Sitting on the Sea of Japan coastline, Toyama Prefecture is known for its natural beauty, traditional arts and crafts, and variety of historical sites. The region was also named on the New York Times "52 Places to Go" list for the year, shining a new light on this part of the country. If you're curious about what there is to see and do in Toyama, this guide covers 10 of the best places to check out.

Toyama Glass Art Museum

Located in Toyama City, the Toyama Glass Art Museum opened in 2015 and is dedicated to this unique medium for artistic expression. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the architecturally striking museum features a wide range of glass pieces from renowned artists like Dale Chihuly and Yoko Togashi.

Along with the array of pieces in their permanent collection, the museum also hosts a variety of limited-time exhibitions—it's always worth checking their website ahead of time to see if there's something scheduled that might be of interest.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan’s most famous scenic routes, spanning 37 kilometers across the Northern Alps between Tateyama in Toyama and Omachi in Nagano. The route offers some incredible examples of natural beauty, including towering snow walls, lush greenery, and alpine lakes.

The massive snow corridors are one of the biggest drawcards here, and they can reach up to 20 meters high during spring—the best time to experience scenery like the photo below is from mid-April to mid-June.

Kurobe Gorge

Kurobe Gorge is an excellent destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the gorge offers some incredible views of deep ravines, rushing rivers, and lush forested areas.

One of the main attractions here is the Kurobe Gorge Railway, a scenic train ride that takes visitors along the gorge while providing panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The train ride is particularly popular during the autumn season, when the area is covered in vibrant foliage. For those seeking a more active experience, there are several hiking trails along the gorge, including paths that lead to famous spots like Unazuki Onsen and the Kurobe Dam.

Gokayama

Gokayama offers a less crowded alternative to the famous Shirakawago in neighboring Gifu Prefecture, making it a great destination for travelers seeking a traditional thatched-roof village experience. Like Shirakawago, Gokayama is known for its historic gassho-zukuri farmhouses—large, steep-roofed houses designed to withstand heavy snowfall—and has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The villages of Gokayama are surrounded by picturesque mountains, and the scenery changes dramatically with the seasons. Colorful autumn leaves, lush green landscapes in summer, and snow-covered rooftops in winter mean that no matter when you visit, you'll have a stunning backdrop for photography and exploration.

Great Buddha of Takaoka

There are three great Buddha statues in Japan—one in Nara, one in Kamakura, and the Great Buddha of Takaoka. This one stands 16 meters high and is made of bronze, taking just over a quarter of a century to construct. What sets the Takaoka Buddha apart is not just its size, but its distinctive, serene expression, which has earned it the nickname the “handsome Buddha”.

Takaoka itself is known for its history of metalwork, which you can learn more about via this article on our site: Takaoka Metal Casting.

Unazuki Onsen

Renowned for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, Unazuki Onsen offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The town is known for its high-quality sulfuric waters, which are believed to have therapeutic properties that can help with everything from muscle aches to joint pain and and skin conditions.

Many of the ryokan (traditional inns) in Unazuki offer outdoor baths with panoramic views of Kurobe Gorge, making it an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Toyama Castle

Toyama Castle is a historic landmark and a must-visit for travelers seeking to explore the region’s rich history and culture. Originally built in 1543, the castle underwent several reconstructions and modifications over the centuries due to earthquakes and fires. The current structure was completed in 1954, and serves as a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture.

The castle is also known as one of the prefecture's best spots to enjoy cherry blossom season, even after peak bloom. The falling, snow-like petals landing on the castle's moat makes for an ethereal scene that looks incredible in photos!

Tonami Tulip Park

Toyama's Tonami Tulip Park is one of Japan's most loved tulip destinations, and it's home to an annual festival that showcases around two million of the flowers in bloom—it's an event that has been running for over 70 years. The history of tulip cultivation in this area spans even longer, with a history dating back to 1918.

If you can't visit this part of Japan while the tulips in bloom, there are still fun activities at other times of the year, including the Tonami Yokata Festival held in early June.

Yatsuo

If you appreciate the charm of Japan's traditional streetscapes but would enjoy a less-crowded option, head to Yatsuo. Located around 30 minutes via car or public transport from Toyama City, this town is known for its traditional wooden houses, narrow alleys, and preserved merchant shops that transport visitors back in time.

Yatsuo is also famous for the Owara Kaze no Bon festival, held every year in early September. This event is one of the most celebrated festivals in Toyama, featuring colorful parades, traditional dancing, and beautiful, illuminated night scenes. It's a fantastic chance to witness a centuries-old tradition in an authentic setting.

Tateyama Ropeway

Connecting Daikanbo and Kurobe Daira, the Tateyama Ropeway takes visitors on a 7-minute journey that climbs over 500 meters in altitude, offering amazing views of the surrounding peaks and deep valleys along the way. It's especially popular during the autumn season, where visitors can enjoy fall foliage from above in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

In addition to the incredible views, the Murodo Plateau at the top of the ropeway is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Head to Murodo Station—the highest point of the alpine route—to gain access to various trails.