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Toyama Prefecture is gaining attention among foreign tourists as a travel destination where they can experience the depth of Japanese culture and the beauty of the four seasons. Located in the central Hokuriku region, this region's allure lies in its fusion of the grandeur of nature and traditional culture, leaving a lasting impression on those who visit. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to Toyama Prefecture's highlights, recommended spots, access methods, food culture, experience activities, and advice for staying there, making it a top domestic travel destination for foreign tourists. After reading this article, you'll want to take your international friends to Toyama. Now, let's delve deeper into the charms of Toyama Prefecture.

Basic information and location of Toyama Prefecture

Toyama Prefecture is located in the Hokuriku region on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu. Most of the prefecture is surrounded by mountains and the sea, with the Tateyama mountain range and Toyama Bay being its most iconic features. The Tateyama mountain range, part of the Japanese Alps, is a world-famous mountain climbing and tourist destination, with a chain of mountains reaching heights of over 3,000 meters.

The charm of easily accessible Toyama

Toyama is also well-connected, being just two hours from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and easily accessible from the Kansai region by plane and train. Toyama Airport handles domestic flights as well as international flights depending on the season.

Toyama Prefecture's Climate and Best Season for Sightseeing

Toyama Prefecture has four distinct seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter, making it an impressive place to visit in any season. Spring and autumn, when the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens, are especially popular.

Toyama's tourist destinations attracting attention from foreign tourists

Toyama has many tourist attractions that are particularly popular with foreign tourists. Here we will introduce some of the most popular spots in detail.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

This sightseeing route is a spectacular route that runs through the Japanese Alps, and you can step into a world at an altitude of over 2,500 meters by changing between cable cars, buses, and ropeways. Foreign tourists are fascinated by the spectacular views of "Snow Valley" and "Mikurigaike Pond."

Gokayama Gassho-style Village

Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a village lined with traditional gassho-style buildings. It has fewer tourists than Shirakawa-go, and is popular for its quiet and calm atmosphere. There are also many accommodations offering hands-on experiences around the hearth, making it a real time-travel experience for foreign visitors.

Kurobe Gorge Railway

Kurobe Gorge is one of Japan's most famous V-shaped gorges, and you can ride a trolley train through the natural scenery. The beauty of the river, the autumn leaves, and the spectacular views of the deep mountains offer an extraordinary experience that you can't get in the city.

Toyama Castle and Castle Town

In the center of Toyama is the reconstructed Toyama Castle. Inside the castle is a local museum where you can learn more about history and culture. The castle town is also lined with cafes and souvenir shops steeped in Japanese culture, making it a great place to stroll around.

Experience Japanese food culture in Toyama

Toyama, rich in the bounty of Japan's seas and mountains, is a treasure trove of food for foreigners. From traditional Japanese cuisine to modern Japanese cuisine, an impressive tasting experience awaits.

White shrimp, the jewel of Toyama Bay

Toyama Bay is also known as a "natural fish tank," and white shrimp in particular are a seafood representative of the prefecture. White shrimp rice bowls and white shrimp tempura are extremely popular with tourists.

Delicious gourmet food: winter yellowtail and trout sushi

Winter yellowtail is in season and melts in your mouth when eaten as sashimi or shabu-shabu. Also, the famous "masu sushi" (trout sushi) sold as a bento box at train stations allows you to easily enjoy the traditional taste.

Deepening understanding and inspiration through cultural experiences

You can experience the depth of Japan not just through sightseeing, but by actually experiencing the culture. Toyama has a wide range of such experience-based facilities.

Washi paper making experience (Yao Town)

At the facility where you can experience the traditional craft of washi paper making, you can create your own vibrantly colored washi art. Visitors from overseas will be amazed by the beauty and intricacy of the process.

Owara Bon Festival in Etchu Yao

This traditional dance festival is held every autumn. Dancers dressed in matching yukata robes parade through the town, creating a poetic atmosphere that leaves a deep impression on foreign tourists.

Where to Stay in Toyama? Recommended Accommodations for Foreigners

Toyama is dotted with accommodations that combine tradition and comfort, with experiential lodgings and convenient hotels being particularly popular among foreign tourists.

An inn renovated from an old house

At traditional Japanese inns in Gokayama and Yao, you can experience a part of Japanese lifestyle and culture in a space with an irori hearth and tatami mats. With meal plans, you can enjoy home-cooked meals made with local ingredients, and experience the Japanese spirit of "omotenashi" (hospitality).

Comfortable hotel in front of Toyama Station

Around Toyama Station, which is a tourist hub, there are many hotels with English-speaking staff, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay. They also offer a wide range of services, including free Wi-Fi and breakfast buffets.

Transportation and traffic conditions in Toyama Prefecture

To travel comfortably in Toyama, it is important to understand the means of transportation and their characteristics.

Convenient city tram (streetcar)

Toyama City has a compact tram system that provides convenient access to major tourist spots. Tourist brochures are available at each station, and information in foreign languages is also available.

Explore nature by rental car

Renting a car is recommended for traveling to mountainous areas and for free-spirited travel. Kurobe Gorge and the Gokayama area are particularly easy to access by car than public transportation, giving you more freedom when traveling.

Development of tourism infrastructure that takes foreigners into consideration

Toyama Prefecture is working hard to create an environment that welcomes foreign tourists. We will introduce the initiatives being undertaken to support safe and comfortable travel.

Multilingual support system

Tourist information centers and major stations are increasingly offering multilingual support in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages. Digital maps that can be translated into any language by scanning a QR code are also in use.

Expanding cashless payment options

An increasing number of facilities are now accepting credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments, making it extremely convenient for foreign tourists. Taxis, restaurants, and tourist facilities are also increasingly accepting this.

A souvenir from Toyama to commemorate your trip

One of the joys of wrapping up your trip is choosing a souvenir that is rich in local flavor. We will introduce some unique Toyama souvenirs that will be appreciated by foreigners as well.

Medicine-shaped sweets that capture the history of Toyama medicine sellers

The retro-packaged products related to "sweets shaped like anti-soul pills" and "Etchu Toyama medicine boxes" are fun to look at and make perfect gifts.

Glass crafts

Toyama is also known for its glass crafts, with beautiful sake cups and accessories popular. There are many high-quality, artistic products.

summary

Toyama Prefecture is a recommended domestic travel destination for foreign tourists, filled with magnificent nature, profound culture, and warm-hearted hospitality from its people. Its numerous landscapes, such as the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Gokayama, truly deserve to be called the "origin of Japan," captivate travelers. It is also highly acclaimed for its rich cuisine and cultural experiences, easy access, and attentive care for foreign tourists. Whether you're visiting Japan for the first time or a repeat visitor, you're sure to find new discoveries and be deeply moved. Choose Toyama Prefecture now and experience a journey surrounded by a thousand years of history and the bounty of nature.

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