Himi, Amaharashi Coast Toyama Prefecture., Japan.
Sitting on the Coast of The Japan Sea, Toyama Prefecture has some of the most scenic views you could possibly wish for. The Amaharashi Coast lets you view the 9000 ft Tateyama Mountain ranges while you are surrounded by the ocean. A unique sight that is rarely seen in other countries. With views like this, Toyama Harbor was voted into “the most beautiful harbor in the World” club in 2014. Toyama Castle, Tateyama Mountain ranges, all can be seen from the cute Trams that run through the streets of Toyama City. A novel way to travel around.
Toyama has been listed in The New York Times “52 places to go in 2025”!
While in central Toyama City, see the outstanding art and architecture at Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design and Toyama Glass Art Museum. To get to either you can walk through the Toyama Castle and grounds.
Toyama is not only about the beautiful natural sights, art and architecture. The history, the food, and the local people make it a destination that will be remembered. Tantalize your tase buds with Toyama Sushi, a delicacy for Japanese people alike. Also known as the “Natural Ikezu”, or “living fish tank”, you can get some of the freshest Sushi in all of Japan. With fish taken from the Toyama Harbor and using Toyama grown rice, you can sit at a casual counter of a Sushi Restaurant and feel at ease with the quality and price. Toyama is famous for Masu-Sushi, Shiro-Ebi (white Prawns) and Hotaruika (firefly squid).
Just 20 minutes by the local JR train, is the city of Takaoka. In Takaoka you can see one the 3 most important Daibutsu (Largest Buddha Statue) in all of Japan, which stands along side the Nara Buddha. One of Takaoka’s industry deals with lead and copper. You can see this in many lanterns, roof of houses and gifts. Takaoka is a true photogenic town. If you like the occasional whisky, the award winning Wakatsuru Whisky Distillery offers distillery and tasting tours This company is known Word Wide. If you go to Takaoka, a visit to the Zuiryuji Temple is a must. If you like architecture, if you like Buddha Statues, if you like perfection, the Zuiryuji Temple is a great visit. The style and pattern of Zuiryuji buildings were highly evaluated as a typical Zen sect temple style architecture in the 17th century. This is one of the main reasons for being designated as national treasure.
It I always important to venture away from the central areas. Over 70% of Japan is still pristine nature, and no exemption for Toyama Prefecture. A mere 1 hour away is the Unesco Registered World Heritage village of Gokayama. View hundreds of traditional Thatched Roof Houses, a natural environment that hasn’t changed for hundreds of years. Slip back in time, and experience the unique architecture of the houses, and also maybe try your hands at making Japanese Rice Paper.
For the months April to June, you can also visit the overwhelming Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The Alpine Route is the iconic “Snow Walls” of Murodo. As transient as it is spectacular, a steep-walled path is carved through the snow each spring. These walls of snow tower high above the path, which opens in April, and they typically last well into June.
Highlights: • Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design • Toyama Glass Art Museum • Toyama Castle and grounds • Amaharashi Coast (Himi City) • Fungan Unga Park and Canal area • Takaoka City • Daibutsu (Buddha Statue /1 of the 3 most important Buddha Statues of Japan) • Zuiryuji Temple (National Treasure) • Wakatsuru Whisky Distillery • Fujiko F Fujio Art Gallery (Creator of Doraemon / Ninja Hattori-kun / Obake no Q-taro) • World Heritage Village Gokayama • Japanese rice paper (Washi) experience • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. (April to June only)
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights