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Popular Sights
Tateyama:
This is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Toyama for hiking, sightseeing, and skiing. The mountain takes approximately 2 or 3 hours to climb. The climb is not difficult, and is a good warm-up for those of you who want to tackle Mt. Fuji – not to mention that the scenery is beautiful.
The famous “Alpine Route” (open from May to November) takes you through Tateyama and Kurobe by bus and cable car but it can be a bit expensive. One of the best sights to see is the “Yuki-no-otani” or snow walls which can be seen from April till June along the Alpine Route. The snow walls are worth seeing but because it is only available for viewing a few weekends out of the year it can get crowded, so be sure to call ahead and reserve a spot.
The Open Air Train through Kurobe Gorge:
The little red train that is reminiscent of a ride at an amusement park takes you on a scenic ride through Kurobe Gorge. The train starts at Unazuki Station and ends at Keyakidaira station. There are a few stops along the way and plenty of open air hot springs to relax in. The open air train station or “Toroko” is located right next to Unazuki station. You can ask the clerk for an English guide when you buy your ticket. At the last stop there are plenty of hiking trails and even more hot springs.
Shogawa Ferry:
Past the dam in Shogawa, there is a ferry terminal where you can take a boat ride up the Shogawa river to Ohmaki onsen (this onsen is only accessible by this ferry). It is a scenic ride and the onsen is definitely worth seeing. You can spend the night at the onsen if you wish, but you must reserve months in advance and it is quite expensive.
Gokayama District:
In this area you will find three historic villages which housed a banished clan after they were defeated centuries ago. Indeed this is the only part of Toyama actually deemed fit for inclusion in most Japan Guidebooks, so you best go and see it!! Ainokura Gassho Village in Taira is a national historic sight and people still live there. The houses are thatched roof farmhouses. A similar village is Sugunuma village. There is plenty of camping in the area and cheap lodging (“minishuku”) in the Gassho houses. The one in Taira is only 500 yen a night (Tel: 0763-66-2154). There are also a few museums in the area and we encourage you to try “iwana”, a famous river fish. The summer is the best time to visit because it is cool. It is a little difficult to reach if you do not have access to a car.
Kurehayama:
Close to Toyama University and the General Education Centre you will be able to spot a small mountain (more like a hill!) called Kurehayama. There are hiking trails, a tea ceremony house, a medicine museum, an art gallery, and gohyaku rakan (500 stone Buddhas) located here. It is an excellent spot to catch the sunset or night view of Toyama City.
Shomyo Falls:
Located about 15 minutes from Tateyama station are the “shyomodaki.” These are the longest waterfalls in Japan and a source of pride for Toyama residents. The area is stunning in the autumn when the leaves are turning. However, if you are from an area close to Niagara Falls or have ever visited them do not expect a spectacular sight!
Toga Meditation Centre:
If you’re down in the Toga area you should definitely check out the Nepalese Meditation Centre. There are a couple of beautifully-built halls housing traditional Nepalese art and artifacts, beautiful grounds where you can see traditional Nepalese dancing several times a day, a gift shop, and a yummy restaurant. Toga is also famous for its “Soba Village”, so you could visit that too if you’re in the area!