19Enjoy the Tateyama mountain range to the fullest | Scenic drive tour by car
Toyama Sightseeing Model Course | Enjoy a 3-4 Hour Drive Through the Tateyama Mountain Range
This is a recommended driving course by car or rental car for those who want to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Tateyama mountain range.
Starting from the center of Toyama City, the route takes you to Toyama Airport, Toyama Prefectural Road 55 (Toyama Airport Line), Toyama Prefectural Road 6 (Toyama-Tateyama Park Line), Kurehayama Park Observatory, National Route 8 (Toyama-Takaoka Bypass), and other locations.
The mountain range visible from the airport, the Tateyama mountain range suddenly appearing amidst the city, the grand panorama from the observation deck, and the breathtaking scenery that seems to loom as you drive along National Route 8—the charm of this course lies in how the appearance of the Tateyama mountain range changes slightly depending on where you look and the direction you drive.
The best time to visit is from December to March, when the air is clear and the snow-covered Tateyama mountain range is easily visible. Since the sun is often behind you in the morning, it's recommended to drive between 12:00 and 17:00.
As you run, the mountains get closer, and the Tateyama mountain range reveals a different face each time you change your angle.
Why not experience the breathtaking mountain range that stretches out right next to the city center of Toyama by car?
Toyama Station
Toyama Airport Observation Deck
Toyama Prefectural Road 55, Toyama Airport Line
Toyama Prefectural Road No. 6, Toyama-Tateyama Park Line
Kurehayama Park Observation Deck
National Route 8 Toyama-Takaoka Bypass
Toyama city center
Toyama Station
From the city center, take a scenic drive around the Tateyama mountain range.
We departed from Toyama Station and went for a drive to enjoy the views of the Tateyama mountain range.
This course allows you to enjoy Toyama's unique scenery from various angles, including the open views around the airport, the mountain ranges visible within the city, the panoramic views from the observation deck, and the Tateyama mountain range that seems to loom over you from the bypass.
Each spot can be visited in a short amount of time, making it ideal for a half-day drive.
Toyama Airport Observation Deck
A viewpoint to start your journey, where you can feel the scale of the sky and mountains.
The observation deck at Toyama Airport is a great viewpoint to stop at at the start of your drive.
To the west lies a runway, allowing you to experience planes taking off and landing up close. On the opposite side, you can see the Tateyama mountain range stretching to the east, enjoying the open feeling unique to an airport and the scale of the mountain scenery.
First, we'll enjoy the quintessential Toyama view of "sky and mountains" here before heading to the next section of our drive.
Stopover Memo
Sushi and black ramen at the airport
This restaurant, located inside the Toyama Airport terminal, offers a casual way to enjoy Toyama's "sushi" and "black ramen." Its appeal lies in being able to savor both sushi made with seafood from Toyama Bay and Toyama black ramen, characterized by its rich soy sauce-based broth, all at once. *Recommended for meals before or after departure, or as a stop when you have some extra time.
More detailsToyama Prefectural Road 55, Toyama Airport Line
A refreshing drive section where mountain ranges appear in the distance as the view opens up.
As you depart from Toyama Airport, the magnificent Tateyama mountain range unfolds before you, creating an impressive and memorable driving experience.
Amidst the open scenery around the airport, the mountain range visible in the distance along the road is impressive, allowing you to experience a truly spectacular view characteristic of Toyama as soon as you start driving.
Toyama Prefectural Road No. 6, Toyama-Tateyama Park Line
A scenic route typical of Toyama, where the Tateyama mountain range blends seamlessly with the everyday life of the town.
This is a scenic drive through the city, where you can enjoy the changing views of the Tateyama mountain range.
There are moments when you catch a glimpse of the mountain range between buildings or in the distance along the road, giving you a sense of the Tateyama mountain range being a part of life in Toyama.
Depending on the location and weather, there are days when the mountains feel much closer.
You can enjoy a drive scenic view typical of Toyama, where everyday scenery blends seamlessly with majestic mountain ranges.
Kurehayama Park Observation Deck
A representative viewpoint in Toyama, offering panoramic views of the city and the Tateyama mountain range.
The Kurehayama Park Observation Deck is one of Toyama's most representative scenic spots, offering views of the Tateyama mountain range beyond the city of Toyama.
On a clear day, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Tateyama mountain range stretching beyond the city. You can also sometimes see the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train alongside the Tateyama mountain range, making it a great spot for taking photos and videos.
It's a place where you first take in the entire scenery with your own eyes, and then you'll want to capture it in photos and videos.
On clear days, the beauty of the mountain ridges is even more striking.
National Route 8 Toyama-Takaoka Bypass
The mountains get closer the more you drive – the highlight of a drive through the Tateyama mountain range.
This is the highlight of the course, a driving section where you can experience the awe-inspiring power of the Tateyama mountain range.
As you proceed from the Toyoda-cho intersection in Toyama City towards Kinzenji Temple and Yuho Ohashi Bridge, the Tateyama mountain range becomes increasingly visible at each point where the view opens up.
On days when the conditions are just right, the scenery seems to expand in scale as you run, and you can enjoy the feeling of being enveloped by the mountain range.
National Route 8 has heavy traffic and it is difficult to stop, so please have a passenger take the photos, or use a safe place to stop, such as "Moshi Moshi Pit National Route 8 Upbound Toyama City Mizuhashi" after crossing the Yuho Ohashi Bridge.
Toyama city center
While still feeling the lingering presence of the Tateyama mountain range, I headed into town.
After enjoying the view of the Tateyama mountain range, we will return to the center of Toyama City.
On days with good conditions, it's also a good idea to stop by the observation tower at Toyama City Hall in the evening.
As the sky begins to change color, you might even encounter a scene where the Tateyama mountain range is softly tinged with the colors.
Here's the route for this time!
The more you run, the more your expression changes.
A magnificent panoramic view of the Tateyama mountain range.
The mountain range visible from the airport,
The ridgeline overlaps in the middle of the town,
A magnificent view from the observation deck.
Spreading out right next to Toyama,
The awe-inspiring Tateyama mountain range
Take your time and experience it for yourself by car.
*Taking photos while the vehicle is in motion is dangerous. Please have a passenger take the photos, or use a location where you can safely stop the vehicle.
*The view of the Tateyama mountain range varies depending on the season, weather, and time of day. See details on how the Tateyama mountain range looks and the best viewing spots.
See details about the Tateyama mountain range, forecasts, and best viewing spots.🔗