Toyama
The appeal of Toyama lies in its beautiful natural scenery and rich history. The Tateyama Mountain Range and Toyama Bay offer charming scenery no matter what the season, and the fresh seafood and other regional cuisine of the area is very popular. Toyama also has hot spring areas and traditional festivals that make a trip here a relaxing break.
Destination Highlights
Kurobe Gorge
Leisure & Attractions
Kurobe Gorge is a beautiful gorge situated in Japan’s Northern Alps, and blessed with a rugged natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the scenery while riding through the tunnels and over the bridges of the Kurobe Gorge Railway in an open-air train.
Takaoka
Arts & Culture
Takaoka City is known as a city of foundries where history and culture come to life. There are many historically significant structures such as Zuiryuji Temple and the Great Buddha statue, which are both national treasures, and nearby the Tateyama Mountains and the sea offer sweeping views where you can enjoy the beauty of nature.
Zuiryuji Temple
Arts & Culture
Zuiryuji Temple is a Zen temple situated in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture that is designated as a national treasure. Large Nio statues stand to the left and right of the main gate at the entrance. Zazen seated meditation sessions are held in the meditation hall every Sunday for anyone who wishes to participate.
The four seasons of Toyama
Spring
Spring in Toyama sees beautiful cherry blossoms blooming in the Tatsuyama mountains as the snow melts. Giant walls of snow form a “snow corridor” on the Tatsuyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a unique sight only seen in the region in spring.
Summer
Summer in Toyama is the season to enjoy hiking in the cool air. You can take in views of the great outdoors as you ride an open-air train in the Kurobe Gorge, or enjoy the fresh seafood and beautiful coastlines of Himi City.
Fall
The fall leaves in Toyama are beautiful in this season, and you can also enjoy the taste of fall at Toyama Port, which offers particularly fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. The areas around Kurobe Dam and Zuiryuji Temple are also well worth visiting for their fall scenery.
Winter
Toyama offers beautiful snowy landscapes in winter, with the snow-covered visages of Gokayama’s Gosho-style houses being particularly enchanting. You can enjoy fresh seafood at coastal cities such as Himi and Namerikawa in winter. Hot springs such as Unazuki Onsen are also recommended.
Trip Highlights
[*] Please check local transport from the specified JR stations for these locations
Passes valid in this area
Travel and stay with JR-WEST Group
Find convenient hotels near JR-West stations. Enjoy a comfortable stay with easy access, allowing you to relax and make the most of your trip.
Make the most of your trip to West Japan
Other sights in the Hokuriku area
There are many other fascinating places in Hokuriku. Enjoy its rich nature and culture.
