Toyama Travel Guide: Things to Do and Eat in Toyama, Japan

Nestled between the soaring Northern Alps and the glittering waters of Toyama Bay, Toyama City is the capital of Toyama Prefecture and one of Japan’s most underrated destinations. Once a historic castle town known for its medicine trade, today it’s a modern hub of art, nature, and exceptional cuisine. A calm yet captivating stop for travellers exploring central Japan.

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How to get there from Singapore

The easiest way to reach Toyama from Singapore is by flying to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita Airport), then connecting to Toyama via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The journey from Tokyo to Toyama takes around 2 hours on the Kagayaki or Hakutaka trains. Alternatively, you can fly from Tokyo to Toyama Kitokito Airport (about 1 hour), which offers easy access to the city via bus or taxi. Travellers coming from Osaka or Kyoto can reach Toyama in roughly 3 hours by train via Kanazawa.

Top things to do in Toyama

Toyama Glass Art Museum

Housed in a striking building designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, this museum showcases contemporary glass artworks from around the world. Don’t miss the ethereal installations on the upper floors.

Toyama City Hall Observation Tower

Head to the free observation deck for sweeping panoramic views of the city and, on clear days, the snow-capped Northern Alps rising beyond Toyama Bay.

Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design (TAD)

A sleek, modern museum featuring rotating exhibitions on contemporary art, design, and architecture. The rooftop garden, with whimsical sculptures, offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Toyama Castle Park

A peaceful green space built around the reconstructed Toyama Castle, where you can stroll through landscaped gardens and learn about the city’s samurai past at the museum inside the keep.

Unazuki Onsen

Just an hour away by train, this historic hot spring town is the gateway to the Kurobe Gorge Railway. Soak in open-air baths with mountain views before boarding the scenic train ride.

Folkcraft Village

Set in a quiet forested area, this cluster of small museums introduces Toyama’s cultural heritage. From ceramics and traditional crafts to local archaeology and folklore.

Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten

Step into a historic pharmacy that’s been selling traditional medicine for over 300 years. The shop still retains its Edo-period charm and offers fascinating insight into Toyama’s medicinal history.

Day trips from Toyama

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

One of Japan’s most spectacular mountain experiences, this scenic route crosses the Northern Japan Alps using a combination of cable cars, ropeways, and buses. Visit between Apr and Nov to walk through the famous Snow Wall.

Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, traditional thatched-roof homes nestled in a serene mountain valley. Both villages are easily reached by bus from Toyama in around 2 hours.

Kurobe Gorge

Take a charming open-air train ride through dramatic forested canyons, especially breathtaking in autumn when the leaves blaze with colour.

Noto Peninsula

A rural coastal region famed for its rugged beauty, quiet fishing villages, and traditional crafts. A great destination for a scenic drive or cycling trip.

What to eat in Toyama

Toyama black ramen

A bold, salty ramen made with dark soy sauce broth and topped with generous black pepper, bamboo shoots, and green onions. Created after the war for labourers craving salt and rice, it’s now an iconic comfort food. Try it at local spots such as Menya Iroha or Taiki.

Masu-zushi (Trout pressed sushi)

This regional speciality is beautifully packed in bamboo leaves and served in a wooden box. Made with vinegared rice and salted trout, it’s traditionally eaten during spring but now enjoyed year-round. Often as a train station bento (ekiben).

Seafood from Toyama Bay

Toyama’s waters are famed for shiroebi (white shrimp) and hotaruika (firefly squid). These are best savoured fresh at Toyama Bay Sushi restaurants or the city’s morning markets. Pair your meal with locally brewed sake made from the region’s pure alpine water.

Practical information

The best time to visit Toyama is during spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Oct–Nov), when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Winter (Dec–Feb) also has its charm, especially for those who enjoy snowy landscapes and relaxing dips in hot springs.

Getting around is simple, as Toyama’s compact city centre can be explored on foot or via the Centram tram. For day trips, both the JR Pass and the regional Hokuriku Arch Pass offer convenient travel options.

Accommodation ranges from modern hotels near Toyama Station to traditional ryokans in nearby hot spring towns such as Unazuki Onsen. If you plan to continue your journey to Kanazawa or Nagano, Toyama serves as an excellent base, smaller, quieter, and perfectly located for exploring the Hokuriku region.

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In a nutshell

Toyama may not be as famous as Kyoto or Tokyo, but that’s part of its charm. Between the snow-capped peaks and the sea, you’ll find a city that celebrates craftsmanship, culinary excellence, and tranquil natural beauty. It’s a true hidden gem in the heart of Japan.