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Hiking
There are loads of options in Toyama for hiking and backpacking, ranging from day hikes to multi-day treks. The best time to go is late summer and early fall. Here we list mainly bigger hikes, but there are plenty of one-day options around Tateyama town, Kamitaira, Toga, and Unazuki. Get hold of a car, buy yourself a good map, and look for some waterfalls or follow one of the dozens of little random roads that lead into the mountains, and explore!
Tateyama and Tsurugi-dake
From Murodo Station on Mt. Tate, you can hike around the area or climb Mt. Tate in a few hours. There is also an onsen up there which is the highest in Japan (although it’s small and there isn’t any outdoor bath). At Murodo, you can choose to go up to Tsurugi-dake, which is a tough mountain and will involve ropes and chains, or you can cruise down from Murodo to Keyakidaira, relishing in valleys and onsens - a slightly easier route! Don't miss the last bus down! Climb from late July through October. There are mountain huts to stay in and the average trip should take 2 days.
Mt. Yari-ga-take
In Kamikochi, which borders on Nagano, Gifu, and Toyama ken.
Most Japanese people think this is a beautiful hiking area so take care about when you choose to go unless you enjoy crowds. There are many different routes in this area, but 3 days is recommended for a loop involving Mt. Yari. There are mountain huts (5000 yen/person) and tent spaces. Unfortunately, the area is only accessed by taxi. Share the price and don't miss the last ones down (6pm)!
Unazuki area: Mt. Sogaike and Keyakidaira
Keyakidaira: The last stop on the little private train heading from Unazuki.
This is one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done and it can be done on a regular weekend (although it makes for a long one). Starting from Unazuki town, catch the first morning train (about 9am) up to Keyakidaira (2hrs/1000yen). There is a paved street that walks up along the river and ends at some little soba houses and onsens, but the real trail starts in front of the station and kind of next to the restrooms. This trail isn’t used much, so don’t be surprised if no one else seems to be heading onto it. From the head, hike straight up for about 30 minutes. Once you get to the top, the trail will T. Go left. In 5.5 hrs. you will end up at a campsite (500yen/tent) and mountain house (about 7000yen/person including dinner and b/fast). There is a free, natural onsen and an incredible view. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight. You NEED at least 6 hours of light from Keyakidaira. It’s dangerous and near impossible to camp on the trail.
O-Iwa
This Shrine area is more a beautiful place to explore in Toyama than a real hike, although there are a few trails that wind about the complex, and if you ask at one of the famous somen shops you can usually pick up a map of some trails in the area. The O-Iwa shrine was built around a Buddhist deity that was carved into the mountain face some 1000 years ago. Monks live and work here and sometimes you can catch one chanting prayers standing under pounding streams of water flowing from the heads of Dragons some 8 meters above. O-Iwa is located in the mountains behind Kamiichi. You need a car to get here.