10 things to keep in mind when visiting Toyama City for the first time

The architectural beauty is also a must-see!
Toyama's representative
Hall of Fame of Glass Art

Located within "TOYAMA Kirari," a complex designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the Toyama Glass Art Museum is a symbolic spot for Toyama, the city of glass. It was prominently featured when Toyama City was selected as one of the "52 Places to Visit in 2025" by the New York Times, attracting attention from both within Japan and internationally. The museum displays contemporary glass art works from Japan and abroad in its permanent and special exhibitions, including an installation by the master of contemporary glass art, Dale Chihuly. The architectural beauty, which makes extensive use of Toyama-grown cedar wood and glass, is also a highlight. A public library, cafe, and museum shop are also located on the premises, allowing visitors to spend a relaxing time while savoring the afterglow of their art appreciation.

The world's most beautiful Starbucks is also included!
In an oasis in the city
Relaxing time at the cafe

Located about a 9-minute walk from Toyama Station, Fugan Canal Kansui Park is a tranquil haven where water and greenery harmonize beautifully. You can spend a moment forgetting the hustle and bustle of everyday life while gazing at the calm waterfront. The park also features a Starbucks Coffee said to be "the most beautiful in the world," and a restaurant supervised by French cuisine master Hiroyuki Sakai, making it perfect for a coffee break. Relaxing on the lawn with a drink in hand or gazing at the water's surface will surely soothe your travel fatigue. At night, the illuminations sparkle, creating a romantic scene different from the daytime. You can also enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area, such as appreciating art at the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art located on the edge of the park, or taking a cruise on the Fugan Water Line (operating from late March to November).

The history of Toyama Castle and
Experience nature in all four seasons.
Tourist attractions in the city

Located in the heart of Toyama, the lush Toyama Castle Ruins Park is situated on the site of Toyama Castle, the former residence of the Sengoku period warlord Sasa Narimasa and the Maeda family, the lords of the Toyama domain. The stone walls and moats retain traces of their former glory, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll while feeling the weight of history. The castle tower reflected in the moat's surface is a popular photo spot. The changing scenery with each season—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter—is also a highlight. The castle grounds are open to the public as the Toyama City Local History Museum, where visitors can learn about the history from the castle's construction to the development of the castle town. From the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Tateyama mountain range. The "Town Tourist Information Center" within the park sells castle stamps and souvenirs, making it a great place to stop by for tourist information. It's a spot where you can enjoy history and the changing seasons all at once.

A streetcar running through the city.
While looking at the scenery outside the car window
Let's visit popular spots

If you're getting around Toyama City, we recommend the streetcar, affectionately known as "Shiden." With lines extending north and south from Toyama Station, it's an easy way to get around the city. The vehicles range from stylish low-floor cars to retro cars with a warm, woody feel. From the windows, you can enjoy scenery typical of Toyama, such as the ruins of Toyama Castle and the Tateyama mountain range. The circular line that circles the city center takes about 28 minutes to complete, making it convenient for visiting popular tourist spots. Taking the streetcar towards Iwasehama in the north will give you easy access to the Iwase area, which retains the charming streetscape that flourished with Kitamae-bune (northern trade ships). Why not take a ride on the streetcar and experience the tranquil everyday life of Toyama?

Best season: Mid-October to around MayWinter is the best time to see snowscapes!
A breathtaking view that blends into everyday life
Let's gaze upon the Tateyama mountain range.

The Tateyama mountain range, with its peaks reaching 3,000 meters in elevation, can be seen from Toyama City, offering a breathtaking, picturesque view to the southeast. The city boasts numerous viewpoints, each offering a different perspective. Snow-covered landscapes can be enjoyed from mid-October (when the first snow falls) until around May. The beauty is particularly striking from December to March, when snowfall is heaviest. However, winter in Toyama often brings cloudy, rainy, or snowy days, making sunny days a prime opportunity. The best time to visit is between 12 PM and 5 PM, as you might witness the Tateyama range bathed in soft evening light. Check the "Tateyama View Forecast" website beforehand, which indicates the probability of good visibility, to find the perfect timing for your visit.

Best season: Early AprilCherry blossom trees and events
Beautifully decorated
Enjoy springtime in Toyama!

The Matsukawa River, which flows through the heart of Toyama City, is one of the city's premier cherry blossom viewing spots, with approximately 500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees blooming along a 2.5km stretch in spring. Selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots," the riverside is bustling with visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the cherry trees. During the day, you can enjoy the contrast between the cherry blossoms and the blue sky, while at night, the illuminated blossoms are reflected on the water, offering different beauty depending on the time of day. Furthermore, a cherry blossom viewing cruise on the Matsukawa River cruise boat, passing through the "tunnel of cherry blossoms," is highly recommended. After the cruise, you can relax at the Matsukawa Chaya tea house located next to the boarding area. Every year in early April, the "All Japan Chindon Contest" is held here, with the cherry blossoms and the sounds of chindon music adding to the beauty of spring in Toyama.

New spots are popping up one after another!
The Kitamae ships prospered
A nostalgic port town

Located in the northern part of Toyama City, Iwase is a port town that flourished as a port of call for Kitamae ships during the Edo period, and retains a nostalgic townscape. Along the old Hokkoku Kaido road (Omachi Street), the residences and storehouses of shipping agents still line the street, preserving the atmosphere of that time. While there are long-established businesses such as sake breweries and Japanese confectionery shops, in recent years, new shops such as galleries, restaurants, craft beer pubs, and sake tasting shops directly operated by sake breweries have been opening one after another in renovated from historic buildings, attracting increasing attention. Access is convenient by the Fugan Water Line and streetcar, and the travel time itself becomes a small part of the enjoyment of the trip. Why not take a stroll through the quiet and retro streets of Iwase and find your favorite spot?

Best season: September 1st-3rdIn a charming townscape
I was captivated by the graceful dance.
Three fantastic days

Toyama City's "Owara Kaze no Bon" festival, a nationally renowned event, boasts a history of approximately 300 years. Every year from September 1st to 3rd, it attracts over 200,000 tourists from all over Japan. The setting, Yatsuo, is a charming town with traditional townhouses lining gently sloping streets. During the festival, thousands of lanterns light up the streets, and dancers in matching happi coats or yukata and straw hats parade through the streets to the melancholic sounds of shamisen and kokyu. The name "Kaze no Bon" (Wind Festival) originates from the practice of praying for a bountiful harvest and protection from wind-related disasters, held in early September, which coincides with typhoon season. For three fantastical days, graceful dances unfold in each of the 11 towns. A float festival is also held annually in May, and traditional culture can be experienced throughout the year at the town's museums and exhibition halls.

Look, touch.
Glass and medicine
Let's experience the culture

Toyama City is known as a city of "glass" and "medicine." These two things are deeply intertwined, stemming from the more than 300-year history of "Toyama's traveling medicine vendors." During the Meiji and Taisho periods, the manufacture of glass bottles for medicine flourished, and Toyama boasted the top market share in Japan. Although many factories were lost in the war, the skills and spirit of the craftsmen have been passed down to the city as a "city of glass." At the Toyama Glass Museum, a symbol of this history, you can enjoy the best of contemporary art, and at the Toyama Glass Studio, you can experience glassblowing and shop. At Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten, you can see, touch, and experience Toyama's medicine vendor culture. Reflect on the connection between glass and medicine, and feel the profound story unique to this city.

Sushi, ramen,
Even local specialty foods.
Enjoy Toyama's food culture!

Toyama City, which has woven its own unique culture amidst abundant nature, is a city overflowing with culinary delights. Fresh seafood caught in Toyama Bay throughout the seasons, such as winter yellowtail, firefly squid, and white shrimp, can be easily enjoyed at local sushi restaurants. The local specialty, "Masu Sushi," is a traditional pressed sushi made with layers of fatty cherry salmon and vinegared rice. It is also popular as a bento box sold at train stations and makes a perfect souvenir for travelers. "Toyama Black Ramen," which has been passed down since the post-war period, is characterized by its jet-black soy sauce-based soup and has an addictive taste that will get you hooked after just one bite. Don't miss the local B-grade gourmet dishes that have been loved by locals for a long time, such as motsuni udon (udon noodles with stewed offal). Try exploring the unique restaurants and conquer the culinary world of Toyama.