snow melts, the 'Hannoki Falls' with a drop of approximately 500 meters emerges, creating a stunning view as the two waterfalls cascade in a V shape. The beauty of the scenery changes with the seasons is also worth seeing. The area around the falls is home to the prefectoral natural monument, the Kumomatsu Maki Butterfly.

Kaiwomaru Park is a waterfront park symbolized by the pure white sailing ship 'Kaiwomaru,' known as the 'Lady of the Sea.' It was born as a training ship for a maritime academy and has sailed over 1.06 million nautical miles (about 50 circumnavigations of the Earth) during its more than 59 years of service. The ship is displayed in its original form as it was during its active days. The park features a spacious recreation area surrounded by lush grass, perfect for families and groups. The refreshing sea breeze makes it a pleasant spot. Every day, the park is illuminated from sunset until 10 PM!

Daikanbo is a station standing on the steep rock wall on the eastern side of the Tateyama Mountain Range, and it is one of Toyama Prefecture's proud scenic spots. From the observation deck, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Hotakadake Mountain Range, Kurobe Lake, and Tambodaira, known as some of the most beautiful sights along the Alpine Route. The Cloud Terrace, which offers a panoramic view, is a popular facility with an outstanding location. We recommend enjoying a leisurely tea time while taking in the beautiful sights of nature! Another highlight of Daikanbo is the Tateyama Ropeway. With a structure that has no supporting pillars, the visibility is excellent, allowing you to enjoy a completely different and impressive view compared to the observation deck. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the vibrant landscapes of the mountains can be seen.

Completed in 1963, Kurobe Dam is one of the largest arch dams in Japan. Known as a monumental project, its construction was famously depicted in the movie 'Kurobe no Taiyo' starring Yujiro Ishihara. From early summer to autumn, there is a tourist water discharge, where water flows down from a height that boasts Japan's largest scale, creating an impressive sight. Don't miss the local gourmet dish 'Kurobe Dam Curry' at the restaurant! You can enjoy the massive scale and impact of this attraction!

From mid-April to mid-June, when the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens fully, the dynamic 'Yuki no Otani' appears. It stretches about 500 meters from the Murodo Terminal, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. Visitors can experience a completely white world by walking on the pedestrian path designated for the 'Yuki no Otani' Walk. Feel the power of the snow walls unique to heavy snowfall areas!

Mikuriga Pond is a volcanic lake located a few minutes' walk from the Muroudo Terminal of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. It is the deepest volcanic lake in the Northern Alps, with a circumference of about 600 meters and a depth of 15 meters. From July to October, after the snow melts, the stunning reflection of Mount Tateyama on the deep blue waters can be seen - one of the representative landscapes of Muroudo. You might also spot rock ptarmigans and the legendary flower, black lily, around the pond! This volcanic lake is situated at an altitude of 2,405 meters.

Oyama Shrine venerates the sacred peak 'Tateyama' as a divine mountain. It consists of three shrines: the main shrine at the summit of Oyama, the Kigan-do located at the foot of the mountain in Ashikura-ji, and the Furutachi Shrine at the mountain's base. During the climbing season from spring to autumn, it is recommended to visit the main shrine; during other seasons, the easily accessible Furutachi Shrine or Kigan-do can be good options. The Kigan-do is adjacent to the Tateyama Museum, where visitors can learn about Tateyama faith.

Located within the complex 'TOYAMA Kirari' designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, this museum is a unique facility that has been dedicated to fostering glass artists and industrializing glass production for over 30 years in Toyama, a city known for its glass culture. The combination of different materials such as granite, glass, and aluminum in its exterior, along with the interior beauty utilizing Toyama prefecture wood louvers, is a sight to behold. There is also a café offering sweets and meals made with 'fu' (wheat gluten).

This gallery exhibits works by Fujiko Fujio A, a manga artist from Himi City. It features reproductions of the first episodes of iconic works like 'Ninja Hattori-kun' and 'Kaibutsu-kun,' as well as a replica of the legendary 'Tokiwa-so Room 14' where Fujiko A lived. Visitors can enjoy the 'Manga Library' with around 1,000 comic books available for reading and the latest 'Digital Manga Screen,' making it a fun experience for families. Immerse yourself in the world of Fujiko Fujio A's manga!

Opened in 2017, the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design has relocated within the Toyama Canal Kansui Park. This revamped museum serves as a bridge between art and design, showcasing works by 20th-century masters such as Picasso, Miro, and Chagall, while also incorporating interactive art experiences. Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in art and design. The rooftop garden 'Onomatopoeia Rooftop,' freely accessible from spring to autumn, features original play equipment designed by graphic designer Taku Satoh, as well as a bounce dome for jumping and playing. It also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Tateyama Mountain Range, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the rooftop garden before exploring the museum.

Located along the coast of Himi City, this complex facility is inspired by the fishermen's work sheds called 'banya' near fishing grounds. It features over 30 specialty shops and dining establishments offering local gourmet food, including conveyor belt sushi made from fresh fish directly from Himi Port, Himi udon, Himi beef, Himi curry, and more. Fresh local fish and processed goods are also available for purchase. There is a natural hot spring for day use, allowing you to enjoy the entirety of Himi. A great spot to savor Himi's culinary delights!

This museum is themed around the mysterious 'firefly squid' of Toyama Bay, allowing visitors to learn about its ecology and natural habitat. It features an exciting live theater showcasing the firefly squid light show, as well as a touch pool where you can get up close with deep-sea fish from Toyama Bay. Enjoyable hands-on exhibits are plentiful. Additionally, there is a restaurant where you can taste firefly squid dishes and a shop offering deep seawater-related products. The museum is adjacent to the roadside station 'Wave Park Namerikawa'.