The Best Places in Toyama Japan

Toyama is located in the Chubu Region of Central Japan along the Sea of Japan coast. Surrounded by tall mountains including some 3,000 meter peaks of the Northern Japan Alps, Toyama is home to spectacular nature, dynamic landscapes and tasty food. Toyama’s picturesque mountain-lined bay has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World.

This often overlooked tourist destination can boast some impressive attractions such as the remote village of Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, Kurobe Gorge, an impressive scenic spot with natural hot springs and hiking routes, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a spectacular route through the Northern Japan Alps known as the ‘Roof of Japan’ and Toyama Castle which dates from the 15th century.

Gokayama | Photo by William Cho | Flickr

Seafood is the pride and joy of Toyama with fresh seafood caught off the Sea of Japan coast daily. If seafood is not your thing, give Toyama Black Ramen a try. This unique dark soy sauce based ramen has been taking the nation by storm.

Toyama is only 250km northwest of Tokyo, which is just over 2 hours by Shinkansen. Take a look at this short video from Japan Guide to inspire your next trip.